Sneaker (footwear)

Sneakers are footwear of flexible material, typically featuring a sole made of rubber. Sneakers were originally sporting apparel, but are today worn much more widely as casual footwear. They are now very popular, especially with young people. The British English equivalent of "sneaker" is "trainer" in its modern meaning; however, the traditional "sneaker" (pictured) is closer to the British "plimsoll". In some urban areas in the United States, the slang for sneakers are kicks. In Hiberno-English the term is runners.

Sneaker designs vary enormously depending on the origins of the manufacturer. German sneakers have a much more aggressive look, while Italian sneakers are somewhat more romantic, with finer lines and materials that are more expensive.

Sneakers have become an important part of hip hop culture since the 70s. These days, numerous rappers sign million dollar deals with major brands such as Nike, Adidas or Puma to promote their shoes.

Etymology

The term "sneaker" itself was first used in 1916 by the US Rubber Company for the Keds brand, because rubber soles made the shoes less squeaky.

The British English term "trainer" derives from "training shoe".

Popular Brands

Popular brands include Nike, Adidas, Reebok, New Balance, Converse, PUMA, Shaq, Asics, Etnies etc.

Invention

The first "sneaker" was invented in 1893. It was made of canvas and was invented so boaters would not have to wear dress shoes when they were on deck- compare boating shoes.

Fair Trade sneakers

The first brand of fair trade sneakers, Veja, has been launched in 2005 in London, Paris and Tokyo. Material used are organic cotton and natural latex from Amazonia.

Other use

Being conveniently at hand (actually on the foot), they make obvious pervertibles for corporal punishment of the type usually called slippering, especially in gym class (e.g. traditional in the case of the Spanish zapatilla) and similar training, or in BDSM (associated with humiliation and/or foot fetishism).

Sources and references

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Shoes | Spanking implements | Footwear