Hacky Sacks Are Making a Comeback: Why Footbags Are Trending Again in 2026

They say trends always come back around, but when it comes to toys, sometimes they come back in circles. The latest nostalgic craze making waves on social media is the footbag — better known to anyone who had a ’90s playlist on repeat as the hacky sack.

What started decades ago as a niche footbag activity has become one of the biggest casual trends among high school students today. Whether it’s for fun, socializing, stress relief, or simply staying active between classes, hacky sacks have found a whole new generation of fans.

At the center of this comeback is the perfect mix of nostalgia, social media culture, outdoor lifestyles, and the growing popularity of simple activities that bring people together without screens.

What Is a Hacky Sack?

A hacky sack, also known as a footbag, is a small round bag filled with beads, sand, or pellets that players keep off the ground using their feet, knees, legs, or other parts of the body. The goal is simple: keep the hacky sack in the air as long as possible while passing it around between friends.

Hacky sacks are often used casually in circles where players kick the footbag back and forth while talking, hanging out, or listening to music. 

Where Did Hacky Sacks Originate?

The modern hacky sack was created in the 1970s by John Stalberger and Mike Marshall in the United States. Marshall introduced Stalberger to a footbag-style game that helped improve coordination and rehabilitation after injuries. Together, they developed what became known as the “Hacky Sack” brand.

While the official Hacky Sack product became popular in America during the late 1970s and 1980s, footbag-style games actually date back much further. Similar kicking games existed in multiple cultures throughout history, including ancient China’s game called “cuju,” which involved keeping a ball in the air using the feet. (britannica.com)

Hacky sacks eventually became closely tied to:

• Skate culture
• Surf culture
• Music festivals
• College campuses
• Alternative lifestyles
• Outdoor communities

Today, the trend has evolved into something both nostalgic and modern.

Why Are Hacky Sacks So Popular Again?

1. They Bring People Together

2. Social Media Helped Revive the Trend

3. Kids Want Activities Away from Screens

4. The Surf & Skate Lifestyle Is Trending Again

5. They’re Affordable & Easy to Start

That combination makes hacky sacks one of the most unexpectedly popular accessories among high school students today.

Whether it’s during lunch breaks, at the beach, outside a skate shop, or hanging out with friends after school, hacky sacks continue proving that sometimes the simplest trends become the biggest ones.

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