7 Best Nike Retro Sneakers, 100+ Shoes Tested in 2023
If you take your shoe game really serious, these top-rated Nike retro sneakers are definitely a must-have. Completely versatile and timeless, you can wear these iconic kicks anywhere and in whatever occasion. Just flaunt this classic look that naturally blends in the streets.
Start navigating through our filtering system to conveniently sift through our extensive selection of old-school sneaks from the Swoosh label. If you’re a fan of Nike Air Max and Air Force 1s, there’s a wide range of Nike retro sneakers in the catalog. You’ll also find classic leather sneakers and breathable mesh models.
We considered 100+ pairs of the best Nike retro sneakers currently in the market. Get the perfect fit with any of the top picks below.
How we test sneakers
To make our shoe guide, we delve deeper into the minutest details of each pair of Nike retro kicks. We don’t just do a simple on-foot fitting of the shoes. We make sure all the sneakers go through the same rigorous vetting process at the RunRepeat lab.
Our top rankings are based on the following:
- Spend our own hard-earned money, time, and sweat to perform our wear-testing independently. We don’t agree to any sponsorship to ensure all our feedback are 100% unbiased.
- Perform a series of mechanical tests at the lab and performance assessments in the street. That means lacing up the sneakers for athletic events, day-to-day activities, and daily streetwear.
- Evaluate each model’s overall function and versatility after days of wear and tear usage. We take note of their in-shoe feel, break-in period, fit, weight, balance, cushioning, durability, arc support, grip, and many more.
- Scour internet sneakerhead forums, thousands of customer reviews, and best-seller listings to collect more comparable data.
Lastly, we assign all the Nike retro sneakers their overall performance ratings. Go to the CoreScore to see all the highly-rated models.
Best Nike retro sneakers overall
CoreScore
- Top 15% most popular sneakers
Pros
- True to size
- Very comfy
- Nice fit
- Breathable
- Nice design
Cons
- Heavy
- Tight collar
Verdict
Best Nike retro high top sneakers
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
Best Nike retro low top sneakers
CoreScore
- Top 3% in sneakers
- Top 2% in Nike sneakers
Pros
- Lightweight
- Great cushioning
- Versatile
- Soft
- Durable
- Affordable
Cons
- Uncomfortable heel
Verdict
Best Nike retro mid top sneakers
CoreScore
- Top 12% most popular sneakers
Pros
- Fits true to size
- Durable leather construction
- Retro styling
- Surprisingly breathable
- Could make a winter sneaker
Cons
- Limited colorways
- Not very flexible
- Has hotspots where the shoe rubs on the toe
Verdict
Best Nike retro skate sneakers
CoreScore
- Top 1% in sneakers
- Top 1% in Nike sneakers
- Top 26% most popular sneakers
Pros
- Comfortable cushion
- Quality construction
- Unique
- Retro style
- Lightweight
- Supportive
- Durable
Cons
- Narrow toe box
Verdict
Best value
CoreScore
- Top 1% in nyjah huston sneakers
- Top 5% most popular sneakers
Pros
- Supreme fit
- Comfortable in-shoe feel
- Durable upper construction
- Breathable
- Variety of colorways
- Tight lock with Nike's lace system
Cons
- Mesh is not as durable as the rest of the shoe
- Not the grippiest
- Hard to clean some areas
Verdict
Most popular Nike retro sneakers
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