WE probably all have a pair of trainers that have seen better days.

Rather than throw them away, why not give them a new lease of life and have your favourite kicks looking as fresh as the day they came out of the box?

Tucked away in the heart of Wrexham, a business thought to be the only one of its kind locally is able to do just that – and more!

We find out more about what happens at Wrexham Trainer Revival from owner Steve Tapp:

How did you start reviving trainers? Was it a hobby that has since grown into a business?

I had a friend about to throw an expensive pair of trainers in the bin because they were dirty so I asked him if I could try and tidy them up. He was so pleased with the work and put a before and after picture on Facebook and it snowballed from there.

It became a full-time hobby for over seven years which got too big to carry on at home so I took the plunge and turned it into a business.

Can you talk us through the trainer revival process?

I start by taking someone’s old trainers and try and turn them into something worth wearing again.

I firstly clean them up, I’ll then put in fresh colour if required - I can also replace original lettering, for example if it was a pair of Adidas Gazelle that had lost the wording due to wear, I’d be able to put fresh lettering in.

I also customise trainers so can strip a trainer back and add personal lettering, names football teams or favourite bands/groups music. I can also add images to correspond with the lettering.

What does someone need to do/bring to you?

Simply drop into Ty Pawb with their trainers and we’ll have a one to one chat about what ideas the customer has.

When did you open your shop and why?

I opened the shop October 2020 in the hope I could bring something original and niche to Wrexham.

Along with the cleaning and custom work, I sell rare and hard to find brand new trainers along with loads of different and unique items - framed artwork, t-shirts, literature, mugs and designer face masks. All sorts of great stuff!

Why did you choose to open in your current location?

Ty Pawb was my ideal location as its full of creative talented people. I wanted to be in the Art Hub due to the amount going on in there. Because COVID, I still haven’t seen its full potential yet but I’m hopeful that’s around the corner!

What has been your most memorable/proudest moment in business so far?

I’ve had trainer orders from several countries – Cyprus, Malta, France and the USA.

I’ve also done trainers for Welsh Rugby legend Gareth Thomas but I think my proudest moment to date was my first customer at Ty Pawb and the realisation that I could possibly be bringing something to Wrexham that people will embrace.

I’d love to see people shopping again rather than sitting at home ordering online.

What has been your strangest or quirkiest requests from customers so far?

I’ve been asked to do trainers for a couples wedding, a Superman fan, loads of local football teams but the toughest was a Chester FC custom - being a huge Wrexham fan I struggled saying yes to that one!

Business details:

Wrexham Trainer Revival is based in Ty Pawb.

They are currently open 10am to 4pm from Monday to Saturday with hopes that those hours can extend as COVID restrictions are eased.

Follow the business on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Wrexham-Trainer-Revival-113734767125517. Alternatively, you can call the shop on 07809 123795.