VINTAGE VIBES: THE RISE OF ARCHIVE SNEAKERS IN 2024

In the last few years, as the fashion industry has increasingly focused on upcycling, second-hand, and pre-owned items along with an increase in vintage and archive fashion sales, the sneaker world has started to follow these trends.

In addition to launching new silhouettes - which sometimes don’t seem to be as highly appreciated as the OGs - sneaker brands are delving into their archives to present reworked shapes and proportions with innovative materials and updated colorways. Sneakers inspired by running, football, boxing and skateboarding early designs are now making a comeback with a contemporary twist, combining performance and lifestyle.

As a result, the search for vintage sneakers on second-hand platforms, in street markets and shops has constantly grown. On Vinted and Instagram there are now many accounts dedicated to research and resale of archive sneakers of the main brands.

As we already know, 2024 is the year of PUMA: the brand is revisiting its archival collections to bring back classic designs, reimagining them and ensuring that the legacy of its footwear continues to influence and shape the sneaker industry.

Some examples are the Y2K Mostro, the Palermo endorsed by Dua Lipa and Rosé from Blackpink, the Easy Rider originally released in the 70s and reinterpreted by Jil Sander in the 90s, the Inhale revisited in the collaboration with A$ap Rocky, the retro-futuristic football boot with Coperni; and last but not least the legendary Speedcat originally designed for F1 drivers, just re-launched and already on the runways and on the feet of fashion insiders.

The impact of archive sneakers is seen today in the new drops and reissues, so we looked all over the web to find some real vintage silhouettes to place in our wishlist (and if we are lucky, in our wardrobes).

Take a look at these PUMA straight from the heritage of the brand: the Satori Alto boot (2005) and the Satori Lux, both inspired by Samurai armors.

via @welcome.jpeg | Puma Satori boots

via @satori.sphere | Puma Satori Boots

via @satori.sphere | Puma Satori Lux

The PUMA Kugelblitz designed by Peter Schmid in 2004, the model draws inspiration from astrophysics and the theory about the concentration of energy generating the black holes.

via @satori.sphere | Puma Kugelblitz - designed by Peter Schmid, 2004

Other iconic archive pieces from PUMA are the Sono (there’s not much information about this sample - unfortunately never released - from 2006) and the Mikoshi, inspired by the homonym Japanese festival and its traditional Jikatabi shoes.

via @kikokurative | Puma Sono 2006

via @welcome.jpeg | Puma Sono 2006

Not only PUMA: following the trends of the last few years like ballet-core and the return of ballet flats, the search for vintage ballerinas-inspired-sneakers might be increasing soon. If you are looking for something less mainstream (and more blokette) than the Nike Air Rift, here are some of the coolest models from the past from Onitsuka Tiger, adidas, Asics, (again) PUMA and more.

via @__anemonia | Onitsuka Tiger ballet flats

via @____afterglow | adidas ballet flats

via @kikokurative | Asics x Heaven

via @____afterglow | Puma ballet flats

via @____afterglow | adidas Cherry Blossom (2006)

Besides these hyper-feminine trends, the boxing boots are taking over and we can find references and inspirations in the archives of many sneaker brands. These shoes date back mainly to the 00s, like the iconic adidas Santos boots worn by Gwen Stefani’s crew of Harjuku Girls in 2005 on occasions like the Grammys and Paris Fashion Week.