The Surprising History of Sneakers: Why They’re Called Sneakers

In the modern world, sneakers are not just trending; they have become an essential in our footwear wardrobe. They are rooted in our culture and embedded in our personal style. Sneakers are evolving in design, creating a unique social identity with every thoughtful change. The sneakers community is gaining high popularity; more and more people are developing an interest in sneakers. Amidst all this, a question often pops into our mind: why are sneakers called sneakers? At KLOCH, we believe in understanding the root cause of everything since it adds value to how we wear it. Let us dive into the hidden journey of the origin of "sneakers".

Beginning of a sneaker era

The term "sneaker" came into the English language around the 1800s. In earlier days, these shoes acquired the nickname "plimsoll" in the 1870s, derived according to Nicholette Jones' book The Plimsoll Sensation; just like the Plimsoll line on a ship, if water got above the line of the rubber sole, the wearer would get wet. Plimsolls were widely worn by vacationers and also began to be worn by sportsmen on the courts for their comfort. In 1892, the U.S. rubber company developed a lightweight, flexible rubber sole and canvas top, replacing hard-soled leather boots. These rubber soles help in quietly sneaking into a room. Their demand surged, and they started gaining popularity. That is how American advertising genius Henry Nelson McKinney coined the term sneaker in 1917 to describe rubber sole shoes, allowing wearers to sneak up on others as they made little noise.

Evolution of sneakers

Initially designed for sports and physical activity, sneakers transformed stiff formal wear into comfortable, durable and smooth footwear. Sneakers, with their adaptable style, are ideal not only for light sports but also for all-day office and casual wear. From being functional to fashionable, it provides complete care for your foot. Starting from its early appearance on basketball courts and sports grounds, the dynamics of sneakers completely changed, revolutionizing the world; it started appearing in music videos, TV shows and fashion runways.

Designs, aesthetics and materials used in constructing sneakers kept evolving, but the term "sneaker" remained intact with its sense of unmatched comfort and freedom of movement.

In various countries and regions, sneakers are known by different terms. In the UK, sneakers are called trainers, while in Canada and Australia, they are called runners; in North American slang, they are called kicks; in South Africa, they are called sneaks or takkies; in Spain, it is called zapatillas while it is called bambas in Catalina, Spain. These are common terms for the same type of shoes, but the sneaker term has been globally recognized, particularly in premium fashion, casual and streetwear. Sneakers are primarily collected by sneakerheads and are very popular among youth. But for all ages, it is an expressive, comfortable and performance-driven shoe.

Relevance of Sneakers

Sneakers is not just a word; they are more than a product; they have a cultural relevance attached to them. It represents innovation in different styles and thoughts. From canvas uppers to engineered soles to comfortable foam, precision is required at every layer. Materials, stitching, labelling, eyelet, shoelaces; everything has to be in perfect form and place to create an ideal sneaker.

Sneakers are versatile for light sports, gym training, streetwear, casualwear, fashion events and even office wear. They can easily be mixed and matched with different outfits. It is a comprehensive pair of innovation, style and comfort.

Significance of sneakers

The term "sneakers" was coined earlier for quiet shoes, but in today's fashion-forward world, it has become a fashion statement. Sneakers speak volumes and have generated a buzzing trend. Sneakers express you in a unique, stylish way, creating your unique identity. Sneakers are comfortable without sacrificing elegance and are ideal for all-day wear.

At KLOCH, we embrace the legacy of sneakers, and every sneaker is crafted with superior craftsmanship and precise thought in design, material, aesthetics, upper, outsole, and insole for a complete, durable, and comfortable experience. Our sneakers are premium, stylish and uniquely designed based on different themes. Each pair is constructed with inspiration, a thorough thought process and a responsibility to deliver an unmatched experience. As we always say, "Step In, Stand out".