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There’s no denying that retro sneakers are a bonafide thing. Each year, a rebirth of some classic sneaker style gains mass traction, making it the It shoe of the year. These sneakers are often catapulted to stardom by the stars themselves—think A-listers, supermodels, and street style regulars whose adoption en masse turn them into a closet staple. But more often than not, trends often start on the runway, and contemporary designers have pushed the retro sneaker agenda forward the past few seasons. Their contemporary interpretations have caused a frenzy of waitlists, further proving that when it comes to your sneaker game, all things vintage-inspired is still definitely en mode.
Vogue’s Guide to Must-Have Retro Runners:
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The spring/summer 2025 runways were packed with throwback-inspired kicks, from color-blocked styles at Miu Miu paired with the dreamiest, sporty separates, to Loewe’s reworked Ballet runner, this time offered in a high-top as well as a low-top, and Proenza Schouler’s graphic sneakers paired with asymmetrical hemlines. The streets don’t lie, either. Our editors spotted a flurry of cool kicks snapped all Fashion Month long—our best bets being on all things suede, whether that be from true sneaker brands and their OG silhouettes, or those designer takes.
We do have a few pointers to keep things feeling truly fresh this season. Consider something slimmer and sleeker in design, rather than chunkier, like the Tokyo or Taekwondo from Adidas or Puma’s Speedcat (a favorite of Emily Ratajkowski and Dua Lipa). Should you want to go the designer route, Dries Van Noten’s retro runner or Prada’s satin and nylon spin are well worth the investment, in this category, as well. And don’t be afraid to experiment with bold colors, either. Vibrant, primary shades or contrast, color-blocking ensure a little bit of warm weather-appropriate whimsy…but don’t worry, we have plenty of minimalist-friendly picks, too.
The true selling point for each and everyone of these styles is their extreme wearability. Simple designs offer endless styling potential—whether that be with your favorite office-ready dresses during the work week, poplin shorts and T-shirts on the weekend, or even a minidress for a night out, so go ahead, grab a few while you are at it.
Below, shop 36 retro sneaker styles that you are sure to live in all year long.
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