Classic sneakers are those staples in closets that no matter what year it is they never go out of style even though they may not be as popular. Classics also have an nostalgic impact. In my opinion, everyone needs at least one of these pair in their closet because the go with just about everything: from jeans and a T-Shirt to a cute sun dress (from flowy to maxi).
I remember when I (all by myself) purchased my pair of air max 90s (they make an appearance on the list below). It was a sunny day, in the spring and I was at South Square Mall in Durham, NC (today a Target and Sam’s Club live on that land). I walked into Foot Action, I was greeted by Earlie. Earlie was the manager at Foot Action and we quickly bonded over the love for shoes. Earlie was my shoe enabler throughout my college years . I remember all the good times I had in those shoes.
Now lets get started with the classics – not in a particular order. (All shoes are shown in white)
Originally Released in 1983
Design for Aerobics
Interesting Fact: The Princess was part of the Royal collection along with the empress and the duchess
Originally Released in 1968
Design for Running (Sprints and Hurdles)
Interesting Fact: Became popular in the 1980s
Originally Released in 1966
Design for Tennis
Interesting Fact: The first all leather shoe made for Tennis
Originally Released in 1983
Design for Running
Interesting Fact: Kendrick Lamar has collaborated with Reebok and has released different designs on the classic with positive messages (i.e. anti-gang violence)
Originally Released in 1969
Design for Basketball
Interesting Fact: Adidas signed Run D.M.C to an endorsement deal after the song “My Adidas” was released
Originally Released in 1982
Design for Basketball
Interesting Fact: They were named after the president’s plane – Air Force One
Original Release Date: 1966
Design for Not Sure
Interesting Fact: Originally named Vans # 44 Deck Shoes
Original Release: 1916
Design for Lifestyle
Interesting Fact: First sneaker made for women
Originally Released in 1995
Design for Running
Interesting Fact: Nike make a zip up version
Originally Released in 1982
Design for Aerobics
Interesting Fact: Account for more than 1/2 of Reebok Sales in 1984 Also Known As: Fifty Four Eleven (the price + tax in NY)
Originally Released in 1997
Design for Running
Interesting Fact: The design was inspired by mountain bikes, Nike also made a slip on version
Originally Released in 1988
Design for Running
Interesting Fact: New Balance re-released this shoe after 29 years in another version 574S
Originally Released in 1990
Design for Running
Interesting Fact: President George H.W. Bush had a pair of 90’s made for him. Air Pres was branded on the shoe
Originally Released in 1985
Design for Basketball
Interesting Fact: Jordan was fined $5000 per game for wearing the Jordan 1 Bred – The original price of Jordans was $65
Originally Released in 1936
Design for Basketball
Interesting Fact: The All Stars were designed for the 1936 Olympics
Originally Released in 1972
Design for Running
Interesting Fact: Nike had a court battle for the Cortez name with Onitsuka Tiger
Originally Released in 1977
Design for Skateboarding
Interesting Fact: Dubbed the ‘unofficial’ shoe of Southern California
Originally Released in 1977
Design for Skateboarding
Interesting Fact: The First Van to host the ‘Jazz Stripe’
Originally Released in 1978
Design for Skateboarding
Interesting Fact: First above the ankle shoe for skateboarding
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