The Best Styles of Old-School Sneakers

You can't go wrong with any of these classic sneaker styles. These five picks have been around for nearly two decades and are still top sellers in casual sneakers. Just choose a style and chances are you can find it available in almost any color combination imaginable.

01
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Adidas Campus Sneakers

Adidas Campus 2
Adidas

The Campus was originally a basketball shoe that became a hip-hop phenomenon. Now, this 80s classic is required footwear for any student of sneakerology. Suede upper for luxurious comfort and good looks. Adidas Gazelles are equally as good.

02
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Retro Air Jordans

Nike Air Jordan Retro 1
Nike

Air Jordans are still the most popular signature sneaker, particularly amongst men. There are so many editions of this sneaker and they are all considered equally hot. The Nike Jordan is what put Nike on the map in the urban arena and crossed the line between athletic and casual sneakers.

03
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Converse Chuck Taylors

Converse Chuck Taylors
Converse

Probably one of the world's most popular sneakers ever, Converse offers a classic design that hasn't changed in years. These kicks can be found on people of all ages and across many subcultures. You can never go wrong with a pair of Chucks.

04
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Adidas Superstar

Adidas Shell Toes
Adidas

The original Adidas Superstar basketball shoes, also known as shell toes, were the first low tops with an all-leather upper. Shell toes were first made popular by hip-hop legends, Run-DMC and have been a constant hit ever since.

05
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Puma Suede Clydes

Puma Suede Clydes
Puma

Timelessly cool, this low-cut sneaker features a soft, suede upper with perforated side and contrast line detail. It's safe to say that many sneaker fanatics first started collecting Puma Suedes in various colors before moving on to other brands.

06
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Vans Sk8 Hi

Vans Sk8 Hi
Vans

These ​old-school sneakers by Vans are one of the longest running skateboard shoe models ever. They're slick, flexible and extremely versatile. Also called Van Old Skools, you can find these in a variety of cool colors and prints.

07
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New Balance Classics

New Balance Classics
New Balance

Classic styling, a simple retro feel, and comfort come easy to all kicks from New Balance. Introduced in the late 80s, the New Balance 574 is an extremely versatile and classic retro sneaker that keeps coming out in new colors.

Now popular on college campuses and the streets of east and coast cities, the 574 is a classic retro-style running shoe featuring an ENCAP midsole for added support, plus a Nubuck leather upper for endurance and a super casual outdoor vibe. You can never go wrong with New Balance shoes. They are sharp on looks and great for your feet and back.

08
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Nike Air Force 1

Nike Air Force 1
Nike

Originally released in 1982, the Air Force 1 is Nike’s best-selling sneaker of all time. Grab a pair of all-white ones and wear them with crisp new jeans. It's the most classic look found on every block.

09
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Adidas Top 10

Adidas Top Ten
Adidas

Back in 1979, the Adidas' Top Ten basketball sneaker made its entry into the Adidas basketball line-up. Tried and tested by ten of the NBA's finest, this shoe is reborn with a clean style, and a synthetic leather upper built for comfort. Lighter and less bulky than the Adidas Forum, those who like less to carry around, choose the Top Ten over the Forums.

10
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Nike Blazer

Nike Blazers
Nike

Originally released in 1972, the Nike Blazers are super casual high-top sneakers that feature a high-cut style with​ plenty of ankle support, and a rubber outsole for supreme traction on city streets and nightclub dance floors. Nike Blazers are probably one of the coolest sneakers ​around! Blazers can be worn with just about anything. These are the type of sneakers you add to your collection in various colors and materials!

11
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PF Flyers Center Canvas

PF Flyers
PF Flyers

The Center is the authentic basketball shoe from the 1940's with a Posture Foundation cushion and signature ribbed toe. This version is wrapped in canvas with the classic PF ankle patch. If you get tired of your old Chuck Taylors, grab yourself a pair of PF Flyers.

12
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Saucony Jazz

Saucony Jazz
Saucony

Saucony's Jazz model is what I call the ultimate beater sneakers! Why is that? These are what I use to clean in, run errands, move, and travel. They are so light on your feet, comfortable, and extremely durable. Saucony Jazz is available in any color scheme imaginable. They provide great traction from the rubber outsole and a durable nylon/suede upper with padded tongue and collar. Grab a few pairs today!

13
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Reebok Classic

Reebok Classic
Reebok

Released in 1987, Reebok's classic nylon sneaker is retro cool and vintage slick. Featuring a suede/mesh upper with foam sock liner and rubber outsole, these kicks are infamous on the streets and are commonly worn with dark blue baggy denim and fresh white or gray t-shirts. Popular colors are white, black, grays, and navy blues. You can check out more awesome colorways and selections right here.

14
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Nike Cortez

Nike Cortez
Nike

Prominent in international street scenes since the early 80's, the Nike Cortez is a true classic and defines the retro look. Featuring a durable bottom and a lightweight nylon upper for easygoing comfort, the Cortez is clean cut and can accommodate any outfit.

15
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Adidas Samoa

Adidas Samoa
Adidas

First introduced in 1977 as a training shoe, the Samoa took game day to the streets and has become a decades-long fan favorite. The Samoa’s durability and lasting style meant it wasn’t going anywhere as its popularity grew. Known for its signature suede toe box and distinctive Trefoil tread, the Samoa is available in a wide range of colors and has the versatility to dominate any scene.

16
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Vans Era

Vans Era
Vans

In 1975, the Vans #95, known today as the Era was designed by Tony Alva and Stacy Peralta. With a padded collar and different color combinations, the Era became the shoe of choice for a generation of skateboarders due to the non-slip bottom making it easier to grip better. Since the seventies, they steadily have become one of the most prominent sneakers in the world.

Yes, Vans are becoming more visible than Chuck Taylors, and in some countries, even Nike. The Vans Era or Core Classics the most popular style on the global streets, followed by their basic slip-ons. No matter what model you dig, Vans sneakers are the most versatile and flexible kicks. Solid black Eras or checkered slip-ons are the most common. Find one to match your personality.

17
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Nike Vandal

Nike Vandals
Nike

The Nike Vandal was produced from only 1984 to 1987 for basketball as their sole purpose. And instead of using leather, Nike constructed the shoe with thick canvas or nylon. Nike Vandals that featured the nylon were named Nike Vandal Supreme and were sold with different colored sets of laces and a velcro ankle support strap that came in a three-way color scheme.

Nike Vandals were one of the first fashionable basketball sneakers by Nike. The Nike Vandal and Nike Vandal Supreme resurfaced in 2003 when as an assortment of specials editions were launched: the Jim Morrison, the Haight Street, and the Geoff McFetridge. In 2004, camouflage and Premium editions were released.

18
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The Reebok Pump

Reebok Pump
Reebok

The Reebok Pump was the first shoe to have an internal inflation mechanism that regulated a unique fitting cushion in the upper tongue. Widely popular in the early 90s, it was first released as a basketball shoe which was quite expensive compared to other retail athletic shoes at the time. And because of that, it became something of a status symbol on urban basketball courts and eventually in suburban high schools.

19
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Keds Champion

Keds Champion
Keds

Mostly popular amongst girls and women, Keds sneakers became a suburban hit in the mid-80s. They were very trendy in high school gyms, fairs, and malls. You could find them on the feet of cheerleaders and soccer moms alike. They appealed to the preppy, the conservative and/or the dainty. Though still popular today, the Keds Champion has seen its better days as prom queen. However, I'm sure your mom still loves them.

20
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Tretorn Nylite

Tretorn Nylite
Tretorn

As popular in high school as K-Swiss and Keds were to the preppies, Tretorns were equally as famous. An old school name with an old school tennis player's name attached to it, Tretorns first came through the teen scene through the tennis jocks. These super casual trainers were commonly worn without socks.