I’m 9 years old and walking excitedly down Wood Green High Street with little Anton (aged 7) and tightly clutching my mum’s hand because it’s the school holidays and she has taken us on a shopping trip to purchase some brand spanking new trainers. My feet have grown again but I’m excited because I love how clean they will look; free of creases, pristine white and absolutely flawless. I don’t want to sound ungrateful because I am so happy with how my humble background enabled my brother and I to always appreciate everything we ever had and whatever we were given, and maybe a strong reason why even to this day at aged 32 and 30, we still aren’t the materialistic type at all and expensive clothing and snazzy brands will never phase us. But, despite the fact that aged 9 I had chosen these squeaky clean, pale white Hi-Tech trainers, I still had a sunken feeling wearing them to school when other kids in the class commented and laughed at how I wasn’t wearing Nikes. Kids can be brutal and developing your identity and fitting in when you’re that young is something that you carry with you into your teenage years. Now, I couldn’t give a shit now because as you get older you care less about what others think of you, but now that I can afford to buy my own trainers I will always go for Nikes or Adidas. My two favourite brands go head-to-head today so find out more about which of these 2 brands really is the best!
NIKE
HISTORY
Nike was originally known as Blue Ribbon Sports (an American sportswear company). It was founded in 1964 by track Coach Bill Bowerman who worked at the University of Oregon, USA. The shoe was launched in 1972 and sold around 1300 pairs in its first year. Because there was no official premises, they were sold out of the trunks of cars. In 1978 it was renamed Nike after the Greek goddess of victory. A woman called Carolyn Davidson created the famous tick and all for a tiny fee of $35. 12 years later she received a gold ring with the Nike logo with a certificate and an undisclosed amount of Nike stock. Nike to this day is the most valuable brand out of all sports businesses. It’s boomed because so many high profile athletes sponsor them and are incredibly popular amongst most.
WHAT I THINK
They still remain just as cool today as they did back in the 90s when I was given a bright purple pair of Nike hand me downs from my older cousin, who ALWAYS had the best trainers!
Of course I completely understand my parents would never spend that much money on trainers for me simply because I would quickly outgrow them very quickly and like I said, our parents weren’t made of money. But these first pair of Nikes are still up there in my childhood memories. They were in such good nick, the day my cousin gave them to me my confidence soared and I knew I would wear them for as long as I possibly could until they got too small. I knew I looked cool and I knew no one would take the piss out of me wearing these bad boys. To this day, they remain my most fave pair I’ve ever owned.
I have 5+ amount of Nikes that I own today. To be honest, although I would never wear them out and about with leggings or jeans, they are THE BEST training shoe. Nike Metcons are the best weight lifting shoe, so there is no need to buy expensive specific weight lifting shoes. What makes them so great to train in, is the fact that they are completely flat. There is no requirement to take shoes off for deadlifting or squats when you’re wearing these. They are amazing! I’m still yet to buy ones personalised with TASH on the back but already I have a fair few pairs. If you go onto the Nike store online you can have custom ones made and personalised to your liking The only negative thing I will say about Nike Metcons is that the laces are super thin and come undone quite easily, so double knotting is required!
HIGH TOPS
When my brother brought these for me for Christmas a couple of years ago, I fell in love with them straight away. They are the first I’ve ever owned. They are super comfortable and look hot with jeans, so definitely the type of trainer to wear outside of the gym. I’m obsessed with keeping these pristine clean white so I only really wear them for photoshoots or in the summer, not when it’s rainy and wet (which is most of the time)-so they still look brand new! Nikes are expensive especially some Metcon Trainers so look out for deals. Some are worth over £150!
ADIDAS
HISTORY
Created by Adolf Adi Dassler (German aged 49 years) in 1949, the guy strived to make a difference in athlete performance and boy has he done that! He started off making shoes in his mother’s laundry room, initially with his brother, who went on to create Puma. After going it alone, Adi assisted in the development of the spike running shoe. He would often meet with athletes and kept pushing forward to tend to their needs. Not only has this impacted the sports industry but the fact is, Adidas are such a fashion hit today. The 1950s were prominent as many new types of sprinting shoe and football boots with a nylon sole were becoming revolutionary. It was in 1952 that the recognisable 3 stripe logo had its signature. In the 1960s Adidas developed the first running shoe and shortly after, the streetstyle adidas tracksuits. In 1970 Adidas provided the official match football for the 1970 Fifa World Cup so its popularity kept booming.
WHAT I THINK
So recently, I would have to say I wear Adidas the majority of time (minus for training). The Adidas Falcons have made a real comeback and now I have 3 pairs! The spongy-ness of the sole are super comfortable especially as I’m on my feet all day but also they look super cute to wear with mom jeans, any type of jeans or tracksuits. When I developed Plantar Fascitis at the end of 2021, Adidas Falcons were the ONLY shoe I could wear that didn’t cause me a lot of pain. I cannot complain at all about these trainers. If I had to be picky, the laces are far too long, so triple knotting is a must. Honestly, these are so comfy that you can wear them for miles without experiencing foot discomfort and just look so trendy.
I’m short anyway but their chunky style has become a real trend. The price range starts from £40+ so definitely affordable and worth every penny. I honestly want them in more colours!
HEAD TO HEAD
In conclusion, I love both brands just as much but each serves their purpose. Nikes for me will always be for training. Adidas will be for going out and about and to wear at work.
Which is your favourite?
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