Top 10 Retro Running Sneakers for 2025 - Deffest Sneaker Buyer's Guide (Plus 5 Bonus Classics)

Top 10 Retro Running Sneakers for 2025 - Classic 70s & 80s Trainers (Updated August 2025)

Looking for the perfect pair of old-school running shoes with that unmistakable 1970s and 80s vibe? You’re in the right place. This year’s lineup of our top 10 retro running sneakers, plus 5 bonus classics, blends sleek heritage design, low-profile silhouettes, and timeless colorways with modern comfort.

Before we get to the list, we want to mention that our own rewindrunning.com shop has old school vintage 70s and 80s running apparel and gear by Nike, Adidas, and more.

Whether you’re a collector, a lifestyle sneaker fan, or just love vintage-inspired footwear, this new revamped guide features the best reissues and throwback models for 2025.

Please note: this post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Read our full affiliate policy here.


NIKE LD-1000
Nike revisits its archives with the LD-1000, a sleek runner that originally debuted during the golden era of competitive racing. With its classic waffle outsole and low-profile design, this retro silhouette channels 1970s performance roots while delivering modern comfort. A bold blue and yellow upper paired with vintage detailing makes it a true head-turner for old-school sneaker fans.

Available now at Nike.com.

Nike LD-1000 Blue and Yellow retro sneakers. Image credit to Nike.com.

ADIDAS TRX MESH SPZL SNEAKERS RETRO RUNNING SHOES
Part of the Spezial line, the Adidas TRX Mesh SPZL pays tribute to a legendary trainer from the late 1970s. Featuring a mix of suede and nylon with authentic three-stripe branding, this pair embodies everything we love about retro running culture. Its cushioned midsole and grippy outsole ensure that old-school style doesn’t compromise on comfort.

Available now at Farfetch.com. Check out our retro and vintage Adidas shop at RewindRunning.com.

Adidas TRX Mesh SPZL at Farfetch.com

OSAGA KT-26 1970s RUNNING SHOES

We’ve long be fans of old school cult classic and former Oregonian Nike rival Osaga runners but to land a pair recently you’d need to part with over a thousands dollars. The great news of today is that you don’t need to do that anymore because OSAGA IS BACK in 2025. The KT-26 is one of Osaga’s most recognizable retro models, first making waves in the late 1970s for its performance-driven design. This revival maintains the aggressive cantilever sole tread pattern and classic low-cut profile, bringing a piece of sneaker history back for modern-day wearers. A must-have for collectors of niche running brands. You can scoop them up at Osaga.com and also check out our vintage and retro Osaga collection at RewindRunning.com.

SAUCONY SILO GRIPPER S
Saucony SILO Gripper S heritage-inspired retro running shoes.
We know a thing or two about the OG 1970s Saucony Gripper, which is a true vintage gem. The new SILO Gripper S calls back to a time when Saucony was making some of the most innovative running shoes on the market. This updated version stays true to its roots, while updating the rugged outsole, keeping the lightweight design intact and incorporating subtle modern tweaks for comfort.

Available now at Saucony.com. Check out our retro and vintage Saucony shop at RewindRunning.com

Saucony SILO Gripper S heritage-inspired retro running shoes. Image credit to Saucony.com.

ADIDAS SL72 RETRO SNEAKERS

Originally released for the 1972 Munich Olympics, the SL72 remains an icon of lightweight performance and vintage design. This reissue brings back the slim silhouette, serrated three stripes, and low-profile outsole that made it a staple of the era. Perfect for casual wear or as part of a retro fit. Shop the SL72 at Adidas.com. Check out our retro and vintage Adidas shop at RewindRunning.com.

OSAGA 80

Formerly the Osaga Moscow 80, these vintage-inspired retro sneakers are a throwback to the styles worn during the lead up to the 1980 Moscow Olympics, this Osaga silhouette oozes vintage flair. Featuring a traditional nylon-and-suede construction and slim runner shape, the Moscow 80 nails that authentic old-school aesthetic while staying lightweight and versatile.

Available now at Osaga.com. Check out our retro and vintage Osaga shop at RewindRunning.com.

Osaga 80 retro sneakers at Osaga.com.

