Liverpool has long been known for embracing fashion trends, particularly when it comes to footwear. Over the years, the city has seen many shoe trends come and go, from the Adidas Forest Hills that defined the 1980s football casual subculture to the Nike Air Max 95s, known locally as "110s," which remain a staple today. The love for 110s has persisted for decades, representing a unique look that lets Scousers stand out and take pride in their appearance.
A Liverpool-Inspired Shoe Launch
On October 1, a Liverpool-inspired shoe created exclusively for JD went on sale. Queues formed in the city centre, with people waiting up to two days for the shoe, which incorporates references to the city's architecture, waterfront, heritage, and unmistakable local identity. The design features Rust Factor and Steam tones, with "SCOUSE" across the sole, a nod to a well-known and highly sought-after unreleased Air Max 95 sample that carried the same detail.
Many shoe trends have made comebacks over the years, including those from Adidas, New Balance, and UGG. Here is a look at shoes that have made their mark in Liverpool.
Adidas Trimm Trab and Forest Hills
The Adidas Trimm Trab was originally released in Germany in 1975–1977, until the Wade Smith store in Liverpool imported thousands of pairs. The word "trab" famously became local Scouse slang for a trainer because of this shoe.
Adidas Forest Hills became the foundation of Liverpool's 1980s football casual subculture, with massive success, vanishing from shelves in two weeks from Wade Smith.
Women's Court Shoes and Heels
For women, court shoes, kitten heels, peep-toes, and strappy heels were go-to choices for weekend nightlife and formal wear, purchased from major high street fixtures like Dolcis and Ravel in Liverpool's St John's Shopping Centre.
110s, UGG, and More
The 110s became a fashion staple in the 90s, deeply woven into Scouse streetwear identity, and still make a standout impression today.
UGG boots were a casual fashion staple in the early 2000s. Liverpool girls wore them year-round, famously pairing them with velour tracksuits, pyjama bottoms, or denim skirts for a quick shop run.
The Isabel Marant shoes—specifically the iconic Bekett hidden-wedge sneaker—were most popular during the early to mid-2010s and were heavily featured in Liverpool's vibrant nightlife and fashion circles, styled with skinny jeans, leather jackets, or casual glam-rock outfits.
While classic Nike Air Max 95s (locally known as 110s) remain an iconic footwear choice in Liverpool, New Balance has grown into an incredibly popular option in recent times, also holding a strong place in local sports memory from supplying Liverpool FC's kits between 2015 and 2020, keeping the brand closely tied to the city's football culture.
