sneaker terms header image showing a dictionary with magnifying glass and a sneaker pattern overlay

Sneaker Terms: A Guide to Sneaker Lingo

From Dunk Lows to Yeezys and everything in between, the sneaker world has its own “Sneaker Terminology” and it’s bursting with unique sneaker lingo. To truly appreciate the art of sneakers, it’s vital to understand the sneaker terms that define it. Whether you’re an aspiring sneakerhead or a seasoned collector, mastering the sneaker terms used by brands, enthusiasts, and resellers will help you navigate the sneaker culture with ease. Don’t stay in the dark, learn all of the sneaker terms you can so you’re ready for your next sneaker convention.

Sneaker Terminology: Deciphering the Lingo

Sneaker culture has its own distinct language, and understanding it is the first step towards becoming a true sneaker enthusiast. Our definitive list of sneaker terms is here to help you master all the sneaker lingo you were curious about. Here’s a breakdown of some common sneaker terms you’re likely to encounter, whether you’re hunting for a pair of Air Jordans or trying to understand the hype behind the latest Yeezy drop:

  • 3M: This term is used to describe a reflective material that is often used on sneakers. Refers to the company that makes the material.
  • ACG: All Conditions Gear. A Nike sub-division from the early ‘80s that focuses on mountain climbing, hiking, and long distance walks.
  • Aglets: The ends of a shoelace.
  • AMM: A Ma Maniere, premium boutique operated by The Whitaker Group.
  • Beaters: Sneakers that are worn repeatedly, showing signs of wear and tear, but are still loved by their owners.
  • BIN: Buy It Now. The set price that a seller is willing to sell their sneakers for. This usually means there is no negotiating and certainly no haggling.
  • Black Air Force 1: The Black Air Force 1 Meme refers to how people who wear all-black Nike Air Force 1 sneakers allegedly act.
  • BNIB (Brand New In Box): This abbreviation is used to inform buyers that a particular pair of sneakers are unworn and will be shipped in their original box.
  • Boost: An adidas speciality, this material looks like styrofoam or thermocol hard pressed together.
  • Bred: Refers in particular to the Jordan 1 Retro Black and Red colorway.
  • Brick: A brick is a shoe that is seen as unpopular. This is often determined by the resale price of the sneaker. Bricks are sneakers that almost nobody would pay resale prices for.
  • CO.JP: Concept Japan. Nike sneakers made exclusively for the Japanese market.
  • Collab: This term is short for “collaboration” and is used to describe a sneaker that is the result of a partnership between two or more brands or designers.
  • Collar: The top edge of the shoe that wraps around the ankle.
  • Colorway: Defines the color scheme of the sneaker.
  • Cook Group: This term is used to describe a group of people who share information and resources to help each other buy limited release sneakers.
  • Deadstock (DS): A term used to say that a pair of sneakers has never been worn.
  • Deubré/Dubrae: A detail on the Air Force 1 sneakers, referring to the little lock at the base of the shoelaces.
  • Drop: This term is used to describe the release of a new sneaker model or colorway
  • EP (Engineered Performance): Sneakers that fall under the EP umbrella are constructed with a practical, uber-durable rubber.
  • Eyelet: The holes through which shoelaces are threaded.
  • F&F: Friends & Family. A sneaker so rare that it has only been gifted out to the inner circle of the brand or the collaborator. Brands make exclusive colorways or renditions of a new sneaker release/drop that are seeded to their primary influencers or friends and family members of the artist collaboration / the brand.
  • Factory Lacing: As the name suggests, a sneaker that has its laces intact like when it came out right out of the assembly line and has not been redone by the buyer.
  • Firm: When the price on a sneaker is non-negotiable.
  • Flip-Flop: The act of changing one’s mind about a sneaker release, initially calling it mid, only to decide it’s “slept on” when it hits the shelves.
  • Flight Club: Famous resale sneaker store owned by GOAT Group.
  • FSR (Full Size Run): This term is used when a store has all sizes available for a particular sneaker model.
  • Fufu: Fake. A slang term used to describe a sneaker that is inauthentic and counterfeit. Also known as Fugazi.
  • General Release( GR): Multiple pieces, multiple sizes, usually available on shelves for a while rather than getting sold out quickly.
  • GOAT: A site to buy and sell sneakers. Similar to stockx except you can also buy used shoes here. Part of GOAT Group.
  • GORE‑TEX: Waterproof material made by the company of the same name.
  • Grailed: Another clothing resale site owned by GOAT Group.
  • Grails: “Holy Grail” The most coveted of sneakers which have iconic relevance and often times are sold in limited numbers.
  • GS (Grade School): GS is a term attached to sneakers appropriate for children.
  • Gum Sole: This term is used to describe a type of rubber sole that is tan or brown in color.
  • Heel: The rear part of the shoe, which provides support to the heel of the foot.
  • High Top: Sneakers that are made to give additional ankle support, with the height of the sneaker well above the top of the ankle. Also known as “Highs”
  • HS (Hyperstrike): Pairs of HS sneakers are harder to get than QS (quickstrikes).
  • HTM (Hiroshi, Tinker, Mark): HTM sneakers are the result of a collaboration between Nike’s three most influential designers: Hiroshi Fujiwara, Tinker Hatfield, and Mark Parker.
