Introducing The Gola Harrier Leather Trainer

Originating back in late 1960s, the Gola Harrier Leather trainer was one of the very first footwear styles to be worn with jeans and now arrives at its spiritual home.

It's hard to believe the Gola Harrier Leather trainer is now 55 years old. The multi-purpose, late 60s training shoe was actually one of the first ever trainers to be worn with jeans. Worn by everyone from Paul Weller to the Gallagher brothers, the Gola Harrier is steeped in British subcultures from the Mod revival of the late 1970s to mid 90s 'Cool Britannia'. But just like most stuff we like to talk about here at 80s Casual Classics it's usually got some form of football fascination attached it. The Harrier trainer is no different and although it wasn't technically a trainer worn by the like of the Inter City Jibbers, the football connection of Gola & its legendary Harrier trainer is still absolutely huge. Above: The Gola Harrier Leather trainer in white/green now available from 80s Casual Classics. Liverpool legends like Phil Boersma, Peter Cormach & Emlyn Hughes famously wore Gola football boots throughout the 1970s during the Bill Shankly & Bob Paisley European glory days. The celebrated comic strip character 'Roy of the Rovers' which followed the life of the fictional 'Melchester Rovers' player even saw an official kit sponsorship with Gola in 1981. Every school kid from Luton to Leeds had a leather Gola bag and when the "trainers with jeans" trend really hit in the mid 1970s, the Gola Harrier was the trainer everyone wanted a piece of. The trend would later lead to a new chapter of "continental" trainers from all over the continent courtesy of the Casuals. Above: The Gola Harrier Leather trainer in white/green now available from 80s Casual Classics. Moving forward to the 90s era, the Harrier saw a revival thanks to the bourgeoning Britpop scene and 'Cool Britannia'. The Harrier captured the mid 90s indie style with mod icons like Paul Weller also becoming a big fan of the shoe. Brimming with British heritage the Harrier trainer became a common sight at gigs worn with cords, buckets hats, button down shirts and track tops. 2018 saw the Harrier celebrate its 50th anniversary with a revival release of the original leather training shoe silhouette from 1968. Originally designed by Fred Dilley the Harrier is one of Gola's most celebrated trainers of all time. Above: The Gola Harrier Leather trainer in white/green now available from 80s Casual Classics. The Gola Harrier Leather trainer now arrives at 80s Casual Classics in all its OG glory. Featuring white leather uppers with a suede t-toe and leather overlays the Harrier has never looked so good. Other highlights include gold Gola branding to the sidewalls, contrasting two stripes and a gum sole for that ultimate retro feel. Teamed up with a pair of cords and a track top and you'll look the business. Shop the latest Gola releases now at 80s Casual Classics via the links above.