It’s a cold winter’s day today, raining, grey and a day better spent inside by the fire. I’d been reading an article last night on Victoria Beckham that happened to mention her Adidas Stan Smith trainers. The article had been lingering in my style thoughts over coffee this morning and I thought about how many people both men and women, appear to spend lavishly on designer trainers which in my opinion are nowhere near as good as the originals that they are trying to emulate. I have a view that whilst designer trainers can look great, the most influential and stylish people typically draw on the original trainers rather than designer trainer copies. Certainly designer trainers scream ‘I’ve got cash’ however in my view this look is perhaps reflective of mail-order style rather than true creativity. So here’s my take on four of the most stylish men’s trainers you can buy.
No1. New Balance 990
The New Balance 990 was created in 1982 as a high performance running shoe. New Balance are now up to their 6th version of the infamous trainer almost 40 years later. For some reason this 80’s running shoe has become synonymous with exceptional style, worn by style influencers’ and designers throughout the globe. I love this trainer. It looks wicked with baggy tapered trousers and has that super casual but desperately cool appeal. If anyone ever asks me what I want for Christmas then the reply is always, a new pair of New Balance 990’s.
No 2. Nike Cortez
Nike are always there or thereabouts when it comes to trainers. In terms of style there is in my opinion only one style that really cracks it for coolness and that is the Cortez. I love the elongated shape of these trainers and the fabulous colours and styling.
No 3. Adidas Superstar
These awesome trainers much like all of the trainers on my list, only get better with wear. Whilst Adidas has upgraded the Superstar slightly from the original styling these trainers consistently take a look to a super cool level. There are so many expensive designer imitations of the Superstar and the Adidas Stan Smith on the market, however these originals are without question the best.
No 4. Vans
A skater trainer you might think, one synonymous with ankle-high socks and baggy shorts. However, in my view this simple trainer has become a style icon amongst both the older generation and youth of today. Vans have a rich history dating back to 1966. They are understated and work so well as part of a preppy look and come in a cool range of colours and designs.
Short but sweet! Summertime is a few months away yet, so for now the Sorel snow boots are the order of the day, however when the days start getting longer the snow boots will be cast aside for one of these four, if not all.
If you can’t do it in style then don’t do it!
The Global Style Pilot 