trainers in clubs: yes or no?

Both the dress codes for bars and clubs vary with a woman’s personal decision of what shoes she will wear on a night out. Should trainers be allowed on a night out? she steps discusses

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In an online discussion, she steps asked the female general public what their choice of shoes was for a night out.

Hayley Smith, director of @BoxedOutPR, said she mainly wears her Doctor Marten boots, even in clubs. She said she disliked heels and won’t even go to bars that make women wear heels. When asked about the restrictions bars and clubs put on dress codes, she added “I think they are ridiculous and discriminative. Some people can’t wear heels due to medical conditions and being turned away for something so trivial, I’m surprised they are allowed.”

In 2014, Abby Ashcroft was turned away from a Manchester bar for wearing flat shoes. Ashcroft was not wearing heels due to the fact she was pregnant. There were potential grounds for case against the bar as the situation was deemed discriminatory by a solicitor. The outcome of the situation is unknown, however, it lends more support to why there shouldn’t be dress codes on footwear. Women should feel comfortable to go out in the shoes of their choice, and not feel that they have to justify and disclose personal information to club or bar staff.

In addition to this case, promoters at London club Cirque Le Soir were subject to backlash after setting out stringent rules on do’s and don’ts for female attendees. Company Lux Guestlist created a dress code page for women. In addition to recommendations for things such as dress length, makeup and hairstyle, the page said, “No flats are allowed so don’t hold back on lengthening your legs even if you are Claudia Schiffer” Despite the touch of humour, the statement was clear; no flats.

Though this rule is strict for the average woman, it appears that sometimes the rules are relaxed for celebrities. Trainers on women in the limelight may be a reason why the trainer trend is so popular amongst women. Models, influencers and celebrity women are often pictured ‘off-duty’ in relaxed outfits, sometimes finished off with a pair of trainers or sneakers. The likes of Rihanna, Kendall Jenner and Adwoa Aboah have been photographed in clubs and bars in trainers before.

Charlotte Lock, a mum living in Bournemouth, said she always goes out for evening occasions in heels. She added, “It just elevates me to a better frame of mind. As a busy mum of three I like to glam up when I go out as I rarely get the chance to!” Alternatively, day to day Charlotte said she wears trainers or hi-tops for the school run, adding another reason for her to wear heels when she goes out in the evening.

In a piece written for Time Out London, Holly Hobkirk created a dress code guide for different areas of London. She branded London’s dress code status as “no one criteria.” She added, “London is so diverse that the idea of having one foolproof dress-code for the entire place is inconceivable.” For East London’s generic dress code, Hobkirk recommended “It really doesn’t matter if you’re in heels or flats here, just as long as you can tackle the cobbles in them, and they look vaguely interesting.” The recommended key for footwear by Hobkirk for areas including Hackney, Shoreditch and Dalston including a pair of shoes that are easily worn and eye catching.

The tone switched to a definitive one for South London. “Primary focus for a night out south of the river should be warmth and comfort. Trainers are definitely the best footwear of choice,” said Hobkirk.

Although this is just a recommended dress code for different areas of London, is this generic dress code enforced?

Annabel’s bar in Mayfair is a members only venue with a very strict dress code. On the website, an illustration shows what is acceptable and unacceptable for Annabel’s. ‘Clean, fresh fashion trainers are permitted, however tired and dirty trainers are not.’ This does provide some middle ground for those who wish to wear trainers. Alice Wilkinson, a member of the press team at Annabel’s, said “prior to the opening of the new Annabel's in March 2018, trainers were never before allowed in the club.”

In East London, club Cargo London simply outlined the dress code as ‘smart-casual’ with no emphasis on acceptable forms of footwear. Similarly, venue XOYO said ‘We have a relaxed policy towards clothing so jeans and trainers are allowed.’ It appears that the East London venues are more relaxed about what is worn out.

Hannah Rochell is a fashion journalist and founder of flat shoe blog @enbrogue. When discussing her personal decision to ditch high heels in Elle magazine, she said “trainers are a flat shoe trend that is definitely not fading out. In fact, for women, it’s bigger than ever…women finally have equality when it comes to stylish trainers”

Data provided by Mintel shows the development of the female trainer trend. A report in April 2017 stated “45% of female 16-24s [have] purchased a pair [trainers] in the last 12 months.” When a sample of women 16+ were asked what shoes they bought in the last 12 months, 33% said trainers, surpassing 29% that said heels. The data shows a sway towards preference of trainers in spending habits.

Is it possible for venues to change to meet the demands of attendees? Wilkinson added, “We have responded to the needs and desires of our members. Smart fashion trainers are now more of an obvious choice for lots of people to wear during the day and in the evening, for business or at their leisure. Therefore, we felt the need to accommodate this contemporary trend.”

Overall, it seems that what shoes are worn on a night out is subject to personal preference. It is also subject to any dress code restrictions set out by the venue. Check what the venue outlines beforehand to avoid any mishaps but the best advice is to make sure you feel comfortable, confident and ready to enjoy your evening.

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