More women 'purchased trainers than high heels'

For the first time ever, more women have bought trainers than high heels, figures show.

According to analysts Mintel, in the last year, 37% of women in the UK purchased trainers compared to 33% who bought high heels.

The figures represent a significant shift from last year, when 35% bought trainers and 35% high heels.

Senior fashion analyst at Mintel Tamara Sender said: "For the first time ever sales of trainers have overtaken high heels.

"The UK sportswear market has seen strong growth in the last year and there has been a trend for consumers to integrate sports clothing into their daily wardrobes, meaning trainers have also become more popular among women, overtaking heels to become the second favourite item of footwear after flat shoes."

They added women aged 35-44 are driving the trend away from heels, with 48% in this age group purchasing trainers in the past year - compared to 30% who bought heels.

"Athletic footwear is increasingly being used for everyday non-sporting activities showing that trainers are now more likely to be used for non-sports use.

"Women aged 35 to 44 have become the main trainer buyers proving the trend is no longer limited to younger consumers."

They said footwear sales in the UK are expected to reach £10.5bn this year, compared to £10bn in 2015.