Footwear Trend: Retro Running Trainers

Footwear Trend: Retro Running Trainers

 

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In the world of fashion and style, form is often prioritised over function. Comfort? Relegated to the back seat. Many a style blogger or fashion follower will happily put up with blisters and the like for a pair of beautiful shoes – after all, footwear is one of the most important aspects of any look.
Yet occasionally we manage to achieve that elusive footwear equilibrium; the perfect balance of comfort and style. Finding this sweet spot is becoming increasing difficult, yet a trend currently sweeping the industry has brought to the fore not only form, but function as well.
The shoe, or more accurately, trainer, in question is the retro running shoe.

Retro Runners

The trainer, love it or loathe it, is very much a menswear essential. They make a versatile addition to any modern man’s off-duty wardrobe – especially mature, minimalist takes that are devoid of ostentatious branding and design features, which allows them to be dressed up or down effortlessly.
The new running shoe trend builds on the foundations set by these timeless silhouettes, offering an extremely practical, comfortable and on point option that differs from the usual suspects of Chuck Taylors, Stan Smiths, Jack Purcells and Nike Blazers.
Yet despite the running trainer’s practical intent and sporting heritage, it is important to note that this year’s selection isn’t built for the strains of physical exertion. For the purpose of this trend, you should be prioritising aesthetics, rather than the technology incorporated within the shoe.
Your runners will add a touch of vintage cool and a sports luxe feel to any ensemble you choose to integrate them into. Just make sure you steer clear of the gym, track or field whilst donning your pair – you don’t want these getting scuffed up.
This silhouette isn’t just one for the casual dresser, either. We are currently seeing many gents incorporating them into smart-casual ensembles, and even more utilising them for a stylish and comfortable commute (switching when they reach the office, of course).

Street Style Lookbook

This is one trend that actually began on the streets, with the high fashion industry quickly cottoning on to the rise of the running silhouette and releasing their own versions to combat the popularity of specialist brands like New Balance, Saucony and Nike.
Reinforcing the trend’s continued influence and growth, our street style collective has captured a wide variety of gents wearing their runners in a number of distinct ways through both SS13 and AW13 – from casual to smart-casual and even dressed-down formal: