According to a report by Shoeaholics, trainers and slippers have emerged as the stars of the post-pandemic shoe world. The report highlights that not only are trainers remaining popular, but their popularity is actually increasing. Previously seen as suitable only for casual occasions, trainers are now being embraced as office attire by two-thirds of Britons.
Shoeaholics, an off-price retailer under Kurt Geiger, conducted a study revealing that UK consumers have built up a “trainer wardrobe” worth up to £474, with most individuals owning at least seven pairs. This suggests that trainers have become an essential part of people’s everyday fashion choices.
What’s particularly surprising is that trainers are now being worn even at formal events or by influencers during occasions that traditionally called for more formal footwear. Renowned figures such as the Duchess of Cambridge, Serena Williams, Emma Thompson, and Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi (husband of Princess Beatrice) have been spotted wearing trainers in formal settings. According to Shoeaholics, 77% of individuals now wear trainers more frequently for a night out.
This trend of trainers as party shoes has resulted in a significant boost in sales for Shoeaholics, with a 30% increase compared to the previous year. Mark Hoyal-Mitchell, the CEO of Shoeaholics, attributes this trend to the impact of the pandemic and the shift towards more casual work environments. He notes that even those returning to formal workplaces are now more confident in embracing unconventional shoe styles that would have been considered unacceptable in the past.
Alongside the rising popularity of trainers, there is also a growing trend of wearing slippers outside the house. Inspired by fashion icons like the Duchess of Sussex, 22% of individuals confess to wearing slippers in public. This trend originated in China, where young Chinese women, particularly in their twenties and thirties, started wearing cozy bedroom slippers everywhere. The demand for slippers with durable soles suitable for outdoor use has been on the rise. Hoyal-Mitchell describes this trend as a rebellion against traditional formal footwear.
Shoeaholics has experienced an impressive 80% increase in sales of slippers compared to pre-Covid figures. Leading brands such as UGG, Kurt Geiger London, Carvela, Aldo, Barbour, Birkenstock, Michael Kors, and Ted Baker have been instrumental in driving this growth.
In conclusion, trainers and slippers have witnessed a significant surge in popularity in the post-pandemic shoe world. Trainers are now being embraced as office attire and worn at formal events, while slippers are being worn in public settings. This shift towards more casual footwear can be attributed to the impact of the pandemic and the evolving work environments. For those interested in exploring the latest trends in trainers and slippers, the following links provide useful insights:
– Shoeaholics: Shoeaholics, an off-price retailer under Kurt Geiger, offers a wide range of trainers and slippers to suit various fashion preferences.
– Vogue: Vogue provides in-depth fashion coverage and trend reports. Their trainers section offers valuable information on the latest styles and how to wear them.
