5 Local Sneaker Brands Bringing Back 90s Style in 2026

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The trend of 90s-style retro running sneakers is back in Indonesia in 2026 as part of fashion lifestyle.
Five local brands like Compass, League, Ardiles, Specs, and Ortuseight are reviving classic designs with modern comfort technology.
People now choose retro sneakers for daily casual activities because the designs are considered more timeless compared to futuristic shoe models.

The world is spinning back to the past. After futuristic shoes and chunky models dominated recent years, 90s-style retro running looks are making a strong comeback.

Interestingly, this trend is not only driven by global brands. Several Indonesian local brands are now introducing running sneakers with a classic touch reminiscent of the 1990s jogging era.

From old silhouettes, vintage color combinations, to retro-styled outsoles, everything is reappearing with modern upgrades for better daily comfort.

This phenomenon means running sneakers are no longer just for sports but have become part of fashion lifestyle.

Here are five local brands reviving the retro running vibe in 2026.

1. Compass: Strengthening Retro Lifestyle

Compass is one of the brands most strongly playing the modern retro vibe.

Several of their sporty models feature vintage color combos with simple silhouettes typical of 90s sneakers.

Many young people wear them not for serious running, but as part of daily outfits.

2. League: Bringing Back Old Jogging Vibes

League is introducing models with a classic jogging touch that recalls early 1990s running shoes.

The designs tend to be slimmer compared to modern chunky trends, yet remain comfortable for daily activities.

3. Ardiles: Nostalgia in Demand Again

For many, Ardiles is part of school-day nostalgia. Now, the brand is being noticed again due to the rising retro fashion trend.

Some of their new models offer classic vibes with more modern materials.

4. Specs: Sporty Retro with a Modern Twist

Specs is also entering the retro running space. Combinations of white, dark blue, red, and cream make some models feel like old-school jogging sneakers.

But in terms of comfort, cushioning technology remains modern.

5. Ortuseight: Retro Futuristic Gaining Attention

Although known for modernity, Ortuseight is introducing designs with a retro futuristic feel. The blend of old style and modern details makes these models popular among urban runners and streetwear enthusiasts.

Why Is This Trend Becoming Popular Again?

This trend emerges because many young people are starting to like styles that feel classic, simple, nostalgic, and more flexible to pair with outfits.

Additionally, retro sneakers are considered more “timeless” compared to overly aggressive futuristic models.

Many users now wear retro running sneakers for hanging out, casual work, traveling, and even light easy runs.

This phenomenon shows that the running world is increasingly tied to lifestyle fashion. Running shoes are no longer just about performance but also identity and personal style. Therefore, retro models are reclaiming their place in the Indonesian sneaker market.

The retro running sneaker trend appears set to continue growing throughout 2026. From Compass to Ortuseight, local brands are proving that old styles can look cool again.

And amid the dominance of all-modern futuristic designs, the retro vibe offers something that feels warmer and more timeless.

Compass

The compass is an ancient navigational tool that uses a magnetic needle to point toward Earth’s magnetic north, helping travelers and explorers determine direction. Its history dates back to China during the Han Dynasty (around 206 BCE–220 CE), where it was first used for

Indonesia

Indonesia is a vast archipelago nation in Southeast Asia, comprising over 17,000 islands. Its history is shaped by centuries of trade, Hindu-Buddhist kingdoms like Srivijaya and Majapahit, Islamic sultanates, and Dutch colonial rule, followed by a declaration of independence in 1945. Today, it is known for its incredible cultural diversity, with hundreds of ethnic groups and languages, as well as iconic sites like Borobudur and Bali’s temples.

Compass

A compass is a navigational instrument that uses a magnetized needle to align with Earth’s magnetic field, pointing toward magnetic north. Its history dates back to ancient China during the Han dynasty, where it was first used for fortune-telling and later adapted for maritime navigation by the 11th century. The compass revolutionized global exploration and trade, enabling long-distance sea voyages and shaping the course of world history.

League

The League, often referring to the League of Nations or a sports league, typically denotes a formal association of groups or teams united for a common purpose. Historically, the League of Nations was an intergovernmental organization founded after World War I in 1920 to promote peace and cooperation, though it ultimately failed to prevent World War II and was dissolved in 1946. In a cultural context, “league” can also describe historic alliances, such as the Hanseatic League, a powerful medieval trade confederation that shaped commerce across Northern Europe.

Ardiles

Ardiles is a small settlement in the Argentine province of Córdoba, best known as the birthplace of the legendary footballer Osvaldo Ardiles. The village gained historical significance through his career, as he became a World Cup winner with Argentina in 1978 and later a beloved figure in English football with Tottenham Hotspur. Today, the name “Ardiles” is synonymous with his legacy, rather than a major cultural site or tourist attraction.

Specs

“Specs” is a colloquial nickname for the “Specs Howard School of Media Arts” in Southfield, Michigan, founded in 1970 by Specs Howard (born Maurice “Specs” Howard). It originally began as a radio broadcasting school, later expanding to include television, digital media, and film production programs. The school has trained thousands of students for careers in media over the decades, becoming a notable institution in the Detroit area.

Ortuseight

Ortuseight is a prominent Indonesian sportswear brand founded in 2014, known for its high-quality football boots and athletic apparel. The company gained significant recognition by becoming the official kit supplier for several Indonesian football clubs and the national team, marking a shift toward locally produced sports equipment. Its name is a play on the Indonesian word “ortu” (parents) and “eight,” symbolizing a balance of tradition and modernity.

Chinese Han Dynasty

The Han Dynasty (206 BCE – 220 CE) was a golden age in Chinese history, known for its significant advancements in culture, technology, and trade. It established the Silk Road, a network of trade routes that connected China to Central Asia and beyond, and saw the formalization of Confucianism as the state ideology. The dynasty’s legacy is so profound that the majority ethnic group in China today still refers to itself as “Han.”