If you’re just getting into the world of trainers and sneakerhead culture, it can be a bit of a minefield to keep up with all the lingo and acronyms floating about. With limited drops, special editions, and collabs galore, getting your head around these terms will help you level up as a collector. We’ve broken it all down for you with clear definitions and proper examples. Here’s your ultimate guide to sneaker slang!
What is HS?
The term HS on Nike box labels stands for Hyperstrike. These are proper rare trainers, made in tiny batches. Often, they’re handed out to mates and family of celebs or artists, so you’d be hard-pressed to find them in shops. A cracking example is the Nike Air Force 1 “Playstation”, dropped exclusively for Sony staff back in 2006.
What does QS mean?
QS, or Quickstrike, refers to rare trainer drops that aren’t quite as exclusive as Hyperstrikes. They often pop up in posh shops that stock exclusive gear and might not have a set release date. Collectors go mad for them because they’re hard to come by and proper sought-after.
What is Nike SP?
SP stands for Special Project, a Nike label for top-notch, innovative trainers. Gear like NikeLab editions often falls under SP, showcasing the brand’s creative peak. A standout example is the Nike Free Flyknit Mercurial SP, blending cutting-edge tech with exclusive style.
What is Nike SE?
SE means Special Edition, a line of trainers made to celebrate big events or collabs. These kicks often sport unique designs and premium materials. A belter of an example is the Air Jordan 3 Red Cement SE, which nails the mix of heritage and innovation.
What is Nike PE?
PE stands for Player Exclusive, trainers custom-made for pro athletes. These rarely hit the shops, as they’re tailored to the players’ needs. Naturally, they’re proper coveted by collectors for their exclusivity.
What is Nike HTM?
HTM comes from the initials of three design legends: Hiroshi Fujiwara, Tinker Hatfield, and Matt Parker. Together, they craft trainers that mix cutting-edge tech with bold style. The Nike Flyknit HTM Trainer is a prime example of their creative magic.
What is Nike SB?
Nike SB is the line dedicated to skateboarding. Trainers like the Nike Dunk Low were designed with skate culture in mind, blending street style with performance for skaters while also pulling in sneakerheads.
What is Nike LS?
When you spot LS on a trainer label, it stands for Lifestyle. These kicks are all about casual wear, focusing on style and comfort over athletic performance. The Air Jordan 4 LS, for instance, has won over fashion fans across the board.
What is Nike NRG?
NRG isn’t officially defined but is widely linked to Energy, referring to trainers that drop with serious buzz. Kicks like the Nike Yeezy and Galaxy Foamposite are proper limited and highly coveted editions.
What is Nike PRM?
PRM stands for Premium, meaning trainers crafted with top-tier materials and meticulous detail. They’re pricier, but the quality and finish make them worth it for discerning collectors.
What is Nike NSW?
NSW stands for Nike Sportswear, a line that reimagines classic sports trainers for everyday wear. The Nike Tiempo shows how the brand can turn footy boots into proper stylish kicks.
What is Nike SW?
SW nods to Sean Wotherspoon, a designer who’s made waves in the sneaker scene. The Air Max 1/97 SW blends design elements from different eras, showcasing Wotherspoon’s unique vibe.
What is Nike CS?
CS, or Clean Slate, refers to trainers with a single-colour design where the details steal the show. The Air Max 90 ‘CS’ is a cracking example of how simplicity can look class and stylish.
What is Nike GS?
GS stands for Grade School, meaning kids’ sizes. These trainers are a great way to get young’uns into sneakerhead culture early doors.
What is Nike TN?
TN stands for Tuned Air, a fancy cushioning tech in some Nike trainers. It’s all about top comfort and is a hit with those chasing performance, like in the Nike Air Max Plus.
What is Co.JP?
Co.JP stands for Japan Collaboration, a line of collabs with Japan that kicked off in the 2000s. The Air Jordan 1 Mid shows how Japanese style has shaped iconic trainers.
What is Nike ISO?
ISO means In Store Only, so these trainers are only up for grabs in physical shops. They’re proper exclusive, making them a must-have for collectors.
What is DS?
DS, or Dead Stock, refers to trainers that are brand new, never worn, and in mint condition. For collectors, this is the holy grail of kicks.
What is DSWT?
DSWT stands for Dead Stock With Tags, meaning the trainer is brand new, unworn, and still has its original tags. Collectors love this as it’s as authentic as it gets.
What is NIB?
NIB, or New In Box, describes trainers still in their original box, often untouched for years. Collectors go wild for these rare, pristine finds.
What is SZ?
SZ is just short for Size, referring to the trainer’s size. Getting the right fit is key, especially in the resale game, where comfort is everything.
