The Best Retro Women’s Sneakers for Stepping Into Spring with Style
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When you’re ready to step out of those high heels and pair your baggy jeans or low-rise denim with something more casual, you can’t go wrong with a great pair of retro kicks. A step up from white kicks, some of the best vintage-inspired sneakers can turn a silk slip dress into a low-key look, or add old-school playfulness to plain tees and denim.
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Wales Bonner and Adidas’ collab has reimagined the classic Samba silhouette — and it consistently sells out each season. On May 1, Nike and Bode will drop their limited-edition Astrograbber shoe inspired by the athletic brand’s original 1974 football style.
Throwback steppers have been seen on Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle, who have worn Veja’s eco-conscious Esplar and V-10 sneakers, respectively. Classic athletic footwear brands like Adidas, New Balance (recently spotted on Taylor Swift) and Nike are regularly seen on stars including J. Lo, Gigi Hadid, Hailey Bieber, Naomi Watts, Shay Mitchell and Katie Holmes, to name just a handful.
Want to add vintage-inspired flair to your spring ensembles without crossing too far into the dad shoe trend or ugly sneaker territory? Here, we’ve rounded up the best retro sneakers for women, from unisex trainers by go-to sportswear labels, to sustainable styles from Everlane, Madewell and others.
V-90 ZZ Leather Sneaker
One of the best eco-friendly sneaker brands, pioneering label Veja is regularly seen on the feet of stars like Meghan Markle, Kate Middleton, Chloe Grace Moretz, Emily Ratajkowski and Emma Watson. These V-90 sneakers — designed in collaboration with Paris-based concept boutique, Centre Commercial — are a nod to the ’90s and are made of 100 percent organic traced leather sourced from Uruguay and recycled polyester and rubber.
Wales Bonner x Adidas Samba Sneakers
You’d be hard-pressed to find anyone who doesn’t look good in Adidas’ cult-favorite Samba sneakers — but for a high-fashion upgrade, opt for Wales Bonner’s limited-edition design. They nod to the iconic silhouette’s soccer roots and feature luxe upgrades, as seen in exaggerated tongue, whipstitch detailing and gold eyelet hardware.
Nike Air Force 1 '07 Next Nature Sneakers
Though Nike has no shortage of vintage-inspired sneakers (think the Cortez and Waffle trainers, to name a few), we’re fans of the sustainable edition of the brand’s classic Air Force 1 ’07 Next Nature kicks. The ’80s-born silhouette features lightweight cushioning and a padded, low-cut collar for comfort, and it’s made from at least 20 percent recycled materials; other colors are available.
Madewell Kickoff Trainer Sneakers
Madewell’s stylish retro trainers will please co-conscious wearers, which are made of sustainably sourced nubuck leather and recycled cotton lining and rubber outsoles. On top of all of that, the shoes are made with the brand’s “supercushy, ultrasupportive” Cloudlift insoles.
Converse Women's Chuck Taylor All-Star High Top Sneakers
$45.99 $68.99 33% off
Originally released in the 1920s, Converse’s classic Chuck Taylor All-Star sneakers have been worn by everyone from punk rockers like the Ramones to rap stars including Snoop Dogg and Ice Cube – not to mention stars like Jessica Alba, Julia Roberts, Bella Hadid and even Malia Obama, to name a few. The iconic footwear brand’s high-top kicks come in a range of colorful canvas and leather options, and you can get them in the Lift Platform Leather silhouette for a statement-making upgrade.
Everlane Tread-Bare Sneakers
Everlane’s Tread-Bare sneakers are made from recycled cotton canvas, 100 percent natural latex rubber and recycled trims. Also available in men’s sizes and other colors, these sleek steppers are the brand’s lowest carbon-impact shoe and boast a “barely there feel.”
Cariuma KonMari by Marie Kondo OCA Low Canvas Sneakers
Step into spring with eco-conscious label Cariuma’s collection with Marie Kondo, which includes the OCA Low sneakers in this muted pink rose print. Other fashionable shades are available, including Ruby Wine, Fuschia Purple, Greenbriar (a shade similar to the one that Dame Helen Mirren wore to Cannes) and more. They feature a vintage-inspired low-top silhouette made of cotton canvas, a mamona oil bio-based cork insert and recycled plastic and organic cotton laces. Plus, for every pair of shoes purchased, the Certified B Corp. plants two trees in the Brazilian rainforest.
New Balance Women's 237 Sneakers
New Balance’s 327 sneakers nod to the brand’s 1970s running heritage while adding modern touches such as the oversized N logo the angular wedge sole and the trail-inspired lug outsole.
Axel Arigato Genesis Vintage Runner Sneaker
Designed by Albin Johansson and Max Svärdh, these Axel Arigato Genesis Vintage Runner Sneakers are made in Portugal from recycled polyester and repurposed leather — making it a great eco-conscious option. (Depending on your size, there are other equally stylish alternatives on sale, too.)
