But I don't want to play ball
They come in pastel colours, fancy fabrics, even backless: `leisure' trainers will be worn everywhere this summer - everywhere except leisure centres
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Your support makes all the difference.You're just as likely to see training shoes on the catwalk as on the race track. It was back in the late Eighties that the trainer started to become a covetable fashion item. Then, New Yorkers were subject to being mugged for their running shoes - especially those that pumped up, or had "air" as part of their name.
A few years down the line and there are now two distinct strands of "leisure" shoes. Those that are actually made for action, with sports people very much in mind, and those that are worn purely as fashion accessories. These are the current tips for the top sellers this summer, they are all ultra- fashionable and some are even designed so you can play ball in them.
1. Vans £55 Suede and canvas, these are the original skateboarding shoes. There's a choice of classic colours for men and women, as well as a pastel range for women. From branches of Office nationwide, and Aspecto branches in Manchester, Nottingham, Leeds and Newcastle (enquiries on 0181-877 9907)
2. Patrick Cox £95 From the man synonymous with last season's black loafer comes the trainer that quite blatantly admits it's just a fashion item - you couldn't run in these if you tried. They are, however, surprisingly comfortable. From Patrick Cox, 8 Symons Street, London SW1
3. Che by Chevignon £49.99 Pastel pink suede runner, also available in powder blue and navy. These are taking over in the popularity stakes from the shiny leather versions of last year. They look good, feel comfortable and are sporty without looking too hi-tech. Available from Office stores and mail-order on 0181-838 4447
4. Chipie £73 For clubbers rather than runners, leather trainers in white with pastel yellow trim. These also come in brightly coloured patent leather, although they look rather tacky. Available from Chipie, 3 Langley Court, London WC2 and 33 Kings Road, London SW3, and Authentique, Leeds
5. Nike £34.99 Sporty but not quite the real thing: you wouldn't see a true athlete wearing these. They're currently one of the bestsellers at Olympus and are officially basketball shoes. They come in reliable black, to match the rest of your wardrobe: working girls get ready. Available from branches of Olympus Sport nationwide
6. One Stars £39.99 These are authentic Seventies basketball shoes, with a suede upper, padded collar, fat laces and heavy duty sole. At the moment the pastel pink range is selling like hot cakes, deeper colours include forest green, black and navy. Very sweet, the rubber sole has stars indented on the front. Available from all London-based Office stores and mail-order on 0181-838 4447
Stylist: Charlie Harrington
Photographer: Bert Cross
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