TOP OF THE SHOE SHOPS

THE trainer has been voted the most iconic shoe of the past century.

Researchers found that trainers – also called sneakers, pumps, or plimsolls – were judged the most innovative and groundbreaking footwear style of the past 100 years.

A whopping 35% of people chose it as their favourite, ahead of stilettos (15%) and platforms (6%).

And the poll also revealed the leading footwear brand of the last century was Adidas, right, with

34% of the votes, ahead of Dr Martens with 31%.

IT boffin and trainer fan Jon Simons, 45, of Watford, Herts, said: “I first started collecting trainers when I was about 30 and have just built up my collection since. All of them are box fresh and the most valuable is a pair of Nike Dunk Lows with a pigeon motif, which can sell for around £5,000.” A spokesman for footwear charity the Cordwainers, which carried out the study, said the research also showed the average female has 15 pairs of shoes, while blokes own just eight. Penny Graham, of the firm, said: “The UK has led the way in footwear design for centuries and has over 900 years of experience.” TOP 10: 1. Trainer 2. Stiletto

3. Platform 4. Brogue 5. Ankle boot

6. Sandal 7. Knee-length boot 8. Flip-flop

9. Loafer 10. Ballet pumps