Best Vintage-Inspired Men’s Shoes – The Hollywood Reporter

If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, The Hollywood Reporter may receive an affiliate commission.

Retro sneakers are everywhere, with brands such as New Balance, Nike, Saucony and Adidas re-releasing classic lines and reinventing recognizable silhouettes. Indeed, chunky soles and clean colors are all the rage for spring, often paired with loose clothing and designer tees (or a stylish hoodie, if you prefer).

Related: The best retro sneakers for women

It can be difficult to identify the perfect kick for you. However, amid the flood of new products, a few shoes stand out. So whether you’re loyal to Nike, have an affinity for New Balance, or want to go for something a little different – like Saucony or the revived PF Flyers brand – here are the best retro sneakers for men to buy this season.

1. Saucony Collector’s Pack Sneakers

For the ideal mix of value and freshness, opt for the Saucony Collector’s Pack. You’ll get two limited-edition classic kicks for $300. One of them, a leather reissue of the Shadow 6000, pays homage to an early ’90s connoisseur classic. It’s a comfortable, lightweight shoe, and adds some flashy color to the standard white sneaker. The second is a little more sober, an all-marine Jazz 81. Most ? Only a few hundred were made, so you’re likely to find few others that have them.

2. PF Flyers Center Hi Fashion Mens Sneakers

Best known for his starring role in The Sandlot, PF Flyers are back – and the revived brand is perfect for nostalgic movie buffs who also love retro fashion. The classic Center Hi basketball sneakers (available in other colors and styles) feature iconic design touches like the vertically ribbed toe guard, lug outsole and postion base insert to keep you comfortable in the field or during your races.

3. New Balance x Staud 57/40 trainers

New Balance has teamed up with Los Angeles cult brand Staud for a flashier version of their beloved 57/40 trainers, which feature shiny accents and interchangeable laces.

4. Nike Waffle Debut Sneakers

Nike Waffle Debut Trainers can be dressed up or down, and come in basic colorways that easily match any outfit. But there’s also a flash of modernity, with lightweight and durable materials and a cool heel strap.

5. Victoria Beckham Club C Shoes

6. Veja Rio Branco Sneakers

French shoe brand Veja has been around since 2004, and since then they’ve been in the sustainable shoe game with their organic cotton and natural rubber kicks and fair-trade manufacturing in Brazil. Although they’re known for their V-10s (Eddie Redmayne, Meghan Markle and Emma Watson are just a few who’ve worn the style), the Rio Branco sneakers add some heft to the standard model, offering extra comfort and stability in a retro silhouette made from water-resistant suede and recycled plastic bottles.

7. Adidas Forum Low Shoes

Stan Smiths are among Adidas’ most popular shoes, but the brand Forum low shoes are also worth considering (Bad Bunny even released their own now-out-of-print version in November 2021). The Velcro straps work for a retro, simplistic look – one that’s likely to stick around for a while.

8. Vans Sk8-Hi 38 MTE-1 Shoes

Step back to the late ’70s with Vans’ legendary Sk8-Hi trainers, getting a mountain makeover in this Silhouette MTE-1. Designed to resist water and slippery surfaces, the shoes feature a flexible and durable All-Trac outsole, HydroGuard waterproof membrane, PrimaLoft zonal insulation and UltraCush sock liner with OrthoLite cushioning.

9. Converse UNT1TL3D Sneakers

While you can never go wrong with Converse’s classic Chuck Taylor hi-tops, these modern-yet-retro shoes UNT1TL3D sneakers (also available in black) pay homage to the iconic canvas sneaker with a modern twist, thanks to the thicker translucent sole, utilitarian print, reflective bindings and SmartFoam cushioning. The brand has partnered with John Boyega, Tyler, the Creator and others.

10. VISVIM FKT Running Sneakers

If you’re willing to spend a little more, the VISVIM FKT Runner is an ideal option. (John Mayer, Drake and Ye are often seen in Japanese designer Hiroki Nakamura’s luxury label.) It’s significantly lighter than some of its cheaper counterparts and molded from a combination of Italian suede and Japanese textiles. For that reason, it definitely feels like a luxury option – one that matches the price.