Techy, tricked-out trainers are par for the course with today’s sneaker trends. So, if you really want to take your footwear game in a bold new direction, look to the past, not the future, for inspiration.

Eye-popping coloured suede, ice-white mesh, foamy midsoles and simple styling. Retro running shoes aren’t going to win any prizes for mind-bending tech by today’s standards, but they get things done. And, in terms of looks, they leave most of their modern counterparts way back on the starting blocks.

It’s the trend that never died. Retro runners have become almost as evergreen as a pair of Chuck Taylors, resiliently stylish and capable of working with a number of different looks. So now is as good a time as any to add a pair to your shoe rack.

Why You Need A Pair

Minimalist, hi-top, suede, chunky trainers – there’s a number of timeless styles that should be in every man’s rotation, but these retro sneakers are up there with the best.

These golden oldies may not boast the same technical prowess as the featherlight track footwear doing the rounds today, but they more than compensate for it in their good looks and casual versatility.

Saucony Jazz OG Vintage

There’s something about that sporty silhouette and simple styling that lends itself very nicely to anything from jeans and a T-shirt to joggers and a hoodie. These shoes are weekend warriors through and through, a great starting point for many a casual outfit. That makes them great value for money, too.

Then there’s the history. Heritage is a hot commodity in men’s fashion, and knowing that the shoes on your feet paved the way to success for one of the biggest sports brands on the face of the Earth, or facilitated the winning of a gold medal at the 1972 Olympic Games is, well, kinda cool.

Onitsuka Tiger Corsair

How To Wear Retro Running Shoes

If you’re used to wearing minimal sneakers, you’ll feel right at home in retro runners. Both are fairly interchangeable and can be worn with a range of outfits, although minimal sneaks are more formal friendly.