  • Hypebeast: Someone who doesn’t love sneakers but just loves whatever is popular. Often wears “overhyped” pieces and spends a lot just to flex.
  • ID (Individual Design): ID sneakers are customizable.
  • Insole: A removable layer of cushioning that is worn inside a pair of sneakers. These can be used for comfort, warmth, or deodorising.
  • Instacop: Instant Cop, A sneaker that you would buy in a split second if given the chance.
  • ISO: In Store Only. These kicks are only available in-store!
  • Js: Refers to Nike’s Air Jordan sneakers that are named after the greatest athlete of all time, Michael Jordan.
  • Jumpman: The iconic Jordan logo, silhouetted from a rookie photo shoot, and most famously debuted on the Air Jordan III.
  • KOTD: Kicks of the Day. Similar to WDYWT.
  • Lateral: The technical term for the outer sidewall of a sneaker.
  • LC (Legit Check): This term is used when someone wants to verify the authenticity of a pair of sneakers.
  • Limited Edition: This term is used to describe a sneaker that is produced in limited quantities.
  • Lining: The material on the inside of the shoe that comes into direct contact with the foot. It is usually made from a soft, breathable material for comfort.
  • Looksee, Weartesters (Sample): Before going into full-fledged production, brands develop samples that are used internally to test for fit, durability, feel, and appearance.
  • Lows: Sneakers that are typically cut below the top of the ankle or lower.
  • LPU (Latest Pick Up): This term is used to describe the most recent pair of sneakers someone has purchased.
  • LS (Lifestyle): LS sneakers are designed for everyday wear.
  • Medial: The technical term for the inner sidewall of a sneaker.
  • Mids: Mid height Sneakers that are cut between the high and low tops, sometimes “hated” on.
  • Midsole: The layer of material between the insole and the outsole, designed to provide cushioning and shock absorption.
  • NBHD: Neighborhood by Nike, these pairs are generally only available at specialty boutiques
  • New In Box (NIB): Almost deadstock but has been tried on and the tags are pulled off perhaps.
  • NMD (Nomad): NMD is a term coined by adidas for a specific line of sneakers.
  • NRG (Energy): Nike reserves the NRG terminology for momentous, hype-worthy projects.
  • NWT (New With Tags): This term is used to describe a brand new pair of sneakers that still have the original tags attached.
  • OBO: Or Best Offer. Means that there’s a little bit of wiggle room on the listed price and they’re open to accepting offers
  • OGs (Originals): The first time a shoe released, not a retro or a re-release.
  • On Ice: Put a sneaker in storage right after purchasing it and then bring them out when the hype has died and everyone else has beaten their pair up.
  • Outsole: The outermost layer of the shoe that is in direct contact with the ground. Usually made of rubber.
  • Overhyped: These refer to shoes that are incredibly popular or have an incredibly high resale value but a person doesn’t believe the pair is that nice in hand. Common accusation for collaborations with high dollar resale .
  • Patent Leather: This term is used to describe a type of leather that has a high-gloss finish.
  • PC (Price Check): This term is used when someone wants to find out the current market value of a pair of sneakers.
  • PK, FK (Primeknit, Flyknit): Primeknit by adidas Originals and Flyknit by Nike, these are sneaker-uppers that are made from a knit material that makes them very stretchy and therefore extremely comfortable + breathable.
  • Player Edition/Player Exclusives (PE): A sneaker designed for a specific player, and then made available at retail, often as a quickstrike or limited release.
  • PRM (Premium): Nike’s PRM sneakers are a cut above GRs, normally because they’re fashioned from high-quality materials and adorned with intricate details.
  • Proxy: This term is used to describe a tool that sneaker bot users employ to hide their IP address and increase their chances of successfully purchasing a pair of limited release sneakers.
  • PS (Preschool): PS sizes are typically smaller than GS sizes as they are produced for younger children.
  • QS (Quickstrike): If QS is incorporated into the name of a Nike sneaker, the shoe will be released – or was released – in limited quantities.
  • Raffle: This term is used to describe a method of selling sneakers where customers enter for a chance to purchase a limited release. You still have to pay the full retail price.
  • Replica / UA (Unauthorised): These are fake shoes. Learn how to identify them here.
  • Reseller: The individual who buys sneakers with the intention of flipping them at a high markup to people who are willing to pay more for a pair they didn’t get.
  • Restock: When a particular sneaker has sold out and more stock becomes available. These can be returns, late shipments, or entire new batches.
  • Retro: A retro is essentially an OG that has been recreated and released in the current day.
  • Sample: An early makeup of a shoe that’s made so designers and retailers can see upcoming models.
  • SB (Skateboard): The Nike SB line caters to skateboarders. Learn about SB Dunks here.
  • SE (Special Edition): SE sneakers are typically adorned with unique details and are constructed from premium materials.
  • SP (Special Project): This is another term for a collaboration
  • Signature Model: This term is used to describe a sneaker that is designed for and named after a specific athlete.
  • Silhouette: Refers to the shape or outline of a sneaker. Specifically the model, “I love the Air Jordan 1 silhouette.” It refers to the entire line of shoes and not a specific colorway.
