"What types of sneakers are there?"
"What are high-tech sneakers?"
Have you ever had any questions about sneakers?
Although sneakers are generally referred to as such, they are classified into various categories depending on their shape, design, and purpose.
In this article, we will explain the various types of sneakers by major category.
We also introduce popular sneakers in each category, so if you don't know much about sneakers, be sure to check it out.
Types of sneakers by main shape and purpose
Sneakers are divided into various categories based on their shape and purpose.
This is not an all-inclusive introduction, but we will introduce the most common categories along with their characteristics and examples of sneakers.
Low Cut
- Features: The opening is designed to go below the ankle.
- Example → [NIKE] Air Force 1 low, [NEW BALANCE] 996
Mid cut
- Characteristics: The opening is just high enough to cover the ankle. Between low and high.
- Example → [NIKE] Air Force 1 mid, [NIKE] Air Jordan 1 mid
High Cut
- Features: The opening is higher than the ankle, reaching down to about the ankle.
- Example → [NIKE] Air Jordan 1 high, [CONVERSE] All Star high
Running Shoes
- Features: These shoes are specially designed to provide support for running, with emphasis on being lightweight, cushioned, and breathable.
- Example: [NIKE] Air Zoom Pegasus, [adidas] Ultra Boost
Basketball shoes
- Features: Shoes with excellent cushioning and grip to support intense movements on the court.
- Example: [NIKE] Kyrie series, [adidas] Harden series
Skate shoes
- Features: Made for skateboarding, it features a sole that is highly durable and has good grip.
- Example: [VANS] Old School, [NIKE] SB Dunk
Trail shoes
- Features: Highly durable and grippy design for use in unpaved environments such as mountain trails. Some models are also waterproof.
- Example: [asics] GEL TRAIL, [SALOMON] SPEEDCROSS
Slip-ons
- Features: Shoes with no laces, making them easy to put on and take off.
- Example: [VANS] Classic Slip-on
Platform shoes
- Features: Highly fashionable shoes with distinctive thick soles.
- Example → [FILA] Disruptor
Tennis shoes
- Features: Durable, cushioned, and flat outsole to support movement on the court.
- Example: [adidas] Stan Smith, [NIKE] Court Royal
Types of sneakers based on their main designs
Unlike the categorization by "shape" mentioned earlier, there is also categorization by design.
Although the classification methods are different, classification by design is based on the "characteristics of the shoe," so it is possible for shoes that are different in the shape category to be classified in the same place in the design category.
It's a little confusing, but the key is to understand that they are distinguished by the characteristics of the shoes .
High-tech sneakers
- Features: Sneakers designed using the latest technology and materials for each year of production. This includes what NIKE calls "airbags" used in the soles.
- Example: [NIKE] Air Max series, [Reebok] Instapump Fury
Low-tech sneakers
- Characteristics: Sneakers that faithfully reproduce or are based on old designs. They tend to have a simple structure.
- Example: [NIKE] Cortez, [CONVERS] Chuck Taylor
Dad sneakers
- Features: Sneakers with a chunky silhouette and thick soles. The design was inspired by the trends of the 1990s.
- Example: [BALENCIAGA] Triple S, [FILA] Disruptor
Minimalist sneakers
- Features: Sneakers with a simple design that eliminates decoration as much as possible.
- Example → [adidas] Stan Smith
Luxury Sneakers
- Characteristics: High-end sneakers made by high-end brands. They are made with great care in materials and construction, and are expensive.
- Example: [GUCCI] Lighton, [LOIS VUITTON] Arclight
Main materials of sneakers
A variety of materials are used for the uppers of sneakers (the part that covers the top of the foot other than the sole).
Not only can the appearance change dramatically depending on the material, but the functionality also differs.
Natural Leather
It is mainly made from processed leather such as cow, pig, and goat.
Made from natural materials, it not only has a luxurious look, but is also highly durable and has moderate elasticity, allowing it to conform to the shape of your foot.
Due to the rarity of the material and the effort required to process it, the price is a little high.
suede
A material made from natural leather with a brushed "underside".
Because it is made of natural leather, it is soft and has a refined appearance with a brushed texture, but the brushed parts are prone to getting dirty.
Nubuck
A material with a brushed surface on natural leather (opposite of suede).
It has a finer nap than suede and is characterized by its smooth appearance and luxurious feel.
Like suede, it is easily soiled and the nap wears out.
Synthetic Leather
A material that artificially reproduces the texture and appearance of natural leather.
Compared to natural wood, it is lighter, more water-resistant, and easier to care for, so it is often used for things other than shoes.
Woven fabric
The material is made of woven threads in a mesh pattern, making it lightweight and highly breathable.
It is often used in sneakers for sports such as running shoes.
canvas
A material made of thick fabric such as cotton or polyester.
Because it is durable, it is often used for tote bags, but it is not very waterproof.
Major sneaker brands and popular models
As explained above, even though sneakers are generally referred to as such, there are many different genres and brands, and there are countless types.
Here we will introduce major sneaker brands and their popular sneaker models.
NIKE
AIR FORCE 1 LOW
The low-cut Air Force 1 has been loved for many years by a wide range of people, from sneaker connoisseurs to non-sneakers alike.
The simple structure and color make these sneakers easy to match with any style of fashion, and they are extremely adaptable while still having appeal on their own.
AIR JORDAN series
The Jordan series is one of Nike's most famous sneakers.
Jordan is a basketball shoe, but it has been extremely popular on the street scene since its release, and it is no exaggeration to say that Jordan was the catalyst that made NIKE shoes mainstream in the market.
The Jordan 1 High Cut in particular is extremely popular, and has many collaborations with various brands and artists, making it one of the models that is synonymous with rare sneakers.
