Most Popular Sneakers From The Eighties

Sneakers are back, thanks to the fashion industry’s recent obsession with the ‘80s. The most popular ‘80s sneakers are making their way back into stores. The sought-after old school sneakers look cool, trendy, and have a young vibe that catches everyone’s attention. From walking in the streets to attending music festivals, parties, and other social galas – sneakers are the best shoes for any woman.

Sneakers are the legendary shoe style that became a huge part of streetwear and the punk lifestyle of the ’80s. They have multi-layered soles and come in various colors and designs. Move away from conventional footwear and make space for these retro beauties! The ultimate throwback to the 80s, all of these rare and limited edition sneakers are drool-worthy. Check out these popular ‘80s sneakers that can make you look dapper even today. Scroll down!

Cultural Impact Of 80s Sneakers

Iconic brands like Nike, Vans, and Adidas emerged in the 8os, influencing hip-hop and skate culture. Soon sneakers not only became a symbol of status and rebellion, but also a fashion icon. Many films and music videos featured them, laying the groundwork for today’s sneaker culture and athleisure movement. Certain basketball stars, like Micheal Jordan, signed deals with specific shoe brands to release their own sneakers, which caused a huge trend. This opened the door for other athletes, and nowadays music icons and other celebs, to make their own sneaker collaborations.

Now that you have learned about the cultural impact of sneakers in the 80s, check out the below list of the most popular 80s sneakers in the section below. Time to get inspired!

The Most Popular ‘80s Sneakers That You Need To Check Out

Any style that has ever been a cult favorite, is sure to make an explosive comeback. Sneakers are such fashion items that have a similar charm. They make for great casual wear, but can also be paired with formal outfits for a uniquely impressive look.

Expert Fashion Stylist, Eleonora Fiano, offers us some insights into the revived sneaker fashion. She says, “In recent years, ‘80s-inspired sneakers have become quite popular in the fashion scene. These sneakers often feature vibrant color schemes, bold patterns, and chunky designs reminiscent of the streetwear fashion of that era. Or, on the contrary, they can be totally white sneakers, which are also very popular nowadays because they are fashionable and at the same time easy to match with different looks. In addition, in recent years, the influence of many TV shows that have helped bring back many trends, including ‘80s sneakers, has been very important. Special mention definitely goes to the Netflix show “Stranger Things,” which brought back to the market many sneaker styles that in those years could not be missed in the wardrobe of teenagers and even adults.”

Keep reading to know more about sneaker styles that were all the rage in the ‘80s.

1. ‘80s Diadora Sneakers

This Italian footwear brand makes sneaker geeks go weak in the knees. Everything about Diadora speaks of its vintage history. Diadora sneakers are an acquired taste. These Italian sneaker babies will look ravishing with a pair of crisp chinos and a baggy sweater.

2. Adidas Continental 80

As you may already know, Adidas is an all-time cult favorite sneaker brand that has broken all sorts of style boundaries. The Adidas Continental 80 sneakers are affordable, chic, and freakin’ famous. These sneakers tell more about you and your sense of style than any other fashion apparel. Adidas Continental 80s can be worn with simple plaid pants and fun polo t-shirts. Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge, wears them just right with her athletic gear.

3. Reebok Club C 85

The Reebok Club C 85 sneakers are one of a kind for all your sporty and adventurous pursuits. These sneakers are classic pieces from the 80s era that have evolved into a favorite must-have among many sneakerheads today. They are not overpriced, suitably long-lasting, and can be used roughly on adventure trips for trekking, rock climbing, and running.

Trivia

In 1985, Reebok released Club C for the first time under the name Revenge Plus. It was developed during the late 1970s and early 1980s sneaker market’s growing interest in performance tennis shoes, and it soon gained popularity both on and off the court.

4. ‘80s Adidas High-Top Sneakers

Adidas is known to make an impact on the fashion world every time they launch a new product. And what better way to do it than by bringing back their iconic pair of ‘80s sneakers? These sneakers are owned by every elite fashion icon out there. Take one look at any street style gallery, and you will find a pair of gorgeous Adidas high-top sneakers staring right back at you. All the way from Kate Moss in the 1980s to Victoria Beckham in 2019, these sneakers are adored by fashion icons far and wide.

5. ‘80s Balloon Sneakers

It is no news that women in the fashion industry are turning to sneakers for style and comfort. Gone are the days when women only wore high heels and stilettos. Compared to other sneakers, balloon sneakers have more of a feminine appeal. The world-famous fashion apparel brand, Victoria’s Secret has also displayed a strong liking for balloon sneakers. They look soft, pretty, and elegant.

