The Best Retro Women’s Sneakers for Stepping Into Spring with Style

From sustainable steppers seen on Meghan Markle and Gwyneth Paltrow to designer silhouettes by Wales Bonner and Loewe, these kicks exude vintage cool and comfort.

By Danielle Directo-Meston

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Danielle Directo-Meston

E-Commerce Editor

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Seeking celebrity style inspiration? Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle have both worn Veja’s eco-conscious sneakers, Olivia Rodrigo was recently spotted in a classic Vans silhouette and New Balance’s kicks are regularly seen on Taylor Swift, Sofia Richie, Hailey Bieber and other stars.

Below, we’ve rounded up some of the best retro sneakers for women seeking a vintage-inspired finish (without stepping too far into the dad shoe trend or ugly sneaker territory). From unisex trainers by go-to sportswear labels to sustainable styles from Everlane, SeaVees and others, see our top picks below.

New Balance Women’s 327 Sneakers

$100 at New Balance

$100 at Zappos

New Balance’s 327 sneakers nod to the brand’s 1970s running heritage while adding modern touches such as the oversized N logo the angular wedge sole and the trail-inspired lug outsole.

Nike Air Force 1 ’07 Next Nature Sneakers

$115 at Nike

Though Nike has no shortage of vintage-inspired sneakers (think the Cortez and Waffle trainers, to name a few), we’re fans of the sustainable edition of the brand’s classic Air Force 1 ’07 Next Nature kicks for its ’80s-born silhouette made from at least 20 percent recycled materials.

Everlane Tread-Bare Sneakers

$48 $120 60% off

Buy at Everlane

Everlane’s Tread-Bare sneakers are made from recycled cotton canvas, 100 percent natural latex rubber and recycled trims. They’re the brand’s lowest carbon-impact shoe and boast a “barely there feel.”

V-90 Leather Sneaker

$180 at Nordstrom

One of the best eco-friendly sneaker brands, pioneering label Veja is regularly seen on the feet of stars like Meghan Markle, Kate Middleton, Chloe Grace Moretz, Emily Ratajkowski and Emma Watson. These V-90 sneakers are made from 100 percent organic traced leather sourced from Uruguay and recycled polyester and rubber.

Fenty x Puma Avanti LS Sneakers

$120 at PUma

FInd at Kicks Crew

Find at STockx

Rihanna’s newest football-inspired Fenty x Puma Avanti LS sneakers immediately sold out when they dropped in January, but the brand’s Speedcat shoes in royal blue (recently worn by Emily Ratajkowski) can easily step in for the superstar’s design. Prefer RiRi’s version? There’s still hope over at Kicks Crew, eBay, Stockx and other resellers of authentic footwear.

Loewe Ballet Runner 2.0

$790 at MyTheresa

$790 at Neiman Marcus

$790 at Loewe

Expect Loewe’s latest edition of its best-selling Ballet Runner to be this season’s must-have designer sneaker. (Find more options at 24S and MyTheresa.)

SeaVees Acorn Trainers

$100 at SeaVees

These lightweight Acorn trainers by SeaVees (Gwyneth Paltrow and Jennifer Garner have worn the eco-conscious brand) are made of recycled salt-washed nylon, suede and recycled cotton and nylon.

Wales Bonner x Adidas Samba Sneakers

$250 at Amazon

You’d be hard-pressed to find anyone who doesn’t look good in Adidas’ cult-favorite Samba sneakers — but for a high-fashion upgrade, opt for Wales Bonner’s limited-edition design with an exaggerated tongue and whipstitch detailing. (Other styles and colors are available at Stockx, Amazon and Net-A-Porter.)

Xero Wynn Retro Nylon Sneaker

$87.99 $109.99 20% off

buy at Xero

For those who love a barefoot feel, Xero’s Wynn nylon sneakers boast a zero-drop heel to promote natural posture.

Reebok Club C 85 Vintage Shoes

$79.87 $90 11% off

Buy at Reebok

For the 40th anniversary of their tennis silhouette, Reebok has re-released its Club C sneaker in exclusive colorways, including classic white and a ’90s-inspired black leather edition.

Cariuma Uba Premium Leather/Metallic Sneakers

$159 at Cariuma

Spotted on Hollywood heartthrob Glen Powell, Certified B Corp brand Cariuma’s latest lineup includes the Uba leather shoes that blend classic basketball with ’90s skater vibes. It’s made of Leather Working Group-certified materials and comes in an array of colorways. For every pair of shoes purchased, the company plants two trees in the Brazilian rainforest.

