Nike Retro GTS review

Who should buy the Nike Retro GTS

Grab a pair if you're looking for:

• classic-looking sneakers
• minimalist, sporty footwear
• cheap sneaks, especially less than $70
• single-colored canvas sneakers

Who should NOT buy it

If you’re looking for sneakers you can cop in wide width, check these out:

• Nike Blazer Low that won’t cost you over $100
• Vans Era that’s $15 less than the Retro GTS

Check out these kicks if you prefer thicker tongue designs:

• Nike SB Zoom Bruin
• Nike SB Shane

Nike Retro GTS: A retro that never gets old

It started as a "great tennis shoe," and then it turned into a kick intended for skaters in the form of the Nike SB GTS. The GTS is back with a vengeance. It may no longer be the shoe that tennis players and thrashers once looked up to, but it remains a great shoe through and through. Retaining its heritage styling, this old soul gets the approval of sporty sneakerheads and those who appreciate casual wear. If you want more luxe styles to include in your essential wardrobe pieces, check out the Nike GTS 97 that’s covered in soft, short-haired suede. These revival shoes are more appropriate for the colder months than canvas-topped pairs.

Classic chic styling

Buyers of the Nike Retro GTS are pleased with these sneaks' classic vibe and clean, straightforward styling. Its simple construction is given a premium look with the addition of the leather-like tab on the heel, metal eyelets, and embroidered Swoosh logo on the sides.

Easy to mix and match

Thanks to its muted look, strutting this with various clothing is no sweat. Its easy-to-sport will quickly get you through your day's activities while giving you the confidence to run rounds with your board. Its comfortable aesthetic pairs well with joggers, baggy pants, track pants, and cargo pants. The upper is made of recycled canvas that offers the same classic appeal as the throwback Waffle Trainer 2 and Challenger OG.

Its simple-looking but shock-absorbing

This shoe, updated with better quality insoles, will get you through the entire day, from work or school to the park or mall - minus the feeling of soreness underfoot.

Insoles are made cozier and more shock-absorbing than the ones found in the original version. Even with underfoot padding, this shoe still offers a low-to-the-gound profile and excellent connection to the board; if you wish to use it for skateboarding. 

It's light and lets your feet breathe

If you want to go light, Nike Retro GTS is one of the ideal choices. It's covered with a canvas upper and textile lining that’s easy to break in. This fabric-covered pair can be your go-to shoe for your summer escapades compared to most leather sneakers. Breathability is amped up with the help of the extra two eyelets on the side. 

It even skates with a grippy sole

Down below, you'll find the familiar-looking hardwearing vulcanized rubber outsole with a herringbone tread pattern that remains grippy. Its vulc sole offers better boardfeel than the cupsoled ones from the brand. If you're a fan of the gum soles, you'll notice that some of the Retro GTS colorways are made with this. 

Tight-fitting mold

Although made to fit snug, having a fabric upper makes it less constricting than the leather-covered ones. 

Its tongue isn't thickly padded

Its tongue isn't as skinny as that on the full-canvas Nike Court Legacy, but reviewers mentioned it could use more padding. 

Ideal choice to add to your wardrobe rotation

Unlike other classic Nike shoes, the Retro GTS can be obtained without breaking the bank. For less than $70, it doesn't look cheap at all. Its price is as pocket-friendly as the Nike Tanjun and Court Vision Low. 

Nike Retro GTS vs. SB Charge Canvas 

If you’re up for classic shoes without frills, it’s either you take in the ‘90s revival GTS or the SB Charge Canvas. Both are low-priced canvas-covered kicks that work as staple choices for everyday wear and worthwhile shoes to bring to the skate parks. Nike Retro GTS's toe area is wrapped with an extra layer of double-stitched fabric to make it tougher. The SB Charge Canvas has a broader selection when it comes to colorways.