Retro Week Black Friday

Some sneakers are instantly recognisable, even without seeing the name. The lines of the Air Max 95, the elephant print on the Jordan 3 and the side stripe on the Old Skool are all part of a history that still lives on in the streets. NOIRFONCE’s Retro Week brings together retro sneakers on sale for Black Friday. Basketball classics, skate staples and running-inspired silhouettes keep timeless favourites in rotation today.

The Nike Air Force 1 arrived on the basketball court in 1982 as Nike’s first basketball shoe to feature Air cushioning. Since then, its story has reached far beyond the game.

The perforated toe box, side Swoosh and substantial sole make the AF1 instantly recognisable. The design works in all white, in bolder colour combinations and in versions that play with materials and textures.

They are an easy foundation for everyday outfits, from straight-leg jeans and cargo trousers to a loose-fitting tracksuit. If you are looking for versatile retro sneakers, the Air Force 1 has plenty going for it.

Released in 1988, the Air Jordan 3 was the first model in the line designed by Tinker Hatfield. Its elephant print became one of its most recognisable details and remains a signature element in the Jordan world.

The AJ3 has volume and a silhouette that holds its own. Depending on the edition, colours and materials can change its character considerably, from understated combinations to versions that command attention.

Wide-leg jeans and a simple T-shirt are all you need to build an outfit around them. If you are interested in basketball’s legacy within sneaker culture, the Jordan 3 is a model worth knowing.

Within the adidas line-up, the ZX 8000 has a design language of its own. Its running profile, panelled construction and three side stripes give it a more technical look than many of the brand’s other classics.

Colour plays a major role in this silhouette. Combinations that create contrast between the mesh, overlays and midsole highlight its different layers, while more uniform shades let the shape take centre stage.

If you like adidas and want to explore its running archive, the ZX 8000 is a good place to start. It works with denim, nylon trousers and simple sportswear.

The Vans Old Skool debuted in 1977 under the name Style 36. It was the first Vans shoe to feature the Sidestripe, the side stripe that would become a brand signature.

Its skateboarding roots are clear in the construction: reinforced high-wear areas, a low profile and a rubber sole. That same design also found a place in music and in the way different generations dressed.

During Retro Week, the Old Skool 36 versions offer a chance to explore different finishes and treatments on a familiar foundation. With jeans, chinos or shorts, they remain an easy pair to reach for.