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Don't Call Me A Collector: The Story of a Trainer Obsessive
Why have one pair of trainers when you can have a hundred? A trainer obsessive speaks.
All Day I Dream About Storing these in some kind of order
I’m not sure where or when it started. At any one point in my life I’ve been into football, music, skateboarding, hiphop , trying to carry off some kind of fashion. The common thread through all these has always been trainers. The people I hung round with wore a certain type of trainer. Puma States inspired by the 70s New York graffiti artists. The Beastie Boys and Run DMC sporting Adidas. The pure practicality of Gazelles for skateboarding, or seeing other lads wearing them at the football. Even the types of laces and lacing seemed to matter, you could tell a lot about someone, not only from their trainers, but how they were laced. Fat laces, criss cross, straight across or no laces at all. All this stuff, seemed important.
There was a time when you could buy a pair of trainers, wear them til they wore out, throw them away and then buy another pair. Then something changed. Trainers started to get shit. Gone were the simple shapes of the Gazelle, of a pair of nylon runners that would sit nicely under jeans or cords. Trainers started getting big. And ugly. Big tongues, pumps, springs, air bubbles, funny squiggly lines and bizarre colours. Fair enough, some of these might actually be good for doing some kind of sport in, but if you just wanted to wear them for a night out or to go to Rotherham away in then they were a no no. The types of trainers I liked were now hard to get hold of, it was a case of hunting round the racks in large shoe warehouse outlets or specialist sports shops or vintage shops in those strange arcades and markets that smelt of petula oil and The Levellers.
Then came the internet and the discovery that lots of other people liked trainers too. Places like Charlie’s Sneaker Pages and later Crooked Tongues showed just how many like me there were out there. It was possible to sit and look at photos of trainers that were long lost, or that you’d never heard of or forgotten about. It was possible even to converse with other people who liked trainers, people who might even call them ‘kicks’ or ’sneakers’. These were hubs, starting points from which you could track down the trainers you wanted to buy.
There was a time when you’d buy a pair of trainers, wear them til they wore out, throw them away and then buy another pair. Then something changed. Trainers started to get shit.
Then came eBay. Suddenly the whole world opened up. No longer did I have to rely on word of mouth or wondering aimlessly round retail villages finding nothing but those green and black shell toes who’s name escapes me. Now I could have my pick from the basements and back store rooms of Eastern Europe, Germany, Spain, South America and the USA. Places where they were glad to get rid of their old ’sneakers’ to some bloke from England for £30. Adidas New York’s and ZX280s from Spain, 1984 Micropacers from Argentina – not everyones cup of tea I know but if Buck Rogers wore trainers then it would have been these – Lendel Advantage and 80s Grand Slam from Germany, Marathon’s from the back room of a sports shop in New England… they just kept coming.
Then people caught on. More and more people were fighting over the same trainers in the same size, prices went up. Adidas began reissuing again to cope with the demand. Trimm Trabs, Munchens and Jeans all met with a mixture of delight or indifference or outrage depending on whether or not you remembered exactly where the yellow stripe was supposed to go, or whether they had a yellow stripe at all, or is that because that was the 80s version and these are the 70s, sod it I’ll buy them anyway, oh they’ve sold out?
Books, films (many of which starred Danny Dyer) more and more websites and ‘Originals’ and big chain trainer shops came out and sprang up. It’s the late naughties, as we’re told to call it by talking heads programmes, and trainers are everywhere. Forest Hills come in all manner of hideous colours with extra bits bolted on and not just the yellow sole. Reissue after reissue come out in every colour of the rainbow, it’s almost gone full circle again, taking away from what made the trainers good in the first place. Ebay prices have gone through the roof, stuff that you could pick up for £20 was now £150 or just not there at all, it’s fine if you want to sell – and I have been tempted – but if you’re buying, forget it.
If I was a collector then none of this would bother me, it’d probably just make it easier, but I’m not. Having a lot of trainers is just what happens when you buy lots of them you like the look of without getting rid of the ones you previously own. I don’t claim to have the best or the most or know the most about trainers, there’s plenty that have and can tell you more, but I can tell you that I’m not a trainercollector, I’m a trainer obsessive.
Some trainers, different colours and everything
More trainers, lots of the running variety
Mainly tennis and assorted peggy trainers
Ooh, look some Nikes
The front two are rare as hen’s teeth original Micropacers
Diadora and New Balance if you didn’t already know
(Leisure) Shoes only or you’re not getting in
If you like it, Pass it on
COMMENTS
Trainers are dead. Long live the flip flop.
Very nice, have many of those myself
You are the Immelda Marcos of Baildon! So many running shoes so little running!
GET EM ON THE BAY YOU HORDING ""BITCH"" THEIR,S A COUPLE OF OG,S I WOULD BE INTERESTED IN BIDDING ON..LOL..GOOD STUFF BUDDY--SOUNDS ABOUT RIGHT""DONT IT ""
trainers are for teds ;-)
Trainers are now for the jcl's, get them on the bay and dip your bread. Loads of idiots new to the game will pay well OTT.
