Grinders (footwear)
Grinders is a footwear line established in 1965 in the United Kingdom. Known for leather footwear with air-cushioned welted soles for men and women, Grinders have become one of the leading street fashion footwear brands from the United Kingdom. The sole unit, which is patented to Grinders, is heat-sealed to the welt, giving Grinder footwear the strength and lasting durability of the Goodyear welt process. The unique sole enables flexibility and Grinder advertises it as having guaranteed long-lasting quality. Grinders, however, also produces footwear with different styles of soles, including heavy alternatives such as a screwed Gripfast-style sole, to a lighter-duty sole. Some of the products are made in England, but others are made in China, and the quality and guarantee is not consistent throughout the brand.
Grinders boots and shoes have been particularly popular in the UK and eastern Europe, especially among certain subcultures, such as goths, punks, rivetheads and skinheads. Notable musicians who have worn Grinders boots include members of Guns N' Roses, The Prodigy, Funeral Dress and E-17.