The Origin of Sneakers: Who Invented the Name?

Sneakers are now an indispensable item in the wardrobe of millions of women around the world.
Used daily in various contexts or simply to enrich an outfit, these shoes have come a long way since they first appeared on the market.

But few people really know where the term sneakers comes from. and why this name was chosen.
Over the years, these shoes have spanned eras, styles, and cultural revolutions, continuing to evolve, conquering catwalks, streets, and hearts in every corner of the planet!

In this article, we'll explore the origin of the name, the key stages in the development of sneakers, their impact on popular culture, and the role they play today in the world of fashion and sports.

The History of Sneakers

The term “sneakers” has been officially used since the end of the 19th century, but its roots go even further back in time, when industrial production and innovation in materials began to radically change the the very concept of footwear.

Before sneakers, there were already shoes with rubber soles designed to offer greater grip and comfort than traditional leather and wooden models. The first prototype of the modern athletic shoe dates back to 1839, the year Charles Goodyear patented vulcanized rubber , a revolutionary material that offered flexibility, durability, and cushioning that was completely new for the time.
This new type of sole allowed for the creation of lighter, more dynamic footwear, designed for leisure time or physical activity, which would soon conquer the world.

At the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries, the first rudimentary models of athletic shoes began to appear, used in American schools and colleges. They were called plimsolls , had flat rubber soles, canvas uppers, and were used for sports and school purposes.
But the real leap in quality, both in production and in collective perception, occurred with the introduction of the term “sneakers”.

Who Invented the Name “Sneakers”?

The origin of the word "sneakers" is attributed to American advertiser Henry Nelson McKinney, who in 1917 used the term in an advertising campaign to describe a type of rubber-soled shoe produced by the U.S. Rubber Company. McKinney chose the word from the English verb to sneak , meaning "to move furtively." Rubber-soled shoes were so quiet compared to traditional leather-soled models that they allowed you to move without being heard!

This linguistic insight proved to be incredibly powerful: the word "sneakers" quickly spread into everyday language, first in the United States and then throughout the rest of the English-speaking world. Beginning in the 1920s, it began to be used to refer to any type of lightweight, comfortable athletic footwear, distinguishing it from classic or formal shoes.

Although McKinney was the first to codify the term in advertising, Charles Goodyear deserves credit for making it all possible! His invention of vulcanized rubber was the technical foundation upon which the very concept of sneakers developed. Without him, there would have been no material capable of guaranteeing the comfort, flexibility, and durability we take for granted today.

Over the years, British manufacturers began to use the term “ trainers ”, while American youth language reinforced the association between sneakers, urban culture and a dynamic lifestyle.

The Evolution of Sneakers

Over the course of the 20th century, sneakers underwent a remarkable transformation, becoming something far greater than their initial function. From simple trainers designed for physical activity, they evolved into true symbols of fashion, culture, and identity.

In the 1930s and 1940s , sneakers began to spread beyond the athletic world thanks to increasingly sophisticated designs. In the 1960s and 1970s , with the explosion of fitness and outdoor activities, brands expanded their offerings and began to compete with each other, each bringing innovation in design and technology. Today, sneakers offer a wide range of design and style options , including minimalist lines, futuristic designs, vintage models, luxury models, and limited editions.

This evolutionary path has transformed sneakers into a global phenomenon capable of uniting generations, tastes, and cultures. Wearing them today means making a style statement, joining a movement, and embracing continuous creative and technical innovation.

Sneakers in Pop Culture

One of the most fascinating aspects of the history of sneakers is their penetration into popular culture. Starting in the 1980s, these shoes began to be associated with specific youth movements, generating a profound connection with music, cinema, and urban art.

Rap and hip hop played a central role in this process and transformed sneakers into symbols of cultural belonging. No longer just shoes, they became statements of identity, tools to communicate a lifestyle, belonging, and respect.

Cinema has also played its part, contributing to the powerful collective imagination surrounding sneakers. Celebrities have also contributed to strengthening the myth by creating exclusive collections that sold out in a matter of hours.

Nowadays, sneakers have become a status symbol: owning a rare model, from a limited collection, or a luxury item has become a symbol of prestige. This phenomenon has fueled a veritable cult, with online communities, passionate collectors, and reselling phenomena that command staggering prices.

Conclusion and Influence Today

Sneakers today are no longer just a trend, but a fundamental accessory that can be worn in countless ways and with varying degrees of attention to detail . They represent the perfect balance between comfort and functionality without sacrificing style!

Everyone wears sneakers: athletes, managers, students, and celebrities. There are no age barriers, nor limits of gender or social class. Sneakers have transcended every fashion boundary to become one of the most democratic symbols of our time.

Ultimately, knowing who coined the term "sneakers" is more than just a linguistic curiosity; it's also the first step to understanding a cultural phenomenon that has revolutionized the way we think about shoes, style, and even personal identity. From Goodyear vulcanized rubber to hip-hop culture, from high-fashion runways to the streets of every city, sneakers tell a story of evolution and freedom!