One way that we keep our finger on the pulse of the most buzzed-about content is utilizing Google’s Trends platform, a clever tool that tracks the most-searched topics, from current events to the latest style goods. And, according to our research, online shoppers are very invested in finding the best shoes for back to school . In the last 30 to 60 days, several pairs have reached “breakout search” proportions , a Google Trends term that translates to a greater than 5,000% jump in searches over a specific period.
So whether you’re a teen who’s heading off to college and needs some new sneakers or a person who just wants a fresh pair of beloved fall boots for their workday commute, keep reading to explore the footwear that apparently everyone’s been searching for. You’ll find a recognizable checkered classic from Vans, a durable pair of slip-on boots for rain or snow, and an assemblage of comfortable sneakers for every occasion. HuffPost and its publishing partners may receive a commission from some purchases made via links on this page.
Every item is independently curated by the HuffPost Shopping team. Prices and availability are subject to change. First launched in the spring of 2024 and enjoying a jump in search interest in July, these comfy clogs have an adjustable and flippable strap to transform from clogs to slides and feature Ugg's velvety suede uppers, which come in up to six colors.
They have a contoured EVA footbed, platform cushioned outsole and are available in sizes for kids, men (7-15) and women (5-12). Jumping nearly 130% in search traffic in the past two weeks, New Balance's 9060s are a chunkier and Y2K-inspired take on New Balance's standard 530 sneakers . They promise the same level of insole arch support, impact-resistant cushioning and a foam sole for even more comfort.
Grab these in gender-neutral sizing and two color combinations. We've written about the Ghost running shoes by Brooks before, a pair of neutral running sneakers that have remained a top-searched topic on Google for the past 30 days. These bouncy-soled shoes have the American Podiatric Medical Association's seal of acceptance and are wide enough to accommodate bunions, hammertoes and custom orthotics.
You can find these in a wide color selection, three widths, and sizes for both men and women up to a men's 15. Unsurprisingly, the legendary Nike Air Force 1 '07s jumped in consumer interest late in July, proving that these truly versatile sneakers will always be popular. The clean design is complemented with an air-cushioned foam midsole and a padded collar.
Grab them in men's and women's sizes and up to four basic colors, or customize your own pair on the Nike website. Birkenstocks are famed for their highly supportive corked footbeds that mold to the arches of your feet and a neutral heel profile that distributes body weight evenly. If you're less partial to the brand's customary stiff footbed, their Boston clog comes with a cushioned soft bed version and in a suede fabric (the specific option that was recently searched for the most , according to Google) that's less rigid than Birkenstock's traditional leather uppers.
Find them in gender-neutral sizing and several colors, from more popular neutral tones to unique pastels. These perennially cool slip-ons from Vans saw a breakout search in the past 30 days and are loved for their nearly endless color combinations, checkered uppers and low-profile design that goes with just about anything. You can find them in not just the signature canvas material, but also suede and leather, and in gender-neutral sizes.
These adorable and marshmallowy-looking classics from Nike are experiencing steady growth in online interest and have also been named a HuffPost newsroom favorite for commuting. Available in tons of fun color combinations and in sizes for both men (6-15) and women (5-12), the Air Max 90s feature a waffle outer sole for traction and the brand's signature insole cushioning that provides the perfect amount of support. These everyday walking and running shoes by Hoka are not only podiatrist-recommended but have also had an increase in search traffic across multiple styles recently.
They promise an ultra-cushioned and "billowed" footbed with a neutral level of support for the arch. They are available in 17 color combinations, in three width options, and in sizes 5-12 for women and 7-15 for men. Adidas Gazelles gained a lot of search traffic in early August, proving that these iconic soccer-inspired shoes will always remain trendy.
Hailing from the late '60s, this pair is a reissue of the 1991 Gazelle, with the same suede materials, proportions and textures as the original. They are available in several color combinations and in men's (4-14) and women's sizes (5-12). Another top rising search this summer is for the Adidas Campus 00s sneakers , a chunky court shoe that slightly resembles the beloved Gazelles but has a thicker outsole, both cotton and suede uppers, and plushier proportions.
Find them in tons of color combinations and sizing for both men (4-14) and women (5-11). The classic Blundstone brand — and its 550 boot , in particular — saw a breakout increase in search traffic at the beginning of August. The company is known for its versatile footwear and a longstanding reputation for reliability.
These rugged and water-resistant leather boots, which are available in eight colors and gender-neutral sizing, have a shock-absorbing insole and the brand's signature lug, and durable construction. Dr. Martens has a reputation for manufacturing eternally cool shoes, from loafers to Mary Janes, but it's the brand's signature lace-up 1460 boots that have gained an extra boost in search traffic as of late.
They have a grooved grip outsole and, like most of their shoes, these leather classics have an air-cushioned insole that's comfortable all day long. They are available in sizes for both men (6-16) and women (5-12) and up to five colors, including this oxblood hue that seemed to generate the most interest. It's not surprising that online shoppers appear to be preparing for the fall and winter season by searching for rain-friendly footwear, particularly Sorel's Out and About boots , which jumped in traffic very recently.
Available in women's sizes 5-12 and several color combinations that range from neutral to bright, these utilitarian ankle booties promise water-friendly construction, a uniquely designed drop-in cushioning midsole that provides stable wear, and a high-traction outsole that's grippy for slippery conditions. Made by Converse, these adorable Mary Janes , which were a top breakout search this month, combine the same outsole as those iconic Chucks that you know and recognize, but with adjustable buckle straps, ultra-low profile design and an updated "Ortholite" cushioned footbed. Find them in up to four colors and women's sizing 5-11, though not all sizes are available in all colors.
Related From Our Partner.
