Did you know Michael Jordan’s Air Jordan 1s in 2020 sold for $560,000? Americans are willing to pay a premium for classic sneakers.
Everyone loves trainers; Americans, in particular, love the retro kind. Many people like the peculiar looks of retro shoes and their high quality.
For the first time in several decades, some of the most popular sneakers are retro trainers. They are made with old-school materials and designs from the 70s, 80s, and 90s. These throwbacks have been around for ten years or more.
The retro trainer trend is here to stay and will only get bigger. Planning to buy a pair? Here is a guide to help you buy retro sneakers.
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Don’t Focus on Sizes on Labels
Retro trainers differ in styles, brands, widths, and sizes. Most people don’t realize that shoe sizing is not universal. All European sizes are smaller than American sizes.
The size labeling is inconsistent across different brands. To get the right fit to learn a few things about your feet. Know the kind of foot you have and how high it rises off the ground.
Also, the space between toes determines how comfortable a shoe will be.
If you buy sneakers from the physical store, it’s best to fit them. Unfortunately, with online shopping, this is not practical. However, there is a way to it.
Most online shoe stores have their shoes pre-sized and sorted into different categories. This makes the shopping experience easier. For retro trainers, it’s common to have multiple sizes on their labels.
Most people are used to shoes in US size. It is understandable if you are confused when you see a size like UK 7. So, what do these numbers mean?
Almost all brands use the EU conversion chart for sizing. This provides an easy way to see what size means.
Consult on a brand’s sizing and conversion charts if you are buying online.
Buy Reputable Brands
When you want to buy retro sneakers, you are more likely to go for a reputable brand. Consumers have a multitude of choices from different brands.
It can be hard to know which brand matches what you’re looking for. Some of the most popular retro trainer brands include
Air Jordan
The Nike Air Jordan is one of the most popular brands globally and has been for decades. The brand was started in 1984 by Nike and Michael Jordan. Air Jordans are known for their unique designs and high-quality materials.
Nike
The Nike brand is currently the largest sportswear brand in the world. Nike is known for its quality and high-performance products.
Adidas
The Adidas brand was started in 1949 by Adi Dassler and has been one of the most popular brands ever since. Adidas is currently the second-largest sportswear brand in the world.
Your options are not limited to the three; there are more. Yeezy, Vans, Supreme, Fila, Asics, and Li-Ning are reliable brands. Kickscrew.com offers all these original high-quality brands and more.
You need to get the shoe from a reputable dealer to avoid getting fake ones. Remember, there are also replicates of the original sneakers. It’s almost impossible to tell the difference.
Look at the Fastenings
One aspect of shoe design that can cause discomfort or injury is fastenings. The most common fastening found on classic sneakers is the lace-up system. The lace-up system allows the foot to be placed in a particular position.
Fastening is an important aspect of the sneakers’ design and performance. Other common types of fastening are:
- Slip-on sneakers fastening system
- Hook and loop fastening system
- Valero fastening system
Choose a fastening system that offers foot comfort. Some fastening systems are also elastic, making them more comfortable.
Check the Quality of the Retro Trainer
When buying from a store, consult the salesperson for the shoe details. The details should be attached to the “Product Details” section if you buy online.
For good quality retro trainers, check these three things before hitting the buy button:
The Material
Most retro trainers are made from canvas or leather. Canvas is lighter and more breathable than leather, but it’s also less durable. Leather is more expensive, but it’s also more durable and offers a better fit.
The material will help you decide whether or not it’s a high-quality product. Some materials are better than others. If you see something made out of plastic, rubber, or vinyl, leave immediately. Look for leather, canvas, suede, or fabric.
Stitching
This is where the shoe is put together. Check to see if the stitching is straight and even. You don’t want to buy a pair of shoes that will fall apart after a few months.
The trainer should be stitched with even rows of stitches. It should have no gaps in the stitching. If there are gaps, the trainer is not well made.
The Sole
This is the bottom of the shoe. The sole should be made out of rubber or another durable material. If it’s made out of plastic, don’t buy it.
Check if it has good traction. You don’t want to slip and fall because the sole is slippery.
Shop on Sites That Allow You to Zoom in Images
Browsing online when shopping for shoes is a limiting experience. You don’t know how they feel when you walk in them. You don’t know if you will like the way they fit.
There is also a lot of detail that gets lost. You are left guessing whether or not you are getting the right shoe.
Shop from platforms that allow you to zoom in on the product and take a closer look. The product images should be clear and not blurry. If you can’t see the details, the seller is likely using a stock image.
Shopping online is all about pictures.
Buy Quality Retro Trainers
Having a quality pair of retro trainers is a plus for your shoe game. Retro sneakers are comfortable, trendy, and classic. Use the above tips when buying sneakers.
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