5 Cool Kicks From The Past That Are A Hit Today And Ideal For Spoiling A Favorite Nephew

Kicking off the school year with a fresh pair of sneakers is pretty much a high school rite of passage, isn't it? But when you’re shopping for the perfect kicks to gift your nephew and working with a budget that’s tighter than a new pair of high-tops, things can get a little tricky.

Whether he's into retro cool or the latest trends, we've scoured the (virtual) shelves to bring you the five best classic sneakers that won't have you eating instant noodles for a month to afford them!

Nike Cortez

First hitting the streets in 1972, the Nike Cortez has celebrated over fifty years of iconic status. Initially launched during the Summer Olympics, this sneaker quickly racked up sales for Nike and has been donned by many a celebrity over the decades. It graced the feet of everyone from Donald Glover, Shia LaBeouf, and Kendrick Lamar (who has four Cortez collabs under his belt) to Kristen Stewart. Simple yet stylish, a pair of Cortez will set you back by $90.

Nike Air Force 1 ’07

Nothing screams ‘classic’ quite like the Nike Air Force 1. Released in 1982 and designed by Bruce Kilgore, these sneakers were the first to house Nike's revolutionary Air technology. Jay-Z and Nelly have rapped about the AF1’s iconic design, and style icons such as Victoria Beckham, Kylie Jenner, and Addison Rae often wear them today. You can pick a pair of Air Force 1’s online on Nike’s website for anywhere between $80 and $115.

Nike Blazer Low ’77

Launched as a basketball shoe in 1973, the Nike Blazer Low ’77 has effortlessly transitioned into a skateboarding and street fashion favorite. Originally endorsed by George “The Iceman” Gervin, the ‘Blazer’ is celebrated in the skate community and has since attained legendary status among sneakers after collaborations with brands like Supreme and Off-White. You can grab a pair of these on the Nike website too for anywhere between $65 and $115.

Adidas Campus 80s

The Adidas Campus made its mark initially on the basketball courts in the 1980s but truly came into its own in the hip-hop era of the ’80s and ’90s. Captured on the iconic “Check Your Head” album cover by the Beastie Boys, this suede low-top became synonymous with cool years ago and continues to hold on to that label even now. A pair of these kicks will set you back by $100 to $110 on the Adidas online store.

Adidas Gazelle

Known for its simple yet stylish design, the Gazelle has been a favorite in different communities since 1966. Once rocked by legends like Noel Gallagher, Mick Jagger, and Run-DMC, the Gazelle sneakers are now a favorite of celebrities like Harry Styles and Prince Harry, firmly establishing their spot in celebrity fashion. The Adidas Gazelle costs $100 in the United States on Adidas’ online store.