7 Best Retro Sneakers For Men, 100+ Shoes Tested in 2023
It’s time to upgrade your wardrobe with the latest retro-style releases and freshest twists of classic designs. From the iconic Air Force 1s and Air Jordans to Vans Old Skool, Stan Smiths, and PUMA Classics, we’ve rounded up all the best men’s retro sneakers for this guide.
Navigate through our easy-to-use filtering system to sift through all the list of old-school sneaks in our repertoire. For a go-to retro design from the Swoosh label that costs less than $100, the Nike Dunk Low Retro is definitely for you. If you want the best-rated model in high top category, then check out Vans ComfyCush SK8-Hi.
We’ve tested and ranked all 900+ pairs of the best men’s retro sneakers in the market. Start your search for the perfect fit with our favorite picks below.
Table of contents How we test sneakersBest overallBest NikeBest AdidasBest PUMABest high topBest valueMost popularComparison
Overview
How we test sneakers
To make this guide, we’ve delved deeper into the nitty-gritty details of the retro-style sneakers. We don’t simply do a quick on-foot try of the shoes. We bring all the footwear inside the RunRepeat lab for meticulous analysis. We then proceed to subject each shoe to a few days of performance tests.
We write our in-depth reviews based on the following:
- Invest our own resources of time, money, and energy to do our wear-testing ourselves. We don’t accept sponsorship to keep our reviews 100% objective.
- Perform a battery of lab and mechanical tests on all the shoes. That means wearing the sneakers for special events, athletic activities, and all-day streetwear.
- Assess each model’s performance after a few days of wear and tear usage. We pay attention to their break-in period, fit and overall comfort, versatility, durability, support, weight, and more.
- Scour forums, customer reviews, and best-seller listings to gather additional info for our reviews.
Finally, we give all the men’s retro sneakers their overall ratings. Refer to the CoreScore to find all the highly-rated models for your consideration.
Best men's retro sneakers overall
CoreScore
- Top 18% in sneakers
- Top 19% in leather sneakers
- Top 13% most popular sneakers
Pros
- Fits true to size
- Super durable skate shoe
- Extra comfortable inner sole
- Flexible
- Relatively breathable
- Many colorways to choose from
- Still the same Vans we love
- Easy to clean
- Weatherproof
Cons
- Can be hard to put on
- Parts of it still susceptible to stains
Verdict
The Vans Old Skool Pro is an update on their legendary original skate shoe. While other companies are going higher and higher-tech, Vans continues to pump out classics, just improving on what came before. The best part is that you can pick up a pair of these skate sneakers and wear the same silhouette that's been around for decades. At the same time, you have improved comfort, durability, and weatherproofing!
Best Nike retro sneakers for men
CoreScore
- Top 15% most popular sneakers
Pros
- True to size
- Very comfy
- Nice fit
- Breathable
- Nice design
Cons
- Heavy
- Tight collar
Verdict
Nike has put a nice design into Air Force 270. It’s not running nor a training shoe but a lifestyle shoe. It has the looks of a basketball shoe but the feel of a running or training shoes. You can use this for special occasions but not for strolling in the mall and driving. If you're planning to use this when you travel, be ready to remove them during inspections because it will take you some time.
Best Adidas retro sneakers for men
Adidas Campus 00S
Amazon
Free shipping
$110
Adidas
Free shipping and returns
$110
ASOS
Free shipping & returns
$110
Zappos
CoreScore
- Top 1% in sneakers
- Top 1% in Adidas sneakers
- Top 4% most popular sneakers
Pros
- Extremely padded tongue and collar
- Astounding comfort
- Awesome for daily and casual wear
- Spot-on fit
- Light on foot
- Soft suede upper
- Worth the price
- Old-school vibes
- Stylish for casual fits
- Comes with two extra sets of laces
Cons
- Requires break-in period
- Its midsole’s a tad firm
- Difficult to clean and maintain
Verdict
If only one word can be associated with this sneaker, it is ‘favorite.’ It is unbelievable how many times Adidas Campus 00S has been referred to as the sneakerheads’ new favorite shoe. I mean, why couldn’t they when this sneaker made them feel like cool kids? Apart from its badass retro skater look, it is a top pick when taking outdoor walks as it is supremely padded, delivering additional comfort every stride.
Best PUMA retro sneakers for men
CoreScore
- Top 4% in sneakers
- Top 2% in PUMA sneakers
Pros
- People buy multiple pairs
- High-quality materials
- Bang for the buck
- Cushioned and comfy
- Dope colorways
- Perfect for all-day wear
- Gets numerous compliments
- Reflective details
- OK for short runs
Cons
- Difficult to clean
- Short break-in might be needed
Verdict
PUMA RS-X3 Puzzle adds up to the growing line of retro shoes that calls the attention of the chunky shoe-loving crowd. Though wrapped in layers of materials and padded around the collar, it isn’t as robust as other chunky-soled sneakers. It’s a bang for the buck and many return for another (and another) pair, usually in different colorway.
Best retro high top sneakers for men
CoreScore
- Top 1% in sneakers
- Top 1% in Nike sneakers
- Top 23% most popular sneakers
Pros
- Snug fit
- Amazing colorways
- Can take a beating
- Excellent for skating
- Good ankle support
- Quality construction
- Comfy on foot
Cons
- Needs time to break in
- Pricey
Verdict
The Nike SB Dunk High Pro does not only exhibit an attractive design. It also captures the favor of both members of the skate community and casual wearers for its reliable performance and versatility. This unwavering excellence is brought forth constantly by the new colorways and collaborations that keep its spirit alive.
Best value
Adidas Busenitz
Amazon
Free shipping
$56
Shoebacca
Free shipping & returns
$70
Adidas
Free shipping and returns
$85
Zappos
CoreScore
- Top 25% in sneakers
- Top 28% in leather sneakers
- Top 3% most popular sneakers
Pros
- Incredibly durable
- Fits true to size
- Grippy as anything
- Technical shoe for responsive skating
- Surprisingly weatherproof
- Classic silhouette
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Takes a long time to break it
- Narrow in the toe box
- The big tongue isn't for everyone
- Not very breathable
Verdict
The Adidas Busentiz has been around for a while. It stands on its own against modern skate shoes because of its durability and versatility. More than anything it's a really clean-looking sneaker that works just as well on a night out as it does in a skatepark. It helps that the shoe is easy to clean, sturdy, and has loads of cushioning to keep you comfy and supported.
Most popular retro sneakers for men
Nike Air Max Excee
Amazon
Prime & free shipping
$50
Stadium Goods
$65
Nike
$90
ASOS
Free shipping & returns
$90
CoreScore
- Top 3% most popular sneakers
Pros
- Fits true to size
- Perfect for sporty outfits
- Insanely comfortable
- Cheaper than many Air Max
- Colors IRL are even better than the ones on the screen
- Wide choice of colorways
Cons
- Stiff
- There's very little airflow
- Poor durability
Verdict
The Nike Air Max Excee is a sneaker that comes with loads of vibrant and exciting colorways. From nostalgic neon greens and purples to more muted and earthy tones. While the quality of the sneaker is not hugely impressive, it is a fair bit cheaper than some of the other offerings in the Air Max lineup, which is always nice to see.
