10 Classic Sneakers That Never Go Out of Style
Forget hype. Let's return to fundamentals for a moment. Though today's streetwear culture is driven by trendy new releases and limited-edition collabs, every true sneakerhead understands the importance of longevity. It's simple: investing in timeless sneakers means you'll be able to wear your favorite shoes for years to come.
To help you find your new go-to pair of kicks, we've rounded up ten of the most iconic sneakers of all time. While countless shoe trends have come and gone over the decades, these classic sneakers have never gone out of style.
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These Ten Classic Sneakers Have Withstood the Test of Time and are Well-Worth the Hype
Nike Air Force 1
If there's one pair of sneakers you absolutely must add to your closet, it's the Nike Air Force 1. The classic AF1 first debuted in 1982 as the first basketball shoe with Nike Air's lightweight cushioned sole. Now, almost 40 years later, the AF1 has made Nike one of the hottest streetwear brands of 2021.
Its slightly chunky sole, crisp leather, and streamlined have made the sneaker a timeless classic in the four decades since. While there are countless colorways and collabs out there, you can't go wrong with a pair of crisp white Nike Air Force 1 '07. With these classic kicks, your outfit options are endless.
Memorable Collab— Air Force 1 Low "Cactus Jack" by Travis Scott
Adidas Stan Smith
Initially designed for the tennis court, the Adidas Stan Smith owes its name to 70s tennis legend Stan Smith. The low-rise sneaker features a minimalist silhouette with a leather upper, perforated three-stripe stitching details, and a padded heel tab. Its original colorway— a white sole and leather upper with a green heel tab— is sleek, understated, and timeless, making it the perfect choice for casual sneakerheads.
Memorable Collab— Palace Skateboards x Adidas Stan Smith
New Balance 574
New Balance's classic 574 style is a go-anywhere, do-anything type of sneaker. Launched in 1988 as a running shoe, the 574 combines the best parts of other New Balance sneakers: a clean silhouette, suede and textile upper, and a cushioned EVA foam sole. Over the years, they've released limited-edition 574s commemorating a number of different US National Parks and cities around the globe.
The New Balance 574 experienced a resurgence in popularity when top designers like Balenciaga and Gucci began releasing dad sneakers during the 2010s. While they aren't the most fashion-forward streetwear sneakers on the market, they're comfortable, practical, and ideal for everyday wear. If you're looking to add a classic pair to your wardrobe, you can't go wrong with a versatile light grey colorway.
Memorable Collab— Stray Rats x New Balance 574
Nike Classic Cortez
Over the past four decades, the Classic Cortez has grown to be one of the most famous Nike sneakers of all time. First released in 1972, the sleek, low-profile sneaker was Nike's original running shoe. The aerodynamic low-profile silhouette and foam midsole were designed by Nike-cofounder and American track and field coach Bill Bowerman. The Americana-inspired red, white, and blue colorway has been worn by everyone from Farrah Fawcett to Chris Brown to Bella Hadid.
Memorable Collab— Kendrick Lamar x Nike Cortez Kenny IV 'House Shoe'
Vans Old-Skool
As the name suggests, Vans' Old-Skool Skate Shoes were one of the OG styles of skateboarding sneakers. The low-top skate shoe is made with a durable suede and canvas upper with a padded tongue and Vans signature waffle sole. The classic Black/White colorway is a popular style amongst skateboarders, streetwear-lovers, and E-Boys alike.
Memorable Collab— Supreme x Vans Old Skool Grid-Print
Air Jordan 1
Michael Jordan's eponymous Jordan 1 sneakers launched in 1985 at the end of his rookie season. Legend has it that the OG black and red colorway earned its nickname "Banned" after Jordan was fined $5000 each game he wore the sneakers since the new style broke the NBA's uniform rules at the time. The classic basketball sneaker features a leather upper with a perforated toe box, padded ankle, and Nike's signature Air sole. Though originally released as high-tops, sneakerheads can now choose from low, medium, and high-ankle styles.
Over the 30 years since the shoe's original release, Nike has shelved and rereleased countless colorways and collabs of this timeless basketball sneaker. With so many options to choose from, you can't go wrong with a classic Michael Jordan-inspired colorway, like the red-white-black Chicago or the light blue-white-black University Blue.
Memorable Collab— Jordan x Dior Air Jordan 1 High OG
Puma Suede
Though first introduced as a basketball sneaker, the Puma Suedes didn't take off until the 1968 Summer Olympics when American track and field athlete Tommie Smith gave a Black Power salute atop the podium, Pumas Suedes in hand. Recently, 307 pairs of the iconic style (a reference to Smith's Olympic jersey number) were rereleased to commemorate Smith's legacy.
Considered a sartorial symbol of the protest against racism and injustice, Puma Suedes were quickly adopted by the hip-hop artists and B-Boys emerging in the 70s. The thick rubber sole and flexible suede upper made it perfect for break dancing while still being stylish enough to wear on the streets.
Memorable Collab— Bobbito x Puma 50th Anniversary Suede
Nike SB Low Dunk
Since first launching in 2001, Nike Skateboarding's Low Dunks have become some of the sneaker world's most sought-after grails. Though originally launched as a basketball shoe, it's become a go-to for skateboarders, sneakerheads, and casual wearers alike.
When it comes to the SB Low Dunk, there's no such thing as a classic. The timeless streetwear sneakers have been turned into a canvas for countless artists, designers, and pro skateboarders, including Futura, Jeff Staple, StrangeLove Skateboards, Comme des Garçons (shown above), Travis Scott, Ben & Jerry's, and many more. These limited-edition kicks can be quite hard to get your hands on, so prepare to stalk resale sites like StockX or GOAT to find your coveted pair.
Memorable Collab— Nike SB x The Grateful Dead Low Dunk Pro Opti Yellow
Adidas Continental 80
The Adidas Continental 80 was the must-have athletic shoe of the 80s fitness craze. First released in the late 1980s, the versatile low-top was one of the first sneakers to seamlessly transition between sports and everyday life. It was re-released in 2018 as an affordable alternative to Yeezy's Powerphase Calabasas.
Today, the shoe's two-toned stripe, soft french terry lining, and logo window bring a nostalgic touch to the otherwise minimalist silhouette. For an authentic vintage look, go with the Adidas Continental 80's OG colorway: a white leather upper with a skinny red stripe down the side.
Memorable Collab— Adidas x AriZona Iced Tea Continental 80 Green Tea with Ginseng and Honey
Converse Chuck Taylor All-Stars are undoubtedly one of the most iconic sneakers of all time. Over the past 100 years, more than 600 million pairs of the classic high-tops have been sold worldwide. The rubber sole, toe cap, and canvas upper have remained largely unchanged since the shoe was first introduced.
Though worn casually today, they were originally designed in the 1920s as a basketball shoe. During the 60s, Chuck Taylor peaked in popularity, capturing about 70-80% of the basketball shoe market before experiencing a sharp decline in the 70s with the introduction of styles with harder rubber soles and leather uppers.
After falling out of popularity in the sports world, they remained a popular choice amongst artists, musicians, and counter-culture groups. The classic black and white colorway has been spotted on everyone from James Dean to Kurt Cobain to Karl Lagerfeld to Kamala Harris.
