These Retro Sneakers Are the Key to Nailing That Model Off-Duty Look

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As someone who will always and forever be a sneaker girly, there's nothing more exciting than discovering a favorite new style. Whether it be finding sneakers for work, a leather pair that's easy to clean, or new designer sneakers when I'm in the mood to treat myself (RIP to my wallet), a good sneaker is the perfect way to finish off any outfit. Luckily, it doesn't take much searching to find cool sneakers that are not only functional but fashion-forward. Today's coolest sneakers aren't new styles, though. Instead, brands are tapping into the archives to revive the best retro sneakers, which somehow look even cooler than they did back in their original prime (just ask any Bella Hadid street style 'fit).

Iconic sneaker brands (think Nike, Adidas, Converse, New Balance) are seeing major success with retro-inspired styles. While some may be hard to get your hands on, there are plenty of throwback kicks to go around. Ahead, I've compiled some of this year's hottest retro sneakers to shop now—from chunky steppers to sleek all-white sneakers that are perf for wearing literally everywhere and anywhere.

If you need a new pair of vintage-inspired sneakers in your life (which you absolutely do!), keep scrolling to find your match made in heaven.

Samba OG Shoes

Spotted on celebs like Bella Hadid, Kendall Jenner, and Kaia Gerber, the Adidas Samba sneaker has managed to put the fashion world in a chokehold. And since they pretty much go with anything, we totally understand how they quickly became the new "It girl" shoe.

THE REVIEW: "Love the style, very smart and can be work with jeans, leggings or dresses," one buyer writes.

Made in USA 990v4 Core

There's a good chance that your dad had a pair of sneakers that looked just like these in the '80s and '90s. Who knew he would be so ahead of his time?

THE REVIEW: "I am in love with these shoes. They are by far the most comfortable pair of sneakers I’ve ever worn," one reviewer writes. "They are versatile and stylish as well. I’ve dressed them up with leather trousers and a blazer, and dressed them down with black leggings and a crewneck. I may be a New Balance girl for life!"

Old Skool Shoe

You may recognize this iconic skater shoe from the old Tumblr days, but I honestly can't see this low-top silhouette (also available with a platform!) going out of style ever.

THE REVIEW: "I've had a pair of these for ~8 years. They are by far the most durable pair of shoes I have ever owned. My pair is ready for retirement and I will definitely be ordering another any day! I absolutely love these shoes. They're simple, durable and I always feel like a bad-*** wearing them," one buyer writes.

Club C 85 Vintage Shoes

With a timeless, easy-to-wear style, this unisex sneaker has always been a go-to option when looking for a lightweight white sneaker. You really can't get much simpler than these.

THE REVIEW: "These are the only shoes that I have bought for the pasta 20 plus years. They are very comfortable and I am on my feet for 12hrs a day on concrete floors. I have tried the other brands and didn't like them nearly as much as these. Do yourself a favor and get a pair, your feet will love you," writes a reviewer.

Shadow 5000 Premium

These sporty sneaks got a major update since they were first released in 1989. Plus, if you're a fan of fun color combos, you'll love all the other color options Saucony has to offer.

THE REVIEW: "I’ve worn a lot of trainers in my time and these are by far the best yet. Supportive and comfy - I feel I could walk 500 miles. They also look really cool too," writes a customer.

Dunk Low Shoes

If you haven't gone through your Nike Dunk phase, here's your sign to do so now. This highly-rated style is a major throwback to the '80s, but between the comfort and many color combos, there's a reason why these are still going strong almost four decades later.

THE REVIEW: "I love my pandas. They literally go with everything (even when you think they don't... they do). One of the most comfortable shoes. I have wide feet and sometimes have to size up but not with my dunks," a reviewer write about the black and white version of the shoe.

Gazelle Shoes

They're versatile, available in sooo many cute color combos, AND Harry Styles loves them. Need we say more?

THE REVIEW: "These are my 1st pair of Gazelles and they are super comfortable not to mention so stylish - love them! Now I’m ready to purchase a green pair and a purple pair," jokes a reviewer

550 Sneakers

This vintage-inspired leather shoe originally debuted in the '80s, and just like a fine wine, it's only gotten better with time. Plus, who doesn't love a pop of green?

THE REVIEW: "So so comfortable…fits like a glove with tons of cloud support," writes reviewer.

Notice Sneakers

There's something so satisfying when it comes to using your sneakers as your outfit's pop of color. Available in green, pink, gold, and more, this sneaker is bringing allll the retro vibes.

THE REVIEW: "Wow!🤩 not only are they so cute, they are really comfortable! The arch is perfect and the heal doesn’t rub! I’ve gotten so many compliments on them," raves a customer.

