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Warrior trainers – 1970s Chinese casual wear

Warrior trainers - 1970s Chinese casual wear
Warrior trainers – 1970s Chinese casual wear (image credit: Size?)
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A shoe that has barely changed for decades. And in terms of the Warrior trainers, that really is no bad thing.

Warrior trainers - 1970s Chinese casual wear
(image credit: Size?)

 

Back in the 1970s, the only trainers to have in China were Warrior trainers – and even this home-grown brand was hard to find. Trainers were a sports shoe rather than a casual shoe. So if you weren’t a serious sportsman (or woman) you probably wouldn’t own a pair.

Warrior trainers - 1970s Chinese casual wear
(image credit: Size?)

 

The shoe has been made in China since the 1930s, although the styles you see today are likely to be based on footwear designs of the 1970s. The reason why these designs appeared on the shelves is down to Chinese-born graphic designer Shumeng Ye, who brought out a limited edition run and a commemorative book in the early noughties, with the bundle appearing in designer stores across the world.

Warrior trainers - 1970s Chinese casual wear
(image credit: Size?)

 

As a result, the brand relaunched and the shoes became more easily accessible and more affordable. In fact, there are a number of different designs available right now. All with retro appeal, of course.

Warrior trainers - 1970s Chinese casual wear
(image credit: Size?)

 

Many of the Warrior Shanghai shoes (to give the label its full name) are available at Size? right now, some even in the sale. Take your pick from a canvas, suede or leather upper for either the Dime, the Dime Leather and the WB-1 in various colours, some of which are featured here.

Warrior trainers - 1970s Chinese casual wear
(image credit: Size?)

 

A ‘grippy’ vulcanised (and textured) sole, contrasting detail to the side, branding on the tongue and some branding on the heel too. That’s about it really.

A clean, classic style that really never ages. If you want a pair, you are looking at a price from £35 with the sale now on.

Find out more at the Size? website

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