From A to Z: a dictionary of sneaker slang – the essential terms

Sneaker culture is full of its own unique slang, which can be confusing at first if you're new to the game. This dictionary helps you find your way, from the basics all the way to pro-level terms. On top of that, the difficulty levels help you work your way through sneaker slang step by step.

Beginner level – The basics

1. Sneaker
   A word of English origin for sports shoes, mainly worn as streetwear.
2. Kicks
   Slang for shoes, especially cool, on-trend sneakers.
3. Retro
   A re-release of an older model with a nostalgic style.
4. OG (Original)
   The original, first release of a shoe or colorway.
5. Lacing
   How a shoe is laced up, or the lacing style.

Intermediate level – Going deeper

1. Deadstock (DS)
   A never-worn shoe in original condition.
2. Resell (Resale)
   Reselling, especially limited pieces, often at a higher price.
3. Collab
   A collaboration between two or more brands, designers or artists on a shared shoe.
4. Colorway The color version of a specific shoe model.

Pro level – Advanced lingo

1. Hypebeast
   Someone mainly focused on copping on-trend, limited-edition shoes, sometimes caring more about looking fashionable than about real style.
2. Triple Black / Triple White
   An all-black or all-white sneaker model – especially popular.
3. Midsole
   The middle layer of the sole, which provides most of the cushioning and support.
4. Customs
   Unique, handmade or modified sneakers created by their owner or an artist.

Understanding sneaker slang helps you navigate the market more easily, appreciate rare pieces and even express your own style better. This is just the beginning — the deeper you get into it, the more exciting terms you'll learn.

Why choose OnSize?

OnSize isn't just a webshop – it's a lifestyle, bringing the latest sneaker trends and the freshest pieces of streetwear culture to Hungary and Eastern Europe. Our Budapest store on Andrássy Avenue, opened in July 2023, has been a favorite hangout for sneakerheads ever since. Come visit us too!

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