The sneakers that have defined the style of each decade

Explore the fascinating evolution of sneakers through the decades, from their humble beginnings to becoming fashion icons. Discover how vintage and retro models have set footwear trends, influencing urban style and popular culture. We analyze the most influential designs that have defined each era, from the 1910s to the present day. This retrospective is perfect for sneaker enthusiasts, fashion collectors, and anyone interested in the history of athletic footwear. Delve into the legacy of the most iconic sneakers that have transcended time.

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  1. 1

    Vans Old Skool

    498 Global Votes

    A flagship shoe for the brand, these sneakers were adopted by skaters and alternative culture, becoming an essential staple of urban style. Their iconic sidestripe is unmistakable.

  2. 2

    Adidas Superstar

    178 Global Votes

    Made famous by the rap group Run-DMC in 1986, these sneakers became a hip-hop and streetwear classic. Their timeless design with a shell toe remains a cultural touchstone.

  3. 3

    Adidas Stan Smith

    82 Global Votes

    This sneaker has remained a timeless classic for decades, and its successful reissue in 2015 made it a smash hit once again in sales and the fashion world. Its minimalist design makes it an essential classic.

  4. 4

    Air Jordan 1

    36 Global Votes

    Designed for Michael Jordan, these sneakers revolutionized sports marketing and sneaker culture, becoming a symbol of an era and the basketball legend. Their '80s spirit endures.

  5. 5

    Nike Cortez

    29 Global Votes

    An icon of the '70s, immortalized by film and adopted by street culture, its vintage style has become trendy again. New versions and materials maintain its relevance today.

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  7. 6

    Adidas Samba OG

    28 Global Votes

    One of the most popular sneakers of the 20th century, it has been revived by various urban tribes and celebrities, remaining a very fashionable model in 2025. Its design evokes the soccer cleats of the era.

  8. 7

    Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66

    21 Global Votes

    Famous for their appearance in "Kill Bill Vol. 1," they are experiencing a strong resurgence in 2025 and 2026. They lead the trend of ultra-thin sole sneakers, solidifying their iconic status.

  9. 8

    Nike Air Force 1 Shadow

    18 Global Votes

    It was the first basketball shoe with Nike Air technology, becoming a symbol of "sneaker culture." It's a vehicle for spreading the word that made basketball shoes the preferred footwear of urban tribes.

  10. 9

    Nike Dunk Low

    9 Global Votes

    It has become one of the most sought-after and versatile sneakers for streetwear and urban style in 2025. Its classic two-tone design makes it an essential staple in current fashion.

  11. 10

    Puma Speedcat OG

    5 Global Votes

    Originally designed for race car drivers, it makes a strong comeback in 2025, boosted by artists like Dua Lipa. It's establishing itself as a thin-soled trend, with its aerodynamic shape and retro '90s design.

  12. 11

    Puma Clyde

    3 Global Votes

    Designed for basketball player Walt "Clyde" Frazier, its popularity quickly went from the court to the streets. Its understated yet eye-catching design has kept it relevant for decades.

  13. 12

    Keds Champion Original

    0 Global Votes

    These sneakers represent the origins of casual athletic footwear, standing out for their simple and functional design. Their timeless style keeps them as an essential staple in today's wardrobe.

  14. 13

    Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Pro

    0 Global Votes

    An almost century-old icon, these sneakers have transcended their athletic origins to become a symbol of rebellion and urban style. Their enduring appeal across generations solidifies them as a cultural pillar.

  15. 14

    Adidas Gazelle OG

    0 Global Votes

    With millions of pairs sold, this model was relaunched by Adidas with great success, solidifying its status as a style icon. Its popularity in the '90s and its current resurgence make it highly relevant.

  16. 15

    K-Swiss Classic VN

    0 Global Votes

    The first leather tennis shoe, this model has remained a timeless classic in the world of tennis and casual fashion. It is appreciated for its clean design and exceptional durability.

  17. 16

    Puma Clyde OG

    0 Global Votes

    Paying homage to Walt "Clyde" Frazier, these sneakers were adopted by B-Boy culture and the early days of hip-hop, becoming an iconic model. Their distinctive design makes them a cultural touchstone.

  18. 17

    Puma Suede Sneakers

    0 Global Votes

    Popularized by athletes and b-boy and hip-hop culture, it is the foundation of Puma's classic aesthetic. Its legacy continues to influence retro trends, keeping it relevant.

