No. 10 – Nike Air Max Bohemian
Release date: 2002
You should know: The Bohemian shares its name with a Nike volleyball shoe from 1995.
With an upper reminiscent of the 2001 Zoom Hyperflight basketball sneaker (and almost as many colorways, too), the Air Max Bohemian almost looks more like a low top hoops shoe than a traditional runner, but that’s part of the reason we love it.
No. 9 – Reebok Trinity KFS
Release date: 2006
You should know: KFS stands for Kinetic Fit System.
Reebok’s running options are limited these days, but they were still going hard in the mid-2000s. In 2012, they brought back the DMX Run 10, so we know they’ve got it in ‘em to do a runner justice. The Trinity KFS may not be the most memorable shoe, but they were packed with cushy DMX foam and sold well enough that Reebok created a number of sequels.
No. 8 – New Balance 904
Release date: 2008
You should know: New Balance model numbers aren’t as confusing as they seem.
In 2009, National Geographic Adventure magazine named the NB904 2009’s best road shoe, and it’s not hard to see why. Building off the successful 902 and 903 models, the 904 was one of the best stability shoes of its time.
No. 7 – Mizuno Wave Elixir
Release date: 2006
You should now: The Wave Elixir series is still going strong, they’re up to number eight now.
Mizuno’s known for a lot of things; they do running, baseball, softball, golf, volleyball, and soccer. One thing they aren’t known for is retro runners. That could all change with the right move, and we’d start with the Wave Elixir series. Not only do they look good, but this is the kind of retro you would still be able to put some miles on today.
No. 6 – Nike Air Kukini
Release date: 2000
You should know: In ads, the comfort of the Air Kukini was compared to underwear.
The Air Kukini was retro’d in 2011, but the Swoosh slacked on OG colorways and those pairs are long gone by now, anyway. With a quick-drying upper and an ahead of its time webbed overlay support system, sneakers like these were what the Nike Alpha Project was all about. We’d love to have another crack at these.
No. 5 – adidas a3 Ultraride
Release date: 2004
You should know: Ultratride tech was the precursor to the aesthetically Bounce midsole.
Who needs a traditional foam midsole? In 2004, adidas stripped away as much as possible with this tubular TPU setup. With its gleaming reflective overlays and unique midsole, this one just screams early 200s. Would you cop if they hit shelves again ten years later?
No. 4 – Brooks Addiction 5
Release date: 2004
You should know: After recently collaborating with Boston’s Cncpts on the Chariot model, Brooks Running is the next big thing to watch in retro sneakers.
Overpronators need a lil ‘love, too. The Brooks Addiction 5 fits the bill perfectly, and it’s got just the right amount of old school vibe to make it pop in the right colorways. This model featured a S257 midsole, a defunct Brooks technology that was designed to keep the compound from breaking down over time.
No. 3 – Nike LunarGlide+
Release date: 2009
You should know: The LunarGlide+ boasted Dynamic Support tech, aiming to bridge the gap between stability and cushioning shoes.
The original LunarGlide+ is one of those examples of different Nike technologies coming together for one spectacular package. With supportive Flywire overlays, bouncy Lunarlon cushioning, and an undeniably clean design, this 2009 model found its way into the closets of both runners and collectors. The updates to the LunarGlide have been consistently on point, but we’d love to see them bring back the OGs.
No. 2 – Asics Gel-Nimbus 9
Release date: 2007
You should know: Runner’s Wolrd named the Gel-Nimbus 9 the “World’s Best Shoe”.
Sure, classic designs are great, but one of the best things about retro sneakers is reliving the comfort and performance of the original. The Asics Gel-Nimbus 9 is, in this writer’s opinion, one of the best running shoes of the last decade. Unfortunately, as is usually the case, the model becomes extinct by the time you go to stock up on more pairs. C’mon Asics, throw me a bone.
No. 1 – adidas 1
Release date: 2005
You should know: This wasn’t the first time adidas squeezed a computer into a running shoe.
Our most desired 2000s retro is the computerized adidas 1. Through the use of a sensor, microprocessor, and cable system, the cushioning setup would automatically adjust to provide each runner with just the right amount of firmness for their particular needs. Unfortunately, things never quite panned out due to massive amounts of returns and recalls, leading adidas to pull the plug on the futuristic tech. This one had a ton of possibilities, so we’d love to see if they could do it right the second time around.
RELATED: 10 Basketball Sneakers from the 2000s That Deserve a Retro
RELATED: 10 Running Shoes That Deserve Hypebeast Makeovers