PF Flyers Center Hi Sneaker
The official sneaker of Revolve Festival, PF Flyers was founded in the 1930s by B.F. Goodrich (yes, the old automobile tire company). The brand has since been acquired by designer Kassia Davis (the daughter of New Balance majority owner and chairman Jim Davis), and nostalgia enthusiasts will love the Center Hi sneaker‘s retro basketball touch and comfortable recycled Ortholite foam footbed that helps to keep feet dry.
SeaVees Royal Runners
Seen on Gwyneth Paltrow, SeaVees’ Royal Runner is reportedly one of her favorite styles, and features a beautiful recycled nylon and suede material. The shoe is particularly comfortable thanks to its cozy memory foam footbed. Added bonus: SeaVees donates one percent of its annual revenue to environmental causes through nonprofit 1% For The Planet.
Rothy's Women's RS02 Lace-Up Sneakers
You’ll walk easy in these comfy lace-up sneakers from Rothy’s, made from the brand’s signature knitted material spun from plastic water bottles. The terry-lined shoes channel courtside-ready vibes with grooved soles for traction and durability, and the padded ankle collar is cushioned with excess yarn. The contoured footbed and grooved gum outsoles are made of 20 percent bio-based materials, and the shoes are also conveniently washable.
Vans Old Skool Stackform Sneaker
Whether you’re a Sk8-Hi or low-top type, there’s something for every casual aesthetic from iconic Cali-cool brand Vans. The brand’s classic trainers feature the signature side stripe, a padded collar for comfort and a platform design. They come in other canvas and suede colorways.
TRETORN Women's Rawlins Sneakers
$51 $85.00 40% off
Available in more than 10 stylish colors, Sweden-born brand Tretorn’s Rawlins sneakers evoke the classic tennis shoe silhouette with hints of lavender. These shoes have an EcoOrtholite insole, extra heel cushioning and a natural rubber outsole for all-day comfort, breathability and traction.
Puma Unisex Roma Basic Sneakers
$55.57 $70.00 21% off
Designed for sprinters in 1968, Puma’s vegan Roma sneakers come in stylish leather and suede options and feature a comfortable low-profile cut and a reinforced heel for comfort. (Rihanna has served as creative director for the brand.) The shoes come in men’s sizes, so order 1.5 sizes down for women’s sizing.
Reebok BB 4000 II Women's Shoes
$95 $100.00 5% off
$85 $90 6% off
For a pastel-hued basketball vibe, Reebok’s BB 4000 II kicks scores points in the style and sports-inspired departments.
Rag & Bone Retro Runner Slim Low-Top Sneaker
Earn fashion street cred with Rag & Bone’s Retro Runner Slim low-top sneakers, which feature an EVA midsole and Ortholite footbed to make every step comfortable. They’re made of leather, suede and nylon, and the pop of red on the heel tab stands out in the sea of minimalist white kicks.
Saucony Women's Jazz Original Sneakers
Heritage running brand Saucony is a natural choice if you’re looking for the best retro sneakers for women, men and kids. The label’s Jazz original sneakers come in over a dozen stylish shades, such as this very Renaissance World Tour-ready silver color. Other colors available.
Nike Air Jordan 1 Low Multi-Color Sashiko Sneakers
Swoosh superfans who prefer rare kicks can find some of the coolest retro sneakers at Kicks Crew, the global resale platform for in-demand sneakers and streetwear. (They’ve even got Billie Eilish’s sold-out AF 1 High ’07 collab in the mushroom colorway.) Sneakerheads have an array of options, from the iconic Air Jordans in a low-top silhouette and a spring-ready Sashiko colorway to the legendary Mid 1 “banned” sneakers in bold red and black.
Golden Goose Super-Star Low Top Sneaker
If quiet luxury is your style code, these Golden Goose sneakers are the epitome of low-key luxe. The Italian brand’s pre-scuffed kicks have been sported by Taylor Swift, Selena Gomez, Reese Witherspoon, Megan Fox and many others, and we love that this neutral(ish) silhouette adds some gold sparkle to your step. Wear it with a basic tee and leggings for an off-duty look, or pair it with a casual dress on weekends.
Karl Lagerfeld Panelled Low-Top Sneakers
Long live Karl Lagerfeld, whose charming likeness graces these playful sneakers from his namesake brand. We love the ’80s-inspired design and pink, purple and blue accents — and of course, the charming mini Karl peeking out.
The Row Owen Sneakers
Taylor Swift once wore a cream version of The Row’s Owen runners, which come in black or brown shades that fit seamlessly with wide-leg trousers and denim alike.
Gucci Re-Web Sneakers
For label lovers, Gucci’s Re-Web sneaker will feel like you’re right at home at an Italian coastal resort. From the luxury house’s Gucci Lido collection, the fuschia-accented style designed by Sabato De Sarno is inspired by summers on Italian beaches and is unmistakably Gucci with the original GG canvas material and red and green striped web on the tongue.
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