SAUCONY TRAINER 80 RETRO SNEAKERS

The Trainer 80 is a blast from Saucony’s past, reviving a classic training silhouette from the early ‘80s. The low-profile build and throwback color-blocking make it a strong contender for those who want authenticity with comfort. Perfect for lifestyle wear and a standout in any retro rotation.

Available now at Saucony.com. Check out our retro and vintage Saucony shop at RewindRunning.com.

Saucony Trainer 80 retro running sneakers in classic color-blocking. Image Credit: Saucony.com

NIKE PACIFIC RETRO SNEAKERS

We’ve been hoping that one of these days Nike would put out a reissue of the old Oceania silhouette but for now the Pacific will have to do. The Nike Pacific keeps things minimal with a classic running shape straight out of the late ‘70s playbook. Its slim build and vintage-style suede overlays make it a perfect option for those who appreciate understated retro runners. Expect a lightweight feel and versatile styling that pairs easily with jeans or joggers.

Available now at DSW.com. Check out our retro and vintage Nike shop at RewindRunning.com

Nike Pacific low-profile retro running shoes.

BROOKS CHARIOT

The return of the Brooks Chariot classic retro running sneakers from the 1980s.

Introduced in 1982, the Brooks Chariot was a performance leader in its day—and it still looks great as a lifestyle option in 2025. Featuring classic suede and mesh construction, this model offers a true retro aesthetic with Brooks’ signature cushioning for all-day comfort. Available now at BrooksRunning.com. Check out our retro and vintage Brooks shop at RewindRunning.com.

GOLA TORNADO
Straight out of the 1970s archives, the Gola Tornado is one of the cleanest retro runners you can score right now. Its heritage design, slim profile, and rich suede overlays give it an authentic old-school vibe. If you’re after a lesser-known but stylish vintage option, this is the one.

Shop the Gola Tornado at Nordstrom.com. Check out our Gola shop at RewindRunning.com.

Shop the Gola Tornado at Nordstrom.com.

Bonus Round: 5 More Retro Classics We Love

These old school retro runners didn't crack the top 10 this year, but are still absolute fire for anyone who loves old-school runners.

PUMA EASY RIDER
Harkening back to the 1970s this classic retro running silhouette has an old school vibe. If you want to check out an some history on the Puma Easy Rider runners we have posted some vintage Puma ads for them here and here. Check out our vintage and retro puma shop over at RewindRunning.com.

Puma Easy Rider Red and Black Retro Sneakers @ RewindRunning.com.

KARHU CHAMPIONAIR / MESTARI
Here’s another awesome retro sneaker set from Karhu. This model was part of Karhu’s lineup of models from 1977 through 1984 before bringing it back over the past few years. These are available over at our RewindRunning.com shop.

Karhu Mestari at RewindRunning.com.

CONVERSE 1908 JOGGER

Converse Coach Jogger Returns With A Twist. A Retro Classic Brought Back.

We’re glad to see Tyler, The Creator is well versed in his old school Converse runners, as shown here on The Deffest. Props to Converse for bringing this collab to life in a way that feels authentic and true to the original heritage.

The Converse Jogger isn’t just a sneaker, it’s a throwback to the 1970s era of track and field style, lightweight, low-profile, and designed for speed. These shoes blend retro athletic aesthetics with modern comfort, making them the perfect everyday sneaker for those who appreciate vintage vibes.

We first wrote about these shoes many years ago in our original article, and if you’re a true sneaker history nerd, you’ll love browsing this vintage ad for them. Seeing them return to the spotlight, and on the feet of someone like Tyler, feels like a full-circle moment for fans of classic runners.

You can buy them here at Converse.com. Also check out our vintage Converse sneakers and more at RewindRunning.com.

REEBOK CLASSIC AZ SHOES
Retro running style, reimagined. The Reebok AZ brings back the sleek '70s aesthetic with a lightweight nylon and suede build. Classic low-profile design meets modern comfort—perfect for everyday wear with vintage vibes.

These retro sneakers are available at Reebok.com. Check out our collection of vintage and retro Reebok items at RewindRunning.com.

