10 Best Retro Sneakers in 2022

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.
Overview of this guide
How we test sneakers
How we pick the best retro 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
Corescore
The Corescore is a score from 0-100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. Below shows the distribution of scores for all sneakers.
This shoe has a 10% penalty on its user ratings because it has fewer than 50 ratings. This is to avoid that shoes with few ratings unjustly receives high scores.
Learn more- Top 1% most popular sneakers
Pros
- Attention-grabbing throwback look
- Well-cushioned insole
- Incredibly clean details
- Suitable for various outfits
- No visible wear after several uses
- Easy to clean
- Striking shades
- Reasonably priced
Cons
- Insufficient lockdown feel
- Fits wider than expected
- Released in a limited quantity
Verdict
Corescore
The Corescore is a score from 0-100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. Below shows the distribution of scores for all sneakers.
- Top 29% in sneakers
- Top 17% in New Balance sneakers
- Top 1% most popular sneakers
Pros
- Fashionably sporty
- Well-ventilated upper
- Chic colorways
- Superb grip
- Lightweight
- Suitable for driving
- Budget-friendly
Cons
- Average quality only
- Tight on the midfoot and forefoot
Verdict
Best Nike retro sneakers
Corescore
The Corescore is a score from 0-100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. Below shows the distribution of scores for all sneakers.
- Top 1% most popular sneakers
Pros
- Stylishly unique
- Reasonably priced
- Premium detail
- Lightweight
- Well-ventilated
- Grippy
- Spacious toe box
- Long-lasting
Cons
- Not bouncy
- Irritating seams
Verdict
Corescore
The Corescore is a score from 0-100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. Below shows the distribution of scores for all sneakers.
- Top 11% in sneakers
- Top 6% in Nike sneakers
- Top 1% most popular sneakers
Pros
- Unique design
- Elevated
- Versatile (goes with any outfit)
- Lightweight
- Cute colorway
- Excellent quality
- Comfortable right out of the box
Cons
- Looks bulky
- Darker in person
Verdict
Best Adidas retro sneakers
Corescore
The Corescore is a score from 0-100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. Below shows the distribution of scores for all sneakers.
- Top 27% in sneakers
- Top 27% in low top 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
Corescore
The Corescore is a score from 0-100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. Below shows the distribution of scores for all sneakers.
This shoe has a 10% penalty on its user ratings because it has fewer than 50 ratings. This is to avoid that shoes with few ratings unjustly receives high scores.
Learn more- Top 6% most popular sneakers
Pros
- Looks and feels premium
- Undeniable retro charm
- Progressive comfiness
- Crisp detailing
- Street-centric versatility
- Crazy affordable
- 50% are recycled materials
- Basketball-inspired
- Very soft leather
Cons
- Roomy fit for some
- Break-in needed
- Color might bleed
Verdict
Best high top retro sneakers
Corescore
The Corescore is a score from 0-100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. Below shows the distribution of scores for all sneakers.
- Top 18% in sneakers
- Top 26% in Converse sneakers
- Top 2% most popular sneakers
Pros
- Stylish
- Uniquely-modified Chucks
- Comfy
- Elevated
- Lightweight
- Pairs well with any attire
- Supportive
Cons
- Gets dirty easily
- Laces are too long
- Lacks traction
Verdict
Corescore
The Corescore is a score from 0-100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. Below shows the distribution of scores for all sneakers.
This shoe has a 10% penalty on its user ratings because it has fewer than 50 ratings. This is to avoid that shoes with few ratings unjustly receives high scores.
Learn more- Top 8% most popular sneakers
Pros
- Responsive cushioning
- Eye-catching
- Lockdown feel
- Long-lasting
- All-rounder
- Lightweight
Cons
- Hard to put on
- Sells out fast
- Pricey
Verdict
Best value retro sneakers
Corescore
The Corescore is a score from 0-100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. Below shows the distribution of scores for all sneakers.
- Top 1% most popular sneakers
Pros
- Hip
- Easy to dress
- Long-lasting
- Comfortable all-day wear
- Premium quality
- Easy to clean
- Affordable
Cons
- Narrow
Verdict
Corescore
The Corescore is a score from 0-100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. Below shows the distribution of scores for all sneakers.
- Top 2% most popular sneakers
Pros
- Comfortable
- Retro
- Made to last
- Attractively colored
- Cheaply-priced
- Lightweight
- Supportive
Cons
- Roomy toebox
- Crease marks
- Rubs against the heel
- Not too squishy
Verdict
What are the most popular retro sneakers in 2022?
What are the cheapest retro sneakers in 2022?
- Puma R78 - from £17
- Puma Caracal - from £21
- Asics Japan S - from £22
- Nike Court Legacy - from £23
- Puma City Rider - from £23
- Reebok Club C Legacy - from £26
- Nike Air Max SC - from £26
- Nike Blazer Low 77 Vintage - from £30
- Asics Gel Lyte III OG - from £32
- Adidas Continental 80 Stripes - from £34
- Asics Gel BND - from £36
- Vans Sk8-Mid - from £36
- Converse Unt1Tl3D - from £36
- Adidas ZX 700 HD - from £36
- Fila Trigate - from £37