It has crossed my mind to stick them on eBay, but my obsessive nature dictates that someday it'll all die down and I can wear them again. Mind you, the money would be nice...
mindblowing collection youve got there mate, good to see all those old boxes!
What size do you take and where do you live? He he he....
some quality in your collection. I found myself in the same position 1 pair led to 2 then a collection.
Nice set of trainers. Nice article and pics. Someone will have to explain to me the attraction of white trainers though. Why would anyone want to look like Craig David in the House or indeed a tennis plater who forgot to remove his trainers after a match?
definitely an Adidas obsession. Now how about some football cleats? http://www.serieaweekly.com/2008/08/product-review-menu.html
get a pair of airmax classic when I was Yes, I have just purchased some AirJordan's and I agree, likely because I couldn't afford them when I was younger (although I did15). One thing I would say is that I never understood the fascination with Adidas. I awlays felt (and still do) that they were way behind the curve compared to Nike and the "three stripe" logo was lame. Why you'd want to purchase 20 of the same line in different colours loses me totally.
I had several pairs of the yellow/grey Diadora Seb Coe's when i was a nipper. One of my fave pairs of all time. Let me know if you're interested in parting with them (and a size 9/10) cheers
Nice work. Mine here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/daysofspeed/sets/72157607376932708/
you need a good shed for them mate
great collection there la,real boss! as for coddys shed LMAO! tommy.
Casual sheds. Now that's another article right there...
Casual shed. Brilliant. When you think of it they are only one or two steps away from hiking shoes and all weather kagoules. Yes. I need a shed.
i shagged a bird last week in just her adidas gazelles.it was awesome.as i was giving her one i saw flashes of blue and white stripes next to my head as her legs were dangling.has anyone ever done a bird ina pair of puma dallas
I keep my collection in the bottom of my wardrobe but im running out of room and my wife can't understand why a 43 year old man needs so many pairs of trainers they just don't understand do they chaps.
have been looking for adidas vintage tishtennis or similar in white with blue stripes,I first bought a pair while Iwas working in Germany in 1981 any help would be appreciated regards Keith
Good luck finding owt now. eBay prices are sky high, and they'd probably not be wearable. Nifty, you can never have too many wardrobes, get another, or get the missus to vacuum pack her clothes leaving more room for you.
The thing is keith she's only got one wardrobe now and ive got two, one for coats and jackets and the other for shirts and t- shirts and i keep me trainers in the bottom of each,if i got another one just for trainers i think she'd have a fit. She thinks its all a bit odd.
Great collection there, Keith. Nifty, like you I had a wife who thought I was mad but then I converted me cellar into the trainer bunker and put a good lock on the door. Its like the Annie trophy room down there now. Go for it, convert the loft or get yourself a trainer shack in the garden.
thought i was alone in this trainer fetish!jeppers would love a cellar ,have the spare room full of boxes but sadly got to get rid of me babies as have a real one on its way!the misses has finally put her foot down.was gonna put em on ebay but will keep those on here informed first as i feel they would go to a good home,sad i know but there is some classics in there,v rear trimbos ,origanal 80s,will put pics up soon,ps gonna keep me all time favs waterproofs
My advice to you nifty is to get a new wife your trainers come first lad.
That's great advice scouse so he can spend the rest of his life wanking other his trainers or is that what you do.
Those diadoras were re-relesed by OKI-NI a few year backs. This does look as mad as my house. Sneakers.
i used to do this, then i sold them all for money for jeans
All I can say is try I have been wearing trainers of all brands for over twenty years and have just recently discovered the best. I bought a pair of Norman Walsh made in Bolton Lostocks and they are fantastic!! Easily the best I have ever bought, try them. http://normanwalsh.com/
GIMEE YOUR FINN COMFORT AND DESERT RAIN
what I would give for a pair of nike internationlist shown above. those were the days.....
interesting read, I had a pair of Adi V.I.P's yrs back but Ive never seen a pair since
anyone know anything about patrick trainers!? got some vintage brown and white ones. anyone know any collectors!?
Patrick...all the Scandinavian player wore em round in the mid 80's i think..2 stripes,..wow, I forgot about them...I think Emlyn Hughes used tom wear em as well,...the trainers were pants but the boots weren't that bad.....I used to love Bryan Robson's New Balance Footie boots,..class boots,class player
Nike are for rappers and wiggers and over paid footie players, they have silly colours and daft gimmicks,,its either the euro cool of the "3 stripes" or over the top US crap,...if MacDonald's made trainers they would look like Air Max,..which are worn by shop lifters, kids that sell drugs and junkies
this guy isnt a writer...SORRY
I wad 15 and there was a battle of wills. I had £70 for Christmas and wanted to blow it on a pair if Air Max classic. My parents wanted me to spend it on downright sensible. I ignored them for 5 straight says, they caved and I got them. The guilt and need for psychological battle has meant that i always buy a pair of outlandish Nike's when a pair wear out. Got the most gaudy air max + 2009's right now. Just to pick up the point regarding trainers chaanging Keith, that's because up until then all they could do was a bit of moulded rubber. I've never rated those basic trainers. I always feel you're paying over the odds for old styling and technology. Love walking London with a pair of air's on; shoes are a killer.
keith just when you thought it was safe. LOCK UP YOUR BUNNY'S SHE'S BACK .
