Everyone knows that retro trainers are hot on-trend this season. Everyone's looking back for this season's must-have shoe styles, from terrace trainers to retro runners.

Get this old-school style here at Daniel Footwear; we've hand-picked some of this summer's trendiest designs to give you the best retro-style trainers you need this summer. We'll show you our favourite women's retro trainers​ and how to style them, and answer your burning questions on retro footwear​.

Table of contents:

• What are retro shoes?
• Are retro trainers in style?
• Best retro trainers​
• ​How to style retro running shoes
• What to wear with Daniel Movie trainers?
• ​Where to buy retro shoes?

What are retro shoes?

Retro or vintage-inspired shoes are any kind of footwear that replicates or closely resembles designs from the past. Shoe designers have recently drawn inspiration from iconic styles from the mid-20th century or anything between the 1920s to 1990s.

Retro shoes directly reference silhouettes, materials, colours or details that were popular in earlier decades. Think chunky platform shoes from the '70s, bold athletic styles from the '80s or minimalist sneakers of the '90s.

While their aesthetic is vintage, retro trainers are made with modern materials and construction, offering contemporary comfort and durability. So you don't have to worry about your retro-looking shoes falling apart after a few wears.

Some retro shoes are re-releases of classic models from brand archives. Others are new designs that take strong inspiration from vintage styles, offering a fresh take on a familiar look.

Retro shoes come in every style, including trainers, heels, boots, flats and sandals. Many love wearing retro shoes to help them express an individual style, connect with their favourite past fashion trends or add a unique or nostalgic element to an outfit.

Examples of popular retro shoes

Slim silhouetted or terrace trainers from the '90s have recently gained popularity. Originally designed for football and sport, terrace trainers are now a fashion staple with a vintage feel.

High-top basketball shoes or low-top court trainers from the 70s have also been revived for their retro appeal. Converse is an example of a basketball shoe with a timeless vintage design that always comes back into fashion.

The chunky "dad" trainers that are currently popular echo athletic footwear from the late ‘80s and ‘90s, solidifying ​retro running trainers​ as a timeless staple.

You also have other shoes like Mary Janes or T-strap heels that evoke styles from the early to mid-20th century. Or, platform shoes reminiscent of the ‘70s disco era.

All retro shoes allow people to enjoy the aesthetics of past eras with the comfort and quality of modern footwear design. Bridging the gap between vintage charm and contemporary wearability.

Are retro trainers in style?

Yes! Retro trainers have been growing in popularity over the last few seasons. They are set to be a major trend throughout 2025.

Nostalgia in fashion has been going strong for a while, and retro trainers are a big part of this. People love classic designs and get fashion inspiration from past decades. What's more, many retro styles, particularly the low-profile ones, are incredibly versatile and can be dressed down with casual wear or dressed up with more tailored pieces like wide-legged trousers or even skirts and dresses. The perfect footwear for offering a blend of comfort and style.

While some trends lean towards bold colours, there is also a significant movement towards "normcore" and understated styles. Many retro trainers fit perfectly into this trend, with their clean lines and heritage branding, making them subtle yet stylish.

Major shoe designer brands are hopping on this trend, digging into their old archives, and re-releasing or reinterpreting classic models to keep their designs fresh and popular within the retro trend.

In addition, suede is in! Suede trainers are a huge trend for 2025, and many popular retro styles feature suede to keep within the current fashion craze.

Best retro trainers​

If you're looking for the best retro trainers in women's styles, we've got you covered at Daniel Footwear. Our retro running trainers are a fantastic way to jump on this trend and show off your unique style by taking inspiration from this iconic silhouette.

Both styles feature an "EST. '93" hardware detail, giving them a vintage twist and retro look. But they also reference the year Daniel Footwear was created, adding to the nostalgia value of these shoe designs.

​How to style retro running shoes

So you've hopped on the cool retro trainers vibe, but what should you wear with them? In this next section, we'll give you all the ways to style your ladies' retro trainers to get the vintage look this season.

