Nike Returns to Lyst’s Index of Hottest Brands After Two Years of Absence

Nike‘s comeback efforts are paying off in the eyes of Lyst, as it makes its first appearance in the search platform’s quarterly index of hottest brands for the first time in two years.

The Swoosh came in at number 19 in Lyst’s report for the fourth quarter of 2025, making it the only footwear-first brand on the list. Demand for Nike grew by 27 percent compared to third quarter 2024, with low-top core models and the second collection from its Skims collaboration as the primary catalysts.

Footwear did have less strength than usual in Lyst’s hottest products, with just two shoes appearing in the top 10 and none in the top five. Ugg’s Zora Ballet Flat made the highest appearance at sixth overall, followed by Saint Laurent’s Vendome Slingback Pumps.

Havianas’ Top Flip-Flops and Saint Laurent’s Le Loafer took the number one and two hottest product spots, respectively, in Lyst’s Q3 2025 index. Three more shoes then made top 10 appearances: The Row’s Eel Loafer at four, Nike and Jacquemus’ Moon Shoe at seven and Nike’s Shox TL at eight.

The second drop from the Nike and Skims collaboration introduced the partners’ first footwear, a ballet-inspired remix of the Air Rift tabi sandal. Footwear News spoke to sneaker insiders about the shoes and found consistent appreciation, even if they were not the intended audience.

“This women’s shapewear market that is not focused on the elite athlete, it is a much softer approach and captures women of all shapes and sizes that may not identify as athletes and may feel weird about the aggressive nature of Nike in general — that is what Skims offers that Nike hasn’t quite been able to capture,” said Bimma Williams, who consults with brands on collaborations and previously worked for Nike and Adidas Yeezy.

A second drop of Nike x Skims Air Rifts with satin uppers is scheduled for Thursday.