Image via Complex Original/Artwork by Willkay
It’s no secret that retro silhouettes are having a moment. Brands like New Balance have been leading the throwback aesthetic for a while now by re-releasing classic silhouettes and combining the old with the new. Other brands such as adidas and Nike have also recently followed suit too, as creps such as the Cortez and Waffle take centre stage once more.
Sometimes the old ways are the best ways. But how can you be sure that a retro beater is 100% legit?
Well, look no further than eBay’s Authenticity Guarantee. Already a huge hit in the luxury watch sector, the site’s online promise involves a rigorous process that ensures the sneakers you are purchasing are the real deal. Headed by the very best experts the industry has to offer, eBay has opened six authentication centres globally where each sneaker specialist checks for signs of counterfeits on the product and packaging. Once the sneaker’s legitimacy is confirmed, they attach a digital NFC authenticity tag. So far the six centres have authenticated more than 1.5 million pairs of sneakers from all over the globe.
So, with vintage sneakers on the mind, here are 5 silhouettes that originate from years gone by, as well as modern adaptations and homages, that are available to purchase right now on eBay*.
1. Saucony Shadow 6000 “Food Fight”
Saucony has enjoyed a much-deserved renaissance in recent years, as sneakerheads return to classic silhouettes and relish the century-long backdrop provided by the US label.
Take the Shadow 6000 for example. First introduced in 1985 as a performance runner, this sneaker has served as a comfortable footwear solution for both athletes and pedestrians for more than thirty years. A firm favourite of collaborators in the past, last year, in celebration of the sneaker’s 30th anniversary, the Massachusetts-based outfit relaunched the epochal silhouette in a slew of grub-themed options.
Arriving straight from the cafeteria, the Shadow 6000 “Food Fight” combines all the great food-inspired releases of yesteryear to create an unapologetically bold offering straight from the ‘80s. A true to form statement piece, this limited-edition iteration is decked out with bits and pieces of mesh, suede and leather that are both fun and nostalgic. Underfoot, the PWRRUN+ midsole provides unparalleled cushioning when it comes down to crunch time.
Give in to your cravings and cop the Saucony Shadow 6000 “Foodfight” now via eBay.
2. Reebok Instapump Fury OG “Citron”
From Bolton to the world, Reebok is a brand that has become synonymous with subcultures, style tribes and Dad’s down the pub in equal measure since the brand’s inception in 1958. Today, the Bolton-founded label has attracted a life-long fanbase, each of who sport the brand’s penchant for low-key, classic sneaker silhouettes which undoubtedly stand the test of time.
Initally created by sneaker design legend Steve Smith, the Reebok Instapump Fury is still, twenty five years after the first release, one of the most unique offerings in the sneaker world. Way ahead of its time, the nostalgic silhouette has become a cult favourite worldwide, found its home in London’s Design Museum and has even been remixed by the likes of Chanel and Maison Margiela.
A true mainstay for sneakerheads both old and new, in 2019 the heritage label announced the relaunch of the classic “Citron” OG Instapump Fury OG designed by the Reebok Advanced Concepts (RAC) team, dedicated to pushing the boundaries of what is possible in footwear. Limited to just 1994 pairs, this reissue is true to the OG. The upper is made up of a round-toe design, cut-out side panels and Reebok’s Pump technology. Vibrant pops of colour feature alongside a contrasting black base on the upper, while Reebok and “The Pump” branding features throughout.
A staple in many a sneakerhead’s rotations, the Reebok Instapump Fury remains a divisive sneaker that has burnt its unorthodox design into the minds of sneakerheads and hypebeasts alike—head over to eBay now to cop.
3. New Balance 991 “Made In UK”
Standing tall as one of the most popular grey New Balance sneakers, the Made in US and UK divisions of the New Balance collection are gold mines for sneakerheads who appreciate a touch more refinement.
Forever immortalised as the shoe Steve Jobs wore, the 991 was the result of transmitting the 990 silhouette through a modern lens. Launched earlier this year to celebrate 40 years of UK-based craftsmanship, this 991 iteration boasts a superior construction that features a sheeny grey mesh base, slate-hued pigskin suede overlays and light grey leather accents.
Akin to previous 991 releases, you can expect the same top-notch craftsmanship underfoot as the sole unit is equipped with cosy ABZORB technology and a lightweight blown rubber outsole for 24/7 comfort.
A must-have for any occasion or weather, click here to cop the New Balance 991 “Made In UK” via eBay.
4. South Park x adidas Campus 80s “Towelie”
Inspired by the culture of London, the adidas Campus shoes have long been a favourite of subcultures around the world. Initially named the “Tournament” in the early years of the 1970s, the low-top silhouette would take its final name and find residence at the skatepark in the decade that would follow. Eventually transitioning into a casual skate shoe with a vulcanised sole, the Campus today serves both as a tried-and-true skater and an everyday lifestyle sneaker.
Created in partnership with US animated sitcom South Park, this sneaker pays homage to everyone’s favourite genetically engineered talking towel, Towelie, who is better known as a fictional character that is portrayed as a huge cannabis smoker. Readied in a vintage-esque purple terrycloth fabric, this Campus 80 adidas Originals sneaker has been designed with top-grain nubuck upper and a retro nylon tongue featuring embroidery showing off the eyes of Towelie, on one side in perfect condition, on the other, well, fashionably high.
Head to eBay’s sneaker marketplace to check out the South Park x adidas Campus 80s “Towelie” via this link.
5. Nike Air Max 1/97 Sean Wotherspoon “Light Blue Fury/Lemon Wash”
Arguably outshining any other release in 2017, the Nike Air Max 1/97 designed by Sean Wotherspoon is undoubtedly one of the most sought after collaborations released by the designer to date.
Arriving as part of Nike’s annual Air Max Day, the creative collaboration boasts a hybrid of the Air Max 1 and the Air Max 97, and channels Wotherspoon’s affinity for ‘90s references, including vintage hats, sneakers and windbreakers, resulting in a (now classic) retro multicoloured corduroy upper with corduroy pull tabs, velcro tongue patches, and an infrared Air unit.
Having found its place as a valid element to almost any streetwear ‘fits, the Nike Air Max 97 has cemented itself inside the sneaker hall of fame. For the time, its comparatively bold design pushed the envelope of contemporary footwear, and has remained relevant almost 20 years after its release.
Click here to cop the Nike Air Max 1/97 Sean Wotherspoon via eBay.
Head over to eBay’s sneaker marketplace to check out their entire crep range and more*. You can also read more about the Authenticity Guarantee for sneakers here.
*All sneakers shown here were available via eBay at the time of going to press. We have selected styles with a good level of availability on the platform, although as eBay is a live marketplace we cannot guarantee they will all be available at all times.
