The 10 best retro trainers of all time and how to score a bargain
18 January 2022
A quick glimpse at the most popular trainers of all time and one thing’s apparent: the oldies are the goodies.
Nothing beats vintage trainers for adding a touch of old-school cool to your wardrobe. Whether you’re looking for iconic white sneakers or colourful 80s-style kicks, here's our round-up of the best retro trainers of all time.Nike Air Force 1 — vintage Nike trainers at their best
The first basketball shoe to use the now-legendary Nike air technology, the Nike Air Force 1 may have enjoyed a few subtle tweaks over the years, but its iconic, minimalist style remains. The enduring popularity of these retro sneakers proves they can play ball with all manner of fashion styles. This streetwear staple deserves pride of place on any trainer lover’s shoe rack.
Check out our Nike deals online to score Air Force 1 trainers on a budget or explore the regular Size? trainer sales to cut the cost of your kicks.
Vans Old Skool - timeless unisex trainers
Add a splash of vintage Southern California skate style to your look with a pair of Vans Old Skool trainers — the trademark grippy sole is great for kickflips, ollies and generally not falling over your own feet in the street.
Vans may have mixed it up over the years with exciting designs, including leather trainers, platform designs and funky leopard print deck shoes, but the original black Vans trainers with the trademark sweeping side stripe will always hold their own in any sneaker-holic’s wardrobe.
Don’t forget to grab a pair of kid’s Vans to keep the whole family looking fly, as well as bookmark the Vans vouchercloud page to snap up a money-saving code.
adidas Gazelle — the original retro trainers from adidas
While the adidas Superstar and adidas Samba trainers were right up there on our list of iconic retro trainers, the top spot for the best vintage adidas had to go to the classic Gazelle.
Renowned for its quality, style and for putting those three classic stripes on the fashion map, adidas Gazelle trainers enjoyed a meteoric rise in popularity in the 70s when anyone who was anyone could be found sporting a pair. Whether you’re looking for a neutral black, white or grey shoe or an eye-catching baby pink, this sporty yet minimalist trainer will make any urban look pop.
Check out our dedicated adidas vouchercloud page to unlock the best Gazelle deals and add some swagger to your sneaker collection.
Converse All Star — the best high-tops of all time
Is there any trainer that says old-school collegiate cool quite like the Converse All Star?
Strong contenders for the title of best high-tops of all time, these retro shoes were a firm fixture on the basketball court in the 50s but reached peak popularity in the 80s and 90s as they enjoyed their retro resurgence. Today it’s commonly agreed that whether you’re an emo teen or a supermodel, you can rock vintage-style Converse with ease.
From sleek leather high-tops to head-turning glitter styles, you could get your mitts on cheap Converse trainers in a heartbeat — just bookmark the Converse vouchercloud page for all the latest offers!
Nike Air Jordans — the bestselling trainers of all time
No vintage trainer collection would be complete without the Nike Air Jordans, one of the most popular sneakers in the world.
Nike Air Jordan 1 high-tops offer the ultimate in classic sneakers style. These are the retro high-tops that started Nike’s reign as a footwear powerhouse and the shoes worn by Michael Jordan in 1985 when he hit that game-winning, buzzer-beater shot. Choose a pair of funky-coloured, high-top trainers for cushioned support and serious 90s vibes or opt for a low-slung grey and white pair to project an aura of laid-back cool.
Shave some pennies off a pair of Jordans with our Nike trainers codes, and say hello to your new favourite trainers. You might even find a discounted pair in the next Nike trainers sale. Keep your eyes peeled to get the best price.
Reebok Classics - chunky white trainers done right
Throwing it back to the 80s, chunky Reebok Classics gained notoriety as a symbol of youth culture that’s lasted to this day. Built for comfort and durability with an old-school sporty vibe that’s hard to beat, the Classic has spawned a huge variety of styles and designs that prove popular with even the most current celebs — check out the Cardi B Reebok collection.
Whether you’re young in age or young of heart, your trusty Reeboks will never grow old.
Nike Air Max 90 — the ultimate retro 90s trainers
Our pick of the Nike Air Max series, this shoe was released in 1990 as the name implies, and swiftly gained a cult following.
Designed to add a little bounce to your step, the Nike Air Max 90 won fans with its eye-catching colour blocking, plush padding and the famously visible Nike Air bubbles that gave a glimpse of the notorious air technology for the very first time. Embrace the 90s with a brightly accented pair or select a crisp, white Air Max 90 model for that clean, box-fresh look.
Every year, countless bargain hunters snap up cheap Air Max trainers with vouchercloud. Add a little 90s attitude to your shoe collection without breaking the bank.
Puma Cali — iconic sneakers with SoCal style
There’s no disputing the far-ranging influence of this West Coast classic shoe and its sunny California vibes. Initially designed as a light and flexible tennis shoe, the original 80s Puma California has been tweaked into chunkier, 21st-century iterations, namely the Puma CA Pro and Puma Cali women's collection. But the clean lines and elegant silhouettes are still drenched in iconic, retro style.
Bookmark the vouchercloud Puma page for all the best deals and be first in line for a bargain.
New Balance 574 — subtle yet stylish retro trainers
One of the most popular New Balance models to grace a sneaker aficionado’s shoe rack, these running shoes are functional yet fashionable and are positively bursting with iconic heritage. The New Balance 574 isn’t flashy, it doesn’t scream designer vibes or street smart cool, but the low-key and versatile nature of the shoe means it works with any look. The design dates back decades with a few tweaks here and there to give it a modern edge, so if you’re hoping to add some timeless style to your smart-casual look, this is the shoe for you.
Never buy a pair of trainers without checking for a sale — a quick scan of the New Balance vouchercloud page could save you a packet.
Asics Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66 — vintage running trainers
The Asics Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66 remains as impressive as its elite-sounding name with its bright stripes, sleek silhouette and 60s retro design. Originally known as the shoe that graced the feet of the national Japanese Olympic team at the 1968 Mexico games, the Onitsuka Tiger has evolved with the times without losing any of its star quality.
With sixty years of trainer innovation under its belt, Asics has become a leading name in smartly designed athletic shoes. Check out the latest styles with iconic gel cushioning — ideal if you like to hit the ground running.
Channel some champion energy and treat yourself to a pair of Asics.
If you’re looking for trainer deals, vouchercloud might just be your sole mate. Not only do we pull together the latest discounts so you can find them all in one place, but we also provide price-slashing trainer codes, all year round.
Did you know that you can find some of the most popular trainers of all time at Size? Or that JD Sports stocks some of the best men’s classic trainers and boasts a women’s classic trainers range too? It couldn't be easier to find the best retro footwear bargains and add some shine to your shoe collection.
