THE HISTORY OF SNEAKERS

Trainers, or sneakers, as they say in America, aren’t as new as you may think they are. In the late 18th century, people used to wear shoes that had rubber bottoms called ‘plimsolls’, but they were very simple and uncomfortable. 1. ................................. Around 1892, the US Rubber Company invented rubber sneakers with soft canvas tops. These were called ‘Keds’, but they were later named ‘Sneakers’ because when you were wearing them you could quietly sneak upon someone.

In 1924, a German Adi Dassler, designed a sneaker that he named after himself – Adidas. 2. ................................. Top sporting stars wore them, including American athlete Jesse Owens when he won four gold medals at the 1936 Olympics.

During the first half of the 20th century, sneakers were worn mostly for sport. 3. .................................

Soon companies such as Nike, Reebok and Adidas recognised how much money they could make and began competing with each other. As this happened, they changed the way sneakers looked. 4. ................................. The companies also introduced new technology to try to improve their comfort and fit.

For a long time, sneakers were popular with everybody because they were cheap. Today it is still possible to buy ordinary sneakers at reasonable prices. 5. ................................. Designer sneakers, collector’s items and the very best sports shoes can easily cost over $600.

Sneakers have become so popular now that those belonging to great sports stars are often sold for charity. For example, in the year 2000, sneakers worn by the American basketball player Wilt Chamberlain were sold at an auction. 6. ................................. That’s a lot of money for a pair of shoes made of rubber and canvas that have already been worn by somebody else!