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While running shoes are made for running, sneakers aren’t necessarily made for sneaking, though they were originally designed to have noiseless rubber soles in mind, perfect to sneak around in.
The footwear industry is forever innovating and evolving. We’re constantly seeing new styles, trends, and technology like never before. So in a world where footwear is so diverse, it can be tricky to figure out their purpose.
A shoe that is definitely having an ‘It’ moment, is the casual sneaker, and it’s redefining everyday style. Gone are the days of needing to wear formal work attire and polished shoes. We are now seeing casual wear paired with sneakers for a modern-day workwear look.
Below we explore what it means to be this type of shoe, it’s purpose and features, and why they are vastly different from performance running shoes.
So, what are sneakers?
While running shoes are made for running, sneakers aren’t necessarily made for sneaking, though they were originally designed to have noiseless rubber soles in mind, perfect to sneak around in.
The easy-breezy casual sneaker in its low-top or high-top designs, are made to be versatile, comfortable, and aesthetically pleasing. They are produced from a range of materials (like leather, suede, and canvas), and come in a mix of colours and designs, ranging from minimalist to bold and colourful.
Many types of casual shoes fall under the category of sneakers and can include styles such as Heritage, Sportswear, Court, and Canvas – a subset designed for active comfort and urban style. Let’s break them down:
Heritage Sneakers
Heritage sneakers typically refer to sneakers that have a significant historical or cultural background – whether it be a trademark emblem or stemming from a sporting heritage.
These are often classic designs that have stood the test of time and are considered iconic.
They may be re-released in original colourways or reimagined by brands to pay homage to their heritage or to cater to nostalgic sneaker enthusiasts.
Sportswear Sneakers
Sportswear sneakers are athletic shoes which could easily be mistaken for running shoes at first glance but don’t include many of the performance features that running shoes do. Many sportswear sneakers incorporate stylish designs and colours, making them suitable for light activities and everyday wear.
Court Sneakers
Court sneakers, also known as court shoes or tennis shoes, are athletic footwear historically designed for sports played on courts, such as tennis, basketball, volleyball, and squash, but nowadays are worn for everyday wear. These sneakers typically feature flat soles with good grip to provide stability and traction and often have reinforced toe caps and supportive features
Canvas Sneakers
Canvas sneakers are characterised by their upper material, typically made of canvas fabric, and come in a variety of colours and patterns in a low-top or high-top design, allowing them to be versatile when styling with different outfits.
What is the difference between sneakers and running shoes?
If you’re looking to invest in your first pair of performance running shoes, we wouldn’t be surprised if you had trouble telling some of these shoes apart. Out of all the sneakers on the market, sportswear sneakers are the ones that resemble running shoes the most. But there are some significant differences.
Sneakers tend to be heavier in construction, featuring a more casual and lifestyle-orientated design and are suitable for activities like walking or light physical activities.
They prioritise fashion over function and primarily focus on style, comfort, and versatility for everyday use, rather than the specific needs of high-impact sports like running. Many will still have cushioning and support like running shoes – it’s just less extensive.
On the flip side, running shoes serve a completely different purpose. They’re specifically engineered for the runner in mind and other sporting activities. Features like supportive midsoles, advanced cushioning systems, breathable uppers, and traction-enhancing outsoles (among many other things), are a priority.
Additionally, they may have features like medial posts or stability enhancements to support proper foot alignment and reduce the risk of overpronation or supination. The features optimise performance, minimise fatigue and prevent injury or strain during running.
How to choose the right shoe?
Selecting between sneakers and performance running shoes comes down to personal preference and understanding the shoes' objective. They both serve different purposes and showcase special features to accommodate their respective functions.
Sneakers are designed to pair well with causal outfits and fuse comfort with style in the casual setting.
While on the other hand, performance running shoes are designed to keep your momentum going, minimise injury, and push you towards the finish line. But there’s nothing to say you can’t wear running shoes for everyday wear – that choice is completely up to you.
So, which will you choose?
Check out our entire range of sneakers for men, women, and kids online or head in-store and speak to one of our friendly rebel staff to help you find the right shoe, style and fit for you.