National Sneakers Day

National Sneakers Day celebrates sneakers, which are shoes that are designed for use in sports or for other types of physical exercise, but are often also used as an informal shoe for everyday use. Other terms such as tennis shoes, kicks, or gym shoes are also used for them, and the term sneakers is most often used to describe this type of shoe in the Northeastern United States and Southern Florida. The name has been used at least since 1887, when the Boston Globe used it and said it was "the name boys give to tennis shoes." In 1917 Henry Nelson McKinney, an advertising agent, used the term "sneaker" because the rubber sole made the shoe stealthy and quiet, and much easier to sneak up on someone without them noticing. Leather soled dress shoes were the norm of the era, and were much louder. The first rubber soled shoes were introduced in the United States in 1892, and sneakers gained in popularity after World War I. It was also during this time that sports players began to endorse sneakers, also increasing the popularity of the shoes; for example, Chuck Taylor endorsed Converse All Stars. Sneakers began being used more for everyday use in the 1950's, increasing their popularity some more. Jogging shoes became a popular type of sneaker in the 1970's, and each type of sport had shoes made specifically for it. Wearing a certain type of sneaker is now often seen as a fashion statement, and certain sneakers have long been associated with rock 'n roll—such as Converse—and with hip hop—such as Puma, Nike, and Adidas. Collectors of sneakers are known as sneakerheads.

How to Observe National Sneakers Day

Celebrate the day by wearing sneakers! Wear them to play sports or wear them just as part of your normal routine. This may also be a good day to buy a new pair of sneakers. You could also watch Just For Kicks, a documentary about sneakers. You could also explore the Sneaker Museum.

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