Searches for Kate Middleton's New Balance sneakers have skyrocketed: Here’s why

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On the hunt for a new pair of sneakers to take you from your at-home workouts to social distancing walks? We’ve got you covered.

As the first few months of 2020 come to an end, the global fashion search platform Lyst ranked fashion’s buzziest products that made waves in the past four months. Lyst collects its data by analyzing the shopping behavior of more than 9 million shoppers each month and sorting through the searching, browsing and purchase patterns of users across 12,000 designers and online stores. The company also takes into account Google search data, conversion rates and sales, as well as brand and product social media mentions and engagement statistics worldwide.

Fashion insiders wouldn’t be surprised to learn that Bottega Veneta’s padded Cassette bag topped the number one spot on the list of the most popular fashion products in Q1 of 2020. There’s no denying that Danielle Lee’s new collections for the heritage fashion house have taken the industry by storm. However, a surprising addition to the list includes New Balance’s 993 sneakers.

“New Balance sneakers enter the women’s hottest products list for the first time in 7th position… searches for the brand’s 993 running shoes peaked in February,” the report says. Lyst has credited the public interest of the brand following the success of two collaborations — the first with NYC-based brand Aimé Leon Dore and secondly with Reformation.

Shop: New Balance’s 993 sneaker, $174.99

“In the last quarter of 2019, demand for New Balance sneakers has been growing worldwide in terms of both searches and sales,” Lyst reported. “With endorsements by the likes of Kate Middleton, Rihanna and model Kaia Gerber, page views for the brand have increased 41% quarter-on-quarter.”

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The sneakers are described as “superior comfort meets classic style” and are available in both women’s and men’s. There’s also a selection of width options depending on if you have narrow or wide feet. The iconic sneaker has evolved immensely since it first launched over a decade ago. However, the cult-following remains the same.

One shopper explained, “I have been happy with NB for many years. My last model was 990 and I wore them out. These new ones are equally comfortable and I’m happy to recommend them.”

The caveat? Customers aren’t a fan of the $175 price tag. “I had these shoes when I was in high school and I wanted to get a new pair. But the price is definitely way too much for these shoes” a review read.

And we agree. So ahead we’ve rounded up the bestselling New Balance sneakers on the internet that won’t break the bank. From some of the most trusted retailers we love, we stand by these 9 following styles that are all under budget-friendly.