trainer talk
Trainers. If you have developed an interest in their general design and stylings - you may have begun to look a little bit further afield than the standard retail offerings. On doing so you will discover a huge and thriving world of deadstocks, preview stylings and custom designs.
But it may not be immediately obvious where to track down sources for rare, and limited edition trainers.
So where can you find out more?
Best Shops (London):
In no particular order:
Slammin' Kicks, 37 Beak Street, W1F 9RZ: Based in . Specialises in very rare and limited trainers - mainly Nikes and Adidas. The staff are all very knowledgeable and incredibly passionate about trainers. They could teach you a thing or two!
My Trainers, 9 Shorts Garden, WC2H 9AZ: Based in Covent Garden. Specialises in older and deadstock trainers. Loads of Nike and loads of big sizes - so they get my vote! They also stock a large range of apparel and accessories.
Foot Patrol, 16a St Anne's Court, W1F 0BG: Report following shortly...
Size?, 33-34 Carnaby Street, W1F 7DW: Report following shortly...
I have a few more to check out, so if they make the grade I'll add details...
Best News and Discussion Sites:
Loads of trainers website out there, but for me the pick would have to include:
5th Dimension: Vibrant discussion board, about the latet news and new styles soon to come out.
Hypebeast: Regular updates, and an international focus too. Lots of news on upcoming colourways, stylings and designer collaborations.
Cool Hunting: Lots of news from a design point of view. Focuses a lot on special designer customisations and collaborations.
Daily Snkr: French site that showcases lots of Nikes. Lots.
Niketalk: A vibrant forum for seeing new and upcoming designs and fresh new releases. Could do with a more soothing colour scheme !
Sneakerfreaker: Online portal of the magazine of the same name, this showcases lots of industry insider events and openings.
Sneakergame: Run by one half of the Weeklydrop podcasting team, this site features an insane amount of one-offs and customisations.
Companies:
So the companies of choice for me can be revealed as:
NikeID: The undisputed champ. A pioneering site that really seems to be getting into it's stride - however the design options could do with more colour options. That is unless you happen to be invited to a NikeID store.
Adidas Originals: After an uncertain few years, Adidas have re-discovered the strength of their own long heritage and history. Their line up has been recently been re-aligned, to greater emphasise their classic styles - with stong colour playing a prominent part of their originals line. Current pick still has be their 35th Anniversary Superstars.
Puma:I must admit to holding a slight bias, being a UK12, and Puma has always been a company that never really made many larger shoes. Generally their trainers are ideal for those of narrow smaller foot size. So even though they don't go to my size, I can still appreciate sleek lines of the Speedcat.
Many thanks to fellow Flickrite jzkpr for some of the above links and info (who himself runs his own trainer site Dropform - and makes up half of the Weeklydrop podcasting team.
This entry was posted
on Thursday, November 17, 2005 at 11:05 am.
