A little vintage sneaker inspiration

I’m starting a sneaker project this week, and have started on my research. Before starting a new project, I like to see what sneakers are on trend now, but I also like to look back, and see what trends were going on in the 80s and 90s and even back to the 60s and 70s. It’s interesting to see what trends have come back.

Here are a few sneakers I found that have nice details, colors, and materials.

I don’t know this brand, but I love the little detail on the shank of the outsole. I like how the moulded EVA has a sharp edge, and the outsole plate cinches in. The shoe is very clean which is what’s going on right now. The pattern is simple enough to do some cool material and color blocking like what Marni did here and here for Fall 2020.

The details of this rare vintage Nike sneaker are so cool. You can see more here. I love the color combination, the EVA stripe on the shank is a nice pop and side profile lines. I especially like the outsole design. There is so much inspiration to draw from here. Again, I feel the lines are so relevant to what’s happening today.

These vintage Reebok classics are fantastic. I love the logo detail on the quarter. A nice way to play with branding. Again the outsole plate design is simple, and clean. You can see more here.

Here are some other vintage sneakers I loved. Nice details, and color, and material exploration. Check these out here, here, here and here.