Each season brings new fashion trends, and as travelers, we are loving the retro sneaker comeback for fall, where brands are looking to their archives and putting a modern twist on their heritage styles. From Reebok’s ‘80s classics to Adidas’ timeless Gazelle design from the ‘60s, vintage-inspired kicks are supportive enough for walking for miles during trips — so it’s no wonder we’re spotting them in cities across the world, including New York City.
Their versatility is unmatched; pair them with wide-leg travel pants and a sleek turtleneck for an elevated workwear look but with sporty flair, style them with denim and an oversized sweatshirt for a cozy weekend outfit, or wear them with a midi dress and denim jacket on your next vacation. As a travel and fashion writer, I’ve helped narrow your search for the perfect pair and rounded up the 10 best sneakers that combine style and comfort to ensure you’re ready for fall and all your upcoming travels.
Reebok Women’s Club C 85 Vintage Sneakers
The Reebok Club C 85 Vintage Sneakers are the ideal blend of old-school charm and modern style, and right now, they’re nearly $30 off. With a comfortable fit and ample support, these sneakers will quickly become your go-to pair. First released in 1985, they’ve only grown in popularity — and there’s no sign of that changing anytime soon.
One shopper, an American who has lived in Spain for three years, called them the “perfect Euro girl summer shoe.” They added: “When I travel to other countries or cities it is not unusual to walk nine, 10, [or] 13 miles a day. These are hands down the best travel sneaker I’ve had in the past three years.” And comparing them to those from other brands, they shared, “I’ve had Sambas, Nikes and Lacoste and these are the best walking shoes ever!”
Adidas Originals Gazelle Sambas
We love a fun pop of color, and the Original Sambas are a great way to elevate any outfit instantly. Fall often brings an influx of neutrals and monochromatic looks, so adding a bold splash of pink and orange will make your shoe collection stand out this season. They’re currently up to 22 percent off, so now’s the time to grab a pair.
A five-star reviewer wrote, “The fit was perfect and the style of this shoe is out of this world. Love the quality and the compliments they get.”
Tretorn Women’s Rawlins Sneakers
A personal favorite, the Tretorn Sneakers pair well with just about anything. Style them with jeans and a t-shirt for a bit of personality or even with business casual attire. The neutral color palette matches everything while the retro design and green accents offer just the right amount of flair.
Multiple travelers shared how much they love these. One said, “I wanted something more stylish than running shoes to wear that would be comfortable for traveling and day trips and [these] are perfect.” Another wrote, “I wore them for the first time for a long day traveling at the airport and was impressed with how comfortable they were throughout.”
New Balance Classics 237 Sneakers
The New Balance Classics 237 Sneakers deliver the perfect dose of retro, paying homage to the original running shoes of the 1970s. New Balance describes this sneaker as melding “a range of heritage design inspirations into one deceptively simple, exceptionally versatile, contemporary silhouette.” Plus, the colors are on point for fall.
One Zappos customer said, “I have gotten so many compliments on these shoes, I ended up buying two more pairs! They added, “I wear them for eight-plus hours a day, and my feet don’t hurt like they normally do in other styles.”
Gola Elan Sneaker
I recently bought a pair of the Gola Elans myself because who doesn’t want to refresh their shoe collection for fall? They truly elevate any outfit — even the simplest looks — and steal the show. Plus, they’re incredibly comfortable. I’ve walked countless steps through the streets of NYC in these with ease.
A happy buyer reported, “Love these shoes even more than I thought I would and cannot wait to wear them all fall and winter.” They continued, “they fit perfectly and are so comfortable! Might need a second pair!”
Veja Women’s V-10 Sneakers
A classic white sneaker is always a wardrobe essential, and the Vejas V-10 Sneakers have a pop of color by way of their signature “V.” They offer both a retro vibe and a hint of quiet luxury, having been spotted on style icons like Kate Middleton and Reese Witherspoon.
One reviewer called these “the best investment and noted that “they look amazing with everything.” They added: “I took them out of the box and traveled on vacation and walked all over Italy with them without breaking them in. My feet never once hurt.”
Kizik Women’s Milan Sneakers
The Kizik Milan Sneakers come in a wide range of colors — from bright, eye-catching hues to understated neutrals — so there’s a perfect pair for everyone. Designed with a spring-back heel, these sneakers provide support and comfort for strolling mile after mile.
A shopper wrote, “These shoes are the best! Slip-on and go! Very comfortable and great support! First time I put them on, [I] went to the state fair and walked for six hours!”
Saucony Shadow 5000 Sneakers
Originally released in 1989, the Saucony Shadow 5000 Sneakers are back and better than ever. The mesh and suede uppers stay true to the original design, while the thick cushioned midsole offers comfort and style. They’ll easily become your go-to pair for both fashion-forward looks and long days walking.
Feiyue Fe Lo 1920 Low-top Sneakers
The Feiyue Fe Low-top Sneakers offer a vintage 1920s aesthetic at an incredibly affordable price. With a minimalist design and a focus on performance, these lightweight sneakers provide both flexibility and comfort, making them perfect for everyday wear.
One review wrote: “I bought these shoes to take to Vegas and walked basically the entire strip and over 6 miles in Desth Valley, over salt flat, sand dunes, snd steep rocks with no issues. They held up amazingly and my feet did not complain at all ( my feet are sorry state of bunions & fractures)! Plus they are very stylish!”
Vans SK8-Hi Sneakers
Vans has been a staple in the shoe industry since the ‘60s, and its iconic high-top sneaker design remains timeless. Featuring all the elements of the original 1978 classic, this updated version adds modern comfort while retaining its signature look. The red pop of color is perfect for fall — grab a pair while you can.
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