Gel-NYC

Okay, elementary school me would've been so mad to have to wear these to gym class, but now that retro-inspired sneakers are in style, I def want to get my hands on these stylish cushioned shoes immediately.

THE REVIEW: A reviewer writes, "Loved the shoes. My first pair of ASICS and they did wonders with comfort and style. I 100% recommend if you’re into great looking shoes with the style to match."

Stan Smith Shoes

Now made with recycled materials, this staple trainer has managed to stay relevant even 50 years later.

THE REVIEW: "Cute details but stays true to his classic! Great basic white sneaker to wear with everything," writes a reviewer.

574 Core Sneaker

Sure, it's giving your dad in the '80s, but this best-selling New Balance sneaker is cool by 2024 standards. Plus, it's available in a ton of cute color combos, so you can be cute AND comfortable.

THE REVIEW: "Hard to find comfortable shoes with proper support," writes a reviewer. "Always had problems with my feet, including flat feet & heel spurs. These have soft cushioning and proper support. I walk all day on cement floors, and these are comfortable and fashionable!"

Chuck Taylor All Star

Here's the thing—a pair of high-top Converse will never go out of style. Although I'm a sucker for the classic black look, the sneaker is available in over 10 more colors and customizable.

THE REVIEW: "I wear them for work and for sports like track or softball practice in the gym. Even for every day wear. They feel amazing and also help with ankle support so I don’t have to use a brace. They are easily my top go-to shoes," writes a reviewer.

Blazer Mid '77 Shoes

Blazers will always be the kind of shoe you see someone wearing and think, "dang, they're cool." Plus, these '70s classics are available in an updated low top version and platform version for all my fellow vertically-challenged folks.

THE REVIEW: "This is my second pair of Blazers and I love them because they are a sleek mid top style that looks good with everything. Love the higher, neutral tone on this one. I order 1 size up from my usual size in the Blazers," writes a tester.

Unisex Sportstyle Shoes

It's honestly so embarrassing to think of all the Pinterest posts I've saved of these sneakers, but can you blame me? They're built for athletes (aka not me, lol), but look soooo good as streetwear.

THE REVIEW: "Bought these shoes before a Disney trip and barely had time to break them in, but turns out I didn’t even need to. Walked in them all day, everyday, for a whole week and never got tired. Although the colorway is something I never imagined myself wearing, it was so easy to style. These shoes go with anything and everything," writes a reviewer.

Sansa Sneaker

If you're not a bonafide sneakerhead or just don't want to drop a lot of $$$ on retro-looking sneakers at the moment, these skater-like shoes are major standouts.

THE REVIEW: "These are adorable sneakers and true to size. However, they do not have any ridges or grip on the bottom. Found them to be slippery," reports a reviewer.

Royal Runner

These retro runners feature the brand's signature memory foam footbed (trust, you've got to feel it!) and features the same webbing of the original SeaVees of the '60s. Now that's vintage, bb.

THE REVIEW: "I love these sneaks. They are super comfortable (the most comfortable I have ever put on), stylish and go with anything. So glad I bought them," writes a reviewer.

Venturi Sneakers

Veja has been all the rage lately, and the fact that you can get these retro-inspired shoes are crafted with a long-lasting foam cushioned insole makes it even more tempting to shop the sustainable brand.

THE REVIEW: "I really love this style—a little chunky and a neutral tone. These shoes are comfy and cute. Keep doing what you do, Veja <3," writes a reviewer. "I'm an 8.5 and usually order a 39 but got these in a 40 and they were perfect," they continued for size reference.

Torpedo Sneakers

These metallic sneakers take a modern trend and mesh it perfectly with a retro-inspired silhouette.

THE REVIEW: "Love these! They are perfect to add some glam to any look. I am a true 7 and needed a 6.5, it runs big in my opinion," writes a reviewer.

V2K Run

Flashy metallics and a chunky heel make for the perfect mix of vintage goodness and modern touches when it comes to this sneaker.

THE REVIEW: "I’ve had these shoes for about 5 months now and they have kept my feet comfortable. They go along with many outfits and can be used for work, gym, pretty much anything. My shoes are still in good condition even after wearing them almost everyday," a reviewer admits.

Why trust 'Cosmo'?

Here at Cosmo, we take finding the latest fashion trends for our readers v-e-r-y seriously. Our lifestyle and shopping team spends all day, every day scouring the internet, testing products, and reading reviews so we can bring you the type of high-quality content we’d want for ourselves. Basically, we've curated a chic little corner of the internet for you like it’s our job (because it is, heh).

We have pretty high standards when it comes to clothing and accessory recommendations. And you better believe we read those product reviews (and test many of the brands IRL) so you don't have to. You're welcome!

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