Confused by the terms QS, TD, GS and other abbreviations while shopping for sneakers? You’re not alone. Sneaker culture and its terminology are continuously expanding and we know its hard to keep up, especially for new sneakerheads. That’s why we have created this guide that includes common sneaker slang terms to ease you into the broader sneaker community.
Kicks/Creps
Kicks, or creps (if you’re British) is another way people call sneakers today. For example, check out the kicks/creps below!
Deadstock (DS)
Deadstock sneakers are brand-new, unworn shoes in their original packaging, highly valued by collectors and resellers for their flawless condition.
Sneakerhead
A sneakerhead is someone that is passionate about sneakers. They also refer to people who collect sneakers as a hobby.
Hypebeast
This refers to a person that only buys sneakers purely because of the hype. They will make sure to get their hands on every limited edition pair. Here are some sneakers that we think are worth the hype.
Beaters
Beaters are sneakers that are meant to be worn regularly, chosen for their comfort and functionality rather than resale value or rarity.
Retro
This refers to a shoe that has been released again after its initial drop. Sometimes they are used as a verb, where retro-ed means re-released.
Originals (OG)
This describes the very first release of the sneaker. Re-release sneakers (retros) do not count as OGs.
GR - General Release
A general release shoe is one that is not limited edition and released to major chains. Anyone can walk into a store and purchase these shoes.
Quickstrike (QS)
Quickstrike (QS) releases are limited-edition sneakers available in small numbers with limited prior notice, known for their exclusivity.
Collab - collaboration
A “collaboration” in sneaker terminology refers to a partnership between a sneaker brand and another entity, such as a celebrity, designer, or another brand, to create a unique sneaker design. Check out some of these celebrity collaborations below
Grails/Holy Grails
A ‘grail’ or ‘holy grail’ is that number one shoe on your sneaker list. It is your most sought after shoe and is usually hard to obtain because they are expensive or rare. Purchasing this shoe will be an achievement for yourself. Below are some shoes we think are grail worthy.
Fufu
This is a slang term to describe a sneaker that is fake and counterfeit. It is the shortened version of the words fugazi.
SE - Special Edition
Special edition sneakers are produced to celebrate an occasion or event.
PE - Player Edition
Player edition – This is a shoe designed for an athlete using unique colourways or a special markup. This design is then released for retail.
AF1 - Nike Air Force 1
The Nike AF1s are a classic shoe and they have expanded beyond just the white AF1s. Now, they come in a variety of colourways and designs, making each pair unique.
AM - Nike Air Max
The visible air cushioning in the Nike Air Max is really one of a kind, giving wearers the perception of walking on air. The air max now boasts a range of new silhouettes, so whether you are looking for something chunky or sleek, they are sure to have something in your style.
Jumpman / Js- Air Jordans
From the basketball court to the streets, the Air Jordans are an iconic line of Nike shoes. In collaboration with NBA star Michael Jordan, these sneakers have revolutionised the scene and become a streetwear staple.
Co.JP
In a bid to expand their reach to the global market in the 2000s, Nike started releasing shoes that were exclusive to Japan only. During its original release, these drops were highly anticipated by sneakerheads and getting their hands on one was considered an achievement.
GS - Grade School
Grade school shoes refer to the kid sizes of shoes. If you have smaller feet, these grade school shoes could probably fit you and you can get them at a lower price.
PS - Pre-school
These are sizes that are even smaller than grade school.
TD - Toddler
These are shoes for toddlers.
Breds
It is a combination of the words black and red. As its name says, they are shoes with any black and red colourway. They are commonly used for Jordan IVs, XIs, and XIIs.
Wheats
The wheat colourway boasts the smooth and chestnut brown tones of a Timberland boot.
Triple Black
Triple Black sneakers are entirely black, including the upper, midsole, and outsole, known for their sleek, versatile, and understated look.
The sneakers below are some examples of triple blacks.
Triple White
Triple White sneakers are entirely white, known for their clean, minimalist design and versatility, often a summer staple or stylish go-to option.
Basically, they’re the opposite of the triple blacks. Below are some triple white sneakers available.
