Sneakers, also known as trainers across the pond, have been around for much longer than most people think. Showing up as early as the 1870s, worn by upper-class men to play tennis and croquet. By the turn of the century, athletic shoes for basketball were becoming popular. After World War I, the popularity of sports and athletics led to the Converse All-Star being endorsed by the basketball player Chuck Taylor. Towards the latter half of the 20th century, sneakers entered the fashion realm, and now, these days, just about every major designer brand makes and markets sneakers. And like any other article of clothing, the style, shape, and fabrication of it goes through trend cycles. Ironically enough, it seems like throwback and retro sneakers are trending, showing up at Paris catwalks, in stores, online, and maybe from the back of your closet. Here are a few nostalgic sneaker styles to consider this season and into next year.
This first one touches not only on sneaker trends, but also those for bags, jackets, and boots this season. Soft suede sneakers — think 1970s gym class — play into the current craze for everything suede. Reebok’s Smash Edge Shoes definitely have a retro flair, as well as a bit of preppy vibes in the clean style that will perfectly add texture to your cold-weather look. For a slightly dressier take, check out Project Cloud’s ROMA Genuine Leather Women’s Sneakers in tan suede. I can’t help but associate suede with tan and beige colors. These neutrals pair well with a more colorful suede shoe, especially when paired with slimmer, minimalist silhouettes.
Speaking of slim, give your chunky aerobic sneakers inspired by the ‘80s a break and look to the ’70s-inspired aforementioned Converse for a simplistic yet versatile sporty shoe. You can go with the Converse classic 70 in the standard black or navy to contrast a button-down, sweater vest, and trouser look. Or pick up one of the limited-time colors like magenta or burnt orange, or as they’ve named them “frozen acai” and “campfire” respectively, to add a pinch of color to everyday jeans worn with a sweatshirt. Another classic slim sneaker is Adidas’ Tokyo Shoes. The graphic black bands can subtly complement a black-and-white outfit of a black denim skirt and winter-white knit.
If you’re feeling bold, check out those Adidas shoes in silver metallic to double down on sneaker trends, as metallic finished trainers are also popular and are more forgiving than heels for an evening out. If you’re looking for more heft in a metallic shoe, then look to New Balance’s #740 in Castlerock Metallic Silver for a thicker-sole sneaker. Of course, the reflective parts are meant for being seen on evening runs, but from an outfitting perspective, they add a cheeky twist on the classic “dad” shoe. Wear them to exercise, as well as when you’re out and about in upcoming holiday looks. To further lean into the holiday vibes with this trend, check out Asics’ Gel-Nimbus 27 Tokyo sneaker in Edo purple with red accents. I enjoy unexpected holiday color pairings like red and purple, and here it is in sneaker form.
And speaking of color, while classic white canvas or black leather sneakers will always be in style, why not lean into the nostalgia of the ‘80s and ‘90s and experiment with colorful pairs this season? For that ‘80s hit, check out neon sneakers like Steve Madden’s Mirage Lace-Up Sneakers in lime. Or Reebok’s Classic AZ Sneaker in Bright Pink. For something a little less loud, but still colorful, look to the ‘90s feel of Zara’s Combination Sneaker in mauve to wear with an edgy, yet feminine look of a maxi-dress and leather jacket. Full disclosure, as a child of the 80s, I remember lots of colors and sounds, whilst as a teen of the 90s, everything was very dramatic, forlorn, and dark. So, my style take may be a bit skewed when it comes to those decades.
Lastly, the low-top, court-type sneakers. Timeless and easy to wear, like the sneakers you may have had growing up, like Uniqlo’s Suede Combination Sneaker. In either black or off-white, this simple shoe can pair with a pleated skirt and sweater, just as easily as with track pants and a denim jacket. For a pair with a bit more texture and color options, look to Sperry’s Run About Sneakers in Navy or Red.
The great thing about sneakers in this day and age is that they are the rare fashion item that has true function. The trends of the past, like platform sneakers or wedge sneakers, had their moments, but sneakers always come back to being a wearable, yet stylish shoe. And let’s face it, you probably already have a workable pair of trainers in your closet; they just may need a scrub up.
