Overview
The Gioseppo 80686 brings back the spirit of classic 1970s and 80s tennis trainers, with a modern reading built for everyday use. It isn't a technical trainer and it isn't a dress shoe either: it sits in that middle ground that works for a casual day at the office just as well as for the weekend, without having to change shoes once you're home.
It's made in black suede, a material with a soft touch and a matte finish that ages well with wear. The three cream side stripes are the model's signature detail, alongside the brown leather heel tab, which adds a warm contrast without making the design look too dressed up. The flat brown laces reinforce that retro sporting look.
The real difference from a conventional trainer sits in the toe: a curly-pile, shearling-style textile toe cap that adds texture and a slightly crafted feel that's unusual for this kind of shoe. The sole is flat rubber, with barely any height, which keeps a natural, stable stride throughout the day.
A solid choice for anyone who wants a trainer that doesn't look overly technical but isn't as formal as a classic shoe either, and equally for anyone who already wears this kind of retro footwear and wants to add a versatile black pair. Available in sizes 41 to 46 (European sizing), Calzados Vesga ships it across Europe with the advice of a team that has spent decades fitting shoes at their store in Burgos, northern Spain.
At a glance
- Why you'll like it: it combines the retro look of a classic tennis trainer with a distinctive toe-cap detail.
- Best for: everyday wear, casual workplaces, weekends, and travel where you don't want to pack two pairs of shoes.
- Standout feature: the curly-pile, shearling-style toe cap, a detail you won't find on most retro trainers.
- Go for this if: you want a versatile black trainer with some character, without being too sporty or too formal.
- Maybe not for you if: you need a technical trainer with specific cushioning for running or sport.
Quick specs
- Product: Gioseppo 80686, men's retro lace-up trainer
- Who it's for: men
- Main use: everyday wear, casual workplaces, weekends
- Comfort level: high, comfortable fit from the first wear
- Sole type: flat rubber
- Closure: flat laces
- Heel height: flat, no heel
Everything you need to know
Overview
The 80686 belongs to Gioseppo's retro trainer range, where the brand revisits classic sporting silhouettes and pairs them with materials and details not usually seen on this kind of shoe, such as the curly-pile toe cap.
Design and style
The design plays with a contrast of materials and colours: black suede as the base, three cream stripes, a brown leather heel tab and a curly-pile toe cap. It's a balance that avoids the flat look of more basic retro trainers.
Materials and finish
The suede upper has a soft touch and a matte finish that hides everyday wear well. The shearling-style toe cap adds a different texture, and the brown leather heel tab holds up better to friction than the rest of the upper.
All-day comfort
The fit doesn't press across the instep, and the flat laces let you adjust the volume to suit your foot. The flat rubber sole supports a natural stride, without the stiffness of more structured models.
When to wear it
It works well in a casual workplace, for everyday trips around town, for travel where you'd rather bring one versatile pair, and for any weekend plan that doesn't call for a formal shoe.
How to style it
Black is an easy colour to work with: with jeans, with chinos in neutral tones, and with mid-season layers in grey or navy. Discover more options in our men's casual shoes range, or take a look at the latest new arrivals.
Our take at Calzados Vesga
It's one of the models we recommend to anyone looking for a trainer with a bit of character without straying too far from understated. The toe-cap detail makes the difference without being excessive, and it's the kind of shoe that gets noticed without trying.
Before you decide
Common questions before buying: the main one is whether suede holds up to daily wear. It does, provided you give it the basic care any suede needs — brushing and an occasional water-repellent spray.
It may not be ideal if you need a technical trainer with specific cushioning for running or longer sporting sessions.
It will suit you perfectly if you want a retro trainer with a distinctive detail and you value both design and everyday comfort.
Compared with similar retro trainers, the 80686 stands out for its curly-pile toe cap, a detail that's unusual on this kind of shoe.
Technical specifications
- Product type: lace-up retro trainer
- Upper material: suede, with a curly-pile textile toe cap
- Lining: textile lining
- Insole: removable
- Sole: flat rubber
- Closure: flat laces
- Heel height: 0 cm, flat
- Extras / technology: curly-pile, shearling-style toe cap
Size guide
The Gioseppo 80686 is available from size 41 to 46 (European sizing), with a fit that's neither especially snug nor roomy for a men's trainer. As an approximate UK men's equivalent: EU 41 ≈ UK 7, EU 42 ≈ UK 8, EU 43 ≈ UK 9, EU 44 ≈ UK 9.5, EU 45 ≈ UK 10.5, EU 46 ≈ UK 11. If you're torn between two sizes, we'd suggest going with your usual trainer size, as suede eases only slightly with wear.
Frequently asked questions
Do these run small or large? They run true to size, following standard men's trainer sizing.
Are they comfortable all day? Yes, the fit doesn't press across the instep and the flat sole supports a natural stride throughout the day.
Can they be worn for long walks? Yes, although there's no technical cushioning, they're comfortable for everyday walking.
How do I clean and care for them? Use a suede brush regularly, and apply a water-repellent spray from time to time to protect against moisture.
What size should I order if I have wide feet? The fit is fairly standard in width, so if you have wide feet it may be worth going up half a size.
Summary
The Gioseppo 80686 is a men's retro trainer in black suede, built for anyone who wants a comfortable everyday shoe with a distinctive toe-cap detail. The right choice for staying comfortable without giving up a design with character. Calzados Vesga stocks it from size 41 to 46, shipped across Europe.
Looking for something different?
If you'd rather have a more classic model without any textured details, take a look at the rest of our men's casual shoes range. If you need something for a more formal occasion, a classic dress shoe would suit better. And if you'd simply like to see what else has arrived this season, our new arrivals page is worth a browse.
Is this your shoe?
Yes, it's for you if you want a versatile black retro trainer with a distinctive detail, comfortable from the first wear and easy to style.
Maybe not, if you'd rather have a technical trainer with specific cushioning for sport, or a classic dress shoe.
A family shoe shop in Burgos, Spain
Calzados Vesga has been fitting shoes at our store on the main square of Burgos, in northern Spain, for decades, and we bring that same hands-on experience to how we curate the online shop: we choose what we sell brand by brand rather than simply listing a catalogue, and we're on hand before and after your order if you have any questions about sizing or materials.
Delivery, returns and secure checkout
Delivery anywhere in Europe takes 4 to 6 working days. Shipping is charged by destination country and calculated at checkout. Returns from outside Spain are at the customer's expense. Checkout is fully secure, and our team is on hand if you have any questions before you order.
In short
The Gioseppo 80686 is the kind of trainer that just does its job well: comfortable, versatile, and designed to still look good well after the first few wears. If you have any questions about sizing or fit, Calzados Vesga, on the main square of Burgos, is here to help you choose well.
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