The History of Trainers - Part One
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In the first of our four part series looking at the world history of trainers, we look at the period from 1917 to 1972. This period includes a selection of some of the first trainers produced including the Stan Smith from Adidas and the Pro-Keds Royal Plus.
In the first of our four part series looking at the world history of trainers, we look at the period from 1917 to 1972. This period includes a selection of some of the first trainers produced including the Stan Smith from Adidas and the Pro-Keds Royal Plus.
1917 – Converse All Star Launched in 1917 and taking the Chuck Taylor name from 1923 in honour of the world famous basketball player, the shoe has been a favourite in the music world and has been associated with Snoop Dogg and bands including The Ramones and The Strokes. The shoe also featured in the film "I, Robot" starring Will Smith. The trainer’s classic status, history and styling should mean it is around for many years to come.
1964 – Adidas Stan Smith Quality design and still popular across the world since it’s launch as the first all-leather performance tennis shoe. The shoe has been re-issued in many colours over the years but this is the classic white model, combining retro and athletic fashion. These trainers go with any outfit.
1968 – Puma Suede The basic design of these trainers, coupled with the wide variety of colours, these are one of the world’s best loved shoes. The 1990s brought about a revival of these Puma classics which can be worn with virtually anything and still look good.
1969 – Adidas Superstar This was the first low top basketball shoe to be made and is known by millions as the "shell toe", a feature that was included to protect the toes of the players. A favourite on the hip hop scene with its chunky fit and styling, Run-DMC released the song "My Adidas" in recognition of the shoe. The trainer, worn by basketball legend Kareem Abdul Jabbar when they were released, can be seen worn across the globe today including in every US prison!
1971 – Pro-Keds Royal Plus Available as either a high or low top, these trainers were easily recognisable by their red and navy stripes. Developed for the basketball court, these Keds were worn by Nate Archibald of the Kansas City Kings.
1972 – Adidas SL 72 With the ‘SL’ standing for Super Light, these trainers were designed for the 1972 Olympics in Munich and were incredibly light. These trainers featured a built in heel counter and were re-issued in 2004.
That’s it for the first instalment, next time we will look at the period up to 1987 which includes the birth of the mighty Jordan.
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