Dec 5, 2025
Hair scrunchies, shoulder pads and neon ski suits — these are the kinds of fashion statements we think of when we think about the 1980s. But what sneakers were popular in the ‘80s? You might be surprised to learn that the most popular sneakers in the ‘80s haven’t gone anywhere.
In 1984, the iconic Michael Jordan stepped onto an NBA court for the first time. The following year, the Air Jordan shoe hit the market, changing the sneaker game forever.
The Air Jordan 1 revolutionized the industry, making athlete and brand collaborations a dominating force. Nike became a go-to for basketball players and a beloved brand for sneakerheads everywhere.
But Nike and Jordan didn’t stop after the Air Jordan 1. While the Air Jordan 1, eventually reintroduced as the Jordan 1 Retro, sparked the Air Jordan obsession, the Air Jordan 2, 3 and 4 were released before the decade ended.
As one of the most popular sneakers in the '80s, the Air Jordan sneakers helped define the decade’s style. With bold colors, a robust silhouette and basketball in its DNA, the first four Retro Jordans embody ‘80s style on and off the court.
Must-have '80s Jordans:
Nike’s influence in the ‘80s went beyond the collab with MJ. In 1982, Nike released the Air Force 1, which became the perfect white sneaker to sport. The clean design and versatile style appealed to everyone. It started out as a basketball sneaker, but was adopted by hip-hop artists, streetwear fanatics and fashionistas.
In 1985, the Nike Dunk Sneakers hit the shelves, furthering the brand’s dominance in basketball culture. Much like the AF 1, everyone wanted to cop a pair of these, from the chart-topping rappers to the best players on the court. These sneakers were blurring the lines between sports and style.
But Nike didn’t stop there. The company conceived the cross-trainer silhouette, starting with the Nike Air Trainer 1 in 1986-1987. These sneakers married form and function, offering impeccable support and performance, along with a striking and fresh look. Now, the company was creating shoes made for everyday wear and high-performance moments.
We can all thank Tinker Hatfield, one of Nike’s top designers, for the innovative fit and irresistible look of the Air Trainer. The thick silhouette and fashionable overlays make this sneaker a stunner.
Nike shoes that defined the ‘80s:
We can’t talk about popular sneakers in the ‘80s without mentioning Reebok classics. Nike wasn’t the only one making moves in ‘82, as that’s when the Reebok Freestyle shoes came out.
Aerobics were the hottest form of fitness, and women were looking for stylish sneakers to boost their workouts. Enter: the Reebok Freestyle. The shoe was specifically designed for women and aimed to be the ultimate aerobics shoe.
High-top versions offered much-needed ankle support, while the lean shape aligned with fashion trends of the time. The lightweight feel appealed to women and was one of the first female-first designs, created by designers Angel Martinez and Paul Brown.
Reebok also introduced its Classic Leather design, which continues to be an iconic shoe to this day. The curvy shape and durable leather material offered comfort and longevity, making them the perfect everyday shoe. But they were tough and energizing enough for aerobic workouts, catering to the exercise trends of the decade.
Classic ‘80s Reeboks:
adidas also had its fair share of sneakers popular in the ‘80s, most notably from its line of Originals shoes, such as the shell-toed Superstar shoe and casual Campus sneakers. The brand really hit its stride in the ‘80s, releasing other favorites, like the Forum, Micropacer and LA Trainer.
While the Superstar sneakers were first released at the start of the 1970s, it wasn’t until 1986 that Run-D.M.C. put out their song “My adidas.” The song made the shoes an even hotter commodity, enhanced by the hip-hop group's no-lace movement.
This song marked a pivotal moment in the connection between sneaker culture and the hip-hop world. Sneakers weren’t just for athletes anymore. And along with the Superstar’s rise in fame, demand for other adidas models, like the Stan Smith, grew.
adidas’ best ‘80s sneakers:
The ‘80s are back in fashion, and many of these sneakers never left. Models like the Air Jordan, Air Force 1, Superstar, Campus, Freestyle, Dunk and many more are still released today. The dominating brands showcase the staying power of these styles, reimagining the models and refreshing the designs without compromising the original vibe.
Gen Z is reinterpreting ‘80s trends, from the flashy color combinations to the oversized clothes. Combining these retro sneaker styles with modern elements, like skinny jeans or silk dresses, blends nostalgia with the new. The shoes that were popular sneakers in the ‘80s are still fashionable because they feature timeless shapes and act as cultural artifacts.
Popular sneakers in the ‘80s can give your modern fits a throwback flair. Revisit these retro ‘80s styles and get a pair that only gets cooler with every decade that passes.
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