Nike Day
Nike Day is an event organised by Nike to mark special events or anniversaries celebrated by Nike with exclusive releases and promotions.
Yeezy Day
Yeezy Day is an annual event by Adidas featuring multiple Yeezy releases, including restocks and new colourways. This event is always highly anticipated by sneakerheads and fans of Kanye West. Browse through our Yeezy collection here.
F&F (Friends & Family)
Friends & Family sneakers are special edition sneakers released in extremely limited quantities, which are usually given to close associates of the brand or designer. As such they’re often not available to the general public.
3M
3M is a reflective material used in sneakers for enhanced visibility and aesthetic appeal, producing bright reflections when exposed to light.
TTS (True To Size)
TTS (True to Size) indicates that a shoe fits accurately according to the standard size chart, meaning buyers can purchase their usual size with confidence for a proper fit.
LPU
LPU (Latest Pick-Up): Refers to the most recent sneaker acquired by a collector, often shared on social media to showcase new additions to their collection.
Fragments
Fragment/Fragment’s or Frags are shoes that were made in partnership with Japanese designer Hiroshi Fujiwara. Search him up, you’ll be impressed.
SB (Skateboarding)
SB (Skateboarding) refers to Nike’s skateboarding shoe line, created by Sandy Bodecker, known for its durability, grip, and unique designs popular among skaters and collectors.
UNC (University of North Carolina)
UNC refers to the University of North Carolina, often used in Nike sneaker colourways featuring light blue and white, inspired by Michael Jordan’s college career at UNC.
SP - Special Projects
Nike SP (Special Projects) refers to exclusive, limited-edition sneakers and apparel created in collaboration with designers, artists, or other brands, known for their unique designs and premium materials.
Nike ACG (All Conditions Gear)
Nike ACG (All Conditions Gear) is a line of outdoor apparel and footwear designed for durability and performance in various weather conditions.
ADV (Advanced)
ADV (Advanced) refers to Adidas products that feature advanced technology and design, often enhancing performance, comfort, and style in their footwear and apparel.
Conclusion
Understanding these sneaker terms definitely helps in knowing why the price of sneakers is as such, as well as appreciating the design and uniqueness of each silhouette. We hope that this guide has been useful in your selection of sneakers in the future! Let us know of any more new terms and for aspiring sneakerheads, start building your collection at novelship.com today!
Frequently Asked Questions
The evolution of sneaker terminology is closely tied to the growth and evolution of sneaker culture itself, which has roots in sports, fashion, and subcultures. Some terms are shortened or abbreviated versions of the full sneaker name and some terms were birthed in unofficial sneaker marketplaces where shoes were being resold and traded.
BIN means buy it now. This means that the seller has fixed a price for the shoe and is not open to bargaining and negotiating with buyers.
Having a full size run would mean that resellers or retailers have managed to get a hold of the shoe in every single size. This would mean getting size 6-12 for men’s sizes.
NIB means new in box, They are slang for new sneakers that are still in their box and have not been worn yet. They will be shipped in their original box to buyers.
The act of going back on the agreed terms of a transaction on dropping out of a deal.
These are commonly used terms in unofficial sneaker marketplaces. It means want to trade (WTT), want to buy (WTB) and WTS (want to sell) respectively.
A hyperstrike is the most limited of releases and typically only 25-100 pairs of shoes are released. They are kept under wraps and would drop without warning.
“QC” stands for “quality control,” which refers to the process of inspecting and ensuring the quality and consistency of a sneaker’s manufacturing. It involves checking for defects, flaws, and overall craftsmanship.
Cop is slang for buy or get. It can be used as such – cop your favorite sneakers on novelship.com now!
It is a specific combination of colors used on a sneaker design. Some iconic colourways include the black and red colourway on jordans.
Some notable collaborations include American rapper Travis Scott x Air Jordan 1, Bad Bunny x Adidas.
The most popular one of them all has to be Michael Jordan and Nike, a collaboration that launched a whole other brand Air Jordan. Other athletes have also collaborated with the footwear monolith Nike like tennis player Roger Federer and golfer Tiger Woods. Football star Neymar Jr has also signed a deal with Puma in 2020, launching 2 new football boots.