The 25 Best '90s Sneakers to Rock for a Nostalgic Kick in 2023

• Year Released: 2003

While released in the year 2003, the Nike Air Monarch very much has a 1990s style and vibe. In fact, if you told me two years ago that the Air Monarchs—the most dad of dad shoes—would ever be considered cool or fashionable, I would’ve laughed you out of the room. And yet here we are. After you finish cutting the grass in these you could probably do a quick Instagram photoshoot and get a solid amount of likes. Time is weird.

• Year Released: 1996

The Disruptor was dormant for what feels like decades but made a comeback, along with the rest of FILA, in 2018. There isn’t a beach you can go to without seeing these paired up with some long socks and clean khaki shorts. And, honestly? It’s a clean look.

• Year Released: 1982

Even though the New Balance 990 was released in the early 80s, its popularity picked up steam in the 1990s. The 990’s give off the same chunky dad-vibes as the Monarch, yet they’ve always been considered a fairly cool shoe. You can rock them casually on a trip to the grocery store or wear them to the club. They come cheap, they’re ugly, but they’re so good.

• Year Released: 2001

This is another early 2000s shoe that extended back to the 90s with its vibe and style. Being that I’m from D.C., I’m obligated to include these shoes on the list. Folks in the district have been wearing this shoe since the beginning of time and they’ll wear them until the end of it. And it’s not just a D.C. thing—you can find folks rocking these as far up as Baltimore all the way down to Atlanta. We set trends out here.

• Year Released: 1988

The 574 might be the most simple pair of New Balance shoes to date. It doesn’t have the same chunkiness the 990 series does and it has just a bit more flair than the 992’s. They’re smooth and sleek — you can be active in them without feeling goofy. These are definitely a favorite of mine.

• Year Released: 1991

The Gel-Lyte’s have been in style for my entire life—literally. The shoe was released in 1991 and has been a staple in fashion ever since. It’s classic, smooth look has been redone over and over with collaborations from the folks in big fashion to hip-hop artists interested in style. Get you a pair.

• Year Released: 90s to 2000s

I won’t name a specific Jordan here because every single drop the brand had from 1990 to 2000 was pretty much a hit. From Jordan’s first championship in 1990 over the Lakers while wearing the VI, to his final shot over Byron Russell in the XIV’s, to the XV dropping in 2000, the man has hits.

• Year Released: 1997

The Humara goes all the way back to 1997 as one of Nike’s best trail runner models. It fits right into the 2018 aesthetic of chunky, bulky and colorful. And yet this shoe makes for a surprisingly good look with the right outfit. Nike resurrected this shoe in 2017 and it’s been a hit ever since.

• Year Released: 1974

The One Star isn’t the same classic as the OG Chuck Taylor, but it’s just as versatile. Released in the 70s but a popular 90s shoe, they’re fashionable, active and colorful. Tyler, The Creator’s latest collaboration with the One Star give them even more life in this decade. They aren’t going away anytime soon.

• Year Released: 1986

Released four years before the start of the 90s, your math teacher probably wore the Reebok Classic with some rough denim jeans and a fanny pack back when she was teaching you how to count in the second grade. Now that I’m thinking about it, that’s a pretty clutch outfit today. Your math teacher wasn’t cool then, but she would be now—just like the Classic.

• Year Released: 1997

This shoe has been retro’d too many times to count in 2018. From the 97/1 Sean Wotherspoon collab to the Gundam model being considered one of the best releases this year, this is easily one of the best shoes you can wear today. If only you caught on a little sooner—it wasn’t even on the radar four years ago.

• Year Released: 1993

If the Air Max 97 is a bit out of your price range, go with the Max 93. It’s a classic that has a plain and simple look, but comes in some pretty cool colorways that call back to the ‘90s. Not for nothing but it’s comfortable too.

• Year Released: 1992

This shoe looks like one of those paper SOLO cups you’d get from a fish fry joint in the ‘90s and that’s so perfect. It’s a cheap cop, but the look is so clean and it comes in a few different colorways already. Let’s hope Nike builds on this one for a while.

• Year Released: 1996

The Disruptors have never truly gone out of style as they have always had their fans so to speak, but the MB '90s are discovering a new audience. This new and improved version of the MB90s still very much have the retro look and feel of the original with the high top sports leather upper, the perforated panels, the iconic panels and more.

• Year Released: 1992

We've already included a New Balance sneaker in this article, but thought it would be worth showing you another iteration that is 90-inspired and making a comeback with the brand. The 530s were released in 1992, becoming a very popular shoe in the lifestyle sneaker space.

• Year Released: Early 80s

Low Vans were another popular sneaker in the 90s, and now its back with the Vans Lowland CC which features a 90s-inspired silhouette with a slim profile and a ComfyCush outsole for modernized comfort.

• Year Released: 1993

Does it get any more 1990s than Ewing sneakers? One of the most prolific NBA players of the decade, people often forget that Ewing had his own signature shoe in the midst of the 90s Air Jordans craze, but he did, and it's still here and rocking.

• Year Released: 1987

The Spot-Bilt Sonic High sneakers from Saucony was originally a 1980s shoe that made its way into the 90s due to its popularity. And while that has never really gone away for Saucony, you could argue that they are experiencing somewhat of a resurgence when new releases and collaborations that are introducing them to audiences that weren't around for the original drops.

• Year Released: 2023

If this seems extra, it's because there were many elements of the 1990s that were indeed extra. It wasn't uncommon to add objects to your shoes clothing and pieces that weren't originally supposed to be there, and the JS Bones Campus 80s are an example of that. You might call it crazy, but us 1990s babies and kids call it creative. While released in 2023, this is still very much a 90s-themed shoe.

• Year Released: 2023

We're Throwing another adidas entry on to this list because it seems like old school 1990s basketball gymnasium shoes that have a slightly worn look are making a comeback for some reason. While these are another pair of sneakers that were released recently, the 90s vibe is present through and through.

• Year Released: 2023

Many mid-to-late 1990s trends were inspired by those of the 1970s. One of those trends were platform shoes and sneakers coming back. Now, in 2023, but the 1970s and 1990s fashion trends are experiencing a resurgence which means...platforms are back.

• Year Released: 2021

And yet another example of those 1990s platforms making a comeback. That thick sole is so absolutely 1990s that it isn't even funny, and so is the overall monocolor of the shoe. These are a throwback vibe for sure.

• Year Released: 1990

Designed by Tinker Hatfield and released in the year 1990 (hence the name), the Air Max 90 aka the AM90 has gone on to become one of Nike's signature and most iconic/recognizable models. While the newer models have a slightly updated look, Nike keeps it as close to the original with its instantly recognizable waffle sole, TPU details, and stitched overlays. The new AM90s still undoubtedly look very 1990s, which obviously makes the newbies a modern-day 1990s shoe.

• Year Released: 1995

AM95s don't get nearly as much love in the sneaker space compared to the Air Max 90s and 97s, but that's okay because the real sneakerheads love and respect them to the fullest. The 95s have always been a representation of the human body from a design perspective, and they've never strayed too far from that. The 95s were also notably the first Nike shoe to ever incorporate the Air Max cushioning system, which has gone on to make Nike's ten times more comfortable. Make no mistake, the 95s are a legend.

• Year Released: 1989

Released in 1989, literally just right before the 1990s kicked off, the Jordan 4s remain one of the most popular shoes in the Jordan Brand. In fact, depending on who you talk to, some might even say 4s are the most popular in the entire roster of Jordan shoes (even 1s). In our opinion, 1s and 4s are neck and neck with each other in terms of popularity, but their chunky design is unquestionably very 1990s in every way shape or form.