9 different types of sneakers: A photo guide
Sneakers are the most comfortable, versatile, and always trendy type a shoes. Sneakers are the subtle pair of shoes that are available in a wide range of styles and colors.
Called sneakers in the USA and in the UK they are known as trainers, also known by a wide variety of names, formerly designed for sports activities but later adopted by fashion enthusiasts and everyday casual users.
The name sneakers came from the quiet walking with rubber soles, less noisy as compared to leather soles which are hard and not so quiet on the ground. One wearing sneakers can easily “sneak up”, while the other may not. The upper part of sneakers is usually made of materials like leather, faux leather, canvas, etc.
In this article we will be discussing various types of sneakers and their uses, we have tried to cover almost every class of sneakers. The word “almost” is used cause there are just so many out there.
Table of Contents
Athletic types of sneakers-
As the name suggest these sneakers are used by athletes. There are mainly two types of shoes in this category-
Running-
These sneakers are designed for high-intensity cardio activities, they offer well-cushioned and arched soles to facilitate fast movements.
uses- jogging, running, mild trailing, walking, little heavier than running shoes.
Trainers-
They are a hybrid of athletic and tennis shoes. These shoes are multipurpose but if you do a particular sports activity more often say a few times a week then you should consider sports-specific shoes.
Uses- weight lifting, walking, casual activities.
Skateboarding types of sneakers-
Sneakers designed for skateboarding, offer soles with minimum tread or no treads at all. They are also famous among fashion enthusiasts. They offer leather upper with reinforced stitching to handle a lot of stress during practice and performance. They have flat soles.
Uses- skateboarding, casual wear.
Basketball types of sneakers-
These sneakers are designed to absorb maximum shock while jumping and provide good support to the foot during lateral movement. They have strong treads to facilitate sudden start and stop without slipping and usually have a high top to protect the ankle from the stresses of sports. They are quite heavier as compared to running shoes.
Uses- basketball, casual wear.
Tennis types of sneakers-
Designed to play tennis, this low-top shoe with thick reinforced foresole and hard back ankle. They provide a good grip which is suitable for hard, clay, and mud ground. The wear resistance of tennis shoes is higher when compared to running sports shoes to facilitate support to the feet while changing directions with great force.
Uses- tennis, badminton, casual wear.
High top Sneakers-
As the name suggests pretty much the shoes that extend over the ankles, are often worn by basketball players. However, it can restrict some movement due to a covered ankle but one also gets the protection at the same time. I don’t think there’s a need to mention that they are popular among youngsters. Although some people don’t prefer high tops when it comes to casual wear they tend to make legs look shorter due to extra coverage.
Uses- basketball, casual wear, mountain biking, skateboarding.
Low-top Sneakers-
These are the shoes that don’t cover the ankles, they are also called “lows”. They come with laces or slip-ons. They usually offer reinforced toe caps.
Uses- casual wear, trail running, hiking.
Mid-top Sneakers-
These sneakers lie between high and low tops and extend to ankles but not above them. They provide less protection than high tops but more than that of low tops. Midtops have become popular in the fashion industry as they offer a balance between function and style.
Uses- casual wear, skateboarding.
Designer Sneakers-
Some high-end brands like Gucci, Fendi, Dolce&Gabbana, Balenciaga and Versace. These sneakers are obviously expensive. They often consist of animal printed or reflective uppers, decorative metal elements, etc., they are more of a status symbol and these are the sneaker for suits.
Uses- casual wear, party wear.
Slip-on Sneakers-
As the name suggests they are the shoes without laces. They are often found with low tops but some like socks and sneakers also come in this category. They are very easy to wear and remove, and very versatile with almost any type of attire. They can also be used as walking shoes.
Uses- walking, casual wear.
Platform or chunky sneakers-
This category is more popular among women as they offer lift-up or thick soles. They make you look taller. Some of the big designer brands also make shoes like these. They can be worn with a variety of outfits.
Uses- casual wear, party wear.
Conclusion
I hope you enjoyed reading our article on types of sneakers.
Related Article: Types of dress shoes every gentleman should own.