The majority of recent trainer hits have been revived styles of the past. As a hangover of the Samba hype, this year has seen the rise of multiple Adidas silhouettes: the Japan, Superstar, Taekwondo and Tokyo, released in the ’60s, ’70s and ’80s respectively; with design details that are basically unchanged from the originals. And while sportswear giants have reimagined archive silhouettes in new colourways and materials, there’s an unbeatable worn-in charm that comes from a pair of vintage sneakers.
Condition is a vital factor that dissuades people from buying vintage or pre-loved trainers over brand new, but the resale market is, in fact, abundant with trainers in top knick – some are even box-fresh styles that sellers have, for whatever reason, chosen to pass on. After all, sneakerheads are some of the most committed collectors out there and so keeping trainers in mint condition, with the original packaging, is common practice.
“It’s clear a newfound appreciation for the old is having a major role in sneaker trends,” notes Mari Corella, eBay’s general manager of global luxury and sneakers, who reports that trainers from the ’90s and Noughties are the most popular on the platform. Among them are Nike’s Air Max 1, which has seen a 50 per cent increase in searches, Onitsuka Tigers and Adidas Gazelles. The Samba appetite is also by no means over, with interest on a steady rise.
The trainer forecast for the rest of 2025? “Expect a surge in popularity for motorsport-inspired footwear, like the Puma Speedcat, and chunky Y2K styles, such as the New Balance 990s,” explains Mari. “We’re also seeing a shift toward more unconventional styles, with models like the Reebok Premier Road Ultra gaining traction among sneaker enthusiasts looking for something different.”
Cultural happenings can have a huge impact on the trainer resale market. Aside from the internet-breaking Celine flared jeans that Kendrick wore for his Super Bowl Half Time performance, fans were quick to identify the Nike Air DT Max ’96s he wore as he traversed across the stage (the Martine Rose X Nike Shox mules he wore to accept the Grammy for Best Rap Album in 2023 also flooded socials at the time). “I’ve been collecting sneakers for a very long time, and it’s fascinating watching the dynamics which drive the value of certain pairs or models or brands across time,” says Peter Semple, CMO at Depop, on the way that social catalysts can influence trends and popular products on the site. While Peter will be “keeping an eye on” the Nikes that Kendrick wore – and adjacent models – he predicts that another hero Nike model, the Jordan, will fly this year (searches for “vintage Jordans” are already up 172 per cent).
To ensure maximum usage, buying a pair of trainers should always be down to personal preference, despite what the trends cycle is saying. Sure, you might fall in love with those laceless Taekwondos everyone is wearing, but if you can’t see yourself incorporating them into your wardrobe beyond a fleeting moment, they’re probably not worth the investment. Perhaps consider some more off-the-radar vintage Miu Mius, which echo the streamlined styles Mrs. Prada debuted for autumn/winter 2025.
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