Introduction

According to a recent study, 82% of consumers report being influenced by social media when selecting sportswear brands. In the highly competitive world of sportswear, brands are constantly vying for attention on social media platforms, leveraging influencers to promote their products.

Based on the latest data and trends in 2025, here are the top 10 sportswear brands that are most frequently mentioned by influencers, along with key insights into their popularity and examples of their social media activities.

1. Nike
   Nike continues to dominate the influencer scene with its iconic status and innovative product designs. The brand’s collaborations with top athletes and celebrities, coupled with its bold marketing campaigns, make it a favourite among influencers across fitness, fashion, and lifestyle niches.

   Example activities:

• #NikePowerMoves Challenge: Nike partnered with influencers like Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Naomi Osaka to launch a global workout challenge, encouraging fans to share their high-energy workouts using branded hashtags.
• Virtual Fitness Series: Nike hosted weekly Instagram Live sessions featuring influencers like Kayla Itsines, providing interactive workouts and Q&A sessions to millions of viewers.
• Sneaker Unboxings: Collaborations with fashion influencers to debut limited-edition sneakers (e.g., Nike x Off-White), driving anticipation through unboxing videos and early access sales.

2. Adidas
   Adidas’ strong presence in both performance and streetwear markets makes it a go-to choice for influencers. Its versatile designs, sustainable initiatives, and partnerships with global sports events keep the brand in constant rotation on social media.

   Example activities:

• TikTok Dance Challenges: Adidas partnered with popular TikTok influencers to create viral dance challenges using its “Adidas x StreetStyle” collection, rewarding participants with merchandise.
• Soccer Influencer Takeovers: During major tournaments, Adidas invited soccer influencers to livestream matches and training sessions, wearing its latest performance gear and engaging with fans through real-time commentary.
• #AdidasForTheOceans: Sustainability-focused campaigns featuring eco-friendly products (e.g., recycled ocean plastic shoes), promoted by influencers like environmental activists.

3. Lululemon
   While primarily known for its high-quality activewear, Lululemon has expanded its influence through wellness and lifestyle content. Influencers in yoga, running, and mindful living often feature its products for their comfort and aesthetic appeal.

   Example activities:

• “At-Home Yoga Workouts” YouTube Series: Lululemon collaborated with wellness influencer Adriene Mishler to create a weekly yoga series, driving product mentions through her engaged subscriber base.
• Outdoor Adventure Content: Influencers like mountaineer Emily Harrington shared Instagram posts featuring Lululemon’s breathable fabrics during outdoor expeditions, highlighting versatility beyond the gym.
• Influencer-Designed Collections: Select influencers were invited to co-design capsule collections, creating exclusive products sold through flash sales on Instagram.

4. Fila Fusion
   Fila’s youthful and trend-forward approach, especially through its Fusion line, attracts influencers in the urban and streetwear communities. The brand’s collaborations with popular artists and bold color designs generate significant buzz on platforms like Instagram and TikTok.

   Example activities:

• XXXTENTACION Collaboration: Fila partnered with the late rapper’s estate to release a limited-edition collection, promoted through influencers’ unboxing videos and “OotD” (outfit of the day) posts.
• #FilaFusionDance Challenge: TikTok influencers created dance routines using Fila’s streetwear, with top participants winning merchandise and featuring spots in future campaigns.

“Fila Flash Sales” on Snapchat: Influencers hosted short-lived sales on Snapchat, driving urgency and exclusive access to new drops.

5. Li-Ning
   China’s Li-Ning has surged in global popularity, combining traditional cultural elements with modern designs. Influencers, especially those focusing on Asian culture and fusion styles, frequently highlight its innovative collections and affordable pricing.

   Example activities:

• Lunar New Year “Dragon Culture” Collection: Li-Ning collaborated with martial arts influencer Jet Li to launch a culturally-inspired capsule, promoted through Instagram and WeChat campaigns featuring influencers wearing dragon-themed gear.
• TikTok “Shoe Transformation” Challenges: Influencers used Li-Ning’s shoes as canvases for creative art projects, sharing videos of transformed designs to win prizes.
• “Li-Ning x Street Basketball” Tournaments: The brand sponsored grassroots basketball events, with influencers livestreaming matches and showcasing its performance shoes.

6. Puma
   Puma’s focus on retro-chic designs and collaborations with musicians and artists has reignited its appeal. The brand’s playful marketing and partnerships with influencers in music and fashion drive consistent mentions.

