Trainers : The Love we (never) Lost

It may be old age, a change in how one dresses, the gradual encroachment of common sense or an understandably irate spouse but I know that I’m not alone in feeling the need to cull the sheer number of trainers in my house, and my life.

Much as I wish with hindsight that I had bought more books and less records, the sea of trainers in a spare room is now more a source of incredulity and faint shame than pride. Friends less inclined would ask what number I had reached; fortunately as with others on here there were always those more committed to buy, and spend way more than I in pursuit of the newest, rarest, or oldest plimsoll they could find.

When the time comes to say goodbye there are many which will fall in to the category of fond memories; old friends who’s time has been and gone, along with slogan t-shirts and maharishi trousers. My cull means a goodbye to all Dunks, Air Force Ones, nearly all Footscapes (including a particularly beloved Stasis footscape), Stabs, a pair of Jordan III’s, and all manner of other pairs which seemed ubiquitous years ago.

What we thought may be more revealing are the ones which made the cut, and stayed. Trainers that could fit with dressing (nominally) like an adult, and not just for the gym. Trainers which represent a personal idea of a true design classic. There may be some of the small, hardy band which will seldom, if ever see the light of day (grey and pink woven footscapes I’m looking at you). For the purposes of self-delusion I’m not even looking at the ever-growing colours of Superga Cotus nestled beside the burgeoning pile of boat shoes, brogues, shoes and boots which have replaced the trainer in my affections. Still, I’ve kind of cracked it; quality, not quantity. And no more dressing like a teenager. Well, most of the time…

The Keepers:

Frazer:

New Balance 670 Flimby: Last in and one of the last out at this rate. American dad fashion turnout, British craftsmanship.
Adidas Rod Laver: Classic white mesh with navy sole. Not worn ‘em for ages but can’t get shot (unlike other versions which never made the cut)

Nike Huarache: If I’m honest a few pairs of OG’s and retros, even if mainly for the gym now.

Nike Air Max 87: All other variations gone, but again the original in blue or red remains a classic silhouette.

Nike Air 180s: So comfortable, and a great mix between flashy and understated.

Nike Air Max 95: OG orange colourway. With shorts in the summer. Or a bridge too far?

Veruschka:

1984 Nike Sky Force: This pair I have bought in 1995 from my birthday money. They were quite expensive, long before all the “sneaker hype” started. This particular pair kicked off my love for vintage Nikes. Until then I was buying Puma and Adidas trainers and wouldn’t have considered myself a collector. Everything changed with the Sky Force, it was an ignition and I was burning for more vintage,rare trainers.They got me addicted.
Once I have considered selling them as I suppose I won’t wear them anymore but I can’t and I won’t. Those babies carry a lot of memories and I am a bit sentimental to be honest. Besides, the shoe is a true American classic and worth putting on a shelf..

1982 Nike Dynasty: Oh what a beautiful shoe! Simple, clean, in a fresh colourway. In my eyes they are just perfect. Quite hard to find as well, I was very lucky to get my hands on a pair. Something you were so lucky about, and so happy about once,you really shouldn’t get rid of and that’s why they’ll stay..

Nike Air Max 1: I had this shoe in most colourways,even the Atmos pack but sold all, except those. The b/w colourway is the classic and I had about 5 pairs in that colour alone. I only wear them to go for a walk or the occasional run now because they are the comfiest trainers which look good at the same time-besides NBs maybe. So they are a keeper cause they combine comfort with style..

Nike Vandal “Tear Away”: The tear away concept amazed me! What a great idea. Nike made a few pairs of trainers of which you could remove the first layer of fabric by cutting or tearing it away and reveal a print or pattern underneath. Play with the shoes you buy-or don’t, do as you please. The colourway and design is very much Pop Art. I just love them! They will go on a shelf as well together with my Geoff McFetridges..

Scott:

New Balance (Made in Korea) 1300: To your purist’s these goes against the grain of swearing by UK or even US made New Balance and the quality of manufacturing. Let’s put all that bullshit to one side for a moment, I’ve always been drawn to a shoe purely by it’s shape, then worried about the rest later, and to me it gets no better than this silhouette.

I obtained a navy pair of these on eBay a few years back, but in a moment of madness I let them go to prop up a trade I was making (thanks Adam). Then only a matter of months ago I recalled a certain man from Holland still having a beautiful burgundy pair, and soon the 1300 and I became re-aquanted again, much to my delight (thanks Rob). What’s for you won’t go past you, so they say, and I’m fortunate these didn’t..

Adidas Marathon TR: Originally designed for Trails running way back in the early 80s, but let’s make this clear I’m not doing any of that malarkey with these, hell no. This is one mean looking shoe; with the Dellinger web midsole and that aggressive trefoil sole, nicely countered by some soft pink detailing. Ace..

Nike Air Mowabb 2: Yes, another off terrain intended shoe, and a nugget from Nikes venture into All Condition Gear from the early 90s. For me it’s all about the colour (and aesthetics) combination working so well together, so tastefully done without even thinking about being garish. Even better is the fact that even though they are 17 years old they are still wearable..

Nike Pegasus ACG: This is a little sad, as in this particular case these aren’t wearable, but trust me they’re going nowhere. I’ve owned two pairs of these over the years and they have both been in the same predicament, though that isn’t going to put me off looking for a wearable pair.

Nike have yet to go near a re-issue and to be honest, I hope they don’t. The thought of a badly shaped attempt sitting in the sale racks of Size? would be heartbreaking and truthfully, I want no-one else to wear them.

An acquired taste to some, but some of us just know..

Nike ACG Wildwood: The only re-issue of the bunch, but a definite keeper. I think this particular shoe was one of the last shoes I purchased that Nike seemed to use premium materials on. The leather’s buttery soft and the shape compaired to the OG is spot on, and that folks is why I obtained two pairs, not just to compensate for the flaking paint midsole..

Foreword by F.D.M