  19. 18

    Adidas SL 72

    0 Global Votes

    It revolutionized running in its time and is one of Adidas' current best-sellers. Seen on celebrities like Bella Hadid, it's a key part of the retro trend in 2025.

  20. 19

    Nike Air Force 1 Low

    0 Global Votes

    A true social and cultural phenomenon, these sneakers transcended the basketball court to become a favorite footwear choice for various urban tribes. It remains an extremely popular model in 2025.

  21. 20

    Reebok Freestyle Hi

    0 Global Votes

    The first athletic shoes created specifically for women, associated with the '80s aerobics craze. This classic has never gone out of style, reinventing itself in different colors and moving beyond the gym.

  22. 21

    Nike Air Max 95

    0 Global Votes

    It represented the rise of sportswear as streetwear and technological innovation with its visible air unit. This specific model remains popular and is frequently reissued, maintaining its relevance.

  23. 22

    Reebok Pump

    0 Global Votes

    They marked a milestone in athletic footwear technology by being the first sneakers with an adjustable air cushioning system. Its innovative design and functionality continue to be recognized and appreciated.

  24. 23

    Reebok Pump Omni Zone II

    0 Global Votes

    With its innovative inflatable air unit technology that allows for a customized fit, this futuristic design for its time has been revived in recent models, demonstrating its lasting impact.

  25. 24

    Adidas Gazelle

    0 Global Votes

    Although launched in 1966, its popularity exploded in the 90s, transcending its original function to become an icon of urban fashion. It is synonymous with style and comfort, and remains very popular in 2025.

  26. 25

    ASICS Gel-Lyte III

    0 Global Votes

    Known for its split tongue and GEL cushioning technology, it represents technology at the service of sport. Its main lines have been preserved to this day, with models like the GEL-1130 being a retro-runner trend in 2026.

  27. 26

    Buffalo London Classic Low Platform Sneakers

    0 Global Votes

    Popularized by the Spice Girls, these sneakers with exaggerated platforms defined a bold and maximalist aesthetic of the '90s. Platforms have made a comeback, maintaining their influence.

  28. 27

    Adidas Taekwondo Mei Sneakers

    0 Global Votes

    It embodies the Y2K aesthetic, eschewing chunky soles and embracing a retro feel. It's one of the most coveted sneakers of 2025, setting trends with its narrow silhouette and thin sole.

  29. 28

    ASICS Gel-NYC

    0 Global Votes

    Inspired by models from the 2000s, this sneaker is currently highly sought after for its combination of comfort and style. It revives the robust and technical aesthetic of the early 2000s, making it highly relevant in 2026.

  30. 29

    Asics GEL-1130

    0 Global Votes

    It's a prime example of the "retro-runner" trend from the 2000s that's still going strong. It's expected to dominate in 2026, offering a chunky and comfortable design.

  31. 30

    New Balance x Aimé Leon Dore 550

    0 Global Votes

    It has resurfaced strongly as a style icon of the 2000s, becoming one of the most sought-after sneakers of the moment. Its versatility and retro aesthetic make it very popular today.

  32. 31

    Nike Air Max Moto 2K

    0 Global Votes

    It represents the "retro-runner" trend from the 2000s that's still going strong and is expected to dominate in 2026. Its chunky design and futuristic aesthetic make it very appealing.

  33. 32

    Salomon XT-6

    0 Global Votes

    This technical trail running shoe, which transitioned from the mountains to streetwear, remains one of the most fashionable in 2026. It champions the "mountain shoe" trend and the "soft go-go" style.

  34. 33

    New Balance 204L

    0 Global Votes

    This thin-soled shoe has generated massive hype due to its collaboration with Miu Miu and Rosalía. 2026 is expected to be a promising year for this model, with more color options and restocks.

  35. 34

    Nike V2K Run

    0 Global Votes

    It represents the "gorpcore" and functional trend that is key in 2026, with a robust, running-inspired design. It combines aesthetics and comfort, adapting to the current demand for all-terrain sneakers.

  36. 35

    Adidas Tokyo

    0 Global Votes

    A '60s style making a strong comeback, leading the ultra-thin-soled sneaker trend in 2026. It works well with both formal and informal looks, adding a cool, vintage vibe.