The Diadora Cross trainer gives a nod to the original Cross 70 silhouette which was first released back in 1976 at the height of the running trainer revolution.
It was the 1970s that saw a seismic shift in traditional trainer designs. If the 1980s was the decade of fitness shoes & sole technology, the 1970s was where the running trainer really came to be as we know it today. The running trend of the late 1970s saw the big sportswear brands battle it out for the centre folds of the worlds most respected running magazines with the start of the 'sneaker race' that would continue well into the 1990s. The late 70s alone saw OG runners like the Nike Waffle, the PUMA Easy Rider, the adidas SL72, the Brooks Vantage & the New Balance 320 to name a few make their way onto the shelves of the sportswear stores across the globe. As much as we like to talk about Diadora's flamboyant connection to playboy tennis stars & classic court trainers, their running heritage is just as strong. OG runners like the Cross 70 trainer was Diadora's answer to the SL72 from adidas. Now introduced in an updated version of the OG 70s runner, the Diadora Cross trainer arrives at its spiritual home.
Above: The Diadora Cross trainer in lapis blue/yellow now available from 80s Casual Classics.
First released in 1976 at the height of the running trainer revolution of the late 1970s, the Diadora Cross 70 featured a toughened PU outsole with a nylon weave upper as well as the signature t-toe detailing to the front. Way ahead of the curve, the Cross 70 would "set the pace" for Diadora's dominance on the running trainer world with endorsement deals with Seb Coe in the 1980s as well as the introduction of their legendary N. series in the early 90s. Giving a nod to the original design of the Diadora Cross 70, the iconic Italian sportswear brand has now introduced an updated version for 2025 with the launch of the Cross trainer. 
Above: The Diadora Cross trainer in lapis blue/yellow now available from 80s Casual Classics. Featuring a 'blue bird' inspired colourway of lapis blue & yellow, the Diadora Cross trainer is probably just about as good as it gets when it comes to retro runners. Highlights include mesh uppers with cow suede overlays & T-toe detailing to the front. The classic gum rubber outsole gives a nod to the original Cross 70 from 1976 as well as the front bumper sole design. Finished off with an EVA midsole for all day comfort & classic Diadora branding to the tongue, the Cross trainer is the ultimate in retro kerb appeal. Shop the very latest Diadora trainer releases now at 80s Casual Classics via the links.