What is TTS?
TTS, or True To Size, means the trainer fits bang on standard sizing—not too tight or loose. It’s crucial for comfort and performance.
What is NWT?
NWT, or New With Tags, means the trainer comes with all its original tags. It’s similar to Dead Stock but with the added bonus of intact tags.
What are VNDS Sneakers?
VNDS stands for Very Near Deadstock, meaning trainers worn just once or twice but still in near-mint condition. They’re a cracking option for quality kicks at a decent price.
What is B Grade?
B Grade trainers have minor cosmetic flaws, like manufacturing marks. They don’t affect performance and come at a discount, making them a solid pick for bargain hunters.
What is a Sneakerhead?
A sneakerhead is someone proper passionate about trainers, always on the hunt for the next drop, rare pair, or limited edition. Sneakerhead culture is buzzing, going beyond just copping kicks—it’s a proper form of expression and status.
What is Cop or Drop?
“Cop or Drop” is a big phrase in the trainer and streetwear world, used to decide if a pair is worth grabbing or passing on. “Cop” means buy, while “Drop” means give it a miss.
What is Flaking?
Flaking is when a buyer or seller backs out of a deal after sorting out the price, time, and place for a trainer swap. It’s a common headache in the resale market, mucking up plenty of sales.
What is LC (Legit Check)?
LC, or Legit Check, is the process of checking if a trainer is the real deal. It’s vital to avoid getting stung by fakes in the market.
What are High Trainers?
High trainers are high-top models, like the Air Jordan 1 High OG. They’re proper popular for their look and support, especially among sneakerheads who value comfort and style.
What are Mid Trainers?
Mid trainers have a mid-top cut, striking a balance between support and style. A top example is the Nike Dunk Mid SB, which blends comfort with a bold look.
What are Low Trainers?
Low trainers, like the Nike Blazer Low, are versatile and comfy. With a low-top design, they’re spot-on for everyday wear and suit all sorts, from casual to streetwear.
What are OG Trainers?
OG, or Original, refers to the first-ever release of a trainer model, like the Air Jordan 1 from 1985. OGs are way more valued than later “retro” re-releases.
What are Retro Trainers?
Retro trainers are re-released versions of classic models. These “retro” drops bring back the original design with a modern twist, making them proper desirable.
What is Jumpman?
Jumpman is the iconic Jordan Brand logo, showing Michael Jordan in his legendary jump pose. It’s become a symbol of excellence in basketball and street style.
What is Nike Air?
Nike Air is Nike’s cushioning tech, known for top comfort and support, especially for high-intensity activities. It’s one of the brand’s biggest draws.
What is A.C.G (All Conditions Gear)?
The A.C.G line, or All Conditions Gear, is Nike’s range built for athletes facing any weather. A.C.G trainers are tough, designed for top performance on all sorts of terrain.
What is a Grail?
A Grail is a mega-rare pair of trainers, like the Holy Grail of kicks. With unique stories or limited runs, they’re must-haves for any serious collection.
What is Heat?
Heat refers to trainers that are proper sought-after and rare, generating massive buzz in the sneakerhead community. They’re status symbols, standing out for their exclusivity and design.
What is a Hypebeast?
A Hypebeast is someone who chases celeb trends and only cops hyped-up, limited releases, often without a proper love for sneaker culture. True enthusiasts might give them a bit of side-eye.
What is Drip?
Drip is all about personal style and looking bang on trend. In trainer terms, having drip means you’re rocking the latest looks with a flawless vibe.
What are Garms and Threads?
Garms and Threads are slang for clothes in general, proper common in streetwear culture. They cover your whole wardrobe and how your trainers tie in with your outfit.
What is Chase?
Chase is the relentless hunt for a specific pair of trainers, usually limited editions. For sneakerheads, the “chase” takes proper dedication and patience to bag the dream pair.
What is a Collab?
Collab is short for collaboration, where brands or artists team up to create limited-edition trainers. These partnerships often churn out unique kicks that are proper coveted.
What is Resell?
Resell is the game of flogging trainers after buying them, often at a higher price. It’s massive for rare and popular kicks, which can fetch mental prices.
What is Price Check?
Price Check is checking a trainer’s value based on its condition and the current market. It’s key to make sure you’re not getting ripped off.
What is Sitting?
Sitting refers to trainers that didn’t sell well and are still knocking about in stock. They might not be the hottest, but they can be cracking deals for bargain hunters.
What is Slept On?
Slept On describes trainers that most collectors overlooked but could be a proper gem for those who clock their value.
What is a Reseller?
