10. New Balance Classic U455 is a stylish retro running shoe. The mix of leather & mesh provide this offering the combination of durability & comfort which has been a staple of the New Balance line for years. The low profile design coupled with a good selection of colors make this shoe ideal for sunday casual as well as a great match for a dressed up dark denim jean.
9. KangaROOS Combat is one of the more fun examples of a cool retro sneaker in this list. Available in both suede & nylon (as shown) or with a suede & open mesh. The lines are unremarkable but what does set this shoe apart is the all so nostalgic Kangaroo logo & trademark velcro pocket. Wear this one & expect those of us who grew up in the 80's to take notice.
8. Onitsuka Tiger Rotation 77 by Asics was originally introduce as a volleyball shoe in 1977. The reissued version boasts an all leather construction highlighted with the classic Asics logo & suede toe. Good looking shoe with an identity all of it's own.
7. Converse Star Player 75 Canvas is the first of two offerings by Converse in this list. The Star Player 75 offers the familiar canvas construction but adds a semi padded collar for a more comfortable feel. Nice classic lines with a little flair. I especially like the addition of the star chevron logo.
6. Puma Suede is one of those shoes we've all owned at one point or another or if not, we should have. Classic design & a comely silhouette helps this unassuming shoe become one of the small details that count. A shoe which has not changed much since it's release in 1968 is still putting it's best foot forward after 42 years.
5. Reebok Lifestyle Classic Nylon is one of the more comfortable examples on this list. That aside, it's the versatile style of the Reebok Classic that puts into the top 5. It's called a nylon shoe but has a lot of suede going on which pushes it's style points above other brand's similar offerings.
4. PF Flyers Center Lo Reissue was originally introduced in the 1950's in both Hi & Lo versions. What sets this canvas basketball shoe apart is the ribbed toe & diamond pattern sole as well as nice use of color accents which gives them a unique flair.
3. Nike Air Pegasus '83 SI another nylon and suede running shoe breaking the top 5. This is exactly the type of shoe that Nike built their reputation on. One of the first offerings to use the "Air" cushioning system that has become so widespread today. Classic design & comfort makes these a must have.
2. Adidas Original Superstar Vulc was introduced in 1969. The shoe has a life of it's own & is referred to as the "Shell Toe" by it's many fans. (Myself included) Over the years this shoe has offered one of the more robust selection of colors of any of the shoes on this list and is aesthetically a stunner. All leather construction & origially introduced as a basketball shoe so they offer decent support & comfort. I debated internally for quite a while whether this shoe deserved top honors & I would not be remiss had I elected to do so.
1. Converse Chuck Taylor All Star is what we all think of when we think of a retro sneaker. It's the oldest, most popular basketball shoe sold. (There are three pair in my closet as I write this.)The All Star was originally made in 1917 but it wasn't until 1932 when Converse added Chuck Taylor's name to the ankle patch. Available in both high top & low cut & now also in more colors & variations than you could ever want (though some of them you wouldn't) & immitated more than any other shoe on this list. Original "Chucks" as we have come to know them have not changed since 1949 and for good reason.
