The Secret Genius of Modern Life episode 6: Hannah Fry visits eBay’s authentication centre, where they are waging war against fake high-value trainers. She discovers how American breakfast waffles transformed our trainer soles and how an 18th-century tea set led to the use of celebrity endorsement.
Hannah Fry is a British mathematician, author, and radio and television presenter. She is Professor in the Mathematics of Cities at the UCL Centre for Advanced Spatial Analysis. She studies the patterns of human behaviour, such as interpersonal relationships and dating, and how mathematics can apply to them. Fry delivered the 2019 Royal Institution Christmas Lectures.
The Secret Genius of Modern Life episode 6
Trainers are shoes that are designed for physical activity, such as running, walking, or playing sports. They are typically made of lightweight and breathable materials, and they have features such as thick soles and reinforced toes to provide support and cushioning to the feet. Trainers are also often designed with specific sports or activities in mind, and may have features such as extra grip or support for the ankles to enhance performance.
The term “trainers” is commonly used in the United Kingdom and other parts of the world to refer to these types of shoes. In the United States, these shoes are more commonly referred to as “sneakers” or “athletic shoes.” Despite the different names, the basic design and purpose of trainers is the same around the world.
The history of trainers can be traced back to the 19th century, when shoes with thick rubber soles were first developed for use in sports and physical activities. These early trainers were often made of heavy leather and had thick, clunky soles that provided cushioning and support for the feet. They were initially used by athletes, but they quickly became popular with the general public as well. In the early 20th century, the design of trainers began to evolve, with the introduction of new materials and technologies that made them lighter and more comfortable to wear. This included the use of lightweight canvas or rubber for the upper part of the shoe, as well as the development of new sole materials that provided better cushioning and support.
In the 1950s and 1960s, the popularity of trainers exploded, as they became an important part of popular culture and fashion. This was fueled in part by the rise of the sneaker industry, which saw the introduction of new styles and designs that appealed to a wider audience. Today, trainers are an essential part of the wardrobe for many people, and they are available in a wide range of styles and designs to suit different activities and personal preferences. Despite the many changes in their design and materials over the years, the basic purpose of trainers remains the same: to provide support and cushioning for the feet during physical activity.
