<p>Generally speaking, there are two types of retro sneakers. The first is the bona fide ones whose distinguished origins date back decades ago to the ‘90s, ‘80s, or even ‘70s; created by legacy brands such as <a href=”https://www.menshealth.com/style/g42722633/best-nike-shoes/” target=”_blank”>Nike</a> (Blazer Mid, Air Jordon, Killshot), Adidas (Superstar, Gazelle), Vans (Old Skool, Style 36), and Puma (Super Liga), these <a href=”https://www.menshealth.com/style/g30690312/history-sneakers-evolution/” target=”_blank”>sneaker styles</a> have since been revived and even remixed to perform better—sans compromising their signature old-school flair, of course. The second category is the retro-inspired sneakers, produced by newer labels such as Koio, Greats, and Rothy’s; although they lack the heritage and history of the first kind, their vintage design—color-blocks, side stripes, leather and suede upper, or rubber gum outsole—lets them easily pass as retro sneakers to stir up a nostalgic appreciation for footwear styles back in the good ole days. </p><p>Having made multiple comebacks since the 2000s, retro sneakers have thus far reached the height of popularity amongst men of all ages, which is why brands have jumped at (re)designing vintage-inspired kicks. Their unique magnetism confirms that old-school design motifs and details in retro sneakers will simply never go out of style. So if you want to cop some of that for your own, our selection of the 18 best retro sneakers for men below will prove why these oldies are goodies.<br></p><p><strong><a href=”https://www.menshealth.com/style/a20150491/black-shoes-men-sneakers/” target=”_blank” data-vars-ga-ux-element=”Hyperlink” data-vars-ga-outbound-link=”https://www.menshealth.com/style/a20150491/black-shoes-men-sneakers/” data-vars-ga-call-to-action=”Best Black Sneakers”>Best Black Sneakers</a> </strong>| <a href=”https://www.menshealth.com/style/g36283507/mens-dress-sneakers/” target=”_blank” data-vars-ga-ux-element=”Hyperlink” data-vars-ga-outbound-link=”https://www.menshealth.com/style/g36283507/mens-dress-sneakers/” data-vars-ga-call-to-action=”Best Dress Sneakers”><strong>Best Dress Sneakers</strong></a> | <a href=”https://www.menshealth.com/style/a19521820/white-sneakers-for-men/” target=”_blank” data-vars-ga-ux-element=”Hyperlink” data-vars-ga-outbound-link=”https://www.menshealth.com/style/a19521820/white-sneakers-for-men/” data-vars-ga-call-to-action=”Best White Sneakers”><strong>Best White Sneakers</strong></a> | <strong><a href=”https://www.menshealth.com/fitness/a36163331/workout-shoes/” target=”_blank” data-vars-ga-ux-element=”Hyperlink” data-vars-ga-outbound-link=”https://www.menshealth.com/fitness/a36163331/workout-shoes/” data-vars-ga-call-to-action=”Best Workout Shoes”>Best Workout Shoes</a> </strong>| <a href=”https://www.menshealth.com/fitness/g19556347/best-running-shoes-for-men/” target=”_blank” data-vars-ga-ux-element=”Hyperlink” data-vars-ga-outbound-link=”https://www.menshealth.com/fitness/g19556347/best-running-shoes-for-men/” data-vars-ga-call-to-action=”Best Running Shoes”><strong>Best Running Shoes</strong></a> | <a href=”https://www.menshealth.com/style/g42053085/best-mens-leather-sneakers/” target=”_blank” data-vars-ga-ux-element=”Hyperlink”><strong>Best Leather Sneakers</strong></a></p>” />
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If Adidas hadn’t birthed this suede style with a three-striped contrast motif, the sneaker world as we know it today would’ve been a total hot mess. Of course, we have “influencers” to thank: Mick Jagger in the ‘70s, Kate Moss in the ‘80s, and Beastie Boys in the ‘90s, to name a few. Adidas’ latest reiteration pays homage to the ‘90s reissue that once captured the heart of every Briton. But, as we know for sure, it’s already a timeless cultural icon that’ll forever stay relevant in our shoe racks.
First graced the world in 1979, this court sneaker style—for tennis or badminton—is a Nike staple. It was brought back by J.Crew in 2009 as Killshot 2 and has since become an unexpected smash hit that has never once left the sneakerhead radar. It’s got a smooth leather upper, retro rubber gum, and a slim build. But the signature Swoosh stripe is what really seals its sleek style.
These daddiest of all dad shoes are practical, supportive, and encouraging—just like the old man himself. In fact, these running shoes, born in 1982, are now upgraded with a streamlined outlook and better performance to make a case for dad shoes that are pretty damn cool. Whether it’s the propulsive foam that helps you get back on your feet fast or the midsole cushioning that provides all-day comfort, you’ll feel like the patriarch of your household in them—even if you’re not a father.
