In the ever-evolving world of sneaker culture, enthusiasts have developed a unique language to express their passion for kicks. From limited-edition releases to classic silhouettes, understanding sneaker slangs is like unlocking a secret code that connects enthusiasts worldwide. In this post, we’ll delve into the fascinating lexicon of sneaker slang, decoding the terminology that defines this vibrant subculture.
· Sneakerhead Glossary
· A· B
· C· D
· E· F
· G· H
· I· J
· K· L
· M· N
· O· P
· Q· R
· S· T
· U· V
· Y
Sneakerhead Glossary
A
ACG — All Conditions Gear is Nike’s line of footwear and apparel designed for all weather conditions. Perfect for those who want to keep up their game strong, rain or shine.
Aglet — Aglet is one of many sneaker accessories made of plastic or metal placed at the tip end of your shoelaces. Not just a minor detail — sneakerheads appreciate the craftsmanship, especially when it comes to unique and branded aglets.
Air Max — A revolutionary Nike technology that introduced visible air cushions in the midsoles of sneakers. Air Max shoes are known for their iconic, cushioned comfort.
AF1 — Air Force 1, a classic Nike silhouette. This shoe has become a streetwear staple and a canvas for countless collaborations and colorways.
AJ1 — Air Jordan 1, the Iconic first signature shoe for basketball legend Michael Jordan. AJ1s are highly sought after and come in various colorways.
B
Beater(s) — Well-loved, worn-in sneakers that are still in rotation despite their visible signs of wear and tear.
BIN — stands for Buy It Now. An option in online auctions or sales where a buyer can purchase an item immediately at a fixed price, avoiding the bidding process.
BNIB — stands for Brand New In Box. Can also be used as NIB (New in box). This abbreviation means that the shoes have never been worn, all the packaging is intact and the tags and accessories are in place.
B-grade — Sneakers with minor cosmetic flaws or imperfections that don’t meet the brand’s standard for retail. Normally, such sneakers are sold at lower prices and can be seen as a good bargain.
Bot — A computer program used to automate the online purchasing process, helping users secure limited-edition releases.
Bred — Short for “black and red,” often used to describe sneakers with this classic color combination.
Bricks — sneakers that provoke instant purchase for further resell but eventually leading to making no extra cash. This can be an overhyped model that just does not meet the original expectations.
C
Colorway — this term refers to the color scheme and combination of sneakers. As kicks come in a variety of colors and styles we use this term to describe a range of colors and their combination.
Cop — this verb is very familiar to sneakerheads all around the World. This sneaks slang means ‘to buy’ something.
Cook group — a community of sneakerheads, normally on Social Platforms, that is meant to help its members in learning tips and tricks for copping the most coveted sneakers online. It can also be a paid membership group.
Crepes — Slang for sneakers, often used in the UK.
D
Deadstock (or DS) — this term refers to sneaks that have never been tried on or worn. Normally, such shoes are available in a box with all tags and labels attached.
Deubre — refers to the metal or plastic tag appearing at the bottom of the lacing. Can be found on Nike AF1s.
Drop — The release of a new sneaker or a restock, generating excitement and anticipation among sneaker enthusiasts.
E
Elite — this one is pretty straightforward: it stands for the most premium offering from a certain brand.
F
Factory-laced — Sneakers that still have the laces installed in the factory style, indicating that they have never been worn.
Flaking — a reseller who backs off the deal at the very last minute, after agreeing to the price of the sneakers, and the time and place for the deal.
Friends and Family (F&F) — Sneakers produced in limited quantities and given to friends, family, or collaborators of the brand.
FSR (or Full Size Run) — a common abbreviation that denotes that such sneakers come in all sizes from the smallest to the biggest.
Fufu — Slang for fake or counterfeit sneakers, something all sneakerheads want to avoid at all cost.
Fugazi — Another Term for fake or really damaged sneakers.
G
GOAT (or Greatest Of All Times) — A term often used to describe legendary sneakers in the sneaker community.
GR or General Release — Sneakers that are widely available to the public and not limited in quantity.
Grail — the most coveted kicks on your list that you have been trying to buy for so long.
GumSole — Sneakers with a sole made of gum rubber, known for its durability and traction.
Gray market — Sneakers sold through unauthorized channels or outside of the official retail network.
H
Heat — Sneakers that are highly fashionable, trendy, or desirable within the sneaker community.
HTM — Mark Parker, Hiroshi Fujiwara, and Tinker Hatfield — A collaboration between Nike’s top executives and designers, resulting in limited-edition and innovative sneaker releases.
