16 Retro-Inspired Sneakers You Can Wear Forever
Classic sneakers have inspired the bulk of modern sneaker-wearing. Canvas high-tops, suede low-tops, leather tennis shoes—you name it, every sneaker you like right now likely takes inspiration from the past. Obviously, sports had an especially profound impact on sneakers, like track, tennis, and basketball. Those styles jumped to the street back then, and they've only continued to evolve. Here are 16 of the best ones to get now.
1| Adidas Forest Grove Sneaker
The classic three stripes and running-esque sole are what retro sneakers are all about.
2| New Balance for J.Crew 791 Leather Sneakers
When it comes to modernized retro, you can't go wrong with anything New Balance for J.Crew.
3| Converse 1970s Chuck Taylor All Star Canvas High-Top
Can't beat a classic black Chuck.
4| Adidas Continental 80 Sneaker
The Adidas Continental 80 sneaker feels like a tennis shoe, but wears like a proper street sneaker.
5| Reebok Club C
Reebok's Club C launched in the '80s to adhere to tennis club dress codes, but its throwback shape is now popular as lifestyle shoe.
6| Nike Air Vortex Sneakers
An active-inspired silhouette reminiscent of the days when track and field style just began its jump (pun intended) into street fashion.
7| Veja Wata Sneakers
Don't these just feel like they need to be paired with vintage Levi's?
8| Nike Classic Cortez
Nike Cortezes are a classic—as is this black-and-white colorway.
9| Adidas Originals München Super SPZL Suede Sneakers
Adidas's Spzl sneaker highlights suede as its main material—a key feature of retro kicks.
10| Asics Gel-Saga
Asics pioneered many of the OG sneaker movements. This one is the perfect encapsulation of that throwback vibe.
11| New Balance X90 Suede Sneakers
New Balance's X90 sneaker is just the right amount of neutral color on a time-tested shape that's been perfectly tweaked for right now.
12| Karhu Fusion 2.0 Sneakers
The thick sole and strategic suede is quite a throwback. Not too shabby from the oldest sneaker brand out there.
13| Aprix Corduroy Sneakers
Corduroy—especially in tan—is the epitome of nostalgia.
14| Dolce & Gabbana Roma Suede Sneakers
The shape is inspired by low-slung court shoes from the mid-20th Century, but the navy color is timeless—and pairs especially well with a suit.
15| Saint Laurent Jump Leather Sneakers
The running-inspired shape on these Saint Laurent sneakers is a callback to the early days of modern kicks.
16| Berluti Outline Leather Sneakers
A gum sole is a simple but standout feature that adds a retro track feel to pretty much anything.
This story originally appeared on Esquire.com. Minor edits have been made by the Esquiremag.ph editors.
