Brooks Re-Launched This Beloved ‘80s Sneaker, and It’s Become My New Everyday Favorite

Brooks has been around for more than 110 years, originally producing tons of different styles of sneakers and shoes up until 2001, when it pivoted to focus solely on running sneakers. Its Ghost and Glycerin lines are some of the most popular sneakers for marathons and casual runners alike—even Jennifer Garner is a fan. But recently the brand chose to revisit its archives to bring back four beloved lifestyle sneakers, including the 1982 Chariot, albeit with a few modern twists.

The OG Chariots were some of the first stability running shoes on the market, though by contemporary standards they look extremely minimalist—the 2025 runner loves their Hoka-esque super-thick foam soles, after all. For the modern relaunch, Brooks kept the same low-profile silhouette and retro detailing to give you all those glorious ‘80s vibes, just with more of a lifestyle bent. The end result? A spectacularly cool sneaker that’s comfortable, chic and ideal for walking around in all day long.

I’ve been wearing my Chariot sneakers for about a month now and have to say, I’m kind of obsessed. They’re super lightweight, but still have plenty of cushion in the footbed to keep my arches happy throughout the day. I especially love how light the upper is, making these a highly breathable shoe, which is great for anyone like me who tends to run hot (yes, even on my feet).

I typically wear a size 10 in shoes, but often go up a half size for running sneakers, including the Brooks Ghost sneakers I’m currently training in. I have to say, I’m glad I sized up for this lifestyle silhouette too. The Brooks Chariots come in only one width (medium/B), and while I don’t technically wear wide width shoes, I do have feet that are wider in front than they are in the heel—the 10.5 gave me ample room to stretch my toes, even with the natural swelling that occurs with a day spent on your feet.

I’ll admit, I’m not very precious with my shoes—having to walk through crowded streets in NYC all the time makes it hard to avoid accidental stains—but my Chariots have held up really well, even with frequent use. I suspect the white will get pretty scuffed-up eventually, but there’s virtually no wear and tear on the material and the soles still offer ample traction. And they really are wonderfully comfortable. You can even take out the included insoles to stick your own super-supportive ones in there if you need.

Vintage sneakers are having a moment and I don’t anticipate the trend floundering any time soon. So if you’re tired of the sea of Onitsuka Tigers and Adidas Sambas flooding your Instagram, why not try the Brooks Chariot sneakers instead? Trust me, they’re sure to be the envy of all your most fashionable friends.