I
Insole — The interior sole of a sneaker that provides comfort and support. Its purpose is to increase comfort, deodorize the feet and/or add to the warmth.
Instacop — The act of quickly purchasing a sought-after sneaker, often done impulsively.
Icy sole — Sneakers with translucent or clear rubber soles, often highly coveted for their clean look.
J
J -Jordan — A reference to Michael Jordan, the basketball legend whose name is synonymous with the Air Jordan brand.
JB — Jordan Brand — The subsidiary of Nike responsible for producing the iconic Air Jordan line.
Jumpman — refers to sneakers or apparels from Michael Jordan’s line. The name clearly comes from the iconic representation of MJ flying the air, which was selected for the logo of the line.
K
KAWS — this term refers to the artist and designer Brian Donnelly. Brian is famous for collaborations and sneaks releases with Nike.
Kicks — Another term for sneakers, often used casually in conversation.
L
LE — stands for Limited Edition of kicks. Sneakers released in limited quantities, creating high demand and exclusivity.
Ls or Loss — stands for a failure to cop some sneakers or Taking an “L” means missing out on a sneaker release or losing in a raffle.
M
Medial — this term describes the inner side of a sneaker.
Mids (or a Mid-top) — a sneaker that has a special styling which reaches to your ankle, falling between low-top and high-top designs.
N
NIB (or New In Box) — stands for unworn or brand new sneakers.
NOS (or New Old Stock) —Vintage sneakers that are brand new and have never been worn despite their age.
NWT (or New With Tags) — A way to describe sneakers that have never been tried on or worn. The kicks still have the original tags attached.
O
OBO (or Our Best Offer) — this abbreviation means that there is some room for haggling here.
OG (or Original) — this one refers to an original release of a sneaker. Normally describes the first launch of a model.
P
Pack — kicks that are launched as a series product.
PE (or Player Edition) — shoes that are made exclusively for some athletes and are not meant for public release.
Q
QS — Quickstrike — sneakers available only from Tier 0 retailers that are absolutely sought after. Limited-edition sneaker releases that drop unexpectedly and in small quantities.
R
Reseller — An individual who purchases sneakers with the intention of selling them at a profit, often capitalizing on high demand and limited supply.
Restock — The re-release of a previously sold-out sneaker, giving enthusiasts another chance to cop.
Retro — describes a re-release of an original pair of sneakers.
S
Sample — Prototype or pre-production sneakers created for testing purposes or to showcase potential designs.
SB — Nike’s line of sneakers designed specifically for skateboarding, often featuring unique colorways and collaborations.
SE (or Special Edition) — Sneakers released with unique design elements, materials, or colorways, often in collaboration with artists or celebrities.
Sneakerhead — an individual totally obsessed with sneaker culture. You can say ‘sneakerhead’ meaning a person demonstrating in-depth knowledge of the shoe market and industry collecting and appreciating them as a hobby.
T
Toebox — The front part of a sneaker that covers the toes, often a crucial design element for sneaker enthusiasts.
Trainers — yet another synonym for sneakers from the UK.
TTS (or True To Size) — this abbreviation describes the ability of sneakers to fit perfectly to your usual size.
TZ (or Tier Zero) — Refers to the highest tier of Nike retailers, often receiving exclusive and limited-edition releases.
U
Upper — The upper part of a sneaker, typically made of various materials such as leather, mesh, or synthetic fabrics.
Uptown — Slang for the Air Force 1, a classic sneaker often associated with New York City.
V
VNDS (or Very Near Deadstock) — Sneakers that are almost in deadstock condition, with minimal signs of wear.
WTB — means Want to buy, A common abbreviation used in online forums or marketplaces by individuals looking to purchase specific sneakers.
WTS — means Want to sell, A common abbreviation used by individuals looking to sell their sneakers in online forums or marketplaces.
WTT — and this one stands for ‘Want to trade’ who wish to trade their pairs.
Y
YOR (or Year of Release) — refers to a particular year a certain model got released.
Yard Sale — Slang for selling a collection of sneakers, often implying a significant quantity with discounts.
So, there you have it — a casual and comprehensive guide to the rich and diverse world of sneaker slang. Whether you’re copping the latest grail, trading kicks, or navigating the sneaker market, this guide should help you decode the language of sneaker enthusiasts. So lace up, stay fresh, and enjoy the journey into the ever-evolving culture of kicks!
HAPPY HUNTING!!
