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Summer Forecast: Classic Kicks Are Cool Again

Summer Forecast: Classic Kicks Are Cool Again

Jun 10, 2021

Footwear trends come and go. One year, wedge flip flops were all the rage, another saw Sperrys everywhere. In 2020 and 2021, Crocs are seeing a comeback and Nike Dunks are back in the spotlight. Still, there are plenty of styles that have remained untouched by the trends of time.

These are the shoes we wear again and again, those that cut through the noise of trendier, edgier kicks, taking us back to what we know and love: simplicity and versatility.

Now more than ever before in history, the sneakersphere is filled with practically too many kicks to cop, but the shoes your moms, dads and even grandparents wore remain among them. In 2021, Hibbett’s footwear forecast is predicting a resurgence in retro sneaker styles. Check out our top 5 classic kicks picks that are cool again… or rather kicks that will never lose their cool.

Nike Blazer & Cortez

Nike, originally Blue Ribbon Sports at the company’s founding in 1964, started out small, distributing Onitsuka Tiger (Asics) footwear from the back of co-founder Phil Knight’s car at college track meets. The Swoosh brand debuted its first brand sneaker in 1971, the “Moon Shoe” track shoe. Just a few years later, Nike released one of its most enduring basketball sneaker styles, to date.

The Nike Blazer — named for the Portland Trail Blazers — really came into its own thanks to George “The Iceman” Gervin of the San Antonio Spurs, who was a huge fan of the Nike basketball shoes. Over the decades, these shoes have transitioned from the hardcourt into the skateboarding and lifestyle sectors. Why? Crisp leather uppers, abrasion-resistant toe caps and the lightweight foam midsole offer a throwback look with plenty of modern appeal. Most recently, limited-edition models from luxury fashion labels like Virgil Abloh’s Off-White have renewed interest in the Nike Blazer.

Also released in the ’70s, the Nike Cortez dropped in 1972 as the company’s first track shoe. The brand’s co-founder, Bill Bowerman, was an Oregon track coach who was well versed in the demands of runners. The timing of the Cortez was fortuitous, as the shoe released during the 1972 Olympic Games, instantly gaining notoriety.

The Nike Cortez, with its no-nonsense design, upper made of suede, leather or nylon, and superior cushioning and grip, has become a must-have style in the retro running shoe and classic kicks collecting game, but not so much for performance wear anymore. In the past decade, these shoes have mounted attention in the lifestyle realm, thanks to a collaboration with J. Crew and other limited-edition releases. Kendrick Lamar sports these sneaks on stage, and Bella Hadid has been spotted in the Cortez, too.

Converse Chuck Taylor All-Star

If you know, you know. The Converse Chuck Taylor All-Star is truly the OG basketball sneaker, first making their on-court appearance all the way back in the 1920s. The non-skid sole, coupled with a simple canvas upper with white rubber toe cap and, of course, the All-Star emblem, make these kicks beyond iconic. After all, they’ve even been in classic films such as “Animal House,” “Back to the Future,” “Wayne’s World” and “Dr. Who.”

If you’re a Millennial, there’s a good chance your parents sported these sneaks in the ’70s and an even better chance that you rocked ’em in the ’90s along with a flannel shirt and overalls. Even teens and tweens who think their parents are way too cheugy can connect with the ’90s nostalgia of these classic kicks.

Reebok Club C

Cardi B’s been making plenty of noise with her amped-up version of the Cardi B Club Cs, thanks to a chunky transparent sole and plenty of glossy features. But the original Reebok Club C (also called the Club C 85) shines on its own, too.

These classic Reebok shoes launched in 1985 to cater to the tennis court set. The “Club Champion,” or “Club C,” iconic Reebok shoe includes an inner terry cloth lining and a straightforward leather upper with reinforced stitching, perforations and a low-cut design for optimum mobility. A high-abrasion rubber outsole and thick midsole are perfect for a hard court or everyday wear.

New Balance 327

The 327s haven’t been around nearly as long as Chucks, but these New Balance originals are legit. First introduced in 2020 as the ultimate leisure shoe (you know, right as everyone was kicking back at home in quarantine), the New Balance 327 celebrates the iconic running shoe silhouettes of the 1970s, complemented by cool contemporary details.

Taking inspiration from the New Balance 320, 355 and Supercomp styles, the NB 327 includes a flared midsole-to-heel wrap, oversized “N” logos, a suede-mesh upper combo and a stud-like traction pattern. Find them in grey, white and black-based tones … or add a cheerful pop of primary color. Step right into the summer season with the classic kicks aesthetic of these New Balance lifestyle sneakers.

adidas Originals Forum

If they were good enough for Michael Jordan, then you know these shoes were destined for greatness. The adidas Originals Forum sneaker originally launched back in 1984, and His Airness rocked them during the Olympic trials that same year. The story of these adidas sneakers, however, began in 1983 when French designer Jacques Chassaing created them for the hardcourt. The shoes were so good, in fact, that they replaced the adidas Top Ten as the next big performance basketball shoe.

Available both in mid-top and low cut versions, the adidas Forum became a beloved shoe for fashionistas and artists around the globe. Def Jam even did a Forum collab for the shoe’s 25th anniversary. Thanks to their retro Three Stripes, easy-wearing style and solid rubber cupsole, these shoes are back in a big way. Catch celebs and influencers sporting the adidas Originals Forum sneakers, with their hook-and-loop ankle strap and classic cool vibe with everything from athleisure essentials to red-carpet looks.

PUMA Suede

The PUMA Suede didn’t start out with its current moniker. It went through several other names first — the PUMA Crack, then the Clyde, then the PUMA States … and finally the PUMA Suede. The shoe rolled out in 1968 as less of a training shoe and more of a lifestyle option athletes could pair with their tracksuits. Over the decades, this PUMA classic has graced the feet of breakdancers, skateboarders and everyday folks looking for a retro-style sneaker that plays well with any outfit. In addition to the original model, the updated PUMA Suede XXI gives the collection an update for a better fit and feel.

Get fitted by Hibbett | City Gear this summer with these classic kicks and more styles like the ones featured in these additional Unboxed Blog posts:

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