sneakers

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sneakers" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a type of athletic shoe designed for sports or casual wear. Example: "I bought a new pair of sneakers for my morning runs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Boston's brahmins, bragged California's sneakered youth, simply did not get it.Ten years on, the ones wearing sneakers are out of work and there is Schadenfreude on the east coast.

The Economist

A pair of hot pink sneakers worn by a Texan senator campaigning against a clampdown on abortion rights have become the bestselling shoe on Amazon.com and an unlikely feminist symbol.

The Guardian

The single-named proprietor Lée will open the door and judge your dress: no sneakers, no T-shirts, and certainly no shorts.

The Guardian - Travel

Obama is due to speak at Nike's headquarters in Portland later on Friday, where he will be given a one-of-a-kind pair of red, white and blue "Air Force One" sneakers [trainers] to commemorate the visit.

The Guardian - Business

Newcomers can amass hundreds of thousands of followers by posting photos of their dirty sneakers dangling off buildings Rooftopping, or 'buildering' as yet another variant is called, is nothing new.

The Guardian

Relative newcomers to the scene can amass hundreds of thousands of followers in mere months by posting photos of their dirty sneakers dangling off buildings or, even better, photos of themselves dangling off buildings.

The Guardian

Instead, today he is sporting a sweater that belonged to his father with a fuscia pink Hermès scarf and sneakers he tanned himself in Tuscany.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Some very uncharitable style snobs include trainers – or sneakers, as fashion people, irritatingly, have taken to calling them – under the "kit" banner, insisting tennis shoes should be worn only to play that sport, running shoes for running, and so on.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The reason a pair of Air Jordans was vastly superior to a pair of nondescript Soviet sneakers in 1989 was only partly that they were more durable, or had better support and traction.

The Economist

For six hours beneath the blazing sun of Washington's Indian summer, hundreds of thousands of American men a sea of blue jeans, sneakers and T-shirts packed T-shirts packedober 4thefor the capital's biggest-ever religious gathering.At least 700,000 Mallattended the latest rally on the PrOctobereepers, an all-male Christian group founded in 1990 by a former University of Colorado football coach.

The Economist

If corporate America uses ads to sell sneakers and sodas, Mr McCaffrey reasons, then America's government should use ads to drive down drug abuse.In this section The Wyoming paradox Black, yes; Democrats, maybe Try m-o-n-e-y Ready for your close-up, Mr Sharpton?

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience and context. In formal writing, "athletic shoes" might be more appropriate than the colloquial term "sneakers".

Common error

Avoid using "sneakers" when a more specific term like "boots" or "sandals" is more accurate. While "sneakers" are footwear, they are a distinct category and should not be used as a catch-all term for all types of shoes.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "sneakers" is as a plural noun. It refers to a type of footwear designed for athletic activities or casual wear. As Ludwig AI pointed out, it is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

25%

Lifestyle

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sneakers" is a common and grammatically correct term for athletic or casual shoes. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is widespread across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Encyclopedias. While generally neutral, context matters. For example, in formal writing, consider using "athletic shoes" instead. Remember that in British English, the equivalent term is "trainers". Finally, don't use "sneakers" as a catch-all term for footwear. When a more specific term like "boots" is appropriate, use that instead. The term "sneakers" is more suitable for sports activities or casual occasions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

athletic shoes

More generic term encompassing various types of footwear designed for sports.

trainers

British English term for "sneakers", indicating a regional difference.

tennis shoes

Specifically refers to shoes designed for playing tennis, but often used interchangeably with "sneakers".

sports shoes

A broad term for footwear designed for any sporting activity.

gym shoes

Shoes worn for indoor athletic activities, such as in a gymnasium.

running shoes

Designed specifically for running, emphasizing cushioning and support.

kicks

Slang term for "sneakers", often used in informal contexts.

plimsolls

Simple canvas "sneakers" with a rubber sole, often associated with athletic or casual wear.

basketball shoes

Designed specifically for basketball, with high ankle support and cushioning.

casual shoes

A broader category of shoes suitable for everyday wear, including some types of "sneakers".

FAQs

What are some other terms for "sneakers"?

Alternatives include "athletic shoes", "trainers" (British English), "tennis shoes", and "gym shoes" depending on the specific style and use.

Is it appropriate to wear "sneakers" in a formal setting?

Generally, "sneakers" are considered casual footwear and are not appropriate for formal settings. However, this depends on the specific dress code and the style of the "sneakers". Some high-end or minimalist "sneakers" might be acceptable in semi-formal environments.

What is the difference between "sneakers" and "trainers"?

"Sneakers" and "trainers" are essentially the same thing. "Sneakers" is the common term in American English, while "trainers" is used in British English.

How can I clean my "sneakers"?

The cleaning method depends on the material. For canvas "sneakers", you can often use soap and water. For leather or suede, use specialized cleaning products. Always check the manufacturer's instructions before cleaning.