Designed 50 years ago but still in production today. The 1960s MaTes Carmel Classic trainers are an absolute classic.

But it's not a widely-known classic, which only contributes to its appeal if everyone you know is stuck in an Adidas groove.

Small sportswear makers still exist and thrive today, with those vintage styles and also the craftsmanship being key selling points. Everything from MaTes is still handmade, using techniques that go back so far as the 1940s.

In fact, the storyline were only available in Spain in the mid-1940s when, Francesc Mates, a shoemaker's apprentice, experimented with some scraps that were left round the workshop. Those primitive designs took off and also the label started officially selling shoes in 1947.

This was a period prior to the dominance of the big sportswear labels, with labels like MaTes producing sports footwear for big-name athletes during the day and gaining a significant reputation from doing this.

But with time, the likes of Adidas, Puma and later Nike muscled along with sponsorship deals and big budgets. But that did not stop MaTes, which has continued to create these shoes and significantly, produce shoes based on those vintage styles.

Of course, they are likely to be favoured as leisurewear instead of shoes for the serious athlete in the 21st century, but that's not really a concern for me personally. I really like the MaTes range, and with the handcrafting still being key, you know the quality can there be too. As well as for not much more than some recent Adidas reissues.

The design that catches my eye is the one pictured here, the Carmel Classic. Originally a track shoe from the late 1960s, it's still being made now and looking as good as any retro trainer in the shops, otherwise better.

It's a fairly straightforward style, having a suede upper, gum sole and details inside a contrasting colour. Talking of colours, there are plenty to choose from, as you can tell in the selection I've selected here.

Yes, you are able to go and purchase a pair of recent Adidas Bern for lb89 from your choice of retailer or get a handmade set of the Carmel Classic for EUR109 and stay ahead of everyone else. I know what I'd do.

Browse the number at the MaTes website