Autry, a brand of vintage unisex sneakers

by L'Exception, on June 26, 2023

This week, let's take a look at the minimalist, vintage Autry brand, created in 1982 by Jim Autry.

Autry's emblematic history

Autry is the must-have brand for lace-up sports shoes, offering various models of high and low-top sneakers to wear on all occasions, competing with big-name brands such as Nike sneakers like Nike Air Max and Adidas sneakers with the superstar and recently the Adidas Campus or Puma. The brand was founded in 1982 in Dallas, USA, by Jim Autry. Initially popular with tennis players as a sportswear shoe, the brand with the American flag logo soon attracted the attention of the specialist media. In the mid-80s, Tennis Magazine referredto the Medalist range of shoes as the best sneakers, both in terms of casual design and technical features. Leather sneakers become iconic and super trendy, the ultimate men's and women's dress shoe, ideal for the spring-summer season. However, in 1987, following the death of founder Jim Autry, the Autry brand ceased production and eventually disappeared for a long time.

The brand's revival

It wasn't until 2019 that the brand experienced a revival coming to compete with nike air force white sneakers, gazelle or even converse high-tops. The Autry, both men's and women's sneakers, was taken over by two French fans of the brand's historic and original model, Alberto Raengo and Régis Billard, communication specialists in the streetwear and sneaker sectors. In 2016, these two founded an agency specializing in distribution, image and marketing, and have collaborated with major sneaker brands such as Nike with its famous Air Force, New Balance and Puma. They decided to relaunch the brand, making it a perfect blend of North American nostalgia in the logo and European craftsmanship with quality finishes that set it apart from other sneakers. They bring this brand up to date with a retro, minimalist, unisex design that's perfect for everyday wear and goes with any style. The Autry low-top shoe, whether for men or women, has taken its place in every wardrobe as a timeless fashion accessory, with lace-up shoes being a staple of both men's and women's Generation Y and Z wardrobes. So, if you're looking to shop for the latest fashion in a casual look that will enhance all your looks, don't hesitate to buy this new pair that will quickly become a favorite in your dressing room! You'll find a range of super-stylish, trendy pairs in a variety of sizes on our website. Although Autry's many models are designed in the USA, most of them are made in Indonesia and sold in many countries.

A design that's retro, modern and minimalist

The Autry brand has built a solid reputation for offering elegant vintage-style products with a modern, sports-performance-oriented twist. Embodying the vibrancy of the 80s, the leather shoes offer a unique blend of comfort and durability. Easy to wear, they are both sporty and casual, pairing perfectly with jeans, chino, shorts or dresses and skirts for casual chic. Tones are light, with a white base embellished with primary or pastel hues. Autry offers a range of classic sneakers designed to be both fashionable and functional, making them a popular choice for fashion lovers looking for a touch of originality who want them in their wardrobe. The spirit of the brand is to be popular yet underground. With its retro-futuristic style, it has managed to reclaim its place among the latest trends. Every detail of the shoes, whether for women or men, refers to the United States with its embroidered logo. Originally sold as sports sneakers, Autry's lace-up style reflects the codes of athleticism and urban trends. From white sneakers to colored or two-tone sneakers with khaki, brown, purple or navy blue to complement your outfit, Autry's mission is to make us feel authentic and ourselves.

Sturdy, comfortable sneakers ui will suit you every day.

Autry with its flagship sneakers stays true to its roots by using quality materials. The shoe's exterior is predominantly composed of calf or suede leather and slightly beige rubber, used for the slightly beige outsole. The brand pays great attention to manufacturing details. Most models are made in Indonesia with smooth or cracked leather, sometimes combining leather and suede in a two-material style. Leather makes the sneaker more resistant than canvas sneakers.
- Leather for sneakers offers durability and high-end aesthetics, and is used for yokes, tongues and finishing details.
- The toe of the shoe is sometimes perforated with holes offering comfort and breathability.
- Suede is a soft, velvety leather material, giving Autry sneakers a textured, elegant look on certain parts of the shoe.
- Canvas is used in particular for the side yokes and linings offering appreciated lightness and breathability.
- The soles are generally rubber, providing grip and wear resistance. Autry places great importance on the quality of the soles of its sneakers.
It should be noted that the materials used may vary from model to model and from collection to collection. Generally speaking, their products are designed to last and stand the test of time, making them durable investments for fashion lovers concerned about the quality and longevity of their clothing and footwear. The models are finished to perfection to ensure slipper-like comfort, which is paramount with the Autry brand so you'll never have sore feet in their sneakers.

Beyond sneakers

Beyond its low-top leather sneakers, Autry also offers a range of clothing including jackets, t-shirts, swimwear, jogging suits and slim or straight-cut jeans. Their aesthetic is strongly influenced by American cultural heritage and the ambience of the American West. Autry clothing captures the adventurous and timeless spirit of that era, offering a unique fashion experience.
Autry is an iconic brand that combines the aesthetics of the American West with contemporary designs. Their attention to quality, unique style and cultural heritage make them a brand appreciated by fashion enthusiasts looking for authentic, vintage pieces. So don't hesitate to let yourself be tempted by each new Autry collection at L'Exception.