7 Best Retro Sneakers For Women, 100+ Shoes Tested in 2023
Grab the latest retro-style designs and freshest releases of iconic models in the market today. From popular brands like Nike and Adidas to Vans ComfyCush, Converse Unt1Tl3D, and Puma Classics, browse through our extensive collection of women’s retro sneakers.
For easier browsing, navigate through our user-friendly filtering system to see all the top-rated designs in the database. For a clean-looking sneaker that ranks high in versatility and durability, the Busentiz from Adidas is a must-see. For best-selling and popular options, the Nike Air Max Excee leads the pack.
We’ve rounded up and tested all 800+ pairs of the best women’s retro sneakers currently available out there. With tons of options on the list, we can help you narrow down your search by ranking all of them. Start your hunt with our top picks below.
Table of contents How we test sneakersBest overallBest NikeBest AdidasBest PUMABest high topBest valueMost popularComparison
Overview
How we test sneakers
To find the finest retro sneaks for women, we’ve vetted each model in this category with care. Inside the RunRepeat shoes testing lab, our specialists double-check all the essential aspects of the footwear. We then take the sneakers for real-world performance tests to determine their actual value.
We finalize our reviews based on the following:
- Invest our time and money to do all our wear-tests. We keep the reviews 100% honest and unbiased.
- 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.
- Subject every sneaker for days of wear and tear usage. This allows us to gain a comprehensive grasp of its comfort, fit, support, break-in period, durability, versatility, and more.
- Scour hundreds of forums for expert feedback and customer reviews to collect more insightful data for the reviews and top rankings.
In the end, we assign all the women’s retro sneakers their overall scores. See the CoreScore to find the respective ratings of each shoe in the database.
Best women's retro sneakers overall
CoreScore
- Top 25% in sneakers
- Top 27% 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.
Best Nike retro sneakers for women
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
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.
Best Adidas retro sneakers for women
Adidas Campus 00S
Amazon
Free shipping
$110
Adidas
Free shipping and returns
$110
Finish Line
Free shipping & returns
$110
Champs Sports
Free shipping & returns
$110
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 women
CoreScore
- Top 1% in sneakers
- Top 1% in PUMA sneakers
Pros
- Eye-catching
- Stylish
- Better actual look
- Highly recommended
- Long-lasting comfort
- Premium quality of materials
- Budget-friendly
- Affordable
Cons
- Weird insole cushioning
- ‘Winter’ on its name is not suitable for the winter
Verdict
PUMA applied a fresh, feminine twist to its renowned PUMA RS-X silhouette while keeping its running heritage intact. The PUMA RS-X Winter Glimmer features an eyecatching appeal as the brand dressed it with a colorway that gives its a plush appeal. This tech-looking sneaker not only excels in the style, as many shared their admiration for its superb comfort and premium construction, offered at a surprisingly affordable price point.
Best retro high top sneakers for women
CoreScore
- Top 3% in sneakers
- Top 3% in Converse sneakers
- Top 21% most popular sneakers
Pros
- Timeless aesthetics
- Comfy
- Zero break-in
- Pairs with anything
- Tank-like
- Great for daily use
- Skate-worthy ankle support
- Enviable finish
- For the thrifty
Cons
- Sliding tongue
- Tricky access
Verdict
Even if you time-travel between the current year and the flower power era, there won't be much of a difference while you got the Chuck 70 Vintage Canvas on. Yes, you're still gonna be your usual head-turning self, but in a pair of tough canvas kicks. And no matter the year, this high-top sneaker from Converse will give you tons of dapper points at an ever-unbeatable price.
Best value
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.
Most popular retro sneakers for women
Nike Air Max Excee
Amazon
Prime & free shipping
$42
Nike
$70
Finish Line
Free shipping & returns
$90
Stadium Goods
$95
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.
