Sneakers

The word "sneaker" is often attributed to American Henry Nelson McKinney, who was an advertising agent for N. W. Ayer & Son.

The word was already in use at least as early as 1887, when the Boston Journal made reference to "sneakers" as "the name boys give to tennis shoes."

[2] Earlier, the name "sneaks" had been used by prison inmates to refer to warders (guards) because of the rubber-soled shoes they wore.

[3] The term "sneakers" is most commonly used in Northeastern United States, Central and South Florida,[4][5] Australia,[6] New Zealand, and parts of Canada.

The British English equivalent of sneaker in its modern form is divided into two separate types:[dubious – discuss] predominantly outdoor and fashionable trainers, training shoes or quality 'basketball shoes' and in contrast cheap rubber-soled, low cut and canvas-topped plimsolls, daps, or flats.

Special soles with engraved patterns to increase the surface grip of the shoe were developed, and these were ordered in bulk for the use of the British Army.

Athletic shoes were increasingly used for leisure and outdoor activities at the turn of the 20th century - plimsolls were even found with the ill-fated Scott Antarctic expedition of 1911.

[citation needed] The market for sneakers grew after World War I, when sports and athletics increasingly became a way to demonstrate moral fiber and patriotism.

In 1936, a French brand, Spring Court,[citation needed] marketed the first canvas tennis shoe featuring signature eight ventilation channels on a vulcanised natural rubber sole.

[13][14] During the 1950s, leisure opportunities greatly expanded, and children and adolescents began to wear sneakers as school dress codes relaxed.

The combination of a traditional look with increased comfort rapidly achieved wide popularity and by 2010 was displacing sales of leather shoes for adults in a parallel with the post-1950 success of sneakers among children.

Today's designs include sandals, Mary Janes, and even elevated styles suitable for running, dancing, and jumping.

More advanced runners tend to wear flatter and flexible shoes, which allow them to run more quickly with greater comfort.

[19] As of 2020[update], brands with global popularity include:[citation needed] Sneakers have been an important part of hip hop (primarily Pumas, Nike, and Adidas) and rock 'n roll (Converse, Vans) cultures since the 1970s.

Hip hop artists sign million dollar deals with major brands such as Nike, Adidas, or Puma to promote their shoes.