Season after season, retro sneakers continue to reign supreme. From the shoe trends that started on the runway to celebrity sightings that sent styles straight to sell-out status, when it comes to your sneaker game, vintage-inspired silhouettes are here to stay.
Vogue’s Guide to Must-Have Retro Runners:
Featured in this article
Often, the revival of a classic sneaker style captures the fashion crowd, becoming the It shoe of the year (think Sambas from Adidas, the Moon Shoe from Nike, and more). Many of our favorite retro sneakers have followed this path—from the timeless white canvas Keds that have made a major comeback as of late, to the resurgence of skater-inspired styles, such as those from the Vans x Valentino collaboration. With nostalgia continuing to shape fashion, these heritage silhouettes prove that the most enduring trends are often the one that have already stood the test of time.
To keep things feeling truly fresh this season, consider something slim and sleek in design rather than chunkier, like the Tokyo from Adidas or Puma’s Speedcat (a favorite of Emily Ratajkowski and Rihanna). Should you want to go the designer route, Dries Van Noten’s retro runner or Prada’s nylon-and-suede spin are well worth the investment, with new iterations released each season—so don’t be afraid to experiment with bold colors, either. Vibrant primary shades or striking color-blocked designs ensure your sneakers are the focal point of even the simplest outfit.
The true selling point for each of these retro-inspired styles is their versatility. Their straightforward design offers endless styling potential—whether that’s with your favorite office dress during the workweek, a T-shirt and linen pants on the weekend, or a miniskirt for a night out.
Below, shop the retro sneaker styles you’re sure to live in all year long.