4 Cool Ways Fashion Girls Are Wearing '80s Comeback Sneakers

I've always been a sucker for a good '80s moment. In middle school, I begged my best friend to dress up as cliché "1980s girls" for Halloween (read: neon clothing, teased hair, and fishnet stockings). In high school, I cried when I scored the lead role in a musical literally titled Back to the '80s. And in college, I penned an entire thesis around the decade's "more is more" philosophy. I'm just a girl, standing in front of Doc, asking him to lend me a time-traveling DeLorean. Suffice it to say, I enjoy tracking any re-emerging trend from the era. While there definitely hasn't been any shortage of '80s comebacks recently, there's one resurgence that trumps them all this year: '80s sneakers. 

It feels almost unfair to say that '80s sneakers are just now experiencing a comeback. Plenty of sneaker styles that debuted throughout the decade have experienced prolonged success. But it's the classic exaggeratedly rounded toes, soft-sole padding, and tennis court–ready styles that are making a true revival. But don't just take our word for it. Ahead, we've rounded up the ways fashion girls are already bringing back the shoe styles. So buckle up because 1985 is just a few scrolls away.

Reebok Classic Sneakers

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(Image credit: The Style Stalker)

It's hard not to assume that both the Reebok Classic and the Rebook Club C are about to dominate as this year's must-have white sneaker styles. They've infiltrated just about every retailer we frequent and are proving to be a fun new alternative to other kicks. We're taking styling cues from this street style champ by pairing ours with some relaxed denim and a tailored blazer.

New Balance 574

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(Image credit: Thatsaleaf)

New Balance 574s are likely one you already have in your closet. But if there's one way we've yet to style the sneakers, it's with a bright-colored shacket. Be right back while we try to copy this outfit ASAP. 

Adidas Originals Continental

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(Image credit: Getty Images)

Even Kendall Jenner can't resist the trend. Here, she dresses down her preppy button-down ensemble with a pair of Adidas Continental 80s. TBH, with Jenner and friends like Hailey Bieber championing the style, it's bound to continue making a big splash throughout the year.

Nike Blazer

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(Image credit: Getty Images)

Before you wave a finger at me, yes, the Blazer did launch in the '70s. But I'll argue that it's popularity held over well into the early '80s. The retro shoe style proves how timeless it is by looking quite at home paired with leather joggers and an oversize button-down.

Up next, six cool suiting trends early adopters are already wearing.

Contributing Editor

Ray Lowe is a contributing editor for Who What Wear. She's spent the last decade living in New York, but now that she professionally works from home, she's slowly been going back to her roots by splitting time between NYC and L.A. A year ago, she left a four-year stint as a fashion editor for Refinery29 to explore the freelance life. Nowadays, she does just about everything from penning online articles (for Who What Wear, Refinery29, Elle, Cosmo, and many more) to writing scripts, styling, and finding ways to fuse her love for both Disney and fashion. Her main beat is fashion (trends, emerging brands, affordable finds, you name it), but you may find her dropping in with a beauty story every now and then. As for her personal style, she'd best describe it as a balanced blend of basics and contemporary trends, often with a dash of Mickey Mouse thrown in for good measure. In her spare time, she can be found coddling my pets (a French bulldog and a rescue cat), curating travel itineraries for her friends, scrolling through Instagram for up-and-coming brands, and watching so-bad-they're-good films.