Our top tips for styling retro ladies' trainers

• Keep it balanced: Many retro running shoes (especially "dad" trainers) have a chunkier silhouette. So, balance them with slimmer, tailored pieces to avoid looking overwhelmed by chunky trainers. Conversely, sleeker retro runners can pair well with looser fits for a relaxed vibe.
• Colour play: Consider the colours in your shoes. Are they bright and bold? Let them be the statement piece and keep your outfit more neutral. Or are they more subtle and monochromatic? If so, you can afford to be more playful with your clothing colours.
• Play with textures: Retro running shoes often feature a mix of materials like suede, mesh and leather. So, play with textures throughout the rest of your outfit; for example, pair them with denim, wool, silk or knitwear to add depth and interest.
• Play with formality: Why not experiment with formality and play with the rules with the "wrong shoe theory" approach? Intentionally pairing sporty shoes with unexpected, more formal pieces can create a chic contrast. After all, women's retro trainers are supposed to look stylish, not like you just came from a run.

Socks matter: Crew socks, especially ribbed ones, are now popular to pair with retro trainers, adding to the athletic-chic aesthetic. You can match them to your shoes, pick a complementary colour or go neutral with white.

Outfit ideas for retro running shoes

For a casual, everyday look

For a casual, everyday look, start with the obvious: jeans. Straight-legged or slim-fit jeans are a classic pairing and let your trainers stand out. These are a much more popular option at the moment than skinny jeans. Wide-legged or barrel-leg jeans create a more relaxed, modern silhouette that looks great with both chunky and slimmer retro runners. Show off your retro running trainers and a bit of ankle with a cropped jean, which can give a very flattering look. Alternatively, denim maxi skirts are a super on-trend way to wear retro runners right now.

Moving away from jeans, you can also reach for a pair of relaxed or oversized trousers, which provide a comfortable yet stylish look. Think linen or soft cotton trousers. Cargo trousers are also a way to add a street vibe to your retro trainer look. For a smart-casual or "wrong-shoe-theory" look, pair your retro runners with nicely fitted tailored trousers, creating an unexpected fashion-forward contrast.

Embrace the athleisure style with a pair of joggers. Choose well-fitting joggers for a put-together look: the ultimate comfortable and casual style.

Pair any casual look with a classic T-shirt or hoodie for a relaxed streetwear vibe. Opt for oversized or slightly slouchy styles for a modern feel.

You could layer your retro trainers look with an oversized blazer to elevate a casual jeans and T-shirt outfit, making your retro runner look more intentional and stylish. Alternatively, opt for a bomber jacket to add to the sporty, casual aesthetic. Or, layer a leather jacket on for an edgy contrast.

For an elevated/ unexpected look

Pairing retro runner trainers with a midi or maxi skirt is a key trend. A flowy midi or maxi skirt creates a chic, comfortable contrast to the sporty shoe, which grounds the dress's femininity. Alternatively, a shirtdress is effortless and stylish; a knitted dress is cosy yet chic, or a slightly more structured dress is fantastic for an unexpected professional-casual vibe.

Equally, skirts are another great choice for styling your retro running trainers. Midi skirts, especially a slip or satin style, offer a chic contrast. Pleated skirts offer a sophisticated, slightly preppy look. Alternatively, a mini skirt will give you a youthful/ playful vibe.

Why not pair your retro runners with a tailored waistcoat, matching trousers, or tailored shorts for a contemporary, slightly dressed-up look?

Seasonal alterations

For the spring/ summer season, pair your retro runner with shorts, denim shorts, light linen trousers, graphic T-shirts, tank tops and breezy dresses.

During the autumn and winter, layer your retro-inspired trainer outfit with an oversized jumper, a wool coat, a puffer jacket, other knitwear and thicker trousers.

What to wear with Daniel Movie trainers?

You can choose from a few different styles of women's retro trainers. Different ones go better with certain outfits. The DANIEL Movie trainer is on the chunkier side, so it is perfect for your off-duty wardrobe.

The best way to approach styling these trainers is to balance them with a slightly relaxed and wider silhouette on the bottom to avoid making your legs look too thin compared to the trainers. Think wide-leg jeans, cargo trousers or longer skirts. Most DANIEL Movie trainers are also very colourful, so wear a neutral outfit to let the trainer colours pop.

Where to buy retro shoes?

At Daniel Footwear, we have fully embraced the retro trainer trend. Whether you love the vintage look of these trainers or like experimenting with the latest fashions, find your retro summer style in our Retro Revival collection.

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