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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Lifestyle
Peter Bevan

Best retro trainers for men, from Adidas to New Balance

Look no further than Gucci’s recent collaboration with Adidas, featuring retro tracksuits, RTW, and, more importantly, trainers, to see that nostalgia is in - and it’s here to stay.

Luckily, nearly every major sneaker brand offers a throwback design so you can get the look without investing over £500 on Gucci’s take on the trend.

From the classic silhouette to the bold colour palette, retro kicks take their style cues from running trainers in the 70s and 80s, often crafted using a mixture of mesh, suede and leather, all juxtaposed in a panelled design. Primarily derived from performance shoes, they offer maximum comfort without compromising on style. Whether you’re partial to Adidas’ iconic triple stripe, Nike’s Swoosh, or Puma’s wave, a defining feature is the logo or pattern on the side that’s usually in a contrast colour.

The best part? They go with almost anything. You can use them to dress down a slouchy suit for a smart casual affair, fully commit to the trend by pairing them with a full tracksuit, or simply wear them with a pair of jeans and a white T-shirt - either way, the bold colour means you can either go for a matchy-matchy outfit, or can opt for a contrast instead.

The only problem... once you start wearing them, you’ll never want to take them off. Keep scrolling to discover our favourites available right now.

Reebok LX2200 Shoes Blue Slate Cold Grey Core Black

With a history dating back to 1895, Reebok has a vast archive to pull from - and these particular trainers are looking back to the 1970s. With contrast blue and white detailing, a classic silhouette and vintage logos, these vintage kicks are given a up-to-date look with sharp lines and rugged edges. 1970, but make it 2022.

Buy now £52.50, Reebok

Puma Smash v2 Trainers

If you’re not into bright colours, fear not, because German brand Puma has got you covered. A tennis-inspired take on the trend, these are a smashing pair of trainers that are made for off the court. Designed in an understated monochrome palette, they’re a versatile addition to any shoe rack.

Buy now £52.00, Puma

Adidas Gazelles

A Harry Styles favourite, Adidas’ classic Gazelles are an authentic reissue of the 90s-era style. Featuring the same textures and materials as the 1991 version, these are a prime example of a vintage sneaker at its best.

Originally a training shoe for indoor sports like football and handball, they have since been adopted by all anyone with a love for 90s nostalgia. If burgundy isn’t the colour for you, there are 18 others to choose from.

Buy now £75.00, Adidas

Converse Chuck 70 Classic

Perhaps the most iconic high-top on the market, Converse’s Chuck 70s will forever be a classic. Dating back to 1917, this style began life on the basketball court before making a fashion comeback in 2013 when it became a streetwear staple. The star patch and classic cream colourway ramps up the shoe’s vintage style.

Buy now £80.00, Converse

Diadora Game L Low Waxed

Popular in the 80s, Italian sportswear brand Diadora has been having a resurgence in recent years - and its iconic trainers live up to the brand’s heyday rep. A unisex style, these leather kicks boast a graphic logo detail in green, a sporty silhouette, and have been waxed for extra protection and water-resistance. A wardrobe staple that will last.

Buy now £75.00, Diadora

New Balance 574

King of the dad-trainer trend, New Balance is the go-to for a pair of retro trainers. Offering a vast range of classic silhouettes in endless colours, there’s a style for everyone. Known as the brand’s flagship sneaker, the 574s, which were originally made for running, are perhaps the most iconic style. Go for the red for a perky addition to any outfit.

Buy now £100.00, New Balance

Axel Arigato A-Dice Lo Sneaker

Founded in 2014, Axel Arigato has become a cult favourite for sneakerheads globally in as little as eight years. One of the brand’s more recent additions, the A-Dice Lo sneaker, takes vintage design details like suede and leather panelling and a bold contrast logo, and gives them a modern update with the use of recycled fabrics and a colourful sole. Handcrafted in Portugal, they’re well made sneakers that will stand the test of time.

Buy now £195.00, Axel Arigato

Saucony Shadow 5000 Trainers

Featuring a panelled construction and contrast trims, running brand Saucony’s Shadow 5000s combine the comfort of performance wear with a modern sporty aesthetic for a trainer that wouldn’t look out of place on a 80s running track. Originally released in 1985 as a running shoe, they’ve since been adopted by the fashion world - but still offer the same comfort and stability as the original.

Buy now £120.00, Saucony

Veja Riobranco Trainers

As the front-runner in the ethical sneaker market, Veja creates its trainers using recycled and ethical fabrics without chemicals or pollution. The Riobrancos are no exception and would make a great addition to any trainer collection.

Buy now £110.00, Office

Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66

Japanese brand Onitsuka Tiger, now owned by sportswear giant Asics, has been creating trainers since 1949. The Mexico 66 is a blend of two of the brand’s classic training shoes released in the 60s, combining the throwback aesthetic with modern design features for perhaps its most iconic shoe yet.

Buy now £85.00, Onitsuka Tiger

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