Tretorn Shoes Review: Sustainable Style That Lasts
Hey there, sneaker lover! If you‘re looking for a pair of kicks that are equal parts stylish, comfortable, and eco-friendly, let me introduce you to one of my favorite brands: Tretorn. This Swedish label has been crafting quality shoes since 1891, and they just keep getting better with age.
As a fashion writer and sustainability enthusiast, I‘ve had my eye on Tretorn for a while now. I‘m always on the hunt for brands that prioritize both form and function, and Tretorn ticks all the boxes. Their classic sneaker designs are the perfect mix of preppy and cool, and I love that they‘re made with the planet in mind.
In this ultimate guide to Tretorn shoes, I‘ll be sharing my honest reviews of some of their most popular styles, along with sizing tips, styling ideas, and more. Whether you‘re a die-hard Tretorn fan or just discovering the brand, I hope this post helps you find your perfect pair. Let‘s dive in!
An Overview of Tretorn Shoes
Before we get into the nitty-gritty, here‘s a quick rundown of what Tretorn is all about:
- Tretorn was founded in 1891 in Helsingborg, Sweden as a rubber boot manufacturer
- The brand expanded into sneakers in the 1900s, with the iconic Nylite tennis shoe launching in 1964
- Today, Tretorn offers a range of sneakers, boots, and sandals for men, women, and kids
- The brand is known for its classic, preppy aesthetic and focus on sustainability
- Most Tretorn shoes are priced between $70-$150
Tretorn‘s lineup includes several signature styles, like the Nylite canvas sneaker, Tournament retro trainer, Rawlins leather low-top, Marley high-top, and Strala rain boot. The brand releases new colors and collaborations regularly, but the core designs remain consistent.
One of the things I love most about Tretorn is their commitment to sustainability. The brand has set a goal to use 100% recycled or renewable materials by 2025, and they‘re already making great progress. As of 2022, 80% of Tretorn‘s shoes contain eco-friendly elements like recycled PET and rubber.
Tretorn also partners with organizations like Waterkeeper Alliance to help protect clean water and supports environmental education programs. As someone who tries to shop consciously, it‘s great to see a brand walking the walk when it comes to sustainability.
Now that you have a general idea of what Tretorn is all about, let‘s get into the good stuff: the shoes themselves!
Tretorn Nylite Sneaker Review
The Nylite is Tretorn‘s OG sneaker and probably their most recognizable style. First launched in 1964 as a tennis shoe, the Nylite has since become an everyday essential for both men and women.
I‘ve owned a few pairs of Nylites over the years, and I always come back to them for their versatility and comfort. The canvas upper is soft and breathable, making them a great choice for warm weather. I love that they come in so many fun colors too – my current faves are the sage green and pale pink.
One thing to note about the Nylites is that they run a bit wide and long. I have average width feet and usually go down half a size for a snugger fit. If you have narrow feet, you might even want to size down a full size.
The Nylites have a pretty flat sole, so don‘t expect a ton of arch support or cushioning. That said, I find them comfortable enough for a full day of walking or standing. The rubber outsole provides decent traction on a variety of surfaces.
Styling-wise, the Nylites are incredibly easy to wear. They look great with everything from jeans and a tee to sundresses and skirts. I often pack them for travel since they‘re so versatile and lightweight.
As for care, I‘ve found the Nylites to be pretty low maintenance. The canvas is easy to spot clean with a damp cloth, and you can even toss them in the washing machine on gentle cycle if they need a deeper clean. Just be sure to let them air dry – no dryer!
Pros:
- Classic, versatile style
- Soft, breathable canvas upper
- Lightweight and easy to pack
- Affordable price point
- Available in a range of colors
Cons:
- Run wide and long
- Minimal arch support and cushioning
- Not ideal for rainy weather
Overall, the Nylite is a solid choice if you‘re looking for a go-to sneaker that‘s stylish, comfortable, and easy to wear. They‘re a great value for the price and hold up well with regular wear.
Tretorn Tournament Sneaker Review
If you like the look of the Nylite but want something a bit more substantial, check out the Tournament. This retro sneaker has a chunkier sole and more padding than the Nylite, giving it a cool, vintage vibe.
I recently picked up a pair of Tournament sneakers in the off-white and navy colorway, and I‘ve been wearing them non-stop. The suede and canvas upper is a nice mix of textures, and the navy accents add a preppy touch.
Like the Nylites, I found the Tournaments to run slightly large. I went down half a size and they fit perfectly. The thicker sole and padding around the ankle make them feel a bit more supportive than the Nylites too.
Styling-wise, I love pairing my Tournaments with cropped jeans or trousers and a slouchy sweater. They also look great with casual dresses and skirts. The retro vibes make them feel a little more fashun than your basic sneaker.
Care for the Tournaments is similar to the Nylites – spot clean the canvas and suede as needed, and avoid getting them too wet. The rubber sole is easy to wipe clean.
