Sneakers, or trainers, are shoes designed primarily for training and exercising purposes, but evolved to be worn as casual footwear over time. These shoes have a flexible sole and an upper part, both of which are made of either rubber or leather and are comfortable for physical activities such as running or jumping because they absorb shocks and provide good grip and support. They come in various designs and colours which also allows them to be a style statement.

Early models came to be known as Plimsolls in the 1870s, according to the book ‘The Plimsoll Sensation’ by Nicholette Jones. The shoes had a coloured band which connected the sole to the upper, and this resembled Plimsoll lines on a boat. Today, these shoes are known for comfort, design, flexibility and most of all, the fame garnered within the fraternities of celebrities, sportsmen and artists. While sneakers are generally affordable, there are many expensive models designed or promoted by well-known sports and entertainment figures.

Let’s have a look at the most iconic sneaker brands, all of which are still available to buy:

#5 Vans

Since the 1960s, Vans have been synonymous with skate culture, starting first in California and extending throughout the rest of the world as years passed. These shoes were specifically designed for skaters, not traditional athletes. Today, they are associated with extreme sports cultures, such as BMX, Motocross, surfing, and snowboadring. The company also sponsors the Warped Tour, an annual travelling rock festival.

Now, Vans is a major apparel brand, and you can even order custom vans online, with yoru choice of colors for just about every element of the shoe. Vans made a splash with their recent release of the Toy Story line of Vans, featuring designs inspired by the Pixar films.

#4 Air Yeezys

Air Yeezy was a sneaker collaboration project between Nike and Kanye West from 2007 to 2014. It is iconic because probably no other non-athletic shoe has ever received as much hype, with collectors showing near fanatic devotion to the brand. Air Yeezy and Air Yeezy II featured various official releases, as well as test samples which only served to increase the hysteria around the shoes, which normally sell out in seconds.

Due to royalty disputes, Kanye moved hsi Yeezy brand over to Adidas in 2015…and these are proving to be even more popular than the original Nike Yeezys. Collectors are willing to pay up to $10,000 or more for cerain mint condition, genuine models. Unfortunately, many of the models available in the market are knock-offs made by Chinese laborers of inferior quality material and craftmanship, so be careful when shopping for you next pair of Yeezys!

#3 Adidas Originals

In 1920, Adolf “Adi” Dassler and his older brother Rudolf created their first sneaker, and Dassler Brother shoes became quite popular athletic footwear. Due to differences between them (Rudolf was rumored to be a devoted Nazi), Rudolf later went on to create his own brand called Puma, while Adi renamed the company Adidas (“Adi” + “Das,” from his nickname and last names).

An Adidas Original is a sub-brand of Adidas and is also its heritage line. An Adidas Original gives a retro feel and is popular amongst celebrities. Adidas has multiple iconic designs which have their own editions like the Stan Smith, Gazelle trainers and Adidas Superstar. Adidas Stan Smith was originally designed as a tennis shoe but is now used more as a fashion item, as are the Adidas Superstar which were shoes designed for basketball players.

#2 Chuck Taylor All Stars

Chuck Taylor All Stars is a casual shoe brand manufactured by Converse, which is a subsidiary of Nike. The design of Chuck Taylor consists of a stitched upper portion, a white rubber toe cap and a brown rubber sole. It was first manufactured in 1917 as a high performance athletic shoe for basketball players by Converse Rubber Shoe Company. Charles Chuck Taylor joined a basketball team which was sponsored by Converse Shoe Company, and he marketed the shoes while he held basketball clinics in high schools where he taught the basics of the game. Chuck Taylor made improvements to the shoe after which the shoe had enhanced flexibility, support and also a patch for ankle support. Initially, Taylors name was engraved on the shoe but later, they included his autograph in the shoe. Initially a sports shoe brand, it later evolved as a casual shoe brand where it gained popularity with teenagers and rock stars everywhere.

Two models of Chuck Taylor All Star shoe have been launched till date, with the new model sporting more modern elements for greater comfort.