AIR MAX series
The Air Max series is synonymous with the sneaker boom of the 90s.
This legendary sneaker caused such a huge boom that it even gave rise to the term "Air Max hunting," referring to the fact that people who wore Air Max shoes would have their shoes stolen.
Particularly popular are
- Air Max 90
- Air Max 95
- Air Max 97
These three models are the most popular.
DUNK LOW
The low-cut Dunk is just as popular as the Air Force, Jordan, and Air Max introduced earlier.
- Simple visuals
- Wide range of colors
- Numerous collaboration models
There are various reasons for this, but for the reasons mentioned above, this model is popular with both men and women.
Because the silhouette appears slightly wider, it goes well with the wide pants that are currently in fashion, and there are even people who don't know much about sneakers but know about Dunks.
Compared to Jordans and other sneakers, the price range is more affordable, making them an affordable option.
Adidas
Superstar
This model was originally created as a basketball shoe, but it became popular around the 1980s and has since become a sneaker that represents hip-hop culture.
In addition to the three distinctive stripes that symbolize Adidas, the toe area is also made of rubber.
Stan Smith
The upper part is made entirely of leather and the color scheme is simple, giving these sneakers a calm impression.
With its simple and elegant appearance, it is a versatile sneaker that can be worn for a wide range of occasions, from everyday wear to office casual wear.
samba
The entire upper of this sneaker is constructed from leather and features suede reinforcement on the toe.
The gum outsole gives these sneakers a retro look, making them easy to coordinate with anything from street to vintage clothing.
Converse
All Star
A representative Converse model with an upper made entirely of canvas material.
The structure is simple with no unnecessary parts, making these popular sneakers easy to match with any fashion.
The supply is stable and there is a wide range of colors available, so it's easy to find the model you like.
Chuck Taylor CT70
This model is called Chuck Taylor and looks "almost" the same as the All Star mentioned above.
Roughly speaking, it is positioned as a "vintage version of All Star."
However, there are some differences between All-Star and NBA:
- Round cut tongue
- There is side stitching that is not present on the current All Stars.
- Special glossy rubber around the outsole
The above are only a small part of the models, but if you look closely you will find that there are quite a few differences, so the key point is that you can show your individuality and differentiate yourself from others.
However, due to a change in the Converse management company in Japan a few years ago, it has become more difficult to obtain Chuck Taylors domestically.
As a result, it has become a premium item, and even if it is available for sale, the price is a little high.
onitsuka tiger
MEXICO66
This is Onitsuka Tiger's representative model.
It features a clean design and the upper is made of natural leather, making it a stylish model with a luxurious look.
There are a wide variety of colors available, so you're sure to find a model that suits your taste.
DELECITY
- Sole: 1950s basketball shoe elements
- Upper: 1980s tennis shoe elements
As mentioned above, this model combines elements of two different shoes to create a modern design.
These platform sneakers are popular among women, making this the perfect model for those who want a platform sneaker with a slightly different feel than others.
NEW BALANCE
500 series
- 574
- 576
- BB550
The 500 series is designed for off-road use on unpaved surfaces, and is characterized by its rugged sole.
The 574 in particular is a relatively affordable model.
The BB550 is a model that has recently become increasingly popular.
The design is a reproduction of basketball shoes from that time, and the overall voluminous silhouette makes it a great match for street fashion.
900 series
- 992
- 993
- 996
The 900 series contains many popular models, including the 996, which is considered a masterpiece by New Balance.
Suede material is often used for the uppers, giving them a luxurious look and also high-performance soles, achieving a good balance between design and functionality.
1000 series
- 1300
- 1400
- 1600
The 1000 series is a high-performance New Balance sneaker that incorporates the latest technology at the time the model was released.
They are not only high-performance because of their built-in features, but most are also produced by craftsmen in the USA and the UK, ensuring a high-quality finish.
Of course, there is also a focus on design, making this the perfect line for those who want high-performance, high-end sneakers from New Balance.
VANS
OLD SKOOL
Old School is a representative model of VANS.
It's such a popular model that you're sure to see someone wearing them whenever you go out on the town.
The upper is made mainly of canvas and suede, with a rubber sole and simple structure, making these sneakers easy to match with any fashion.
This model is well-balanced in terms of price, appearance, and comfort, making it extremely popular among a wide range of people.
HALF CAB
This is a model called Half Cab that was developed for skateboarding.
In addition to the fact that the opening is mid-cut, It is specialized for performance as a skateboarding shoe, with a reinforced upper and high cushioning.
With the rise of skater fashion, VANS sneakers are just as popular as the old school.
SK8-HI
The skate high is a popular high-cut model from VANS.
This model is popularly known by the abbreviation "Skehai."
In terms of both appearance and functionality, it is positioned as a high-cut version of the old school model.
SALOMON
XT-6
SALOMON has been extremely popular lately as it pairs well with simple outfits, and one of the most popular models is the "XT-6."
This is one of SALOMON's most representative models, with a simple yet outdoor design, and its different atmosphere from other sneakers has made it a highly popular fashion item.
Since these are sports shoes for trails, they are not only stylish but also highly functional.
XT-4
The XT-4 looks almost the same as the XT-6, but there are two major differences:
- Size
- silhouette
While the XT-6 is slim overall, the XT-4 has a wide design and a voluminous silhouette.
Both models are high performance, so we recommend choosing the model based on appearance and fit.
summary
This time, we have explained the different types of sneakers from various angles.
There are countless models of sneakers, divided by category and features, and there are even multiple models of the same model.
We hope this article will be helpful when choosing your sneakers, whether you refer to popular models or search for your own preferences based on category characteristics.