Alo Recovery Mode Sneaker

$185 at Alo

Sported by Blackpink’s Jisoo in her Alo campaign, the celebrity-beloved activewear brand’s sleek Recovery Mode sneaker is for when you’ve got no time to sit down.

APL Nostalgia ’87 Sneaker

$430 at APL

Officially NBA-banned sneaker brand APL’s signature cushioned design gets the retro court treatment in the Nostalgia ’87 Sneaker. The brand’s proprietary HySpeed performance midsole and Soufflé Sockliner ensure that your feet feel supported and comfy all day.

Rag & Bone Retro Runner Slim Sneaker

$194.60 $278 30% off

Buy at Nordstrom

Earn fashion street cred with Rag & Bone’s Retro Runner Slim sneakers, on sale for 30 percent off during Nordstrom’s winter sale.

Løci Fusion Sneakers

$185 at Loci

Give your feet an eco boost with Loci’s Fusion sneakers made from recycled ocean-bound plastics. (The Leonardo Di Caprio-backed brand has been spotted on collaborator Nicki Minaj, Olivia Wilde, Lucy Hale, Eva Longoria, Sophie Turner, Jessica Alba and many, many others.)

Gucci Re-Motion Sneaker

$1,050 at GUcci

The iconic interlocking G print and green and red nylon web make these sporty sneakers unmistakably Gucci.

Golden Goose Super-Star Low Top Sneaker

$645 at Nordstrom

$545 and up at Golden Goose

If quiet luxury is your style code, these Golden Goose sneakers are the epitome of low-key luxe. The Italian brand’s pre-scuffed kicks have been sported by Taylor Swift, Selena Gomez, Reese Witherspoon, Megan Fox and many others.

Vans Era Sneaker

$55 at Zappos

Olivia Rodrigo recently stepped out in Vans’ classic Era sneakers that feature the Cali-cool brand’s signature waffle tread and a padded collar for comfort.

Courtesy of Madewell

Madewell Kickoff Trainer Sneakers

$110 at Madewell

Madewell’s stylish retro trainers will please co-conscious wearers, which are made of sustainably sourced nubuck leather, recycled cotton lining, rubber outsoles and “supercushy, ultrasupportive” Cloudlift insoles.

PF Flyers Center Hi Sneaker

$75 at PF FLyers

PF Flyers was founded in the 1930s by B.F. Goodrich (yes, the old automobile tire company) — old-school basketball fans will love the Center Hi sneaker‘s retro design and comfortable recycled Ortholite foam footbed that helps to keep feet dry.

Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Lift High Top Platform Sneaker

$75 at Nordstrom

Worn by everyone from punk rockers like the Ramones to rap stars Snoop Dogg and Ice Cube and stylish stars including Jessica Alba, Julia Roberts, Bella Hadid and Malia Obama, Converse’s original Chuck Taylor All-Star sneakers get a statement-making boost in this Lift Platform silhouette.

Axel Arigato Dice-A Sneakers

$325 at Shopbop

$305 at Axel Arigato

Step into your ’90s skater girl era in Axel Arigato’s burgundy suede sneakers.

Rothy’s Women’s RS02 Lace-Up Sneakers

$149 at Rothy’s

Comfort and eco-conscious style combine in these washable lace-up sneakers from Rothy’s. They’re made from the brand’s signature knitted material spun from plastic water bottles and feature terry lining, grooved soles for traction and durability and a padded ankle collar.

Courtesy of Amazon

Tretorn Women’s Rawlins Sneakers

$64.95 $85.00 24% off

Buy at Amazon

Sweden-born brand Tretorn’s Rawlins sneakers evoke the classic tennis shoe silhouette and are outfitted with an EcoOrtholite insole, extra heel cushioning and a natural rubber outsole for all-day comfort, breathability and traction.

Saucony Women’s Jazz Original Sneakers

$85 at Saucony

Heritage running brand Saucony is a natural choice if you’re looking for the best retro sneakers for women, men and kids. The label’s Jazz original sneakers come in over a dozen stylish shades.

The Row Owen Sneakers

$820 at 24S

Taylor Swift once wore a cream version of The Row’s Owen runners, which come in black or brown shades that fit seamlessly with wide-leg trousers and denim alike.

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