Retro sneakers are making a comeback — here are 15 pairs we love at any budget

"As pants have gotten wider, sneakers have been trending slimmer. And though we love the functionality of chunky, shock-absorbing footbeds, they can sometimes add a little too much bulk to fashion-forward outfits.

The Pony KO-80 has an unobtrusive, trendy silhouette that fits right in with the best retro sneakers we've tested. But though it looks slim, the footbed is surprisingly well-cushioned.

I had no issues with the thickness of the tread, even when I tested these out by walking on gravel and hot concrete. I was also pleased with how lightweight these are — walking in them feels like skipping along. Plus, I was able to wear them right out of the box with no issues. They kept my foot secure and steady, without any uncomfortable rubbing." — Samantha Crozier, style editor, Insider Reviews

Read more about the best walking shoes for women we tested.

You'd be hard-pressed to go a day without seeing a pair of Golas in major European fashion cities. These shoes are everywhere, and with good reason: The suede material and various color combos are super vibey and fun, and the silhouette pairs easily with skirts, dresses, and jeans. My favorite way to wear my yellow Gola Elans is with a bold, monochrome outfit, like wide-leg khakis or a khaki pleated skirt and an oversize yellow sweater.

They don't have amazing arch support, but I just pop in my favorite insoles for long days of walking. — Sally Kaplan, executive editor

Inspired by the California coast, the design of these luxe retro runners takes a playful approach to mixing materials with suede, mesh, and leather details reminiscent of ocean waves. We love the muted color palette on the Moonlight/Black version, which is easy to match with a variety of outfits, whether it's jeans and a t-shirt or a miniskirt and bomber jacket. If you prefer more of a statement shoe, there are 13 other colorways, including brightly hued options.

If you're not afraid to take risks with color and pattern, these Boden tennis shoes have plenty of fun designs to choose from. Whether you prefer a leopard print pair or a multi-hued colorblock version, these leather and suede plimsolls are equally bold and beautiful. While they're super comfortable and don't require a break-in period, they do tend to run a touch large.

These unisex sneakers get their retro flair directly from the design archive of Italian sportswear brand Diadora. As the embroidery on the heel tabs will tell you, the style first debuted in 1975, and they've retained the same unique metal eyelets as the original pairs. The leather has a stonewashed finish, giving them the lived-in look that many vintage clothing enthusiasts strive for.

Crocodile shoes are on trend — and by that, we mean the Lacoste croc, of course. These preppy sneakers have mesh uppers, so they provide great ventilation for sweaty summertime strolls. Their French-athleisure design code pairs perfectly with an exercise dress.

Saucony's shoes tend to have one of two vibes: ultra-sporty and athletic, or retro-chic. Though the company is over 125 years old, it really got its due in 1977 when two of its pairs won awards from Runner's World magazine. One of those sneakers was the Hornet, which was a precursor to the 1978 Trainer 80. This is my favorite style from the brand, pairing retro design with modern performance. It's available in a ton of colors so you can go as bold as you want. — Sally Kaplan, executive editor

Growing up in the early '90s, I saw the original Reebok Club Cs everywhere. Now, they're back, and while I can appreciate the super vintage look of the carbon copy from 1985 on others, I prefer a more contemporary spin for my own wardrobe.

Dubbed the Club C Double Revenge, this updated version is set apart with a few key details — a double-height outsole, an emphasized contrast logo, and a stiffer silhouette — that bring it into 2025. Still, the leather upper and chalky base color pay homage to the classic. I love that the look marries old and new seamlessly.

I first wore these for a long day of shopping. They looked plenty cute with straight-leg jeans, though there was a bit of a break-in period before they softened up. Later, I paired them with an oversized sweater and a skirt for a night out and appreciated how well they went with a dressier ensemble, while being much kinder on my feet than most elevated shoes.

These slim, suede Vagabond sneakers fly under the radar with a simple design reminiscent of classic running shoes. They're the perfect retro sneakers if you're someone who doesn't like to wear a lot of flashy logos. The brand advises that they run narrow and small, so try choosing a half size up from your normal size.

The suede Puma Speedcats are a prime example of how performance-based shoes are being repurposed into streetwear symbols. We saw it first with the soccer-inspired Adidas Sambas, and now again with these motorsport trainers. The Speedcats first debuted in 1984 as boots for Formula 1 drivers, with sleek wraparound soles for a more precise feel of their pedals. Then, in 1999, they were reimagined as a sneaker for Puma's Sportstyle collection. Today, they're the brand's most popular shoe.

I got my Speedcats in black to wear with flare leggings for a sporty look, but I think the recently restocked "Haute Coffee" colorway is my true favorite. They fit true-to-size, and their Ortholite insoles made them decently comfortable to walk in, but that's likely because my foot runs narrow. Their streamlined silhouette will be too slim on people who have wide feet or really pronounced arches. — Gabrielle Chase, Senior Associate Style & Beauty Editor

Saye's '80s-inspired court sneaker is made in Portugal from corn vegan Napa, bamboo, and recycled materials. The packaging is also 100% recyclable, and each purchase of a pair funds the growth of two trees. The comfy unisex shoes, available in 27 other colors and fabrics, are versatile for dressing up or down.

You might recognize these colorful kicks from your FYP — Back70 is an Italian boutique brand that's all over TikTok as of late. People love the fashion-forward designs with intricate details like two-tone laces, a scalloped-edge logo, and mixed fabrics on the outer sides that are balanced by a vintage-inspired '70s feel. According to the TikTok chatter, they're just as comfy as they are stylish.

I lost count of the number of times friends complimented me on these shoes, only to follow with, "They're Under Armour!?" If you're looking for supportive walking shoes that will look just as good as they feel walking around cities and airports, the Under Armour Essential Runner Shoes are for you.

These retro-inspired walking shoes have a cushioned EVA midsole that feels perfectly supportive. The heel cup is cushy with a foam sockliner for extra comfort. The exterior is designed with a lightweight, breathable nylon upper and suede overlays strategically placed to not restrict the natural shape of your foot.

I've walked over two miles in them, and wore them for eight hours straight while traveling. The comfort and design of these shoes earned them top spot as my favorite city sneaker — especially considering they're very affordable. — Rachael Schultz, freelance reporter

The Allbirds Couriers are made with responsibly sourced, high-quality materials, creatively crafted into a pair of walking shoes that you can wash and wear for the seasons ahead. After wearing them over miles of pavement, the name 'Courier' became more and more of a fitting moniker for these sneakers. Their chunky, sporty silhouette reminds me of something from the '80s, and my first instinct was to wear them with tube socks as seen in the aerobic videos of the era. Still, these sneakers have a simple, classic feel that can be styled with your average pair of jeans or trousers. — Gabrielle Chase, Senior Associate Style & Beauty Editor

Read more in our full Allbirds review.

Vejas are everywhere these days, and we rank them among the best white sneakers to wear this spring. This leather style incorporates the brand's signature white base and a contrast suede logo, with a nod to the past in the form of Velcro closures. They do require a bit of breaking in, but once they're softened up, they'll be among the most comfortable shoes in your closet.