Read more: Best New Balance Shoes
Best casual retro sneakers
Reebok Club C 85 Vintage Shoes
Best casual retro sneakers
Reebok Club C 85 Vintage Shoes
Missing the ‘80s? So do we. Which is why we’re all a sucker for Reebok’s sensible throwback to a neat, court-inspired sneaker form. The nostalgia is strong with this one, but with lightweight EVA cushioning, the all-day comfort is also quite strong.
best retro soccer sneakers
PUMA Super Liga OG Retro Sneakers
best retro soccer sneakers
PUMA Super Liga OG Retro Sneakers
Now 21% Off
Another ‘80s icon through and through, Puma’s low-profile soccer kicks captured the footwear essence of back in the days when aerobatics were cool: versatile for training, everyday style, and magazine centerfold shoots. Puma’s remix pretty much looks the same as the OG model, and is great for anything from hitting the streets or the soccer field.
best retro high-top sneakers
Converse Chuck Taylor All Stars High Top
best retro high-top sneakers
Converse Chuck Taylor All Stars High Top
Need we say more? These basketball shoes whose life actually first began in 1917 with a canvas upper and rubber outsole—a composition still seen and used today—are now upgraded with arch support and durable stitching for everyday wear, even if you’re not double-dribbling.
Under $50, comes with fast shipping and free delivery courtesy of Amazon, these breathable, walking-friendly sneakers with a recognizably old-school facade–not to mention anti-slip tech—are great for guys who don’t want to shell out or who’ve second thought about sporting retro footwear.
Daddy Pedro Pascal loves these knit (read: breathable), 100% washable picks, and our editors can’t stop being amazed by its no-break-in-needed upper, supportive footbed, and grippy gum outsoles. So what’s stopping you from snagging a pair of RS01s in a vintage colorway like this here?
Read More: Rothy’s RS01 Sneakers Review
In 1981, Saucony went on a mission to create the arguably best running shoes. They worked with podiatrists, reduced the weight, made a signature grippy outsole, and the result was a pair of running shoes that offered balance and could handle impact for long-distance running. That’s pretty much all the convincing you need for these runners—if that charming gradient suede upper isn’t enough.
best retro tennis sneakers
On Running The Roger Centre Court
best retro tennis sneakers
On Running The Roger Centre Court
The classic tennis court sneaker style has been given a modern update by the Swiss brand On Running and tennis GOAT Roger Federer. The new performance-minded design features a CloudTec sole which provides additional cushioning, and a Speedboard technology placed between the midsole and upper to assist in faster movements and enhance your speed.
Read more: Best On Running Shoes
Best retro track sneakers
Onitsuka Tiger Serrano Sneakers
Best retro track sneakers
Onitsuka Tiger Serrano Sneakers
Now 19% Off
This iconic Tiger stripe is older than Adidas’ Gazelle, yet you can still seem it on today’s ASICS and Onitsuka Tiger shoes, making it another footwear model we’ll never forget. With a textile upper and a textured sole inspired by track spikes, these performance racing shoes have once been tested at the 1968 Mexico Olympic Games, so you know they’re made to last and support.
most stylish retro sneakers
Peter Millar Vantage Suede Sneaker
most stylish retro sneakers
Peter Millar Vantage Suede Sneaker
The colorful design is full of ‘70s throwback but the silhouette is timeless—that pretty much sums up the paragon of retro sneakers. While you’ll fall head over heels over its sophisticated yet versatile style for dressing up, you’ll also come to love its the memory foam footbed and padding that deliver ergonomic support.
Taking the form of vintage trainers, these retro kicks can also up your functional footwear game. It’s meticulously stitched to resist water, set on a durable outsole that doesn’t drag you behind, and comes with a thick insole for comfort at every step of the way.
Best everyday retro sneakers
Clarks Caravan Low White Combi
Best everyday retro sneakers
Clarks Caravan Low White Combi
Of course, the shoemaker that created the world’s first desert boots isn’t short of retro styles for sneakers. And just like its icon boots, Clarks’s 70s-style Caravan Low is a great pair of everyday, “going out to run errands” kind of shoes that can take you miles.
Best retro dress sneakers
Common Projects Original Achilles Leather Sneakers
Best retro dress sneakers
Common Projects Original Achilles Leather Sneakers
We’re not calling anyone old, but for many (young) folks, a silhouette first introduced in 2004 is probably considered “retro” already. But this minimalist leather low-top profile by Common Projects, which debuted just almost two decades ago, has beaten time and trends and is still looking on fleek, especially when you dress it up for formal occasions.
Leather sneakers are a foolproof, surefire way to smarten up your style. But Charlie does more than that. Inside its sporty, footballer-endorsed profile, supple leather, and low-key rubber sole, these shoes also come with extra cushioning for an all-day comfort.
best retro skate sneakers
Vans Gum Style 36 Shoe
best retro skate sneakers
Vans Gum Style 36 Shoe
Now 20% Off
The same year that took away Elvis also gave us the most famous skate shoe—the Old Skool by Vans, though the style didn’t reach its popularity peak in the ‘90s. However, if you want to stand out among the crowd while remaining true to Vans’ iconic-ness, its 1977 Style 36 gum sneakers still don the hallmark side stripe and retro details without looking too skater-y.
Style and Commerce Editor
Maverick Li is the Style & Commerce Editor of Men’s Health, where he covers clothing, footwear, watches, and grooming. He was previously the Assistant Commerce Editor at Esquire.
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