Fascination with vintage sneakers: everything you need to know about them

For us, vintage sneakers are not just a fashion statement or investment, but a piece of history on your feet and a symbol of passion. At a time when retro shoes and classics are back in fashion, we want to give you an overview and take you on a tour of the topic of vintage sneakers. Here you will find out what the difference is between vintage and retro sneakers, when the first sneakers were made and why retro and vintage sneakers are so popular. But also where you can buy them, how you can care for them and why vintage sneakers are sustainable. At the end of the text you will also find very brief and concise FAQs on the topic.

To be precise, something is called "vintage" when it is an original that is at least 20 years old and was manufactured in its original period. Vintage items are therefore characterized by signs of wear and a patina that gives them their unique charm. In the sneaker context, the term "vintage" is not always used quite so clearly. We often hear people talking about vintage sneakers, although they actually mean retro sneakers. So let's clarify the difference right at the start:

The difference between vintage sneakers and retro sneakers lies in their age and manufacture. Vintage sneakers are original shoes (OGs in sneaker slang) that are actually from the era in question and are often decades old. As described in the previous paragraph, they were manufactured in their original era and bear the signs of time, such as patina and signs of wear.

Retro sneakers, on the other hand, are reissues of classic sneaker models. They are produced today to mimic the design and style of the OGs. They are made with modern materials and manufacturing techniques. While vintage sneakers are authentic historical pieces, retro sneakers offer the nostalgic look with the reliability and durability of new shoes. And

Classic sneakers are timeless designs that have been produced for decades. The term classic is therefore above the terms vintage and retro. Because regardless of whether sneakers are old or new, they can be a classic.

By the way: The value of a vintage sneaker increases if it is in very good condition, has the original packaging and if the shoe has historical significance.

Sneakers have a longer history than you would think. At the end of the 18th century, people wore shoes with rubber soles known as "plimsolls". The shoes were super primitive, there was not even a distinction between right and left foot. Around 1892, the US Rubber Company developed more comfortable rubber shoes with a canvas upper called "Keds". Today there is still a brand called "Keds", but it is not the same company from 1892. In 1917, Marquis Converse made the first basketball shoe, the Converse All-Star . The shoe got its name from the basketball player Chuck Taylor in 1923. The shoes with the rubber sole were christened "sneakers" in the USA, derived from the word "to sneak" because the rubber soles were excellent for sneaking. If you would like to find out more about the history of sneakers, it is worth taking a look at our text on the topic of the best basketball shoes.

Shortly afterwards, in 1924, sneakers went international when German Adi Dassler founded Adidas, which quickly became the most popular sports brand in the world. Jesse Owens wore Adidas at the 1936 Olympic Games and won four gold medals. Adi's brother Rudi later founded the company Puma . In the first half of the 20th century, the shoes were mainly worn for sports. But in the 1950s, children began to wear them and eventually adults too. Classics such as the Adidas Samba, the Superstar or the Air Force 1 and the Air Jordan 1 saw the light of day in the sneaker world in the decades that followed. Back then in particular, new basketball shoes were so celebrated that some models quickly achieved legendary status. Anyone who has a vintage sneaker from this era at home today is either very lucky or has a lot of money. Original shoes from this era are therefore vintage sneakers. All classics that are repeatedly released today, such as the Air Force 1, are classic retro sneakers.

Significant moments in the history of sneakers ensure that the shoes from back then are seen as coveted vintage sneakers. One of these is clearly the first release of the Air Jordan 1 High. But popular wearers of the sneakers also contributed to certain models being very popular. Above all, Run-DMC. That's why we're taking a closer look at the cultural significance of (vintage) sneakers.

