Navigating sneaker culture can feel overwhelming with its ever-evolving lingo, especially for newcomers. Terms like QS, SE, and GS might seem like a secret code, but we’ve got you covered. This guide breaks down the most common sneaker slang to help you dive confidently into the sneaker community.
Kicks/Creps
Slang for sneakers, used globally. “Creps” is especially popular in the UK. Example: “Check out these fresh kicks!”
Deadstock (DS)
Brand-new, unworn sneakers in original packaging, prized by collectors for their pristine condition.
Sneakerhead
A passionate sneaker enthusiast who collects, trades, or obsesses over sneakers as a hobby.
Hypebeast
Someone who chases limited-edition sneakers purely for the buzz, often prioritizing hype over personal taste.
Beaters
Sneakers worn regularly for comfort and function, not rarity or resale value. Your go-to daily pair.
Retro
A re-released sneaker from its original debut. “Retro-ed” means reissued, not the first release.
Originals (OG)
The first-ever release of a sneaker. Retros don’t qualify as OGs.
GR - General Release
Non-limited sneakers widely available at major retailers, accessible to all.
Quickstrike (QS)
Limited-edition sneakers dropped with little notice in small quantities, highly exclusive.
Collab - collaboration
A partnership between a sneaker brand and a celebrity, designer, or another brand for a unique design. Think Nike x Travis Scott.
Grails/Holy Grails
Your dream sneaker—rare, expensive, or deeply personal. Scoring one feels like a major win.
Fufu
Slang for fake or counterfeit sneakers, short for “fugazi.” Always check authenticity!
SE - Special Edition
Sneakers made to commemorate a specific event or occasion, often with unique details.
PE - Player Edition
Custom sneakers designed for athletes with exclusive colorways or branding, later released to the public.
AF1 - Nike Air Force 1
A timeless Nike silhouette, now available in diverse colorways beyond the classic white.
AM - Nike Air Max
Known for visible air cushioning, Air Max offers chunky or sleek styles for all tastes.
Jumpman / Js- Air Jordans
From dominating basketball courts to defining streetwear, Air Jordans, born from Nike’s collaboration with NBA legend Michael Jordan, have transformed sneaker culture. These iconic shoes blend performance and style, making them a timeless staple.
Co.JP
Nike’s Japan-exclusive releases from the 2000s, coveted for their rarity and cultural significance.
GS - Grade School
Kid-sized sneakers, often cheaper and suitable for adults with smaller feet.
PS - Pre-school
Sizes smaller than GS, designed for young kids.
TD - Toddler
Sneakers for toddlers, the smallest size category.
Breds
Black and red colorway sneakers, especially Jordan IVs, XIs, and XIIs. A fan favorite.
Wheats
Sneakers with a chestnut brown, Timberland-inspired colorway.
Triple Black
All-black sneakers (upper, midsole, outsole) for a sleek, versatile look.
Triple White
All-white sneakers, a clean and minimalist staple, perfect for summer.
Nike Day
A Nike event celebrating milestones with exclusive releases and promotions.
Yeezy Day
Adidas’ annual event with Yeezy restocks and new colorways, a must for Kanye fans. Check Yeezy drops at Novelship.
F&F (Friends & Family)
Ultra-limited sneakers gifted to brand insiders, rarely available to the public.
3M
Reflective material in sneakers, boosting visibility and style under light.
TTS (True To Size)
Shoes that fit as expected per standard sizing, no need to size up or down.
LPU (Latest Pick-Up)
A sneakerhead’s most recent purchase, often flaunted on social media.
Fragments
Sneakers designed with Japanese designer Hiroshi Fujiwara, known for their elite status.
SB (Skateboarding)
Nike’s skate shoe line, built for durability and grip. Loved by skaters and collectors.
UNC (University of North Carolina)
Light blue and white colorways inspired by Michael Jordan’s UNC college days.
SP - Special Projects
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)
Outdoor-focused Nike line for rugged performance in any weather.
ADV (Advanced)
Adidas products with cutting-edge tech for enhanced performance and style.
Dad Shoes
Chunky, retro sneakers evoking 90s/2000s “dad” aesthetics, valued for comfort over trendiness.
Conclusion
Mastering these terms will help you understand sneaker pricing, designs, and exclusivity while deepening your appreciation for the culture. We hope this guide empowers you to navigate the sneaker world with ease. Aspiring sneakerheads, start your collection at Novelship 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.