Reebok Classic AZ Shoes - 1970s style retro sneakers at Reebok.com

DIADORA RALLY
A legendary runner returns - The Rally is back and reborn with premium craftsmanship. Here’s another throwback to the 1970s and we were glad to see Diadora reach into the vault and reissue the Rally this year. Originally a 1978 performance runner, the Diadora Rally reissue blends heritage with modern luxury. This low-profile sneaker pairs a pigskin leather upper with hairy suede accents for a bold contrast, dotted cotton laces, and an EVA midsole for lightweight cushioning. Finished with a durable rubber outsole and the iconic Diadora design, it’s a retro classic made for today.

Check out the Diadora Rally at Diadora.com

Final Thoughts

If you’re into vintage sneakers, this year’s selection proves the classics never go out of style. These retro running sneakers combine heritage with modern comfort, making them perfect for everyday wear or serious collecting.

The Untold Story of Osaga: Eugene’s Homegrown Running Brand

You’ve probably heard this one before: a scrappy upstart running shoe brand from Oregon rises out of the track culture at the University of Oregon, fueled by a new kind of running shoe design and a close connection to athletes at Hayward Field. Most people would assume that story belongs to the now-global giant based in Beaverton. But that’s not the tale we’re telling here. This is the story of Osaga, a homegrown Eugene rival that carved out its own place in running history backed by bold innovation, deep community roots, and a vision to make TrackTown USA the true capital of the sport.

Chapter 1: Building a Brand in TrackTown USA

In the 1970s, around 1974, Osaga emerged in Eugene, Oregon right in the heart of TrackTown USA, in the shadow of Hayward Field. Founded by Bill Combs, a visionary entrepreneur with a deep commitment to the running community, the company was fueled by a mission to serve athletes with products tailored to the needs of competitive runners. Combs made his ambition clear: “As I see it, to really make the city more the track capital of the USA. We have the fans, the facility, and a super track. This is just the icing on the cake.” For him, Osaga was not just about sneakers, it was about strengthening Eugene’s identity as the hub of American running. Bill Combs, was also a local shoe retailer in Eugene whose store, Burch’s Fine Shoes, remains in operation today.

Osaga’s leadership, including president Norman Moenkhaus, worked closely with the University of Oregon to refine athlete-first innovations. As Moenkhaus explained, “We work closely with a number of people at the university. Our business is so closely related to the athletic department, we have counseled a number of their people in developing our product. We felt an obvious way of furthering our work with the university was to help them in this project.”

That collaboration extended beyond footwear into infrastructure that served the entire running community. In 1978, Osaga donated a cutting-edge $80,000 electronic scoreboard to Hayward Field. At the time, it was the most advanced track and field scoreboard in the nation capable of displaying athlete names, times, distances, heights, lane assignments, and full meet results. For Combs, the gift was about legacy as much as technology: “I believe the scoreboard will become an institution to the university, athletes who compete at the local, national and international level at Hayward Field and to the super-fans of Track City, USA.”

John Caine, Oregon athletic director, expresses his thanks to Bill Combs, founder and chairman of the board of Osaga, Inc., the Eugene-based firm that donated the new scoreboard for Hayward Field, one of the world's most sophisticated and elaborate track scoreboard systems.

Alongside their community contributions, Osaga pressed forward with product innovation. Their flagship model, the KT-26, was built around the experimental “Cantilever Principle”, a design that improved shock absorption and stability while giving runners greater control. Marketed as the serious runner’s shoe, it was a bold attempt to blend biomechanical research with state-of-the-art construction.

As Moenkhaus described, “Both Osaga and the program at the University of Oregon Athletic Department have grown in response to the interest in physical fitness and sports shown by the people of Eugene. We’re pleased that Osaga is able to help further the University’s standing as one of the nation’s leaders in track and field.”

Grounded in community ties, experimental engineering, and an unwavering commitment to the running culture of Eugene, Osaga exemplified the spirit of a scrappy upstart.

Chapter 2: From Shuttered Brand to Cult Classic

By the early 1980s, Osaga’s momentum caught the attention of international players, and the brand was eventually sold to Mitsubishi International Corporation. After the sale and over time the Osaga brand's visibility was reduced and by the mid-to-late ’90s, the Osaga name had vanished and was shuttered in the face of overwhelming competition and shifting market dynamics. What might have been just another forgotten footwear story instead took a surprising turn.

