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A couple of years ago, the Adidas Samba was inescapable, as the humble soccer shoe took over social media and the streets. And while we’re past peak Samba, the trend holds some clues as to where sneaker culture is in 2025. For starters, slim sneakers are still popular, with low-profile silhouettes like the Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66 and even Adidas Taekwondo shoes being sported by celebs.
Broadly speaking, retro sneakers in general are having a moment. Whether or not the appeal of affordable, timeless shoes is a “recession indicator,” a cursory glance at America’s city sidewalks confirms an appetite for old-school, fuss-free sneakers.
Retro sneakers are also practical. Many were designed for sports like running and basketball, and while more technical options have supplanted them, most retro sneakers are still comfortable for walking and casual gym use.
The Best Retro Sneakers
Whether you’re looking to hop on the trend or looking for an option that defies the hype cycle, we’ve rounded up some of the best retro sneakers, from old-school Nikes to under-the-radar brands.
Nike LD-1000 SP
$100.00
Buy Now at nike
► Materials: Leather, faux leather, textile
First introduced in 1977, the LD-1000 had a short run but is enjoying a revival, and the slim silhouette is ideal for the current trend. It features Nike’s classic waffle sole, which cofounder Bill Bowerman invented with an actual waffle iron. It’s available in men’s and women’s sizes.
Adidas Handball Spezial Shoes
$110.00
Buy Now at adidas
► Materials: Leather and textile upper
Whether you know what handball is or not, Adidas’ Handball Spezial sneakers have emerged as a more low-key alternative to Adidas’ more ubiquitous styles. They have a silhouette that’s a cross between the Gazelle and Samba, and are available in unisex sizing.
Puma Speedcat OG
$100.00
Buy Now at puma
► Materials: Leather upper, rubber outsole
In case you haven’t noticed, F1 is huge right now, and Puma’s Speedcat was designed as a shoe for racecar drivers. It’s since stepped off the track as a trendy — if slightly unexpected — style flex.
New Balance 471 Sneaker
$100.00
Buy Now at todd snyder
► Materials: Mesh, suede, leather
While New Balance is best known for chunky dad shoes, the 471 is decidedly slimmer and sleeker offering in the brand’s deep roster of retro sneakers. And while it looks like it was pulled straight from the vault, the 471 is a new style inspired by classic 1970s sneakers, not a reproduction.
Reebok Club C 85 Vintage
$45.00
$75.00
40% off
Buy Now at zappos
► Materials: Leather upper, Eva midsole
Slim, 1970s-inspired sneakers are particularly trendy at the moment, but if you prefer a beefier style from the 1980s, Reebok’s Club C 85 sneakers are a tried and true classic. As the name suggests, the sneaker hit the market in 1985 as a tennis shoe and has stuck around thanks to its comfort and go-anywhere style.
Everlane The Court Sneaker
$148.00
Buy Now at everlane
► Materials: Full-grain leather upper
If your tastes skew minimal but retro, Everlane’s take on a classic 1980s tennis shoe is free from superfluous branding but has subtle touches like contrasting panels. The uppers are made from full-grain leather from a Leather Working Group Gold-Certified tannery.
Saucony Trainer 80 Sneaker
$90.00
Buy Now at urban outfitters
► Materials: Suede, textile, rubber
Despite the name, the Trainer 80 was born in 1978, which is perhaps a testament to how fast it is. The brand itself was founded in 1898, and remains one of the leading running shoe companies. Of course, most runners wouldn’t lace up the Trainer 80 for a marathon, but they’re a stylish option for everyday wear. They’re available in men’s and women’s sizing.
Converse Chuck Taylor All Star 70
$90
Buy Now at nordstrom
► Materials: Textile upper and lining/rubber sole
No list of classic sneakers is complete without mentioning Converse’s Chuck Taylor shoes. High top or low top, the choice is ultimately up to you. But we’d argue that the Chuck 70, which features upgraded materials and a high-gloss rubber, is the way to go.
Gola Badminton Women’s Shoe
$80.00
Buy Now at zappos
► Materials: Canvas upper
Looking to go beyond checks and stripes? Gola, an under-the-radar brand founded in England in 1905, is known for making badminton shoes. We’re not sure why, but the more niche the sport, the more stylish the shoe.