Vintage sneakers combine the nostalgia of past decades with the longing for individuality and authenticity. Sneakers embody an era. Each pair tells its own story and brings with it a piece of history. They are memorabilia that reflect the development of design, culture and technology. They are an expression of one's own personality and individual style and have had a significant influence on pop culture. It was the desire of sneaker fans to own and wear shoes steeped in history that made vintage sneakers interesting. Of course, artists around the world such as Kanye West, Eminem and/or athletes such as Michael Jordan have also contributed to the popularity of vintage sneakers. Their preference for old, special sneakers has increased demand enormously and made certain vintage models cult objects. Of course, sneakers also appear frequently in films, music videos and on stages, which further increases their popularity and makes them an integral part of pop culture.

They are particularly popular because genuine vintage sneakers are hard to find, which makes them so valuable to collectors. And compared to new models, vintage sneakers sometimes have a level of craftsmanship that is hard to find today. The materials and construction were often more robust and durable.

There are countless vintage models that are of varying degrees of popularity and popularity. There are tons of books on the subject. But we want to keep it shorter here and only show the really popular vintage models. But here's a reminder: vintage sneakers are not all the same as retro sneakers .

The most famous vintage sneaker is probably the OG Air Jordan 1 from 1985. If you have this sneaker at home, you can consider yourself lucky. Vintage sneakers that have been worn by players, athletes or artists themselves are particularly valuable. The most expensive vintage sneaker ever sold is the worn Air Jordan 13. It was auctioned at Sotheby's for $2.2 million . But prototypes and samples are also sought after. Kanye West's Nike Air Yeezy 1 'Prototype' was sold for $1.8 million. Sneakers that were developed for films also cost a lot of money. But in addition to the priceless vintage trophies, there are also simpler models that are more known in niches and that you can find today for little money at the flea market with a bit of luck. These are usually vintage Dunks or special Air Max colorways and collaborations.

Reading tip: The best sneaker films and documentaries

In summary, the most popular vintage sneakers include the following models: the Air Jordan series, the Air Max series , Air Force 1 models , Adidas Superstars , the Adidas ZX series, Converse Chuck Taylor All Stars, the Puma Suede or Reebok basketball shoes. These models have stood the test of time and are now sought-after vintage collector's items. But of course it is totally subjective which vintage model has meaning for you. Sneakerheads from the very beginning in particular associate stories with some models, colorways and collaborations that are of less interest to many younger sneaker fans.

If you look at the sneaker market, there are countless retro models, or at least retro-looking shoes, that still inspire a lot of people today. Here, too, the lines between retro and classic are quite blurred. Classic brands disappear from the scene every now and then and reappear as retro, and after their comeback they come in many new colorways that would then be described as classics rather than retro. This actually applies to every sneaker that has a long history behind it. Currently, the best example is the adidas Samba . For some time, the shoe was only available as a vintage. Until Adidas decided to bring back the OG colorways as retro. Since then, there have been countless colorways of the classic silhouette.

Retro sneakers from Nike and Air Jordan have dominated for decades. Since 2023, however, we have seen more retro Adidas and Puma sneakers on the streets. Most notably the Samba , the Gazelle and the Handball Spezial from Adidas. Our top retro silhouettes list is long, but we have limited ourselves to 10 models here:

1. 1. Adidas Samba

2. 2. Air Jordan 1

3. 3. Nike Air Max

4. 4. Nike Dunk

5. 5. Puma Suede

6. 6. Adidas Gazelle

7. 7. Adidas ZX series

8. 8. Reebok Club C

9. 9.New Balance 990

10. 10. Asics GEL-Rihe

Collecting vintage sneakers can be exciting for a variety of reasons. Some collectors love the aesthetics and design of decades past, while others see them as a valuable investment. Still others collect the sneakers purely for the history. For many, they are an expression of their individuality and style. The investment potential is significant, as some vintage sneakers have increased in value significantly over time. Factors such as rarity, condition, historical significance and demand are crucial to the value of a vintage sneaker.

If you want to start collecting vintage sneakers, focus on models that have special historical significance or rarity. Do thorough research and only buy from trusted sources to avoid counterfeits. Look for authenticity features such as serial numbers, original packaging and materials.