In the years that followed Osaga emerged from the ashes as a cult classic in the vintage sneaker world. Many of the remaining pairs, with their unique silhouettes and bold design language, found a second life in the American secondhand market and in Japan, where vintage sneaker collectors developed an intense appreciation for the forgotten American sneaker brand. Long after it’s closure the Osaga brand began picking up steam again. What may not have been fully understood or embraced in Osaga’s own time became celebrated decades later as rare, ahead-of-their-time artifacts of design.

In resale shops and on Japanese collector sites, Osaga sneakers became sought after grails that could command staggering prices from $400 to $1,200 depending on condition and rarity. The KT-26, Moscow 80, and other once-forgotten models now stood alongside vintage Nike, Onitsuka Tiger, and Adidas pairs in curated collections.

You can check our some of the many pairs that landed at the mighty Soma Shimokitazawa shop here, here and here and they have several more pairs posted on their site.

The Osaga vintage running shoes were also heavily featured in the excellent Japanese sneaker collector book ‘‘C-Class sneaker collection. The joy of collecting” by Mikiji Nagai.

And another pair from vintage sneaker collector’s mojotakagi’s instagram page.

The shoes that once lined Eugene track meets were now being rediscovered in Tokyo storefronts, celebrated not as failed products but as treasures of running history.

Chapter 3: THE REVIVAL | For the Human Race 2.0

Osaga was named after the Osage Native American tribe, and embraced the original tagline “For the Human Race,” a reflection of its mission to create world-class shoes for everyday athletes. Decades after the brand’s disappearance, that slogan has found new life in the hands of the next generation. Two grandsons of founder Bill Combs decided to carry the torch, reviving the family brand with a back-to-its-roots philosophy: reissuing the original models that once made Osaga a name to watch.

The revival includes faithful reproductions of the KT-26, complete with its distinctive cantilever sole, and the Osaga 80 a reissue of the “Moscow 80,” the shoe first introduced in the lead-up to the 1980 Olympics. These reissues aren’t just nostalgic tributes; they’re functional, wearable sneakers that carry the same energy and athlete-first spirit as the originals.

We’ve had the chance to wear the new reissues of the Osaga KT-26 and 80 models, and they’re comfortable, springy, and true to the innovative roots that defined Osaga’s first chapter. We recently added them to our updated Top 10 Retro Running Sneakers for 2025 - Deffest Sneaker Buyer's Guide.

In many ways, this new phase is not just about reviving a product, it's about reclaiming a legacy, restoring Osaga’s place in TrackTown lore, and proving that the brand’s tagline still carries weight: For the Human Race 2.0.

Epilogue: Why Osaga’s Story Still Matters

The story of Osaga isn’t just about shoes, it's about what happens when passion for sport, community, and innovation intersect. From its scrappy beginnings in Eugene to its investment in Hayward Field, from its quiet disappearance to its rebirth as a cult collectible in Japan, Osaga’s journey mirrors the cycles of many great ideas: born locally, overlooked in their time, rediscovered by those who recognize their value, and finally revived for a new generation.

In the end, Osaga stands as a reminder that true innovation doesn’t always come from the largest players. Sometimes it comes from a handful of believers working in the shadow of a track stadium, guided by a vision larger than themselves. And thanks to its revival, Osaga once again belongs to the runners, the collectors, and the dreamers who understand that heritage and performance can share the same sole. If you're interested in Osaga’s new product line we’ve included a link here as well as a link to our vintage Osaga shop at RewindRunning.com.

Sneakerhead Theatre Of The Absurd: A Bootleg of a Bootleg Nike and The Return of the Upside Down Swoosh

Things are getting weird out there…

Raff’s vintage sneakers compared with Maden ‘Fake Series’ retro upside down swoosh sneakers.

