The best retro sneakers of 2026 that are actually comfortable

I’m incredibly critical about shoes, but I don’t think I’ve never tried a pair I didn’t like from Rothy’s. The Ivy sneakers are no exception to the rule. They were winners for me right out of the box, with zero break-in time and an extremely comfortable, flexible fit. I love the retro vibe, but more than that, I love how versatile and dirt-proof these are. The ReVelvet looks a lot like suede, and the texture makes it such that dirt and wear are much harder to see.

The material also makes these look way more expensive than they are (though at $145, you could hardly call them cheap to begin with). I would definitely recommend going with your typical size. The shoes are available in half sizes, which is unusual for Rothy’s, but also means you’re more likely to get a perfect fit the first time around.If I had to choose one thing to nitpick about, it’s that I wish they had ever so slightly more arch support. But the great thing about Rothy’s is that the insoles are removable so you can always add your own orthotics for added cushioning. — Sally Kaplan, executive editor, Insider Reviews

See more in our Rothy’s flats review.

The best walking shoes I own are the Rykä’s Devotion X, but those are more geared for fitness. Its Era sneakers are more style-forward yet still really comfortable, with a level of arch support I wasn’t expecting from such a slim silhouette.

This pair further stands out among the best retro sneakers I’ve tested because the deeper heel cup helps stabilize your gait. Its combined podiatric features are usually found in shoes much costlier than $80. The Era sneakers come in half sizes and are conveniently wide-foot friendly. I wear a size 8, and they fit me true to size. — Gabrielle Chase, style editor, Insider Reviews

Saucony’s shoes tend to have one of two vibes: ultra-sporty and athletic, or retro-chic. Though the company is over 125 years old, it really got its due in 1977 when two of its pairs won awards from Runner’s World magazine. One of those sneakers was the Hornet, which was a precursor to the unisex 1978 Trainer 80. This is my favorite style from the brand, pairing retro design with modern performance. It’s available in a ton of colors so you can go as bold as you want. — Sally Kaplan, executive editor, Insider Reviews

You’d be hard-pressed to go a day without seeing a pair of Golas in major European fashion cities. These shoes are everywhere, and with good reason: The suede material and various color combos are super vibey and fun, and the silhouette pairs easily with skirts, dresses, and jeans. My favorite way to wear my yellow Gola Elans is with a bold, monochrome outfit, like wide-leg khakis or a khaki pleated skirt and an oversize yellow sweater.

They don’t have amazing arch support, but I just pop in my favorite insoles for long days of walking. — Sally Kaplan, executive editor, Insider Reviews

These unisex sneakers get their retro flair directly from the design archive of Italian sportswear brand Diadora. As the embroidery on the heel tabs will tell you, the style first debuted in 1975, and they’ve retained the same unique metal eyelets as the original pairs. The leather has a stonewashed finish, giving them the lived-in look that many vintage clothing enthusiasts strive for.

Inspired by the California coast, the design of these luxe retro runners takes a playful approach to mixing materials with suede, mesh, and leather details reminiscent of ocean waves. We love the muted color palette on Oasis Runners, which is easy to match with a variety of outfits, whether it’s jeans and a t-shirt or a miniskirt and bomber jacket. If you prefer more of a statement shoe, there are 13 other colorways, including brightly hued options.

The suede Puma Speedcats are a prime example of how performance-based shoes are being repurposed into streetwear symbols. We saw it first with the soccer-inspired Adidas Sambas, and now again with these motorsport trainers. The Speedcats first debuted in 1984 as boots for Formula 1 drivers, with sleek wraparound soles for a more precise feel of their pedals. Then, in 1999, they were reimagined as a sneaker for Puma’s Sportstyle collection. Today, they’re the brand’s most popular shoe.

I got my Speedcats in black to wear with flare leggings for a sporty look, but I think the recently restocked “Haute Coffee” colorway is my true favorite. They fit true-to-size, and their Ortholite insoles made them decently comfortable to walk in, but that’s likely because my foot runs narrow. Their streamlined silhouette will be too slim on people who have wide feet or really pronounced arches. — Gabrielle Chase, style editor, Insider Reviews

Saye’s ’80s-inspired court sneaker is made in Portugal from corn vegan Napa, bamboo, and recycled materials. The packaging is also 100% recyclable, and each purchase of a pair funds the growth of two trees. The comfy unisex M89s, available in 27 other colors and fabrics, are versatile for dressing up or down.

You might recognize these colorful kicks from your FYP — Back70 is an Italian boutique brand that’s all over TikTok as of late. People love the fashion-forward designs with intricate details like two-tone laces, a scalloped-edge logo, and mixed fabrics on the outer sides that are balanced by a vintage-inspired ’70s feel. According to the TikTok chatter, they’re just as comfy as they are stylish.

Vejas are everywhere these days, and we rank them among the best white leather sneakers. This leather style incorporates the brand’s signature white base and a contrast suede logo, with a nod to the past in the form of Velcro closures. They do require a bit of breaking in, but once they’re softened up, they’ll be among the most comfortable shoes in your closet.

Growing up in the early ’90s, I saw the original Reebok Club Cs everywhere. Now, they’re back, and while I can appreciate the super vintage look of the carbon copy from 1985 on others, I prefer a more contemporary spin for my own wardrobe.

Dubbed the Club C Double Revenge, this updated version is set apart with a few key details — a double-height outsole, an emphasized contrast logo, and a stiffer silhouette — that bring it into 2025. Still, the leather upper and chalky base color pay homage to the classic. I love that the look marries old and new seamlessly.

I first wore these for a long day of shopping. They looked plenty cute with straight-leg jeans, though there was a bit of a break-in period before they softened up. Later, I paired them with an oversized sweater and a skirt for a night out and appreciated how well they went with a dressier ensemble, while being much kinder on my feet than most elevated shoes.