15 ’90s Sports Accessories That Feel Outdated Now
Here's a fun look back at fifteen once-popular sports accessories from the ’90s that have since fallen out of favor.
- Chris Graciano
- 3 min read
The ’90s were full of iconic sports gear that defined a generation. Many of these accessories now feel like relics. This list revisits the most unforgettable ’90s sports items that are more nostalgic than practical today.
1. Neon Sweatbands
cottonbro studio on Pexels
Bright, stretchy, and everywhere, neon sweatbands were as much fashion as function. Worn across foreheads or wrists, they soaked up sweat while making bold color statements. Today, they feel more like a costume than serious gear.
2. Boom Box with Cassette Tapes
Brad.K on Wikimedia Commons
Essential for pre-game pump-up sessions, the boom box blasted mixtapes across gyms and fields. Carrying one was a badge of coolness, even if it weighed 10 pounds.
3. Velcro-Strapped Athletic Shoes
Anil Sharma on Pexels
Popular with kids and casual athletes, Velcro shoes made changing quick and easy. While convenient, they never quite matched the support of lace-ups. Now, they’re seen as more retro-novelty than real athletic wear.
4. Plastic Water Bottles with Flip Tops
charlesdeluvio on Unsplash
These bulky bottles with snap-up spouts were everywhere from track meets to PE classes. They leaked easily and got gross fast — but everyone had one. Today’s insulated and filtered versions make them look primitive.
5. Starter Jackets
Fma12 on Wikimedia Commons
These oversized, shiny team jackets were more style than sport, but still worn to warm-ups. Loud logos and bright colors made them iconic. They’ve mostly moved from the gym to thrift shops.
6. Digital Step Counters (Pedometers)
Leo Reynolds on Flickr
Early fitness tech came in the form of simple pedometers clipped to your waistband. Inaccurate and fragile, they rarely gave reliable data. Smartwatches have completely replaced them in modern workouts.
7. Nike Air Pumps
Glen Bowman on Flickr
Sneakers with built-in pumps let wearers inflate their shoes for a custom fit. It felt high-tech at the time, though the feature added little performance boost.
8. Tennis Vibration Dampeners (Overdesigned Ones)
PeakPX
These rubber widgets were stuffed into racket strings to reduce feedback. While still in use, the cartoon-themed ones of the ’90s were more distraction than benefit.
9. Color-Coordinated Athletic Tape
Maksim Goncharenok on Pexels
Wrists, fingers, and even knees got wrapped in bright tape that matched your team colors. It looked cool but often didn’t add much real support.
10. Hypercolor Workout Shirts
Ketut Subiyanto on Pexels
Shirts that changed color with body heat were a short-lived craze in fitness fashion. It was novel but also embarrassing when sweat created weird patterns.
11. Weightlifting Gloves with Finger Holes
viZZZual.com on Flickr
Designed for grip and comfort, these padded gloves often left awkward tan lines and wore out fast. While still used by some, today’s lifters often prefer bare hands or minimalist alternatives.
12. Bike Shorts with Built-In Pads
erikkellison on Flickr
These foam-padded shorts were meant to cushion long rides but often felt bulky and awkward off the bike. Their unmistakable silhouette didn’t win many fashion points.
13.Clear Plastic Sports Goggles
looniverse on Wikimedia Commosn
Protective but clunky, these goggles were a staple for youth basketball and racquetball players. They often fogged up or slipped during games. Modern versions are lighter, fog-resistant, and less intrusive.
14. Arm Wallets for Cassette Walkmans
Jozsef Hocza on Unsplash
Athletes would strap bulky arm pouches to carry music players while jogging or training. Jiggling tapes and tangling cords were part of the struggle. Phones and wireless earbuds have made these obsolete.
15. Mesh Drawstring Gear Bags
PickPik
Used to haul balls, shoes, and uniforms, these see-through sacks snagged easily and lacked real support. They were cheap and accessible but far from durable. Today’s athletes opt for structured, compartmentalized backpacks.