When I was at School pretty much the only sports shoes anyone wore were plimsolls. This rather uninspired footwear was decidedly only for use in the gym or on the netball court and everyone rushed unceremoniously back to the changing rooms to relieve their feet of the monstrosities as soon as they could. I don’t recall anyone suggesting that their sports shoes were a good fashion statement and there wasn’t a great deal of interest in trainers either. How things have changed!

Designer Style

Now trainers are a significant feature of most people’s wardrobes and have moved from the sports halls into mainstream fashion. So how did that happen? I guess the journey from the school kit bag to must have fashion accessories began in earnest in the 1980’s when top fashion houses like Gucci began producing their own takes on trainers. The style potential of this practical, comfortable attire was being explored by top designers. This trend was partnered by the athletic shoe manufacturers offering more and more styles and before you knew it trainers were no longer smelly sports shoes that you hid at the back of the wardrobe.

Casual or Formal

Trainers were no passing trend either. Once they were on everyone’s feet there was no getting them off again. First they were casual attire only and then it was ok to team them with formal wear. Men were ditching their brogues to wear trainers with suits and wedged trainers allowed women to dress in athletic shoes whilst keeping their heels.  Even the humble plimsoll has morphed into acceptable fashion in the shape of popular deck shoes like Converse.

The Choice

Perhaps the popularity of trainers has endured for so long because of the sheer enormity of the choice we now enjoy. There are limitless different styles on offer and everyone from Nike to Versace feature some form of athletic shoes in their collection. You can still wear trainers even if you love your labels! I do think, however, that comfort has proved key to the success of trainers. For years we have all been slaves to fashion and squeezing into the most uncomfortable styles in order to create the right look. Millions of feet have been damaged forever having been confined in toe crushers and even more postures ruined and back conditions nurtured by teetering around on stilts. Not to mention the broken ankles that have been the inevitable consequences of platform shoes.

Comfort is King

Trainers have proved to be fashion statements that are both cool and comfortable for men and women and so they are surely here to stay. The constant introduction of new styles will probably ensure that we never tire of trainers and new technologies will continue to inspire. I can barely believe how light athletic shoes are now compared to the heavy duty options of just a few years ago which were like wearing a couple of bricks on your feet. Bright neon colours, retro designs, studs and a variety of other embellishments have kept trainers interesting and what could be better than wearing something which is both funky and comfortable?

Article by Sally Stacey