Keen to follow in the footsteps of the Samba revival, many sportswear brands are now digging into the archives and reworking styles from the past, tapping into a retro, nostalgic aesthetic. The origin stories of these throwback styles are typically rooted in sports—from the Puma Speedcat, which was designed for Formula One drivers, to the Adidas Gazelle, which was first crafted for training and handball. If you are looking to expand your collection beyond Sambas this year, then one of the key sneaker trends for 2025 to consider is athletic track-and-field sneakers.
“Seventies-inspired sneakers are yet again taking hold of the fashion set,” Kristen Nichols wrote in her sneaker trend report. “This time around, however, I am seeing a surge in styles that you would normally find in a track-and-field setting.” Many have a varsity feel with swooshes, stripes, and patches in an Ivy League color palette, and their streamlined silhouettes have a fuss-free charm.
Our favorite styles include Miu Miu’s nylon burgundy-and-cream runners, Adidas SL 72s (beloved by the likes of Bella Hadid and Emily Ratajkowski), and Nike Cortezes realized in a rich, mossy suede. Keep reading to shop our edit of the best track-and-field sneaks to wear for your morning jog and everything else on your calendar.
Shop Track-and-Field Sneakers
LOEWE
Flow Logo-Appliquéd Shell, Leather and Suede Sneakers
Retro sneakers featured heavily in Loewe’s S/S 25 show.
NIKE
Cortez SE Leather-Trimmed Brushed-Suede Sneakers
The Nike Cortez was the first track shoe style released by Nike in 1972, and it has been gaining popularity over the last year. Lean into the ’70s mood with this suede iteration.
rag & bone
Retro Runner Sneaker
Rag & Bone creates these runners in several colors, but this muted style has our hearts.
Explore More: