Not all sneakers are sports shoes: Sneakers are just one of several types of regular sports shoes.
The main difference is material: While manufacturers can make shoes from many materials, sneakers come from synthetic fabric or leather, and the sole can come from rubber only.
Sneakers are comfortable shoes: So, we can wear them for physical activities such as jogging and gym. They also have a pleasant appearance. So, we can still use them for walking, even carrying to work in the office environment. A few other specialty shoes cannot do it.
Sneakers are much more versatile than regular shoes: You can wear this type of shoes from morning to night, from office to home, for jogging or climbing, wearing socks or not.
Sneakers have a bigger branding value than shoes: They become an indispensable fashion for young people, whether male or female.
With just one pair of sneakers, you can combine them with shorts, jeans, or khaki pants. The stylish look and sporty design will bring a character to the wearer. Besides the elegant and awesome teens’ sneakers, fashion shoe companies still have a wide variety of stylish women’s sneakers for women to choose from.
Shoes are one of the most popular and indispensable accessories for humans. As society is more civilized, shoes are also more and more focused. Shoes and sneakers have also become popular with a variety of designs.
Among shoes, sneakers are one of the favorite sports shoes for many young people. Even in the West, there are people called sneakerheads who specialize in collecting sneakers. So, what characteristics do sneakers have?
Why Do Sneaker and Shoes Differ?
Based on the history of sneakers, we can safely say that sneakers are an evolution of training shoes. Born as silent shoes supplied to the police. It is from their light and comfortable structure that people were inspired for the realization of real sneakers.
Often, the term “shoe” and “sneaker” are used indiscriminately to indicate all sports design shoes. As convenient as it is, it creates a bit of confusion. Is it the same shoe? Is there a difference between sneakers and shoes?
Today, using one name or the other is almost normal, but the truth is that the two terms refer to two distinct types of shoes. These are different types of shoes to be used on different occasions. But when is it possible to use sneakers and when is it better to use shoes?
It indicates a type of comfortable shoe, characterized by a casual design. These are models that can be made using different materials such as technical fabrics, leather, velvet, or suede. They are footwear designed to be used daily at school, at work, or during leisure time. These are not shoes suitable for practicing any type of sport.
If you are looking for a pair of shoes for sports, you will need to buy a pair of sneakers. As the name rightly suggests, only these models are designed to support the foot during an unusual effort. They come with specific materials that include advanced breathability technologies.
You have often heard the terms trainers, tennis shoes, and running shoes. Also, in this case, it is often an abuse of terms. We tend to call tennis shoes all models with a flat sole and canvas upper, just as trainers are called all “sporty-looking” shoes. In order not to be mistaken, it is enough to rely on words. The tennis shoe is the shoe designed for tennis, while the trainer is the shoe designed for training.
However, it is also true that the current trend wants trainers, as well as tennis or running shoes, to be worn even outside the gym, perhaps with sportswear. Using sneakers to build a fitness lover’s outfit does not involve problems. What is wrong is instead of using sneakers for physical activity, these shoes are not suitable for sports and they risk causing problems and promoting injuries. Now, the difference between sneakers and shoes is clear to you.
Sneaker Classification for Newcomers
Sneakers and streetwear always go together. You can mix an outfit that looks simple, comfortable with a pair of sneakers, but very nice. However, because there are so many sneakers to choose from, newbies may be confused about where to start. Let’s start with the basics and simplicity.
Low-top
Low-top sneakers are not ankle-high. They will not cover your ankles. Normally, low-top shoes are moderately heavy and slim. They are great for wearing in the summer instead of winter. These may be the shoes you will see daily, as everyone seems to wear them.
Running shoes are in the low-top group. Running shoes are also famous as runners. Runners are arguably one of the best-selling sneakers in the market today. They emerged and got noticed five years back, thanks to the birth of the Nike Roshe Run. One plus of the Runners is that they are comfortable. Recently, two famous runners are popular with customers: Adidas Ultra-boost and Adidas NMD. They are suitable for running and are always comfortable for the consumer because the Boost base is quiet.
Related: Adidas Women’s Running Shoes
Skate shoes are also in the low-top group. Skate shoes are skateboard shoes. They are usually light and made from canvas or leather. Usually, they have thick soles for more efficient skateboarding purposes. Skate shoes will not run smoothly as runners, but they give people a fresh look and attract attention to some people. One of the famous brands that produce Skate shoes is Vans. There are two famous selling lines of Vans that are Old Skool and Era.
Several other low-top lines are also popular with young people. They seem to be coordinated with all clothing and carried for many purposes. For example, Adidas Stan Smith, Nike Air Force 1 Low, Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Low Top, and Adidas Superstar.
When it comes to low-top sneakers, it’s important to choose the right shoe to match your style. For a classic, casual look, jogger pants and sneakers go hand in hand. With a relaxed fit, jogger pants complement low-top shoes and give you a stylish and comfortable look.
Mid-top
The Mid-top had little to say. Mid-top is a line of shoes with a height between the High-top and the Low-top. They will hide your ankles. Some popular Mid-top shoes such as Giuseppe Zanotti Mid-top, Nike Air Presto, Adidas Stan Smith Mid, and Buscemi Mid-top.
High-top
High-top is a line of sneakers with a height that conceals the ankle. Usually, they will be coarse and heavier. They are more suitable for winter than summer.
In the group of high-top shoes, we have basketball shoes. It is one line of high-neck sneakers. Of course, basketball shoes also have a low collar. They look personality, sporty, and cool. Without a doubt, one of the most popular basketball shoe brands is Nike Air Jordan.
High-top comes in a variety of forms that basketball shoes inspire most of them. We could have some simple high-top pairs like the Vans Sk8-Hi. If you want to buy Nike shoes that are not made for basketball, you can choose Blazer. If you are someone who likes freshness and personality, then Margiela Future and Geo basket shoes will be right for you.
Looking to pair your high-top sneakers with a stylish haircut? Check out these unique men’s high top dreads ideas for some inspiration. From subtle to bold, these hairstyles can complement your sneakers perfectly, giving you a complete trendy look.
FAQs
When did the name “sneaker” come from?
The name sneaker was first used to advertise in the market by the Keds shoe company in early 1900. Henry Nelson McKinney called these sneakers because they have rubber soles. So, they do not make a sound when moving. Therefore, a person can sneak another attack without being detected by the sound of movement. If you look up the dictionary, you will see “sneaker” means sneaky person.
Most sneakers have hard soles at this point. So, do these soft rubber soles stand out? Ked was not the first company to make shoes with soft rubber soles. In the 1830s, the Plimsolls were a popular British beach shoe, and Keds stole their design in 1900. Perhaps, many people think that the history of today’s sneakers must be tied to the tycoons in the shoe world like Adidas, Nike, Converse, and New Balance. But the authentic story is probably out of everyone’s mindset.
What are the most popular sneaker brands?
Nike: Nike in the list is an obvious thing because Nike is one of the largest and most successful brands in recent years. Their shoes seem for everyone from young to old. They created the Air Jordan brand. It was a success that exceeded all expectations, and no basketball shoe could match the Air Jordan.
Adidas: Adidas is also one brand that people like to use. Adidas designs are always eye-catching in the fashion world today. The quality of Boost does not offend anyone.
See Also: Adidas vs Nike
Vans: Although they mostly produce shoes for skateboarding, Vans shoes always appear in the fashion world. They are famous for simplicity and variety, but equally beautiful. If you are looking for simple shoes, then Vans is the choice for you.
Converse: Converse is a series of sneakers with a wide living coverage in the shoe cabinet of sneakers-holies. The advantages that help Converse always choose to coordinate are the simple design, compact legs, using the basic colors, extremely easy to coordinate, and not fussy about the wearer. Choosing Converse to coordinate elegant outfits when coming to the office is a completely smart choice of office people, not only does not lose the beauty but also increases the style point.
New Balance: Being born quite early and being interested in young fashion lovers late because the original purpose was for professional running, New Balance has helped to close the gap between sports and fashion. It becomes an indispensable item in the shoe cabinet of fashion followers.