Pros:
- Cool, vintage-inspired style
- Mix of suede and canvas upper
- More supportive sole and padding than Nylites
- Available in unisex sizing
Cons:
- Run slightly large
- Suede requires more care than canvas
- Pricier than the Nylites
If you‘re looking for a sneaker with a bit more heft and style than the Nylite, the Tournament is a great option. They‘re a versatile, everyday shoe that still feels fashion-forward.
Tretorn Rawlins Sneaker Review
Luxury lovers, this one‘s for you. The Rawlins is Tretorn‘s take on the high-end leather sneaker, and it does not disappoint. I first spotted these beauties on Instagram and knew I had to have them.
The Rawlins is crafted from buttery soft leather and suede, with minimal branding and a sleek silhouette. I went for the all-white version, which is the perfect blank canvas for any outfit. They also come in a chic navy and off-white combo.
Fit-wise, I found the Rawlins to run true to size. The leather is soft and molds to your foot over time, so even if they feel a bit snug at first, they‘ll likely stretch out. The cushioned footbed is a nice upgrade from the Nylites too.
Styling the Rawlins is a breeze – they instantly elevate any outfit. I love wearing mine with wide-leg trousers and a crisp button-down for work, or with a flirty dress and denim jacket for weekends. They‘re the ideal sneaker to dress up or down.
As with any leather shoe, you‘ll want to take a bit more care with the Rawlins. I recommend treating them with a leather protectant spray before wearing and spot cleaning as needed. Stuff with tissue paper between wears to help maintain their shape.
Pros:
- Luxe leather and suede upper
- Cushioned footbed for added comfort
- Versatile, goes-with-anything style
- Durable and well-made
Cons:
- Pricier than canvas Tretorns
- Leather requires more care and upkeep
- Only available in a few colors
If you‘re ready to invest in a high-quality leather sneaker, the Rawlins is a fantastic choice. The timeless style and premium materials make them well worth the price tag, in my opinion.
Tretorn Strala Rain Boot Review
Last but not least, we have the Strala rain boot. As a Seattle resident, I know a thing or two about wet weather footwear, and these boots have become my go-to for rainy days.
The Strala is made from 100% waterproof natural rubber, with a soft, sock-like lining. They slip on and off easily thanks to the elastic side panels, and the grippy sole provides excellent traction on slippery surfaces.
I love that the Stralas come in so many fun colors – I have the yellow, but there‘s also pink, green, black, and navy. They add a cheerful pop to gloomy days. The matte finish is super chic too.
Comfort-wise, I find the Stralas to be pretty cozy. The rubber is flexible and not too stiff, and the fabric lining wicks away moisture. There‘s a removable insole that you can replace with your own if you need more support.
The only downside to the Strala is that the shaft is a bit shorter than some rain boots. They work well for most rainy day scenarios, but if you‘re trekking through deep puddles or want more coverage, you might prefer a taller boot.
Styling the Stralas is surprisingly easy – they look great with everything from jeans to dresses. I often pair mine with leggings, a cozy sweater, and a sleek raincoat for a put-together rainy day look.
Pros:
- 100% waterproof natural rubber
- Soft, moisture-wicking lining
- Removable insole for customization
- Available in fun colors
- Easy to slip on and off
Cons:
- Shorter shaft height than some rain boots
- No half sizes available
- Can feel heavy after long periods of wear
Whether you live in a rainy climate or just need a stylish boot for those occasional drizzly days, the Strala is an excellent choice. They‘re cute, comfortable, and built to last.
How Do Tretorn Shoes Fit?
In general, Tretorn shoes tend to run a bit large and wide compared to other sneaker brands. If you‘re between sizes or have narrow feet, I recommend sizing down half a size for the best fit.
The canvas styles like the Nylite and Tournament have the most generous fit, while the leather Rawlins are a bit more snug. The Strala rain boots are only available in whole sizes and have a roomy toe box to accommodate thicker socks.
Tretorn does offer free shipping and returns on all US orders, so you can easily exchange sizes if needed. They also have a helpful size guide on their website with measurements for each style.
How Much Do Tretorn Shoes Cost?
Tretorn shoes range in price from around $70 for the basic Nylite up to $150 for the leather Rawlins. The Tournament sneakers and Strala rain boots fall somewhere in the middle, around $90-$110.
Compared to other sneaker brands, Tretorn‘s prices are pretty reasonable. You can often find them on sale too – I always check the "Special Offers" section on their website for deals.
While they‘re not the cheapest shoes out there, I think Tretorns are a great value for the quality and style. They hold up well over time and never go out of fashion.
Conclusion
As you can probably tell, I‘m a big fan of Tretorn shoes. From the classic Nylite to the luxe Rawlins, there‘s a style for every taste and occasion. I love that they‘re not only stylish and well-made, but also eco-friendly and sustainably produced.
If you‘re in the market for a new pair of sneakers or rain boots, I highly recommend giving Tretorn a try. Their timeless designs and quality materials make them a worthwhile investment in my book.
I hope this Tretorn shoes review was helpful and informative! If you have any other questions about sizing, styling, or care, feel free to leave a comment below. And if you do end up getting a pair of Tretorns, I‘d love to hear your thoughts.
Happy shopping, sneaker lovers!
