20 Vintage-Inspired Sneakers For a Perfectly Retro Look

Between the TikTok girlies, Instagram celebs, and streetwear savants, everyone seems to have a pair of Adidas Sambas. Even better, people are wearing them with otherwise more formal ensembles to achieve that “cool girl” look. Personally, I’ve worn my first pair to death.

This shoe is so classic, they had to put it in the name. People have been wearing Reebok sneakers since the ’50s, and I recently counted 12 people wearing them within a single day.

It’s never a question of whether you should wear (or buy) a pair of classic Converse sneakers. The answer is always yes. These bad boys will always be in style.

My dad wore these as a kid, so did my mom…and so did my sister and I. We all still have and wear them to this day.

Not only are GANNI and New Balance a dream team, but they also make their collaboration super accessible to shoppers.

Since 1973, people all over the world have been rocking Nike Blazers. Now, it’s your turn. This iconic shoe is known for its comfort and loved for its retro look. You can even customize the shoe with colors and prints for a totally personalized look.

Do I even need to explain why these are reminiscent of Y2K? I personally own these and rarely wear any other shoes, if I’m being honest.

The low-profile sole on these is so old-school. The flat foot combined with the striped detailing makes for a trendy shoe that will pair perfectly with almost anything.

With the flat sole, brushed suede, and muted green, these are undeniably nostalgic shoes. The distressing is an added bonus and really puts these over the top.

A girl can dream right? I would do anything for these Loewe kicks. They’re edgy, chic, and timeless all at once.

Something about Velcro instead of laces just screams “retro” to me. These Isabel Marant sneakers are a chic take on the style. Plus, you’ll love the easy slip-on silhouette.

The Stan Smith is the quintessential vintage sneaker. People have been wearing them forever, or at least it seems like it. Adidas cranks out different styles, collaborations, and colors within the Stan Smith collection, so there’s something for everyone.

A Nike Low Dunk is an obvious addition to any sneaker collection. It’s simple yet snazzy, and sneakerheads often trade these, as they tend to increase in worth each year. These pair with low-rise jeans or a midi slip dress flawlessly.

Rag & Bone makes a great sneaker that’s simple, timeless, and wearable. The neutral hue makes it super versatile, too.

Everybody loves sustainable shoe brand Veja, including ELLE. This model offers a more vintage take on the brand’s classic style but maintains the quality you know and love.

In case you can’t get your hands on the highly coveted Aimé Leon Dore collab, here’s another fan favorite from New Balance. Sure, they’re giving ’80s grandfather, but that translates to chic, edgy, and cool by 2023 standards.

The distressed leather on these Golden Goose kicks definitely looks vintage in a must-have way. They toe the line of “well-worn” without crossing into “dirty” territory. Paired with a relaxed denim, this shoe is seriously fashionable.

Similar to a chunky New Balance sneaker, Madewell’s take on the retro sneaker looks ultra clean. The subtle pops of neutral tones make them especially wearable.

These balance function and form perfectly. I’ve seen these paired with athleisure, jeans, and even trousers. It’s a great look at an even better price.

This sneaker makes me think of an elevated bowling shoe, and I mean that as a good thing.