Retro Sneakers Are Super Trendy—Here Are 8 Pairs to Shop

It’s no secret that the fashion industry has a soft spot for nostalgia. Even with a new crop of it-girls dominating the scene, late sartorial muses like Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly, Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy, and Princess Diana continue to inspire us, plus trends from bygone eras are constantly resurfacing. For one, arguably the biggest sneaker trend of the moment is the retro look, with brands dipping into their archives and reinterpreting pairs from the most notable decades, including the ‘70s, ‘80s, and ‘90s. Whether you’re drawn to slim runners or colorful high-tops, old-school kicks are ruling the scene in 2025. Ahead, learn all about the retro sneaker trend in 2025, from the must-have styles to the hottest products on the market.

About the Trend

The growing interest in retro-inspired sneakers became evident during the spring 2025 fashion weeks, when a surge of reimagined styles made their way down the runways. First, Proenza Schouler debuted classic black and white leather low-rise sneakers. At Miu Miu, slim color-block kicks that harked back to the ‘70s caught every show-goer’s attention. There were also Dries Van Noten’s suede sneakers, while Loewe presented a ballet-style runner, offering the shoe in low- and high-top silhouettes. 

Celebrity style has put a slew of retro-inspired sneakers back on everyone’s radar, as well. Take the Puma Speedcat OG Sneakers, for instance: Thanks to A-listers like Emily Ratajkowski, Dua Lipa, and Rihanna, who have all expressed their love for the silhouette  (originally debuted in 1999 for Formula One drivers), it’s become catnip for fashion folks everywhere. Stealing the beloved Adidas Sambas’ thunder, the brand’s retro SL 72 runners, which first launched in 1949 as a soccer shoe, have reached it-sneaker territory as of late. Its impressive celebrity fan base certainly doesn’t hurt; stars like Bella Hadid, Suki Waterhouse, and even Timothée Chalamet have worn the shoes.

Types of Retro Sneakers

Of course, retro sneakers span a range of styles, encompassing trends over the decades and ensuring there’s an option out there for every taste. Ahead, we’ve broken down a few of the main categories to know.

Slim

An antithesis to the chunky silhouette that had a grip on the masses for years, slim kicks have taken over in 2025. In March, The New York Times published an article titled “Is the Giant Sneaker Trend Over?”—and that does seem to be the case for the moment.

Puma’s Speedcat silhouette is arguably leading the charge: Last year, it was nearly impossible to snag a pair, as they were selling out at warp speed. But the heritage sportswear company isn’t the only one capitalizing on the slender look. On the luxury front, Prada released its incredibly narrow Collapse elastic sneakers. Contemporary labels like Reformation, J.Crew, and Vivaia have jumped on the bandwagon, too.

Suede

After Puma released its suede sneakers in 1968, initially for track athletes and basketball players, the look soon went mainstream. Perhaps the most popular pair in recent years has been the Miu Miu and New Balance sneakers, which debuted on the former’s spring 2024 runway. A favorite of influencers like Annabel Rosendahl and Débora Rosa, the shoes are nearly all sold out at the moment—a testament to the silhouette’s cult status.

For a more affordable option, brands like Veronica Beard and Reformation have designed sleek, no-fuss pairs. Compared to other throwback-inspired sneakers making a return, suede silhouettes feel a bit more dressy, making them a good option for going out or if you’re less into athletic kicks.

Colorful

In 2025, the fashion motto seems to be the more color, the better—at least, as far as sneakers are concerned. This comes over 40 years after vibrant kicks first became popular, as the ‘80s ushered in bright footwear designed by the likes of Nike, Adidas, and Reebok. These days, color-happy sneakers are available in everything from slender shapes to luxe materials like suede and leather.

The best part about the trend? It’s sure to put some pep in your step. A pair of kicks in a vivid palette—perhaps incorporating some of summer’s top trending colors—is an ideal way to incorporate a bit of dopamine dressing into your everyday style.

High-Tops

Though high-tops haven’t necessarily left the fashion world since making a splash in the ‘80s, they’ve recently received something of a fashion facelift. This year, Larroudé made its first foray into the sneaker world, debuting chic suede high-tops in a range of neutral colors. Reebok, on the other hand, teamed up with Anine Bing to put a fashion-forward spin on its fan-favorite Freestyle high-top shoes.

Boxing-inspired high-tops circa the ‘80s are also having a moment right now, thanks to brands like Stella McCartney, LaQuan Smith (which partnered with Puma), and Steve Madden. No matter which you choose, modern takes on the style are offering a trend-forward twist that feels truly fresh.

The Best Retro Sneakers to Shop

What are you waiting for? Throw it back to your favorite decade—be it the ‘70s, the ‘80s, or the ‘90s—with one of the retro-inspired sneakers ahead. We’re pleased to report that the nostalgic footwear trend shows no signs of slowing down.