6. ‘80s Kangaroo Sneakers

Kangaroo sneakers are considered to be the best off-duty pair of shoes. They are not too extra or loud but, at the same time, turn heads and call for attention. Kangaroo sneakers were all the rage back in the ’80s. Of late, women in the modeling world, like Gigi Hadid, have begun sporting these sneakers and damn, do we love it!

7. Adidas Superstar Sneakers

The Adidas Superstar sneakers are on everyone’s fashion radar these days. These sneakers are big in the fashion industry, and they sell like hotcakes. Many fashion bugs rely on Adidas Superstar Sneakers to elevate their outfits. They complete their outfit with a stylish and chic flair. This pair of sneakers is definitely a must-have for your basic street style outfits.

Owen, a blogger, shared his experience with Adidas trainers in the 1980s. He liked to wear white Adidas trainers with blue stripes. In his blog, he stated, “By the mid-’80s I’d adopted Adidas since that was the first sort of ‘trainer’ I was familiar with and the design was nice and simple (i).”

Did You Know?

Distinguished athletes like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, George Gervin, George Irvine, and Bob Verga are recognized for donning Adidas Superstar sneakers.

8. ‘80s White Sneakers

The white sneaker trend is not going anywhere any time soon. From bloggers to college kids to fashion icons, everyone swears by white sneakers. They go with literally all your outfits. You can pair them with crop tops and shorts, floral dresses, kimonos, dungarees, ripped jeans, and everything under the sun. They look absolutely stunning and are usually super comfortable. White sneakers are a safe choice when you feel like sticking to the basics but still want to make a fashion statement.

9. ‘80s Punky Brewster Sneakers

Not many people swear by these sneakers sported by the ‘80s TV show character, Punky Brewster. They may look odd, but they are very handy. Some opt for this pair of sneakers for working out while others wear them to run errands. They not only make a fashion statement but are also great for your everyday chores.

10. Nike Air Force One

Designed by Bruce Kilgore and introduced in 1982, The Nike Air Force One is one of the most popular models made by the brand. This classic sneaker has a simple, clean design that is a must-have for a sneakerhead. Pair these classy shoes with jeans and a plain or graphic T-shirt for a casual chic look.

11. Reebok Classic

The Reebok Classic has been a major part of the streetwear scene since the 1980s, and it’s still going strong today. The leather uppers, lace closures, EVA midsoles, a durable rubber outsole, and textile lining make these timeless sneakers perfect for both sports and everyday wear.

Infographic: 5 Best Stylish Sneakers From The ‘80s Fashion Trends

Who doesn’t have a pair of sneakers in their shoe rack? Sneakers have become a necessity to enhance any outfit. From the ‘80s to the 21st century, the demand for cool and affordable sneakers has only increased. From your next-door neighbor to global celebrities such as Kendall Jenner or the Princess of Wales, almost every woman wears these classic sneaker styles.

Check out the infographic below to know the best 5 stylish sneakers from the ‘80s that you can totally rock right now!

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Frequently Asked Questions

Was Fila popular in the ‘80s?

Fila, an Italian sneaker brand, became very famous in the ‘80s owing to its popularity among tennis players.

Are Converse ‘80s or ‘90s?

Converse Chuck Taylors were pretty popular in both the ‘80s and ‘90s. They were worn by many celebrities, athletes, and teenagers.

Was Reebok popular in the ‘80s?

Yes, Reebok was one of the top shoe brands in the 1980s, surpassing other brands like Nike.

What sneakers were popular in 1986?

Air Jordans and Converse Weapons were two of the most popular sneakers in 1986.

Were K-Swiss shoes popular in the ‘80s?

Yes, K-Swiss shoes were popular in the mid-1980s. In 1986, K-Swiss released their second sneaker style called The Gstaad, which made them popular, especially in the Philippines.

What Jordans came out in the ‘80s?

The first pair of Air Jordans, made for Michael Jordan, debuted in 1984. More pairs were made and released in 1985 for the general public.

Was Puma popular in the ‘80s?

Yes. In 1985, Boris Becker sported Puma clothing and shoes at Wimbledon, which made the shoes very popular in the late ‘80s.

Which 80s sneaker models are the most sought-after today?

Today, the most sought-after 80s sneaker models include the Nike Air Jordan 1, Adidas Superstar, and Converse Chuck Taylor All-Star. These iconic styles remain popular for their timeless designs and cultural significance.

Illustration: Most Popular Sneakers From The Eighties

Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

Revisit vitange sneaker styles from the 1980s! From bright and bold colors to iconic designs, these sneakers will win your heart and have you sporting them in no time!