Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the past couple of years, you’d know that sneaker brands around the world are becoming more and more inspired by the retro aesthetics of the past. Take the Adidas Retropy, for example. While this might look like a silhouette that has been swiped straight from the German giant’s archives, it’s actually an all-new model that borrows details and elements from the ’70s and ’80s.
Equipped with a versatile nylon upper, the Retropy comes with smooth leather across the Three Stripe branding and the heel badge, as well as buttery soft suede around the toe area and heel which offer an extra premium fit and finish. The tongue boasts an old school design that’s very clearly influenced by adi’ ’70s era of running shoes.
Underfoot, you’ll find a chunky bed of Boost that’s as comfortable as it gets, and this is outlined by a grippy rubber outsole that ventures from the front all the way to the back of the heel, similar to what you’d find with some recent New Balance drops.
In this article, we’ll be providing a detailed size guide and review of the Adidas Retropy range, which so far includes the Adidas Retropy E5 and Adidas Retropy F2. So let’s get to it!
If you want the Adidas Retropy in your daily rotation, then one of the first things that should know is that they fit true to size (TTS). This means that you should order your usual size. Though the cushioning certainly helps, the fact that they tend to fit almost perfectly is a big plus point.
The Adidas Retropy E5s are a great fit, particularly for those with narrow feet. With that said, if your feet are a little on the wider side you might have to go a half size up (0.5) or just play around with the laces.
Once you try them on, the E5s should feel exceptionally comfortable, with the ball of your feet at the widest part of the trainers.
Inspired by running models of the past, you should be careful to get the right size in the Adidas Retropy F2. Typically, these shoes fit half a size up. That means if you fit a UK 9, expect the UK 9.5 to be the better fit.
For more wiggle room in the toes, opt for thin sports socks, mid-ankle socks, or crew socks. Ensure that the width of your feet fit inside the shoe and that it’s not too tight.
The Adidas Retropy is currently available in a basic range of colourways, including; Crystal White, Core Black, Grey Two, and Cloud White/Better Scarlet.
There’s even some deviation in price, with the Crystal White retailing at only £95 compared to a consistent £120 price tag for the rest of the range.
With such a timeless design, you can rock these with everything from a T-shirt and shorts to a hoodie and cargo pants. Some sneakerheads have also been spotted wearing the Adidas Retropy with a full suit for a more smart-casual aesthetic.
We’ve already mentioned how much we adore the materials on this trainer. From its slick nylon upper to its supple suede details, what sets this shoe apart from the competition though is the sculpted Boost midsole underfoot which you can rock all day, everyday, with next-to-no dramas.
Of note, the range recently expanded to include the Retropy E5 trainer which bears a striking resemblance to the Nite Jogger that debuted back in 2019.
While the Retropy E5 is quite clearly very retro, the durability can be considered pretty modern. That comes from a re-engineered EVA insole that comfortably sits on top of the Boost midsole.
We’d recommend wearing the trainers casually, as that midsole delivers excellent support and should be comfortable though is not designed for running or high-intensity exercise.
Though Adidas has utilised similar technology for its running shoes, these should fare well in the gym and that’s about it if you want them to last.
A lot of the durability comes from the substantial gum outsole that offers versatility on many terrains. There are more appropriate running shoes available and as a retro-’80s shoe, you should wear the E5 for walking.
You can expect some super traction wherever you go too, especially as these run true to size leaving your feet feeling snug at all times. In terms of a timeline for durability, expect the E5s to last for between two and three years, if they are strictly worn for everyday use.
As the Retropy E5 fits pretty much true to size, you can expect a great fit and an absorbing, prominent Boost heel. There may be a half size difference so try them on first and make sure that there’s still room in the toe box.
Generally, the E5s, and the Retropy range in general, are well-suited for those with narrow feet and they do come with decent arch support.
If you are looking for a similar trainer for wider or flat feet that offers similar cushioning, we recommend the Adidas ZX 5K Boost instead.
The fit is a squishy one and they should feel nice when worn for everyday use. Specifically, the toebox should be roomy though the dimple tongue can cut into the ankle.
Should the shoes feel a little too tight, simply loosen up the laces. For those with one slightly larger foot, consider removing the insole of the sneaker or go a half size up!
Where to Buy?
adidas – SHOP HERE
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Durability
If you decide to wear these trainers casually then you can expect some decent durability, typically between one and two years from the rubber outsole.
This is less than the E5s, and will drop considerably more if you choose to wear them out while running. Instead, these are suited for more low impacts sports like walking or even a spot of Tai Chi.
There are some clever ways to enhance the durability of these trainers and that’s to use shoe trees to maintain their shape and keep the dust away by placing them in freezer bags.
You should experience a comfortable fit with the Retropy F2s and your toes should not touch the end of the sneakers. The balls of your feet should also sit relatively comfortably where the shoes are widest. Simply put, these should feel just right, not too loose, and not too tight.
Where to Buy?
adidas – SHOP HERE
Footasylum – SHOP HERE
Whichever of the Retropy range you decide to opt for, you should expect a trainer that works for everyday wear.
Though the BOOST midsole does provide excellent cushioning, you should limit that to casual use as this is not wholly designed to be a running shoe.
Even though there is some great breathability on offer and plenty of style. There are plenty of colour combinations and styles to choose from too in a high-quality range that offers more than just nostalgia.
Though you should feel it as soon as you put a pair of Adidas Retropy trainers on, the midsole is created from small pellet balls. These are then squashed and comprised together to form a cushioned foam midsole that’s unbelievably comfortable.
Not only does this provide ample support, but it also stores and then releases energy every single time your feet hit the floor.
As can be seen with the Adidas Retropy range, there is some deviation from their boast that the trainers fit true to size. That may well be the case for those with narrow feet yet can be problematic for those with wider feet.
Buying trainers that are a bit larger than your typical size does mean for improved circulation without suffering from swelling.
You can always try to stretch out some trainers but in the case of the Adidas Retropy range, loosen them up with the laces or decide on a different pair of thinner socks.
