Gear
Retro
June 21, 2011By Mihira Lakshman
Old classics are back in fashion this summer, appealing to runners who want to look the part even when they’re out on the town. Almost all of the retro shoes and fashions were made for running at one time, but with the cooling, wicking, cushioning and lightweight products available now, most of these retro running styles are primarily for casual wear.
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Adidas
Firebird TP (women’s track pants) - $50
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Adidas
Firebird TT (women’s track jacket) - $60
In a throwback to the ‘70s- and ‘80s-style tracksuits, Adidas features the Firebird track suit in a flashy, hot pink trim. The heavy fabric won’t be the most comfortable for running, but you’ll certainly look good – and turn a few heads – before and after your workout. It’s part of the “Originals” line, which Adidas is bringing back for runners with a sense of nostalgia. If you’re tired of blending in with the crowd, or feel like your workout wardrobe needs some spice, the Firebird combo could give you a boost.
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Asics
Rainbow Cheetah Short - $34.99
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Asics
W Favourite SS - $49.99
You might need to wear sunglasses (see review p. TK) if you’re planning to look in the mirror while wearing this outfit. The Cheetah shorts are a spandex-polyester blend, cut at the upper-thigh and speckled in bright colours. Wear these shorts and you will attract attention, or scare the competition, at your next road race or training run. The women’s Favourite short-sleeve top has a more modern look and feel with ventilation on the back and arms for wicking and comfort but maintains its retro style with the neon green colour.
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Sporthill
Stirrup pant - $60
The signature product from Oregon-based Sporthill, the stirrup pant takes us back in time to high school track meets in the ‘80s and ‘90s. Those were the days when getting a pair of sporthill stirrup pants (men’s and women’s) was a sign that you were becoming a serious runner. Before the days of zipper-openings in the ankle, the stirrup pant allowed you to remove your warm-ups without taking off your shoes. Built for comfort and speed, it’s form-fitting and stretchy enough to allow a free range of motion without any restrictions, offering a baggier option than traditional spandex. Along with the stirrups, the trademark rounded pleated seams down the front give the Sporthill pants the classic 1985 original look.
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New Balance
576 - $150
A throwback trainer, the New Balance 576 is a comfortable casual shoe for the hipster in your life. If you’re a runner who hates wearing loafers, the 576 is a stylish and great fit. The suede (also available in leather) upper and stiff sole – by today’s standards – makes running difficult, but the dark colour schemes go great with jeans. It’s important to remember that these shoes were originally built for running (before the days of gel cushioning, breathable fabric panels and lightweight trainers).
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Adidas
Aditrack W - $90
The Aditrack W – part of Adidas’ Originals line – looks like the classic racing shoes of the late ‘70s, but don’t be fooled, these aren’t real track spikes. While you could do some very easy running in these ultra lightweight shoes, the only sprints you’ll want to do will be from one bar to the next. The Aditrack is a flashy Saturday night shoe – an alternative to the girlie-girl heels – that screams “I’m a track star” all over it. The faux-track-spike look could become a new trend at nightclubs across the country.
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Saucony
Jazz Original Lowpro - $80
A classic trainer and one of the original Saucony running shoes, the Jazz Original Lowpro doubles as a solid walking shoe. Its casual look is dressier than white running shoes, but much more comfortable than loafers or dress shoes. Since these throwback shoes look much different from modern trainers, you not only get away with wearing them in social occasions, you also earn some serious indie cred. While you could definitely run a few miles in the Jazz Original Lowpro, with all the modern options available, this retro shoe is best suited for the casual wearer who wants to stand out from the crowd.
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Adidas
SL72 - $90
It’s Friday night. After a gruelling 10-hour week of trying to save the rainforests, you put on your tweed jacket (with the leather elbow patches), for a walk to the local pub for a pitcher of PBR. The Adidas SL72 are the perfect shoes for such an occasion. The man version of the Aditrack W, the SL 72 is a faux racing flat. Again, these shoes were built for running – back in the ‘70s. They would have been perfect for dodging authorities during a Vietnam war protest. Pair with a “Stop Pre” t-shirt and you’ll earn extra style points from the nerdy girl across the bar.