Good article but there doesn't seem to be any top end trainers here? Adidas Y3, Puma 96 Hours and Adidas Kazuki - quality trainers that don't fall apart after a week.
Great stuff this! Love seeing/reading/hearing about people's old trainies! I've just bought myself a pair of 80s adidas ROM (the reissues are rubbish!) and I'm happy as a pig in shit! Me dad had a pair when I was a kid and I always wanted some for myself but had to make do some adidas clipper! And after reading 'wheres my gear's comment I think the missus could be in line to wear my latest purchase before I do!
Rotherham away? If you had wore some of those to Rotherham away, they'd have thought you'd just been beamed down from Mars! Baildon you say? Could I enquire which football ground you would have worn those to? Also, can anybody tell me what those day-glo orange/yellow Nike runners were called that 'faded' in colour from front to back, from probably about 1986?
Did you source any of these at 'Sportshoes Unlimited'? Twas reputed to be the 'largest sports shoe shop in the world' wasn't it? Don't know if it still is, haven't been in there for years.
Think I last bought some gazelles from Sportshoes. It's great if you want trainers for actually doing sport in, hook you up to machines, the lot. I've sported these down at valley parade over the years. Oh, and i think you're on about Omega flames.
There is only one trainer - AdiDas! Nice article.
Omega Flames! Cheers. Had mine nicked from off my windowsill after I'd left them outside after stepping in something nasty, they must've really wanted those trainers. Nice to see a City Gent with a sense of style, we were in short supply in the 70's & 80's.
early 80s was a glorious time for trainers, the tennis look that was adopted by the terrace faithful has actually stood the test of time and some items of clothing has been bought back from the grave via nostaglia films ie the firm and the business - fila bj warm up tops and sergio tacchini warm ups have been flooding the ebay market for about 3 years now...i remember when i saw 2 maybe 3 bj top for sale on there 5 or 6 years ago for no more than 15-20 quid and they were original late 70s early 80s issues, not mass produced 2000 re-issues...the look and the style of white tennis trainers such as nastase, stan smith, rod laver, lendle and such the like have never really gone out of fashion within the terrace faithful, its been a look with them for years now and i think will last for a very long time still...my self i only have 8 pairs of adidas now ( blue/white gazelle...white stan smith comforts...keglar supers...skate...rod laver mesh vintage...trx...fl lea...new balance 1300 as i lightened the load last year and off loaded my oldest pairs 10 or 12 maybe...i am watching a few pairs on ebay at the moment...it has been an obestion of mine for a number of years now..and its not slowing down either!!!
Decent collection mate. Impressive!
The hens teeth pairs are hideous. Did anyone really like these?
Some memories there mate, very nice indeedy
If anyone's wondering why the dates are all to cock on the above comments, they somehow got deleted and have been added back. Hence all the same date.
I love this article, you have to love Adidas right? I thought I was quite and avid trainer hoarder, however i'm partial to Converse
I have a pair of mint Grand Slam with the words "Grand Slam" down the side. You will NEVER see another pair of these...Any offers?
"I have a pair of mint Grand Slam with the words "Grand Slam" down the side. You will NEVER see another pair of these...Any offers?" Famous last words if ever I heard them :-) Grand Slams were produced in copious quantities by adidas during the mid-80's, what makes yours so special exactly?
after years of buying and selling adidas probably 5/600 pairs i hit 40 and really started to get self concious wearing them, i still buy and sell but have cleared out and only buy suede gum soles and gazelles now, dublin, brussels, tahiti, stockholm, spezial etc, some of the prices on ebay are outrageous, for really incredible finds at decent prices get yourselves over to amsterdam, the flea market in the city has 3 or 4 stalls that have all manner of eighties gold dust and there are two shops right beside the market that sell the same sort of stuff, last visit i got two adidas kagoules still with tags attached from the eighties for 10 euros each ! and a pair of mint universal white with green stripes for 40 euro. thanks for the great article really enjoyed it, and dont sell them you will only regret it.
Chris, really appreciate the advice. "K" what makes mine so special is the fact they are MINT condition and in the original box. If they are so widely available why do they NEVER appear on Ebay?
Cheers Chris. I'll be holding onto the trainers! So many people wearing them at the minute you don't stand out any more. But I'm sure they'll be making a comeback some day soon.
Get a grip guys. they're just sport shoes. Very nice and all that, but you can only wear them one pair at a time.....
Nothing wrong with collecting trainers as long as they're descent ones. Most of the Adidas above look like something a homeless guy would be wearing outside Kings Cross.
