pair of kicks

USAGE SUMMARY

'pair of kicks' is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a pair of shoes, though it can also be said in a figurative way, meaning a difficult or unexpected situation. For example: "I found myself in a tricky pair of kicks when I realized I had to pick between two job offers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

My Zero Waste has compiled a list of weird and wonderful second uses for your favourite old pair of kicks.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Liberty's long-standing collaboration with Nike (4) will sort you out with a pair of kicks that covers both sports and style.

Independent

He ranks last in the league in net average (31.7), has had a pair of kicks blocked and has not forced a fair catch.

The New York Times - Sports

Just about this time last year, the company revealed a pair of kicks with the unique ability to determine and display their wearer's mood.

TechCrunch

And desirable if you are, for instance, trying out a new pair of kicks to decide whether they are appropriate for your running style.

TechCrunch

Granted, $350 is still more than most of us pay for a pair of kicks, but it's less than half their original $720 asking price.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

A particular highlight here was a gorgeous high-neck tunic top with contrast sheer sleeves worn over a pair of kick flares, complete with a mini Plexiglass clutch.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

And then, when you were ready to cross into adulthood, you put on a brown suede jacket with fringe, jeans (preferably bell-bottoms with lots of metal snaps) and a pair of kick-butt boots.

The New York Times

Here are some pairs of kicks to wear if you want to rock out: Sneakers such as Jordans, Vans, Supra, Nikes, and Adidas.

WikiHow

There, Bud Cort could exhume one of his collegiate cord blazers, or a pair of Fred Perry kicks for that neo-geezer look.

The New York Times - Magazine

Jody Scheldt, at left, an associate tennis pro at the Pacific Athletic Club in San Diego, spent more than a half-day teaching and at least 30 minutes playing in each pair of lightweight kicks.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing athletic or streetwear, using "pair of kicks" adds a casual and stylish tone. It's particularly effective in contexts where you want to connect with a younger or more fashion-conscious audience.

Common error

Avoid using "pair of kicks" in formal or professional writing. Opt for more neutral terms like "shoes" or "footwear" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pair of kicks" primarily functions as a noun phrase, acting as a direct object or subject in a sentence. Ludwig examples showcase it referring to footwear in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "pair of kicks" is a grammatically sound phrase, commonly used in informal contexts to refer to shoes, especially sneakers. Ludwig AI affirms its correct usage in written English. It's prevalent in news and media, wiki entries, and science-related content, but should be used cautiously in more formal settings. Alternatives like "set of sneakers" or "brand new shoes" may be more appropriate depending on the audience and context. Remember to avoid overuse in professional writing to maintain a polished tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fresh sneakers

Highlights the stylish and new aspect of the sneakers, replacing "pair of kicks" with a more descriptive alternative.

set of sneakers

Replaces "kicks" with a more formal synonym, "sneakers", and "pair" with "set", slightly altering the tone.

fashionable sneakers

Combines the elements of fashion and athletic wear, appropriate when both aspects are relevant.

latest shoes

Emphasizes the novelty and recency of the shoes, suggesting they are the newest available.

a set of trainers

Uses "trainers", a synonym for sneakers often used in British English, slightly altering the cultural context.

brand new shoes

Focuses on the newness of the shoes, suitable when the freshness is emphasized.

stylish footwear

Highlights the fashionable aspect of the shoes, shifting the focus to style.

some footwear

Uses a broader term, "footwear", making it less specific than "kicks".

newly acquired shoes

Emphasizes the act of obtaining new shoes, suitable when the acquisition is relevant.

cutting-edge shoes

Emphasizes the advanced or modern design of the shoes, adding a layer of technological sophistication.

FAQs

What does the expression "pair of kicks" mean?

A "pair of kicks" is a slang term for a pair of shoes, often sneakers or athletic shoes. It's a casual way to refer to footwear.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "pair of kicks" in writing?

It's best to use "pair of kicks" in informal contexts like blog posts, social media, or casual conversations. Avoid using it in formal or professional writing.

Are there alternative phrases I can use instead of "pair of kicks"?

Yes, you can use alternatives like "set of sneakers", "brand new shoes", or "some footwear" depending on the context.

Is "pair of kicks" grammatically correct?

Yes, "pair of kicks" is grammatically correct, although it is considered slang. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.