  • Size Run: The range of sizes that a particular sneaker is going to be released in.
  • Slept On: When someone feels that the sneaker community or resale price doesn’t represent the true value of the shoe. These are often easy to cop shoes that people think are actually nice.
  • SMU (Special Make Up): This term is used to describe a special version of a sneaker that is usually made for a specific store or event.
  • Sneaker Bot: This term is used to describe a software program that automates the process of buying sneakers online.
  • Sneaker Boutique: A specialty store that sells limited-edition sneakers, often high-end or exclusive models.
  • Sneaker Con: This term is used to describe a convention for sneaker enthusiasts where people buy, sell, and trade sneakers.
  • Sneaker Culture: This term is used to describe the community and lifestyle that surrounds the collecting and wearing of sneakers.
  • Sneaker Fit: This term is used to describe how a sneaker fits in terms of size and comfort.
  • Sneaker Leak: This term is used to describe unofficial information or images of a sneaker that have been released before the official announcement or release.
  • Sneaker Plug: This term is used to describe a person who has access to and can secure limited release sneakers.
  • Sneaker Rotation: This term is used to describe the selection of sneakers that an individual wears on a regular basis.
  • Sneaker Teaser: This term is used to describe a preview or hint of a sneaker that is released before the official announcement or release. Like when Kanye West or Travis Scott is seen wearing a pair before they release.
  • Sneaker Unboxing: This term is used to describe the process of opening a new pair of sneakers and reviewing its contents, often recorded and shared as a video.
  • Sneakerhead: A person who collects, trades, or admires sneakers as a hobby.
  • Sockliner: Also known as the insole, this is the part of the shoe’s interior on which your foot rests. It often has a layer of cushioning for comfort.
  • SP (Special Project): If SP graces the name of a Nike sneaker, the shoe is traditionally constructed from premium materials, created by the NikeLab team or is the result of a collaboration.
  • Star Loss: When the stars on the sole of your Nike sneaker start to wear away. This is called starloss or Jordan star loss.
  • StockX: The sneaker community’s favourite resale marketplace.
  • TD (Toddler): TD stands for “Toddler.” There is usually some overlap between TD sizes and GS sizes, but Toddler sneakers are available in the smallest sizes.
  • Tier Zero: This term is used to describe the highest level of sneaker stores that often have exclusive access to the most limited releases.
  • Toe box: The front part of the shoe where the toes fit.
  • Tonal: Refers to a sneaker that is all in one color.
  • Tradeblock: An app used to trade sneakers
  • Triple Black: This term is used to describe a sneaker that is entirely black, including the upper, midsole, and outsole. Like all black air force 1’s.
  • Triple White: This term is used to describe a sneaker that is entirely white, including the upper, midsole, and outsole.
  • TTS (True To Size): Refers to the fit of a sneaker. If a sneaker fits true to size, you should stick to your regular shoe size.
  • UB (Ultra Boost): UB is an abbreviation used by adidas for their Ultra Boost line of sneakers.
  • UnDS: Wear a pair of Deadstock (DS) sneakers for the first time. Fresh out the box. Learn more about UnDSing and what it means here.
  • Upper: Any portion of a shoe above the outsole and midsole.
  • Vamp: The part of the shoe that covers the top of the foot, from the toe to the tongue and eyelets.
  • VNDS (Very Near Deadstock): This term is used to describe a pair of sneakers that have been worn but are in near-new condition.
  • W (Women’s): If the name of a sneaker is punctuated by W, it’s paramount that you remember to opt for your women’s size, not your men’s size, when purchasing the shoe. For Men, go up 1.5 sizes.
  • WDYWT: What Did You Wear Today. A question used on social media that asks what other sneakerheads are wearing on their feet.
  • WTB (Want To Buy): This abbreviation is used by collectors and hypebeasts alike who are trying to buy specific sneakers
  • WTS (Want To Sell): This abbreviation is popularly used on the resale market by those who want to sell a pair of sneakers.
  • WTT (Want To Trade): This abbreviation is used by those who are willing to accept trades of other sneakers for their own sneakers.
  • XLD: This label is used when a sneaker is excluded from discounts.
  • Yeezy: A Kanye West designed sneaker for adidas Originals (was Nike in the past) which has limited numbers of each colorway and has a lot of hype around it.

By familiarizing yourself with these sneaker terms, you can converse fluently with other sneaker enthusiasts, whether you’re discussing the merits of the latest Yeezy release or reminiscing about classic Air Jordan models.

Sneaker Terms are Important

Whether you’re in line for a Dunk Low drop or browsing the latest Air Jordan release online, understanding sneaker lingo is essential. This guide to sneaker terms offers a comprehensive introduction to the language of sneakers. From casual enthusiasts to seasoned collectors, anyone can deepen their appreciation for sneaker culture by mastering the sneaker terms that define it.

For more information on sneaker terminology you read about Complex’s beginner’s guide to sneaker terminology. Another great source of information is Highsnobiety’s One-Stop Glossary of Sneaker Terminology.