#1 Air Jordans

When  Air Jordan’s first came out, they caused nearly the same hysteria as Yeezys do today. They were produced by Nike and specifically introduced for Chicago Bulls player Michael Jordan in 1984. The shoe which was designed for Jordan was then released publicly in 1985.  Unlike what you may believe, Jordan did not design the sneaker himself like Kanye did. The shoe for Nike was designed by Peter Moore, Tinker Hatfield and Bruce Kilgore. Air Jordan launches a model every year and 31 models of Air Jordan’s have been released till date. Air Jordans currently sponsor 21 active NBA players–they are not just reserved purely for Jordan any more.

The nomenclature of the shoes for every year has been AJ followed by model number in Roman Numerals except for some years wherein the launch year was mentioned. The naming examples are as follows: AJ I, AJ II, AJ 2009. There are other shoes also from the Air Jordan line which include Spizek, Defining Moments, Retro 6 Infrared Pack to mention a few. There is also a special edition collection known as Jordan 6 Rings which is a mash-up of elements from Air Jordan shoes that Michael Jordan wore during his 6 championship seasons.

Sneakers are one of the most preferred footwear of our times. They are trendy and comfortable, both of which are the most desired attributes while purchasing footwear. Being closed shoes, they are also protective for your feet. Trainers are a must have and these five iconic shoe brands offer trainers that will fit your budget. You can now choose the one that suits you the most by simply comparing each one on online retailer sites like mandmdirect.com which offer all the brands so you don’t have to go and check each and every brand’s store.

Want to check out some more modern styles? Read More Here

Looking stylish and fashionable can help you feel great the second you step out the door. A look should work from head to toe. The latest in shoes for 2017 are all about both fun and fashion. Put on a pair of these shoes and you’ll be touch with what’s going on right now.

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Wild Colors

Color is in today. Have your shoes dyed to match your dress. Combine varied shades in a single pair or look for shoes that use multiple colors at the same time. Pick a pair of neon green boots, a lovely pair of sky blue mules or a pair of spiked heels in shocking pink and you’ll be right on trend.

Minimalism

Minimalism is also in fashion right now. Let go of the frills for shoes that have elegant lines. A single strap and understated back is all you need to show off those perfectly manicured toes and toned calves. A pair of sandals without the ruffles is ideal for the beach.

Sixties Revivals

The sixties are back and in style once again. Shoes in wild colors with swirls of color are just right for the fashionista. Paisley colors and psychedelic hints are today. If you have a pair of shoes from that time go back and put them on. If not, raid the vintage shops and your mother’s closet and you’ll look perfectly in touch with what’s hot. Have fun with the look.

Bring on the Bling

Bling is another trend today. The sparklier the better is the new mantra. Take an old pair of plain shoes and make them modern again. Get out your glue gun and add some bangles to the front and the back for the ideal evening look. Choose a mixture of clear and colored stones for your own original look that is sure to attract attention and admiration.

Calf-High Boots

High boots that cover the calve have been seen on the runways from major designers. You can show off your ability to remain fashion forward and help you enjoy additional height at the same time. A pair of calf-high boots will also help you get added height in the winter and keep your legs warm.

New Materials

Designers are experimenting with new materials for shoes. Look past standard leather and you’ll find shoes made from materials such as spandex. Spandex helps you cut an even thinner silhouette.

The biggest key with all of these trends is finding the shoe that best fits. Sometimes that means sacrificing the brand but it is worth it so that you don’t have to see a podiatrist later on.

Summer has always been the most exciting time of year when it comes to trying on the new beauty trends for the season. Warm, breezy days and turquoise waters, colorful gardens and lush lawns mean thinner, wispy fabrics to wrap our bodies in. Our makeup and hair can go wild and free for evening parties and get-togethers. Shades you didn’t think you could ever imagine start popping up in cosmetics, hair and fashion.

Here are our “Top Summer Beauty Trends of 2017”:

The Smudgy Eye – Sexy but Not Trying Hard

Makeup artists are calling this one the smudgy eye, inspired by the look of cigarette ash. There’s nothing perfect about this sexy eye makeup either. In fact, messy is better, giving the illusion of a “late night into early morning” kind of vibe.