A Reseller is someone who buys trainers to flog them at a higher price. The resale market is cutthroat, focusing on limited or exclusive models.
What are Fakes?
Fakes are knock-off trainers, copying popular models. Spotting fakes is crucial to make sure you’re getting the real deal, not some dodgy copy.
What is Restock?
Restock is when a sold-out trainer model gets restocked. Sneakerheads gear up to grab their pair before it sells out again.
What is Retail?
Retail is the original price of a trainer when bought straight from the shop. Knowing the retail price helps sneakerheads avoid getting stung by inflated resale prices.
What is Crispy?
Crispy is slang for a trainer in mint condition—no dirt, marks, or creases. Keeping kicks “crispy” shows proper care and respect, especially among collectors.
What is Fresh?
Fresh describes something new and stylish. A fresh trainer is either just dropped or in cracking condition, making it a must for any modern wardrobe.
What is Dope?
Dope is slang for something proper cool, stylish, or impressive. A trainer called dope is highly rated for its look or brand.
What is Double Up?
Double up is buying two pairs of the same trainer. Collectors often do this to wear one and keep the other pristine, especially for high-demand models.
What is a Drop?
Drop is the release of a new trainer model. These drops create massive buzz and often sell out quick, especially for limited editions.
What is Fire?
Fire is slang for something banging, highly desired, or trending. A trainer called fire is proper valued in the sneakerhead community.
What are Gutties?
Gutties is Scottish slang for trainers, showing how different regions have their own spin on the same gear.
What are Tackies?
Tackies is South African slang for trainers. Like gutties, it proves the global love for trainers crosses all sorts of borders.
What is Gum Sole?
Gum sole is a tough rubber sole known for its grip and durability. You’ll see it on basketball and skate trainers, giving top performance and longevity.
What is Lit Up?
Lit Up is slang for something proper buzzing or popular. A trainer that’s lit up is one everyone’s after.
What are Quickstrikes?
Quickstrikes are limited-edition trainers dropped in specific regions before a wider release. These mega-exclusive kicks are a collector’s dream and often fetch top dollar.
What is Vaporwave?
Vaporwave is a retro subculture blending 80s and 90s vibes with digital flair. Some trainer collections tap into this aesthetic, pulling in sneakerheads who love a bit of nostalgia.
What is Grailed?
Grailed is a resale platform for streetwear and men’s fashion, where sneakerheads can buy and sell exclusive trainers, often at premium prices due to their rarity.
What is Goat?
Goat stands for “Greatest of all time”, used for something or someone seen as the best. A trainer called goat is an iconic, unbeatable model.
What is Bait?
Bait refers to a trainer so desirable and exclusive it’s hard to get hold of. It’s pure hype, drawing in sneakerheads left, right, and centre.
What is MO?
MO stands for Modelo Original, describing trainers that stick to the original design without major tweaks. For collectors, it’s all about keeping that authentic vibe that made the model famous.
What is NB?
NB refers to New Balance, a brand known for comfy, classic trainer designs. Loved for quality, comfort, and understated style, New Balance holds a special spot in sneaker culture.
What is Resell?
The resell market is all about buying and selling trainers, often at a markup. It’s grown massive, especially online, where limited models become proper luxury items. Reselling takes strategy, timing, and knowing the demand.
What is Shook?
Shook is the nerves and stress you feel during a hyped-up trainer drop. It’s tied to the fear of missing out on a must-have pair—proper real for anyone caught up in the rush.
What is Sick?
When a trainer is called sick, it’s proper impressive or banging. It’s a term for bold or exclusive designs, a real compliment among sneakerheads for standout aesthetics.
What is a Sneakerhead?
A sneakerhead is someone mad about trainers, whether it’s the look, design, or story behind them. They collect, chase drops, and join a global crew sharing the same passion. Every pair has a unique value—historical, cultural, or personal.
What is SV?
SV, or Sample Version, refers to pre-release sample trainers. These exclusive kicks, often different from the final version, are proper coveted by collectors.
What is TO?
TO stands for “Trade Only”, meaning a trainer is only up for swaps, not cash. Collectors use this to trade models and complete their collections without spending dosh.
What is TOTS?
TOTS stands for “Take Over The Streets”, describing a trainer so popular it’s a proper icon in urban fashion. These kicks dominate street style and influence.
What is Vintage?
Vintage trainers are old-school classics that have become proper icons. Tied to key moments in sneaker culture, they’re highly valued and rare for collectors.
What is a Cozy Boy?
A Cozy Boy nails style and comfort effortlessly. In sneaker culture, it’s about trainers that feel good and look cracking, fitting your lifestyle without compromising.
What is Feezy?
