Take off those bowling shoes from last fall. The funky new kicks for this spring borrow their inspiration from the '70s and '80s.

Retro sneakers in various styles and colors can be found in the windows of many downtown stores this spring.

"Shoe companies have taken what they used to make in the past and revamped them," said Heather Falck, manager of Bare Foot, 130 E. College Ave.

She said these sneakers are a combination of new and old with an infusion of color and style and are popular with men and women.

It doesn't matter if the shoes are leather, suede or mesh, Falck said.

If they are the right style, they will sell, she said.

This season, the right style can be the traditional sneaker, or open-back and Mary Jane style sneakers, as long as they are colorful.

"Spring is all about color," she said.

The shoes can be found in hues such as bright red, green, yellow and blue.

Falck also said that flat is in, such as sneakers that are molded after rock-climbing shoes.

Brands such as Diesel, Saucony, Kenneth Cole and Puma are all producing the sneakers that cost anywhere from $50 and up.

Falck said that because these sneakers can be worn year-round, are functional and comfortable, many people are beginning to plan their attire around their shoes.

Gina Cappelletti (junior-political science) sports red sneakers with a navy blue stripe.

"My friends make fun of me for wearing them out to a party," she said.

"But I think they are fun and quirky, and they are comfortable but I can still make a fashion statement."

Cappelletti said she saw her shoes in the store window of Bare Foot and bought them because, besides really liking sneakers, she thought people would notice them.

The shoes are so vibrant that they are becoming the focus of the ensemble for many people who wear them.

"These shoes are becoming an accessory of their own," said Nicole Houze, manager of Metro, 320 E. College Ave.

She said the sneakers, which are throwbacks from the '80s, are popular because they are simple and comfortable.

"Basically they are a copy of the old Adidas shoes," she said. "They have the two-toned sole and the double stripe."

Metro carries various brands of the retro shoes but said that Saucony, which hasn't changed its style in years, has been the No. 1 seller.