Katie Holmes Masters NYC Street Style in Retro Saucony Jazz 81 Sneakers

Please subscribe to our newsletter to receive updates from Your Next Shoes. This post may contain affiliate links. Please see our disclosure for more details.

Following their public debut at a Mediterranean restaurant in September 2020, Katie Holmes and NYC-based chef Emilio Vitolo Jr. became fixtures of Manhattan street style.

Their relationship, which the couple famously made “Instagram official” during Holmes’ 42nd birthday in December of that year, was frequently defined by their coordinated, casual city looks.

On March 9, 2021, the pair was spotted navigating New York City in outfits that perfectly captured the transitional spring weather. While Vitolo opted for a bold black-and-yellow tracksuit, Holmes leaned into her signature elevated-casual aesthetic, anchored by a classic camel coat and heritage-inspired footwear.

Katie Holmes masters effortless New York street style, pairing retro Saucony Jazz 81 sneakers with relaxed jeans and a classic camel trench while stepping out with Emilio Vitolo Jr. in ManhattanKatie Holmes masters effortless New York street style, pairing retro Saucony Jazz 81 sneakers with relaxed jeans and a classic camel trench while stepping out with Emilio Vitolo Jr. in Manhattan on March 9, 2021 (Credit: Instar / WENN)

Meanwhile, his then-girlfriend wore a black-and-green striped long-sleeved top and blue jeans. She kept warm beneath a camel-colored coat with epaulettes and buckled straps at the waist and arms.

Katie Holmes steps out in a camel-colored coat with a black-and-green striped top and blue jeansKatie Holmes steps out in a camel-colored coat with a black-and-green striped top and blue jeans

Stepping out bare-faced, Katie’s eyes looked swollen as she kept her nose and mouth covered with a black face mask. She pulled her long tresses up into a high ponytail with a blue hair tie, showing her tiny silver earrings.

Katie Holmes' eyes look puffy as she goes out bare-facedKatie Holmes’ eyes look puffy as she goes out bare-faced

To further accessorize her casual look, Tom Cruise’s ex-wife wore a dainty gold necklace and carried Chloe’s “Mini Daria” chain bag in desert brown corduroy suede.

Her crossbody bag features a long chain strap with a leather braided top handle.

Katie Holmes carries a Chloe Mini Daria bag in brown corduroyKatie Holmes carries a Chloe Mini Daria bag in brown corduroy

A pair of Saucony “Jazz 81” sneakers completed Katie’s effortlessly cool look. The retro runner was reintroduced in 2021 to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the original 1981 Saucony Jazz, one of the brand’s most influential silhouettes.

More than just a vintage-inspired sneaker, the Jazz 81 is a carefully updated version of the classic design that helped define Saucony’s running heritage. The original model—once praised by Runner’s World and developed with input from podiatrists—became the blueprint for many of the label’s “Originals” that followed.

Katie Holmes finishes her off-duty look with retro Saucony Jazz 81 sneakers, their classic nylon-and-suede design adding a timeless athletic touch to her relaxed denim and trench coat ensembleKatie Holmes finishes her off-duty look with retro Saucony Jazz 81 sneakers, their classic nylon-and-suede design adding a timeless athletic touch to her relaxed denim and trench coat ensemble

The anniversary edition maintains the shoe’s recognizable low-profile silhouette while introducing subtle upgrades for modern wear. Crafted with nylon and premium suede uppers, the sneakers feature silver leather logo detailing, breathable mesh panels, and the original 1981 tongue badge for an authentic throwback feel.

An upgraded full-cushion sock liner and molded EVA midsole provide improved comfort, while the signature triangular-lug rubber outsole—a hallmark of the Jazz design—delivers traction and flexibility.

With its streamlined shape and understated retro aesthetic, the Jazz 81 has become a versatile lifestyle staple, pairing just as easily with casual denim as it does with polished outerwear like Holmes’ structured camel coat.

Saucony brings back the iconic Jazz shoes from 1981 in celebration of the silhouette's 40 yearsSaucony brings back the iconic Jazz shoes from 1981 in celebration of the silhouette’s 40th anniversary

Why Retro Running Sneakers Like Saucony’s Jazz 81 Remain a Celebrity Street-Style Staple

Katie Holmes’ relaxed New York outing is a reminder that the appeal of retro running sneakers goes far beyond the gym. With their streamlined silhouette, heritage design, and everyday comfort, models like the Saucony “Jazz 81” have become a reliable choice for celebrities who want footwear that feels casual yet still looks polished.

Whether paired with relaxed denim, tailored coats, or off-duty athleisure, vintage-inspired runners strike the perfect balance between practicality and style. The enduring popularity of Saucony’s archival silhouettes proves that some sneakers never truly go out of fashion—they simply evolve into modern wardrobe staples.

👟 Explore Saucony Shoe & Celebrity Style Stories on Your Next Shoes: