7 Best Nike Retro Sneakers, 100+ Shoes Tested in 2023

Sheena
Sheena on

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

Nike Air Force 270
Nike Air Force 270

CoreScore

89
Great!
4.5 / 5 from 1,053 users

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.
Nike Air Force 270 full review

Best Nike retro high top sneakers

Nike SB Dunk High Pro
Nike SB Dunk High Pro

CoreScore

98
Superb!
4.9 / 5 from 148 users

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.
Nike SB Dunk High Pro full review

Best Nike retro low top sneakers

Nike Daybreak Undercover
Nike Daybreak Undercover

CoreScore

95
Superb!
4.8 / 5 from 75 users

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Great cushioning
  • Versatile
  • Soft
  • Durable
  • Affordable

Cons

  • Uncomfortable heel

Verdict

A limited and unique rendition of Daybreak, the Nike Daybreak Undercover features original nylon and suede with a plastic piece added to the heel. Its contemporary design can easily match a variety of outfits. Takahashi's redefinition of Tailwind is something to check, especially for those who are into sports and style.
Nike Daybreak Undercover full review

Best Nike retro mid top sneakers

Nike Air Trainer 3
Nike Air Trainer 3

CoreScore

88
Good!
4.4 / 5 from 392 users

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

There's no doubt about it, the Nike Air Trainer 3 is a beautiful shoe. A resurrection of the 1988 Nike Air Trainer SC, Nike built this as a pioneering crossover for multiple sports. Today it's a piece of history and looks the part too. There are some minor comfort issues, but with its durability, once worn in it'll last a lifetime.
Nike Air Trainer 3 full review

Best Nike retro skate sneakers

Nike SB Zoom Blazer Mid Premium
Nike SB Zoom Blazer Mid Premium

CoreScore

97
Superb!
4.9 / 5 from 328 users

Pros

  • Comfortable cushion
  • Quality construction
  • Unique
  • Retro style
  • Lightweight
  • Supportive
  • Durable

Cons

  • Narrow toe box

Verdict

Nike added another premium iteration to its Nike SB Blazer collection. The Nike SB Zoom Blazer Mid Premium is covered with high-quality materials, inserted with cozy and supportive features. Meanwhile, its style delivers a luxurious appeal that will quickly turn any usual outfit into a ritzy vibe. This model surely fits buyers who are searching for cheap sneakers with an upscale look.
Nike SB Zoom Blazer Mid Premium full review

Best value

Nike SB Nyjah Free 2
Nike SB Nyjah Free 2

CoreScore

89
Great!
4.5 / 5 from 281 users

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

The Nike SB Nyjah Free 2 is a leading silhouette in the skateboard scene. Clearly beginning to see the skateboard market as an Olympic one, Nike has started using innovation from its Air Max lines in the Nyjah and we love it. From a sock-like fit to an enhanced board feel, there's a lot going on in the Nyah Free 2.
Nike SB Nyjah Free 2 full review
Author
Sheena
Sheena

Sheena is a wordsmith turned sneaker addict. Her sneaker fixation intensified as her passion for writing grew. A hands-on mom of two sweet yet spunky kids (plus three dogs and two cats), she finds solitude in leafing through shoe catalogs to find the next "it" sneaker. Scrutinizing hugely popular and underrated kicks is her favorite pastime.