Feezy is slang for fake Yeezys, knock-off versions of Kanye West’s famous trainers. With Yeezys’ popularity, dodgy copies have popped up, and Feezy calls out these naff imitations.
What is Colorway?
Colorway is the specific colour combo on a pair of trainers. Some colorways become legendary, proper coveted by fans and collectors, often defining a model’s success.
What is Sneaker Culture?
Sneaker culture covers everything about wearing, collecting, and loving trainers. It’s more than just buying and selling—it’s about events, drops, and the bond between brands and fans. It’s a massive movement at the heart of urban fashion.
What are Coke Whites?
Coke whites are pristine white trainers, clean as a whistle with no marks. They’re tied to a fresh, minimalist vibe, where the pure colour shows off your attention to detail.
What is Deubre?
Deubre, or lace tags, are little tags on the laces of some trainers. They add a personal touch, especially on models like Air Force Ones, giving that extra bit of style.
What is Instacop?
Instacop is snapping up a pair of trainers on impulse, no planning needed. Sneakerheads do this when they spot a model and have to grab it quick before it’s gone.
What are Kicks?
Kicks is a common term for trainers, often leaning towards athletic ones. In sneaker culture, it’s all about style and exclusivity.
What is L?
L is slang for a loss, like when a sneakerhead misses out on a desired pair during a drop. It’s all about the gutting feeling of not bagging your dream kicks.
What is W?
W, the opposite of L, stands for “Win”, celebrating when you score a coveted pair of trainers, whether in a mad drop or nabbing a rare model.
What is Nib?
Nib describes trainers that are brand new and still in their original box, in perfect nick. For collectors, Nib kicks are the real deal, pure and untouched.
What is OG?
OG stands for “Original”, meaning the first-ever version of a trainer model. An OG is proper valuable, often the gold standard for collections.
What is a Reseller?
Reseller is someone who buys trainers to flog them at a markup. With limited drops so popular, reselling is a proper lucrative game for those hunting rare models.
What is Red October?
Red October is the iconic red Yeezy 2 model by Kanye West, one of the most coveted trainers ever. Dropped at a controversial event, it’s a symbol of Kanye’s massive impact on sneaker culture.
What is Slept On?
Slept On is a trainer that didn’t get the hype it deserved. These hidden gems often grow in value as collectors clock their true worth.
What is Steezy?
Steezy blends “style” and “easy”, describing someone with effortless, authentic style. For sneakerheads, being steezy means rocking trainers that flow naturally for any vibe.
What is Tonal?
Tonal trainers use different shades of the same colour. They’re understated yet class, letting you stand out subtly with a sophisticated look.
What is Unauthorized?
Unauthorized refers to trainers not officially released by brands, often knock-offs. These dodgy copies are usually lower quality and avoided by proper collectors.
What is Wild?
Wild trainers have bold, eye-catching designs with unique colour combos and patterns. They’re perfect for making a loud, standout style statement.
What is Yeezy?
Yeezy is Kanye West’s trainer line with Adidas. These kicks have shaken up the industry with innovative, exclusive designs, becoming proper icons of style and luxury.
What is LPU?
LPU refers to trainers made in limited quantities. These rare kicks are proper prized by collectors and sneakerheads for their exclusivity.
What is a Drop?
Drop is when a new trainer model hits the market. These events create mad anticipation and often involve a proper scramble to bag a pair.
What is StockX?
StockX is a resale platform for buying and selling legit trainers. With a verification system, it’s a safe bet for grabbing rare and exclusive kicks, a must-have tool for sneakerheads.
What is OG Colorway?
OG Colorway is the original colour combo of a trainer model. Often, these become proper iconic, shaping how the model is seen in sneaker culture.
What is the Sneakerhead Community?
The Sneakerhead Community is a global crew of trainer enthusiasts and collectors. They share tips, info, and celebrate sneaker culture, whether at events or online. That sense of community is everything for those living and breathing trainers.
What is Heat?
Heat is slang for trainers that are proper rare and desired, creating mad buzz in the sneakerhead community. These kicks are status symbols, shining for their exclusivity and design.
Conclusion
In the end, this guide, “Acronyms and Lingo: The Ultimate Sneakerhead Dictionary,” is a proper essential read for anyone diving into sneaker culture. It’s a clear, cracking compilation of the terms and slang that define this world. With an easy-to-read approach, it breaks down phrases like “DS,” “Resell,” and “Cop or Drop,” while reflecting the passion and rich history of the sneakerhead community. It’s a must-have tool for newbies and seasoned collectors alike, strengthening the bond between trainer lovers and the lingo that unites them. This dictionary is a proper invitation to explore and celebrate this buzzing subculture.