These Iconic White Kicks Haven’t Looked This Fly Since the ’80s

When it comes to classic sneakers, these go toe-to-toe with the best of them. But this exclusive version kicks them into high gear.

Madewell x Reebok Club C 85 Sneakers heel closeup

By Sean Tirman

Published 22 hours ago

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Reebok has a very long history of making iconic sneakers, most of which can be traced back to the 1980s. Yet, for all its big swings — everything from its now-legendary Alien Stompers from Aliens to its ongoing partnership with Angel Reese — nothing really tops the brand’s Club C 85s.

Among the best white sneakers ever designed, these are as classic as they come. While you can’t go wrong with these killer kicks, the latest exclusive edition from Madewell might just be the best they’ve ever looked.

Back to the Future‘s Marty McFly wore Nike Bruins, but I think he would have happily swapped them for these Reeboks.

Madewell

Retro done right

Despite their name, Reebok’s Club C 85s actually didn’t come out until 1987. They were based on a sneaker called the Revenge Plus, a follow-up to the original Revenge, before being retooled as the Club Champion, which was eventually shortened to the Club C.

Since their launch, these sneakers have largely remained the same, which is very much a good thing. Even when Reebok’s popularity has ebbed and flowed, these shoes have remained a constant in the fashion and streetwear worlds.

That rings true for this Madewell edition, too. Thankfully, the iconic silhouette and many of the details, like the Reebok logo window with the Union Jack flag, remain. Yet there are subtle touches that help it stand out.

That’s really what you want to see with a shoe like this: for a brand to honor the sneaker’s past while delivering something interesting that helps set it apart.

Madewell x Reebok Club C 85 Sneakers top down — The terrycloth lining is a nice touch that makes these more wearable in summer — no socks necessary.

Stepping out

Like its numerous predecessors, this take on the Reebok Club C 85s maintains a lot of the sneaker’s iconic details. This includes its tumbled leather upper, giving it a creamy off-white appearance.

It also gets a rubber outsole, although it sees the midsole swapped for more modern, comfortable EVA foam. This version also has a terrycloth lining, which is soft to the touch and allows for them to be worn with or without socks while remaining cozy.

And then there’s the styling details. The stitching on the tongue and the heel reinforcement are done in red, while there’s a thin blue stripe that wraps around under the heel. It’s a classic color combo Reebok has often employed, albeit not in this way before.

The whole package is a stunning, retro sneaker that is especially perfect for summer wear. That said, you could always give them some extra weatherproofing, like Crep Protect, and keep them on your feet year round.