Here at the Deffest blog we’re all about a groundbreaking post and we think this might be a new milestone in sneaker history - the first time we’ve ever seen a bootleg of a bootleg. This post was brought to you by the power of Google’s Lens tool. We recently picked up and reviewed the vintage sneaker book by Mikiji Nagai’s called ‘C-Class sneaker collection. The joy of collecting.’ While we were researching that book we used Google Lens to find more information on it we came across this link to a brand called ‘Maden Wear’ series of sneakers called the ‘Fake Series’ and donning another upside down Nike swoosh. See photos below:

As best as we can tell what happened here is that a factory purchased the Mikiji Nagai book then went rogue and began making knock offs of the sneakers in the book, shockingly including a copy of Raff’s brand 1970’s upside down swoosh Nike bootleg. There is no tongue or heel label on these shoes outside of the footbed which says Maden C-CLASS sneaker. Just to be clear we are not promoting these sneakers but merely reporting on it. The sneakers in the photos above are low quality construction and an overall poor design. We’d much rather have the OG Raff’s or some proper 1970’s old school Nike runners. One last note - we reached out to Mikiji Nagai for a comment but did not hear back.

Vintage sneaker repair and restoration - Sears The Winner retro runners

It’s been awhile since I posted a vintage sneaker repair here on the blog but today we’ve got a good one. This was a restoration project to see if I could revive these old 4 stripe yellow and black 1977 Sears The Winner retro running shoes. These sneakers were in maybe the worst condition of any vintage pair I have ever seen or owned. The soles were worn through the rubber and down to the foam, they had paint on them and were dirty as hell. It took a couple of hours of cleaning before I shipped them to our Instagram buddy and skilled cobbler craftsman @vintage_trainer_repairs68 over in the UK who fixed the worn, warped and brittle soles.

Before I post the photos of how gnarly these sneakers were here’s what they looked like after the midsole and repair. They came out great.

This is what they looked like prior to the repair. They were all jacked up with brittle, bent and warped soles. FUBAR…

The midsole had been worn all the way through the rubber. Damn.

Due to the level of grime on these shoes I went hard at them with detergent using an old toothbrush to clean the nylon and suede. I don’t usually recommend doing this with vintage sneakers but this case needed the next level of cleaning so I threw them in the washer machine. (Don’t try that at home if you care about your old school sneakers. Instead I recommend taking them to Jason Markk for cleaning.)

Here are some photos of the cleaning process. I removed the laces and let them soak in a mixture of water and detergent then I threw them into the washer machine with the sneakers. The washer machine removed a lot of the soot and brought out the color when they sun dried...

Here’s a before and after photo..

Before and after vintage sneaker repair @ The Deffest

If you have any pairs of vintage kicks that you want to get repaired I highly recommend checking in with @vintage_trainer_repairs68 over on Instagram. Tell him The Deffest sent you. 😎

New Balance MS327LAA retro runners

A couple of days ago we posted a 1982 ad for NB. Today I wanted to share a post that our buddy @trainer.spotting spotted out in the wild and passed along recently. Thanks man.

New Balance sneaker designer @charlottealee found design inspiration based on some of the NB models in the vintage 355 and SuperComp ads we've posted here on the blog to come up with a whole new hybrid model of New Balance runner called the MS327LAA. Check em out 👇

Sears the Winner retro sneakers by Warehouse Company (Japan)

A couple of weeks ago I posted the Adidas and Converse side by side of the Sears the Winner kicks and mentioned the original sneakers from the early 70s sell for between $1500 - $2800 now. It turns out that a company in Japan called "Warehouse Company" is still putting the 4 strips Converse version of these out and they sell for about $100. This images are from a Rakuten store called "CLEVER WEB SHOP" but unfortunately their inventory is currently sold out. Shout out to @secondhand_nate for this passing along the info on Warehouse Company.

Sears the Winner retro sneakers by Warehouse Company (Japan) @ The Deffest

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Sears the Winner 1974 vintage shoes by Converse AND Adidas

Another sneaker mystery... one of the readers of the blog emailed this over (thanks to Susan S for the photo) so I wanted to post it. The left image is from the 1974 Sears Fall catalog for Simpsons-Sears in Canada. What's odd is that these Sears the Winner shoes there were made by Adidas while the identical shoe model from the same year in the right side of the image was made by Converse for the US market. The Adidas Canadian version have 3 stripes and the Converse have 4. Either way, we've seen these sneakers for sale online for between $1500 - $2800 so if anyone spots a pair at your local thrift shop you should probably scoop them up.

Sears the Winner 1974 vintage shoes by Converse & Adidas @ The Deffest

Here’s another catalog image from Sears in 1976 where the adidas Winner line is featured.