“Startas” sneakers were created in 1976, and they were originally designed by “Borovo” for playing table tennis. We don’t know how many table tennis players actually wore them, but the fact is that many people wore them during physical education classes.
These canvas, low-top sneakers with rubber soles were worn not only on the sports field but also every day. They were entirely handmade from natural materials, and one pair of Startas shoes goes through the hands of 23 workers during production.
They reached their peak of popularity in 1987, when they became the official footwear of the Universiade in Zagreb. At that time, Startas sneakers sold over 5 million pairs annually.
However, there were also those who didn’t like them, as they made the feet sweat quite a bit and were not particularly comfortable. Their advantage was that they were locally made, inexpensive shoes that almost anyone could afford, yet still better than the “shanghais,” “albanians,” “bulgarians,” “top-ten,” 777s…
A few years ago, Startas sneakers became very popular again, especially in more alternative circles of young people and those who love retro style. Even the famous magazine Vogue featured them in one of its issues. Today, they are produced in many different patterns and colors, and in foreign markets like the U.S., they can cost up to $80.
