Elevate Your Terrace Look with the Best Retro Trainers
Elevate Your Terrace Look with the Best Retro Trainers
Get Ready! This is going to be an exciting one. We’ve curated some of the best trainers for a retro look. Curious to know why you should be on top of this trend? We’ll walk you through it - from the history to the styling.
These shoes became the go-to for young football club supporters in the 1970s and 1980s. Fans of the game, like The Casuals from Liverpool, Perry Boys from Manchester, and others, made their mark in football fashion by creating this distinct style with their threads for matches and wearing them with sneakers that soon took over the streets.
Blokecore and Terrace Trainers
A terrace in football was a traditional standing area in a stadium where fans gathered to watch a game. These areas had stairs instead of seats. They have been replaced today with safe-standing areas called rail seating in some stadiums.
Terrace trainers go with Blokecore fashion like Champions League football does with Real Madrid. This trend emerged from Terrace Culture in 2021, and it has made terrace shoes popular again on the streets.
So, what are terrace shoes, and how does this all come together? They are the same retro trainers from the 70s and 80s that football casuals wore with their jerseys, t-shirts, and tight jeans on match days.
We’ve gone back in time to explain how this trend started. Now that we've prepared you for kick-off, we'll show you some cool retro trainers so you can create your own style.
Football Casuals Favorites
These shoes have been on the shelves since the 80s, and they’re setting trends again today. The great thing about terrace trainers is that they are easy to style and will match any fit in your wardrobe. Let's get into these sneakers that had football casuals traveling all over Europe.
adidas Samba
This sneaker was like the Night's Watch for footballers; it was designed to help professionals in the winter. Football pitches in Germany would turn icy, and footwear, at the time, did not provide much traction.
Then, for the 1950 World Cup in Brazil, adidas came up with a genius way to make the sneaker a must-have for a completely different temperature. So, the brand named the shoe after the AfroBrazillian dance, Samba, which many people loved.
Why should you get the Samba?
Well, first, there's the grip. This is still a big plus of the Samba, as it has a lot of ground feel. The silhouette features an iconic 90s look and is comfortable for all-day wear.
You know how you sometimes have to rush out of home? Or zip right off to catch your favorite team play? The adidas Samba has you covered. It is easy to slip on, and it’s lightweight. This shoe has an excellent combination of comfort, style, and function.
adidas Campus
Originally designed for basketball in the 1980s, this model became a favorite in the streets because of Hip-Hop and skateboarding. Run DMC, the Beastie Boys, and House of Pain showed them off on stage and album covers. It was and remains a perfect blend of style and function.
Why should you get the Campus?
This low-top silhouette features a cushioned insole and a padded collar for added comfort. On the side is the famous three stripes, so nobody will be in doubt you've got a good eye for sneakers when you’re decked in the adidas Campus. And with its rubber outsole for reliable traction, you’ve got a good grip for those rainy days. It’s a great choice if you like 80s retro trainers.
adidas Gazelle
This iconic sneaker was first released in 1966 as a training shoe. It was inspired by a previous adidas line, the Olympiade. adidas Gazelle became popular among athletes and went on to become a must-have for young football fans who were breaking from an accepted style to set their own trends.
Why should you get the Gazelle?
This iteration features a textured rubber outsole that provides excellent grip and traction for outdoor activities. It also gives the shoe more stability during movements. And it’s not just a functional model; the suede upper is breathable and offers flexibility.
adidas Gazelle
This iconic sneaker was first released in 1966 as a training shoe. It was inspired by a previous adidas line, the Olympiade. adidas Gazelle became popular among athletes and went on to become a must-have for young football fans who were breaking from an accepted style to set their own trends.
Why should you get the Gazelle?
This iteration features a textured rubber outsole that provides excellent grip and traction for outdoor activities. It also gives the shoe more stability during movements. And it’s not just a functional model; the suede upper is breathable and offers flexibility.
adidas Handball Spezial
This sneaker debuted in 1979 for indoor sports. The handball performance shoe evolved from a must-have on the court to a Casuals subculture favorite. And you guessed right; the sport inspired its name.
It stood out for its functionality and style. When travelling British football fans saw them in Germany, they did everything to grab these models that were rare in London and Manchester. Soon, UK stores started to offer them on the shelves, and the rest was history.
Why should you get the Spezial?
This shoe is made of nubuck suede, which offers a soft feel and sleek look. The adidas Handball Spezial. Its thick rubber outsole gives cushioning and support for both busy and chill days. Featuring a T-toe cap and a slim toe box, this iconic shoe offers a snug and comfortable fit. With the comeback of terrace culture, this shoe has become an essential for your rotation.
PUMA Palermo
Another popular choice for football casuals, this shoe has been on the shelves since the 70s. It’s a great option if you like a blend of retro and modern. The PUMA Palermo was part of a series of sneakers that paid homage to famous European cities, including London and Oslo.
In 2023, PUMA brought Palermo back to the spotlight with iconic pop star Dua Lipa as an ambassador. So, if you want to walk the talk and show up on the streets, then this is perfect for elevating your style.
Why should you get the Palermo?
It features a sleek look with one of the thinnest tongues on any sneaker. It perfectly captures the essence of PUMA terrace trainers. Beyond aesthetics, this shoe adds more durability to your collection with its rubber outsole and a combination of leather and suede in the upper.
PUMA Suede
If you’re looking for a shoe with both basketball and football heritage, then this is it. This edition was originally released in 1968 as a warmup shoe. American basketball star Walt “Clyde” Frazier wore them often, and soon, a partnership between PUMA and Clyde that helped create athlete-brand endorsements was born. Terrace culture adopted it later in the 1980s, and it has stayed a sneakerhead favorite since.
Why should you get the PUMA Suede?
Whether you like tracksuits or cargos, the PUMA Suede complements any fit in your wardrobe. It also inspired Rihanna’s first shoe from her collaboration with PUMA, so if style is what you go for, then there are few with iconic styles like the Fenty star.
We hope you’ve enjoyed getting to know all about these cool retro trainers, and if you’re worried about the suede uppers, we’ve got you covered. Check out our piece on how to clean suede shoes. You’re welcome. There’s nothing stopping you now. Grab your pair of retro trainers from our terrace collection and check out our football-inspired styles to join the culture.