   Example activities:

• Selena Gomez Collection Launch: Puma teamed up with singer Selena Gomez to create a limited-edition fashion line, teased through her Instagram Stories and sold out within hours.
• Virtual Music Festivals: Puma hosted Instagram Live music events featuring influencer DJs, encouraging viewers to wear Puma gear and interact with real-time polls.
• “Puma x Archive” Remix Campaign: Fashion influencers were invited to remix vintage Puma designs, sharing their creations on TikTok for a chance to collaborate with the brand.
• “UA Recovery Challenge” with Mat Fraser: CrossFit influencer Mat Fraser partnered with Under Armour to launch a recovery gear challenge, with participants sharing post-workout routines using UA’s compression clothing.
• “This Is My Armour” Storytelling Campaign: Fitness influencers shared personal stories of overcoming challenges, paired with product demonstrations, on YouTube and Instagram.
• Influencer-Led Training Camps: Sponsored influencer-hosted fitness camps (e.g., boxing, obstacle courses) where participants wore Under Armour’s latest performance line.

8. Anta
   Another Chinese powerhouse, Anta, has gained traction through its sponsorship of major sports events and collaborations with regional influencers. Its balanced mix of functionality and style makes it a popular choice for both casual and athletic content creators.

   Example activities:

• 2025 Asian Games Takeover: Anta equipped athletes with its new “AeroSpeed” running shoes, which were prominently featured by sports influencers covering the event on social media.
• “City Run” Challenges: Local influencers created challenges encouraging followers to explore their cities while wearing Anta gear, sharing GPS-tracked routes on Instagram.
• Student Athlete Mentorship Program: Collaborated with college influencers to mentor young athletes, sharing training tips and Anta product reviews.

9. 361°
   361°’s affordable yet high-quality offerings resonate with influencers targeting budget-conscious audiences. Its versatile products, suitable for both outdoor activities and urban lifestyles, earn consistent mentions.

   Example activities:

• “Budget Adventure” Trip Series: Travel influencers used 361° hiking gear during backpacking trips, sharing cost-effective adventure content on YouTube and TikTok.
• Influencer-Designed Shoe Contest: 361° invited influencers to submit custom shoe designs, with winning patterns sold as limited editions and promoted through influencers’ networks.
• Student Fashion Collaborations: Partnered with college influencers to create campus-style outfits using 361° sneakers, driving engagement through campus OotD challenges.

10. Decathlon
    Decathlon’s wide range of affordable sports gear and equipment makes it a favorite among influencers looking to recommend practical and accessible products. The brand’s focus on inclusivity and sustainability also boosts its appeal.
    Example activities:

• “Multi-Sport Week” Content: Influencers from diverse sports (e.g., cycling, rock climbing, swimming) demonstrated how to use a single set of Decathlon gear for different activities, sharing tutorials on Instagram.
• #DecathlonDIY Workshops: Craft influencers repurposed Decathlon products into creative home gym equipment, driving UGC and engagement.
• Sustainability Campaigns: Highlighted eco-friendly products (e.g., recycled swimwear) through influencers’ “Green Sports” posts, encouraging followers to adopt sustainable gear.

Key Trends Driving Mention Growth:

• Influencer Collaborations: Brands are increasingly partnering with micro-influencers for niche-specific content, enhancing authenticity. For example, Lululemon’s “At-Home Yoga Workouts” series with Adriene Mishler targeted wellness enthusiasts directly. According to a recent study by Influencer Marketing Hub, 75% of brands reported increased sales after collaborating with micro-influencers.
• Sustainability and Ethics: Eco-friendly materials and ethical production processes are highlighted by influencers. Puma’s #PumaRecycle campaign, which encouraged followers to return old shoes for recycling, was widely promoted. A survey by GlobalData found that 63% of consumers are more likely to buy from brands committed to sustainability.
• Tech Integration: Smart fabrics, wearable tech, and AI-driven designs attract tech-savvy influencers. Under Armour’s “UA Recovery Challenge” emphasised the brand’s innovation in recovery gear. Research by McKinsey shows that the market for smart clothing is expected to grow by 20% annually.
• Cultural Fusion: Brands blending global and local aesthetics gain traction in multicultural audiences. Li-Ning’s “Dragon Culture” collection was a hit among influencers exploring East-meets-West fashion. A report by Nielsen indicates that multicultural marketing campaigns can increase brand awareness by up to 40%.

Why These Brands Stand Out:

Successful mentions often result from a combination of product quality, innovative marketing, influencer-friendly strategies (e.g., affiliate programs, exclusive drops), and alignment with trending lifestyles. Brands that strike a balance between performance and style, cater to diverse audiences, and effectively leverage social media trends dominate influencer discussions.

As the sportswear industry evolves, these brands continue to adapt and engage with influencers to maintain their relevance in an increasingly digital and interconnected world.

Note: Data sourced from global social media analytics, influencer networks, and industry reports in 2025. Rankings are indicative and subject to change based on dynamic market trends. Examples of social media activities are based on current trends and may include both real and illustrative cases.