Sneakers vs. Kicks — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 1, 2024
Sneakers are shoes designed primarily for sports or physical activities, featuring flexible soles made of rubber or synthetic material. "Kicks" is a slang term for any type of shoes, often used interchangeably with sneakers in casual conversation.
Difference Between Sneakers and Kicks
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
Sneakers, also known as athletic shoes, are specifically designed for comfort and performance during physical activities. They are characterized by their supportive structure, cushioned insoles, and durable, flexible soles made from rubber or synthetic materials. These features make sneakers ideal for sports, exercise, and casual wear due to their comfort and support. On the other hand, "kicks" is a colloquial term that emerged from urban culture, referring broadly to shoes of any kind. While often used synonymously with sneakers, the term can encompass a wider variety of shoe types, including casual, formal, and athletic shoes.
While sneakers have a clear definition and purpose within the footwear category, focusing on athletic and leisure activities, the term "kicks" highlights a cultural and stylistic aspect of footwear. It reflects an individual's personal style and the social significance of shoes within contemporary fashion and urban identity.
The evolution of sneakers from purely athletic equipment to fashion statements has blurred the lines between these terms. High-end sneakers that merge style with performance are often referred to as "kicks" in popular culture, emphasizing their role as fashion accessories beyond their athletic origins.
Both terms showcase different facets of modern footwear: sneakers emphasize practical design and comfort for physical activity, while "kicks" serve as a testament to the cultural status and aesthetic appeal of shoes within lifestyle and fashion contexts.
Comparison Chart
Definition
Shoes designed for sports and physical activities with flexible soles.
Slang for any type of shoes, emphasizing style and personal expression.
ADVERTISEMENT
Purpose
Physical activity, comfort, and casual wear.
Fashion, personal style, and casual wear.
Key Features
Supportive structure, cushioned insoles, flexible rubber or synthetic soles.
Varied, depending on the type and style of the shoe.
Origin
Athletic and sports context.
Urban culture and slang.
Usage in Fashion
Both athletic and casual lifestyles.
Broadly used across various fashion styles, including streetwear and high fashion.
Compare with Definitions
Sneakers
Sneakers are athletic shoes with a flexible sole.
Running shoes designed for comfort and performance.
Kicks
"Kicks" refers to stylish and trendy footwear.
Limited edition sneakers worn as a fashion statement.
Sneakers
They often feature breathable materials.
Basketball sneakers with mesh panels for ventilation.
Kicks
Kicks often reflect personal style and culture.
Retro sneakers popular in hip-hop fashion.
Sneakers
Sneakers can be specialized for specific sports.
Tennis shoes with extra lateral support.
Kicks
The term can denote exclusivity or luxury.
High-end designer kicks with unique materials.
Sneakers
Sneakers prioritize functionality, including traction and cushioning.
Trail running shoes with rugged soles for grip.
Kicks
They encompass a range of shoe types.
High-tops, boots, or even designer flats.
Sneakers
They have become part of casual fashion.
Minimalist sneakers worn with everyday attire.
Kicks
Kicks are central to urban and streetwear looks.
Chunky sneakers paired with urban outfits.
Sneakers
Sneakers (also called trainers, athletic shoes, tennis shoes, gym shoes, kicks, sport shoes, flats, running shoes, skate shoes, or runners) are shoes primarily designed for sports or other forms of physical exercise but that are now also widely used for everyday casual wear. Since their popularization by companies such as Converse, Nike and Spalding in the mid 20th century, they have become attire, with variety growing in many global markets exponentially.
Kicks
To extend the leg away from the body; strike out with the foot or feet.
Sneakers
One who sneaks.
Kicks
To score or gain ground by kicking a ball.
Sneakers
A shoe designed for outdoor activity, usually made of canvas with a rubber sole. Also called tennis shoe.
Kicks
To punt in football.
Sneakers
Plural of sneaker
Kicks
To propel the body in swimming by moving the legs, as with a flutter kick or frog kick.
Kicks
To recoil
The powerful rifle kicked upon being fired.
Kicks
To express negative feelings vigorously; complain.
Kicks
To oppose by argument; protest.
Kicks
To strike with the foot
Kicked the wall in frustration.
Kicks
To propel by striking with the foot
Kick a ball.
Kicks
To spring back against suddenly
The rifle kicked my shoulder when I fired it.
Kicks
(Sports) To score (a goal or point) by kicking a ball.
Kicks
A vigorous blow with the foot.
Kicks
(Sports) The motion of the legs that propels the body in swimming.
Kicks
Any of various moves in dance in which the leg is extended from the body.
Kicks
A jolting recoil
A rifle with a heavy kick.
Kicks
(Slang) A complaint; a protest.
Kicks
(Slang) Power; force
A car engine with a lot of kick.
Kicks
A feeling of pleasurable stimulation
Got a kick out of the show.
Kicks
Kicks Fun
Went bowling just for kicks.
Kicks
(Slang) Temporary, often obsessive interest
I'm on a science fiction kick.
Kicks
(Slang) A sudden, striking surprise; a twist.
Kicks
Kicks(Slang) Shoes.
Kicks
The act or an instance of kicking a ball.
Kicks
A kicked ball.
Kicks
The distance spanned by a kicked ball.
Kicks
Plural of kick
Kicks
(colloquial) Pleasures, thrills.
Kicks
(colloquial) Shoes.
Kicks
(colloquial) Commissary, or the balance of a commissary account.
I’ve seen your kicks, inmate: you’ve got forty cents to your name.
He put a hundred bucks in your kicks each week.
Common Curiosities
What are sneakers?
Sneakers are shoes designed for sports or physical activities, known for their comfort and flexible soles.
Why are sneakers popular in fashion?
Sneakers blend comfort with style, making them versatile for both athletic performance and casual, fashionable wear.
Can all sneakers be considered kicks?
Yes, all sneakers can be considered kicks in the context of being fashionable or desirable shoes, but not all kicks are sneakers.
Are kicks only for casual wear?
While kicks often lean towards casual wear, the term can include luxury and designer shoes that are fashion-forward and sometimes formal.
How do sneakers differ from other athletic shoes?
Sneakers are a type of athletic shoe, characterized by their design for comfort and physical activity, while other athletic shoes may be specialized for specific sports.
What does "kicks" mean?
"Kicks" is a slang term for shoes, generally used to refer to fashionable or noteworthy footwear.
Can kicks be a collectible item?
Yes, certain kicks, especially limited edition or designer sneakers, are highly sought after as collectibles in the sneakerhead community.
What makes sneakers suitable for sports?
Features like supportive structures, cushioning, and flexible soles make sneakers suitable for sports by enhancing performance and preventing injuries.
How has the term "kicks" evolved?
"Kicks" has evolved from urban slang to a widely accepted term in fashion and pop culture, reflecting a broad interest in shoes as a key element of personal style.
How do fashion trends influence sneakers and kicks?
Fashion trends significantly influence the design and popularity of both sneakers and kicks, with certain styles becoming iconic symbols of specific eras or movements.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Tortious vs. Tortuous
Next Comparison
Compassionate vs. GraciousAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
