If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, The Hollywood Reporter may receive an affiliate commission. When you’re ready to step out of those and pair your or with something more casual, you can’t go wrong with a great pair of . Some of the best vintage-inspired sneakers can turn a silk slip dress into a low-key look, or add old-school playfulness to and .
The throwback silhouette is a proven hit season after season. Adidas and Wales Bonner’s Samba collab regularly sells out, while the limited-edition — inspired by the athletic brand’s original 1974 football style — also sold like hotcakes when it dropped earlier this year. Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle have worn Veja’s eco-conscious sneakers (the Esplar and V-10 styles, respectively).
Classic athleticwear brands like Adidas, New Balance and Nike are also regular closet staples seen on , J. Lo, Gigi Hadid, Hailey Bieber, Naomi Watts, Shay Mitchell and Katie Holmes, to name just a handful. Below, we’ve rounded up some of the best retro sneakers for women seeking a vintage-inspired finish (without stepping too far into the dad shoe trend or ).
From unisex trainers by go-to sportswear labels, to from Everlane, Madewell and others, see our top picks below. Give your feet an eco boost with Loci’s made from recycled ocean-bound plastics. (The Leonardo Di Caprio- has been spotted on collaborator , Olivia Wilde, Lucy Hale, Eva Longoria, Sophie Turner, Jessica Alba and many, many others.
) One of the best eco-friendly sneaker brands, pioneering label Veja is regularly seen on the feet of stars like Meghan Markle, Kate Middleton, Chloe Grace Moretz, Emily Ratajkowski and Emma Watson. These — designed in collaboration with Paris-based concept boutique, Centre Commercial — are and are made of 100 percent organic traced leather sourced from Uruguay and recycled polyester and rubber. These boast a “cushy” foam midsole for comfort — and they’re on sale during the Nordstrom .
You’d be hard-pressed to find anyone who doesn’t look good in Adidas’ cult-favorite — but for a high-fashion upgrade, opt for Wales Bonner’s . Luxe upgrades such as the exaggerated tongue and whipstitch detailing nod to the iconic silhouette’s soccer roots. (Other styles and colors are available at , and .
) Though Nike has no shortage of vintage-inspired sneakers (think the and , to name a few), we’re fans of the sustainable edition of the brand’s classic . The ’80s-born silhouette features lightweight cushioning and a padded, low-cut collar for comfort, and it’s made from at least 20 percent recycled materials; other colors are available. Earn fashion street cred with Rag & Bone’s , on sale for 30 percent off during Nordstrom’s .
Madewell’s will please co-conscious wearers, which are made of sustainably sourced nubuck leather and recycled cotton lining and rubber outsoles. On top of all of that, the shoes are made with the brand’s “supercushy, ultrasupportive” Cloudlift insoles. If quiet luxury is your style code, these are the epitome of low-key luxe.
The Italian brand’s pre-scuffed kicks have been sported by Taylor Swift, Selena Gomez, Reese Witherspoon, Megan Fox and many others, and we love that this neutral(ish) silhouette adds some gold sparkle to your step. Wear it with and leggings for an off-duty look, or pair it with a casual dress on weekends. The official sneaker of Revolve Festival, PF Flyers was founded in the 1930s by B.
F. Goodrich (yes, the old automobile tire company). The brand is stepping into a stylish new era after being acquired by designer Kassia Davis (daughter of New Balance majority owner and chairman Jim Davis).
Nostalgia enthusiasts will love the ‘s retro basketball design and comfortable recycled Ortholite foam footbed that helps to keep feet dry. Officially NBA-banned sneaker brand APL’s signature cushioned design gets the retro court treatment in the . The brand’s proprietary HySpeed performance midsole and Soufflé Sockliner ensure that your feet feel supported and comfy all day.
Originally released in the 1920s, Converse’s classic have been worn by everyone from punk rockers like the Ramones to rap stars including Snoop Dogg and Ice Cube – not to mention stars like Jessica Alba, Julia Roberts, Bella Hadid and even Malia Obama, to name a few. The iconic footwear brand’s high-top kicks come in a range of colorful canvas and leather options, and you can get them in the for a statement-making upgrade. Everlane’s are made from recycled cotton canvas, 100 percent natural latex rubber and recycled trims.
Also available in and other colors, these sleek steppers are the brand’s lowest carbon-impact shoe and boast a “barely there feel.” Recently spotted on Hollywood heartthrob Glen Powell, Cariuma’s latest lineup includes the that blend classic basketball with ’90s skater vibes. It’s made of Leather Working Group-certified materials and comes in an array of colorways.
(The Certified B Corp.’s bestselling have been worn by and others). For every pair of shoes purchased, the company plants two trees in the Brazilian rainforest.
New Balance’s nod to the brand’s 1970s running heritage while adding modern touches such as the oversized N logo the angular wedge sole and the trail-inspired lug outsole. Designed by Albin Johansson and Max Svärdh, these Axel Arigato are made in Portugal from recycled polyester and repurposed leather — making it a great eco-conscious option. (Depending on your size, there are equally stylish alternatives on sale, too.
) Seen on Gwyneth Paltrow, SeaVees’ is reportedly one of her favorite styles, and features a beautiful recycled nylon and suede material. The shoe is particularly comfortable thanks to its cozy memory foam footbed. Added bonus: SeaVees donates one percent of its annual revenue to environmental causes through nonprofit 1% For The Planet.
Whether you’re a or low-top type, there’s something for every casual aesthetic from iconic Cali-cool brand Vans. The brand’s feature the signature side stripe, a padded collar for comfort and a platform design. They come in other canvas and suede colorways.
Available in more than 10 stylish colors, Sweden-born brand Tretorn’s evoke the classic tennis shoe silhouette with hints of lavender. These shoes have an EcoOrtholite insole, extra heel cushioning and a natural rubber outsole for all-day comfort, breathability and traction. You’ll walk easy in these from Rothy’s, made from the brand’s signature knitted material spun from plastic water bottles.
The terry-lined shoes channel courtside-ready vibes with grooved soles for traction and durability, and the padded ankle collar is cushioned with excess yarn. The contoured footbed and grooved gum outsoles are made of 20 percent bio-based materials, and the shoes are also conveniently washable. Designed for sprinters in 1968, Puma’s vegan come in stylish leather and suede options and feature a comfortable low-profile cut and a reinforced heel for comfort.
(Rihanna has served as creative director for the brand.) The shoes come in men’s sizes, so order 1.5 sizes down for women’s sizing.
For a pastel-hued basketball vibe, scores points in the style and sports-inspired departments. Heritage running brand Saucony is a natural choice if you’re looking for the best retro sneakers for women, men and kids. The label’s come in over a dozen stylish shades.
Swoosh superfans who prefer rare kicks can find some of the coolest retro sneakers at , the global resale platform for in-demand sneakers and streetwear. (They’ve even got Billie Eilish’s in the mushroom colorway.) Sneakerheads have an array of options, from the iconic in a low-top silhouette and to the legendary in bold red and black.
Taylor Swift once wore a cream version of The Row’s , which come in black or brown shades that fit seamlessly with wide-leg trousers and denim alike. Get into the (fashion) game with Gucci’s ’80s-inspired that look ready to hit the court. THR Newsletters Sign up for THR news straight to your inbox every day More from The Hollywood Reporter.
