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The humble trainer has come a long way. From its origins as a functional shoe for sporting and athletic activities to the style staple no casual wardrobe can be without, the sneaker has crept into our affections to become the go-to shoe for downtime just like the all-time favourite men and women's sandals. Trainers have been around for longer than you might think -- as far back as the late 18th century people were wearing plimsolls, even though the early versions had no left or right foot! But it wasn't until the early 20th century that sneakers really took off as lifestyle choice, with Keds, Converse All-Star and Adidas entering the marketplace in the years after World War One. All of a sudden trainers were cool, and makers of traditional leather shoes started getting worried -- so much so that they began claiming trainers were bad for children's feet. From then on, it was war, with no clear victor in sight all these years later. While the strictest formalwear will always demand a highly polished shoe, dress codes elsewhere are becoming more relaxed, and training shoes are making an appearance in places it would be unthinkable to see them even just 20 years ago. While a trainer's traditional clothing partner is the timeless blue jean, it's becoming more and more common to mix up sneakers with what would traditionally be seen as smartwear. It appears all bets are off; there are no rules. You never know ere you're going to see a sneaker next. Only a decade or so ago, it would have been unimaginable that pairing a trainer with a suit could either look good or be accepted by the traditionalists. The cause has been helped, however, thanks to designers developing a more sophisticated sneaker, with cleaner, smarter lines and in darker colours, using quality materials like luxury leather. Prada Sport's iconic black training shoe experimented with patent leather and minimised laces to create a sleek silhouette that posed a threat to the formal shoe's standing as the natural companion for a suit. The out-dated view of trainers being bulky, brightly coloured and only for sports nuts is finally giving way to a wider understanding that sneaker-wearing isn't just for dropouts. With more workplaces easing up on more formal dress codes, the trainer is now a familiar sight in any office. A more subdued pair teamed with tailored trousers and a smart shirt can give a contemporary twist to the customary workplace wear for any man. For ladies too, a chic pair of sleek sneakers with a dress can make for a carefree ¬-- not to mention confortable -- alternative to the usual towering heels.
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