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RUNNING SHOES
An athletic shoe is a generic name for a shoe designed for sporting activities, as differentiated from, for instance, dress shoes. Originally sporting apparel, today they are worn much more widely as casual footwear.
It can also go by the name sport shoe, running shoe, gym shoe, tennis shoes, sneakers (American English), trainers (British English), or runners (Canadian English). In some urban areas in the United States, the slang for casual athletic shoes is kicks. In Hiberno-English the term is runners. In South African English the term used is takkies.
Use of athletic shoes
Use in sports
The term athletic shoes is used for shoes for running, basketball and tennis (amongst others) but tends to exclude shoes for sports such as football (soccer) and rugby, which are generally called "boots," or "cleats".
The shoes themselves are made of flexible material, typically featuring a sole made of rubber. While the original design was basic, manufacturers have since tailored athletic shoes for the different purposes that they can be used for. An example is the spike developed for the shoe soles for running.
Casual use
Athletic shoes have also been tailored for the casual market, and are popular especially with young people. The terms sneakers and trainers tend to be associated more with the casual use of athletic shoes.
Designs vary enormously depending on the origins of the manufacturer. German sneakers have a much more aggressive look, while Italian designs are somewhat more romantic, with finer lines and materials that are more expensive.
These casual shoes are derivatives of shoes worn, and endorsed, by athletes as well as other celebrities. The market for casual athletic shoes is quite large leading to a lot of competition between companies, and their eagerness to sign up celebrities to endorse their products. Popular brands include Nike, Adidas, PUMA, Reebok, Converse and Fila.
Sneakers have become an important part of hip hop culture since the 70s. These days, numerous rappers sign million dollar deals with major brands such as Nike, Adidas or Puma to promote their shoes. Some rappers, such as Fat Joe, are even known to collect sneakers as a hobby.
Invention
The first "sneaker" was invented in 1893. It was made of canvas and was invented so boaters would not have to wear dress shoes when they were on deck- compare boating shoes.
Etymology
The term sneaker was first used in 1916 by the United States Rubber Company for the Keds brand, because rubber soles made the shoes quiet. The British English term "trainer" derives from "training shoe".
Plimsolls (British English) are indoor athletic shoes, and are also called sneakers in American English.
Popular Brands
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Popular brands include Nike, Adidas, Reebok, New Balance, Converse, K-Swiss, PUMA, Shaq, Asics, Etnies etc.
The first brand of fair trade sneakers, Veja, was launched in 2005.
References
External links
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