Basic care tips to keep your vintage sneakers in top shape: Clean your sneakers regularly with mild cleaning products and avoid harsh chemicals. For heavily worn sneakers, there are professional shops that offer sneaker cleaning services. If you want to know more about cleaning and caring for sneakers, check out our article on washing sneakers .

Storage: Store your sneakers in a cool, dry place and use shoe trees to maintain their shape.

You can buy vintage sneakers on online marketplaces like eBay and Grailed . StockX only offers unworn vintage sneakers. Auction houses like Sotheby's also hold special sneaker auctions where rare and valuable pairs are offered. However, these auctions are sure to far exceed your (and our) budget. At sneaker conventions like Sneakerness, you can find rare sneakers and exchange ideas with other collectors. If you're lucky, you can find unique vintage sneakers in second-hand shops and at flea markets, sometimes at real bargain prices.

Vintage sneakers are more than just shoes; they are cult objects with history and high value. In the world of sneakers, vintage and retro will always play a role. And depending on the trend, the respective sneakers from a particular era make a comeback. We love the nostalgic charm of sneakers and always will. And every few years we are happy to receive one or two long-awaited retro sneakers. We are excited to see which silhouettes are already in the starting blocks that we have almost forgotten about. If you still have any questions about vintage sneakers, please check our FAQ.

What are vintage sneakers? Vintage sneakers are original models that were made in their original period.

What are retro sneakers? Retro sneakers, on the other hand, are new editions of classic sneaker models

Which brands have vintage sneakers? Well-known brands for vintage sneakers are Nike, Adidas, Converse, Reebok and Puma.

What were the first sneakers? The first sneakers include models like the Converse Chuck Taylor All Star from 1917.

What are the most popular vintage sneaker models? Popular models include the Nike Air Jordan 1, Adidas Superstar, Converse, Chuck Taylor All Star and Puma Suede.

How expensive are vintage sneakers? The price can vary greatly and depends on factors such as model, condition and rarity. Some can cost several hundred, over a thousand, or even millions of euros.

How do you determine the value of vintage sneakers? Value is determined by factors such as condition, rarity, demand and authenticity features.

Where can I buy vintage sneakers? Vintage sneakers can be purchased on online marketplaces like eBay and StockX, as well as at auction houses, sneaker conventions, second-hand shops and flea markets.

Where can I buy retro sneakers? You can buy retro sneakers in any well-stocked sneaker shop.

What makes a sneaker a real “vintage” sneaker? A real vintage sneaker is an original model that is at least 20 years old and was manufactured in its original period.

How do I know if a vintage sneaker is real? Check the materials, authenticity features and only buy from trusted sellers and platforms. Common counterfeit features: poor workmanship, fake logos and missing original packaging.

How do retro sneakers differ from current models? Retro sneakers are reissues of classic models, while current models often use modern designs and technologies.

How do you stylishly integrate vintage sneakers into modern outfits? Vintage sneakers can be combined in many different ways, from casual jeans looks to elegant dresses or suits. There are no limits to your creativity. You can mix old and new wonderfully and you can hit the streets in a complete vintage look. If you are unsure whether colors harmonize with each other, we can recommend the rule of color theory . But sometimes unusual contrasts look really good.

What is the best way to care for my vintage sneakers? Use mild cleaning products and store the sneakers in a cool, dry place. Regular cleaning, proper storage and the use of shoe trees will help maintain the condition and extend the lifespan. Read our article “ Washing Sneakers ” for more information.

Why are vintage sneakers sustainable? Buying vintage sneakers reduces the need for new resources and minimizes waste.

What makes vintage sneakers so special? Their uniqueness, rarity and the stories about them make them special.

Are vintage sneakers a good investment? Yes, particularly rare and well-preserved models can increase in value and represent a worthwhile investment. However, buying vintage sneakers also carries risks. You should be well-versed in shoes, their history and value before buying sneakers as an investment.

What are the rarest vintage sneaker models? The rarest models include the Nike Air Mag, the Adidas Yeezy 1 and the Air Jordan 1 in certain colorways.

→ To the Asphaltgold online shop