At Oak Park High School, a wave of nostalgia has hit the non-existent halls, as students embrace the retro reboot of shoes. Walking through the OPHS campus, it is impossible to miss the well-known timeless styles
From Bob Marley’s 1980s Adidas to Nikes retro 90s high-tops, students are pairing these vintage kicks with new modern outfits, creating a new unique contrast of past and present fashion. These trends have emerged from all over the world, and have undoubtedly had an impact at OPHS. This gives students the chance to express their individuality and even brings a piece of history back—one step at a time.
“I love wearing Onisuka tigers, Mexico 66’s,” senior Samy Senthilnatan said. “My dad wears them and he said I would really like them, and luckily I found a pair.”
Senthilnatan’s choice of shoes reflects how personal history and familial influence can play a big role in the resurgence of vintage fashion, especially when students connect with styles passed down by their parents.
“Growing up, I watched “Kill Bill” and Uma Thurman wears the shoes and they are an inspiration to me,” Senthilnathan said. “I think they’re better than Sambas as they go with almost every outfit I wear. I am planning to get another pair with a different color because of how much I love them.”
Francisco Henning, a Spanish teacher at Oak Park, speaks from experience, highlighting how fashion is cyclic in nature. What was once considered outdated becomes stylish a few years later, proving that these nostalgic trends often find new life in younger generations.
Henning’s reflection on the changing dynamics of sneaker culture also shows how brands evolve over time, as the status of Nike and Adidas shifted due to significant cultural moments, like the rise of Michael Jordan’s.
“I wear custom Simpsons that I adore. They are base Nike court visions that I painted the designs on myself. They are pink, baby blue and yellow,” sophomore Aarav Motwani wrote to Talon.
Motwani’s creativity in customizing his shoes adds another dimension to the retro trend—students aren’t just wearing old styles, but they’re making them their own, blending classic silhouettes with a personal flair.
“I like them because they are great walking shoes but I can also be active in them,” sophomore Eli Mazzocco said. “I saw them in the store and they caught my eye. The 1996 Olympics were sponsored by Rebook and I had a real connection with those events.”
The influence of movies and celebrity culture, like “Jurassic Park,” has a strong hold on fashion, with students like Mazzocco being drawn to the iconic looks of characters they’ve admired for years. These retro styles aren’t just shoes; they represent memories and famous moments in pop culture.
In the end, whether students are channeling inspiration from “Kill Bill” or “Jurassic Park,” one thing is clear: a retro reboot has firmly stepped onto campus. With each pair of vintage kicks, students are blending the past with the present in a way that’s as stylish as it is personal. It’s safe to say, OPHS is kicking it old school.
