5 Best Retro Sneakers in 2023
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Why trust us
Yes, every sneakerhead has to have a pair of old-school, retro sneakers. Good thing, we have loads of them.
Choose from stylish Adidas kicks oozing with a vintage vibe to timeless Nike sneaks that have been around since the bygone days. We also made it a point to include the most good-looking high-tops and the most budget-friendly of them all.
If that's not enough, you might want to check out our top picks, which also feature the best retro kicks overall. These shoes have been thoroughly reviewed and assessed. So, when we say one shoe is excellent, you can take our word for it.
See all
608 retro sneakers
How we test sneakers
Retro sneakers may have been around for ages. However, some are no longer as high-quality as they were back in the days, while others somehow aged like fine wine. Enter: RunRepeat.
Your team of shoe-doting geeks, RunRepeat, is here to tell you which among the hundreds of retro kicks are value for money. We do this by doing the following:
- Gather all the user reviews we can find on the web to get the public's say about the shoe
- Buy the shoes and test them out ourselves. NOTE: We make sure to BUY the shoes to avoid biased reviews.
- Weigh, measure, and even dissect the shoes to get into their nitty-gritty details.
Best retro sneakers overall
Adidas Busenitz
91
Great!
What makes it the best?
The Adidas Busenitz 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.
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
Today's best price
Men
Women
Any color
More colors
Amazon
Prime & free shipping
$48
Stadium Goods
$55
Adidas
Free shipping and returns
$85
Zappos
Best retro low top sneakers
Nike Air Max 200
89
Great!
What makes it the best?
Nike has always set high standards in its Air Max line. From supreme comfort to innovation and excellent fit. The Air Max 200 hits the minimum for these and therefore is still an excellent shoe. It is also a rather durable sneaker.
Pros
- Comfortable Air Max cushioning
- Built to last
- True to size
- Plenty of colorways
- Retro vibe
Cons
- Heavy due to thick materials
- Narrow fit
- Stain magnet
Today's best price
Men
Women
Any color
More colors
Amazon
Free shipping
$120
Zappos
Running Warehouse
REI
Best retro breathable sneakers
Nike SB Nyjah Free 2
86
Good!
What makes it the best?
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.
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
Today's best price
Unisex
Any color
More colors
Amazon
Free shipping
$140
Zappos
Running Warehouse
REI
Best retro mid top sneakers
Nike Air Trainer 3
88
Good!
What makes it the best?
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.
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
Today's best price
Men
Women
Any color
Finish Line
Free shipping & returns
$125
Stadium Goods
$189
Zappos
Running Warehouse
Best value retro sneakers
Vans Old Skool Pro
92
Great!
What makes it the best?
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!
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
Today's best price
Men
Women
Any color
More colors
Amazon
Free shipping
$65
Zappos
Running Warehouse
REI
Comparison of the 5 best retro sneakers
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