As Balmain’s makeup adviser recommended, forget the liquid liner, and pick up an eye pencil. Use your fingers to blend, smudge and “muck it up.”

Curly or Slick and Side-Parted–All Pretty

You’ve got tons of options this summer. If you miss those 80s days of major volume and curls, then invest in a good curling wand and root-lifting hairspray.

Fashion Week also showed models wearing the slick and side-parted style, achieved by spraying on a dry oil mist.

For more hair-confidence, Allure Hair Building Fibers are an excellent, modern solution.

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Bold, Naughty Brows That Rock the Rainbow

If you’re bored with your eyebrow shape, summer 2017 is bringing on the brow candy. Choose your shade from the rainbow, and live fearlessly.

This beauty trend might be best left for nights out, when self-expression doesn’t have to worry about the corporate world. Runway trends spotted dyed yellow brows and purple brows at Gucci and pink ones from China’s top designer, Lan Yu.

Bright Blush Sweeps More Than Cheekbones

Accenting your cheekbones is one of the best things you can do, and following a tip from vintage 1980s high glam, don’t spare the blush. It’s a girly appeal with blush warming the cheeks and extending up into the temples and over the eyelids in a feminine wash of color. The blush bomb has arrived for summer.

Whether it’s your hair or makeup, it’s fun to experience the new beauty trends of summer 2017 and how they play against your favorite fashion pieces.

It’s time to get your colorful glam on, ladies!

You’ve just been invited to the party of the year. All of your friends – including your longtime crush – will be there!

Excitedly, you run to your closet, but your heart sinks. What will you wear? Everything you see is either outdated, worn too often, or ugly. The panic sets in as you come to the realization that you have nothing to wear. It gets worse: you don’t have enough money to buy new clothes.

We’ve all been there, feeling hopeless as we stare at our dismal outfit choices. Luckily, there are ways to revamp your wardrobe, without breaking the bank.

Here are 10 cheap ways to revamp your wardrobe!

1. Throw out clothes that you’ll never, ever wear again. Remember that lime green sweater that your grandmother bought you 3 years ago? It’s time to throw it out, along with the stained jeans that you wore in middle school. Make some room in your closet for clothes that inspire you!

2. Buy a fashionable belt. It seems simple, but applying an interesting belt to a sweater or dress can make it look more stylish. Guys can add a funky belt and make even a white t-shirt and jeans look dope!

3. Find your signature necklace. Look for something bold, perhaps a chunky, flashy necklace in your favorite color. Layer this necklace with others, making even the simplest tops look exciting!

4. Capitalize on coupons and promotions. Certain clothing websites, like Boden and Topshop, have the most fashionable outfits for Fall and are offering coupons and promo codes! It’s time to take advantage of them! See mamma.com for coupons for Bodens.

5. Use your skills. Do you know how to use a sewing machine? You can sew different buttons and badges to your clothes to add some intrigue to your tired pieces! If you don’t know how, reach out to your handy family or friends.

6. Swap with your friends. Unbeknownst to you, your friends are probably going through the same fashion crisis. One person’s trash is another person’s treasure! Organize an event where your friends can trade jeans, sweaters, dresses, and accessories; plus, it’s a fun way to spend time with your friends.

7. Wear fun tights. Pair bright-colored, trendy tights with one of your old dresses. The unexpected pairing will make your style more interesting and authentic.

8.Visit a thrift shop. Look through the clothes at a consignment or vintage shop for some inexpensive, great finds. Meanwhile, sell some of your old clothes for extra cash!

9. Layer, layer, layer! Try wearing a short-sleeved shirt over a long-sleeved shirt, or a sweater over a collared shirt. Layering adds new visual dimensions to your look, making old outfits feel new.

10. Try garage sales. Look to see if you can get accessories, or even clothes, cheaply at garage sales. Don’t feel nervous to bargain for even lower prices!

You should feel inspired while looking through your closet; your style is an expression of your unique, authentic personality. These 10 cheap ways to revamp your wardrobe will give you the confidence to conquer that party, without draining all of your funds!