The Ageless Appeal Of Heritage Sneakers

A stylish statement for a look beyond the trend cycle.

When shopping for shoes, getting caught up in the hype is an easy mistake. To save yourself the hassle (and money) of falling foul of impulse purchases, invest in a heritage sneaker from sites such as Laced.

When it comes to retro styles, adidas is a solid choice, having produced a consistent line-up of well-appreciated heritage sneakers over the years. The adidas Samba is one of the European brand’s oldest shoes, first released in 1950 before the Brazil World Cup. Initially, it was designed for the icy winter football pitches of Europe. However, throughout its decade-spanning history, it has evolved into the fashion-forward trainer we see today.

The adidas Samba OG White Black boasts a premium leather construction, paired with supple suede overlays across the toe box. Perfectly complementing a crisp white sidewall, is adidas’ Three Stripes branding and gold foil lettering, completing a subtle yet recognisable design. Thanks to its low-profile make-up, the adidas Samba pairs perfectly with any item in your wardrobe, at home with tailored separates and shorts in the summer. High-profile collaborations with industry-leading menswear designer Wales Bonner make the Samba popular among the fashion crowd.

Another sports-focused sneaker from adidas: the Gazelle. While not rooted in one specific sport but rather designed to support sportspeople in various activities, the Gazelle struck a chord with athletes upon its release in 1968. Its suede make-up meant it could be dyed easily whilst still offering durability and protection.

The adidas Gazelle may look similar to the Samba to the untrained eye. However, this adidas icon’s distinct construction sets it apart from its low-profile sibling. All-over suede, a higher midsole and a slightly longer tongue are unique to this sports-inspired silhouette. The adidas Gazelle Indoor Blue Bird nods to the original blue and red colourways released. A gum sole combines with white leather branding to complete the ageless design, perfect for summer and beyond. With a recognisable look and functional composition, this vintage sneaker is always in style.

Basketball has contributed to some of fashion’s most in-demand footwear, with Nike leading the way in recent years. Nike’s Air Jordan 1 trainers have transcended from the basketball court into the cultural zeitgeist. Look to Hollywood style icon Ben Affleck to see how Air Jordans can pair into your casual wardrobe, such as with a plain white tee or a structured leather jacket. Michael Jordan’s position as one of the greatest athletes of all time has elevated the Air Jordan above the trend cycle, cementing the high-top as an all-time classic.

The Nike Air Jordan 1 High OG Lost and Found presents the first silhouette of the Nike Air Jordan lineage in its original colourway, with a cracked leather collar and weathered sole reflecting the shoe’s long-lasting place in footwear history. With a balanced contrast of red, white and black, the Lost and Found Air Jordan 1 is an easy-wearing addition to your wardrobe that will ace the test of time.

Almost as iconic as the Air Jordan is the Nike Air Force 1, another ‘80s hardwood icon that oozes off-court appeal. A sleek all-leather upper makes for easy cleaning and all-year-round wear. In its most iconic colourways, the Air Force 1 comes dressed in all-black and all-white, perfect for any-outfit styling. The Air Force 1 is a timeless sneaker that doesn’t scream for attention, working as a muted companion to any look.

Photo Credit: Laced Studio