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Aug 28, 2023

Kicktionary: 50 Terms That Every Sneakerhead Should Know

Whether you're a hardcore sneakerhead or someone who has just started

Whether you're a hardcore sneakerhead or someone who has just started collecting, not only is it important to walk the walk, you also need to be able to talk the talk. An industry that's growing at a crazy rate by the day, knowing and understanding the lingo is absolutely essential, that's why we've compiled a fifty term kicktionary that will definitely help you along the way.

From "Beaters" to "Deadstock" to "Uptowns", The Sole Supplier's sneaker glossary will keep you in the loop, so stop what you're doing, bookmark this page, and listen up, because things are about to get a little complicated.

ACG: All Conditions Gear. A Nike sub-division from the early ‘80s that focuses on mountain climbing, hiking, and long distance walks.

Aglet: Lace tips. The little bits found at the end of laces, they’re usually made from glossy plastic but can also be made from stainless steel.

BIN: Buy It Now. The set price that a seller is willing to sell their sneakers for. This usually means there is no negotiating and certainly no haggling.

BNIB: Brand New In Box. Also known as NIB, the sneaker is unworn and still in its original packaging complete with any tags and accessories.

BTEC: A slang term used to describe an inexperienced reseller who clearly does not know what they’re doing.

Beater: A sneaker that you pretty much wear everyday whatever the weather and don't mind it getting dirty. Scuffs and stains usually give it character.

CO.JP: Concept Japan. Nike sneakers that were made exclusively for the Japanese market back in the mid-‘90s and into the ‘00s.

Colourway: Also known as colorway, it's a combination of colours used to differentiate styles. These are usually shortened to one or two words.

Deadstock:{bold} A term that has evolved throughout the years, it now generally means a sneaker that is 100% brand new and comes complete with the original box.

Deubré: The little tag that you’d find at the bottom of the lacing system used most commonly for the Nike Air Force 1.

F&F: Friends & Family. A sneaker so rare that it has only been gifted out to the inner circle of the brand or the collaborator.

FSR: Full Size Run. This means that a particular sneaker is still available in every single size.

Flaking: A term used to describe a buyer who backs out of a deal at the very last minute after agreeing on a price.

Fufu: Fake. A slang term used to describe a sneaker that is inauthentic and counterfeit. Also known as Fugazi.

GOAT: Greatest Of All Time. To be taken literally, it's used to describe a sneaker that is better than anything that has come before it.

GR: General Release. A sneaker that has been mass produced and is available at most retailers. They usually do not sell out but you’d be surprised.

Grail: A sneaker that you have been trying to buy for years. This is the pair that you’re currently striving for.

Holy Grail: A sneaker that you have been trying to buy for decades. This is the pair that you’ll probably never be able to cop but you dream of on a daily basis.

Hypebeast: A term used to describe a sneakerhead who doesn't have their own taste and only buys what is popular at the moment.

ID: Individually Designed. A Nike platform that allowed sneakerheads to customise their own pairs. It has now been replaced with Nike By You.

Insole: A removeable layer of cushioning that is worn inside a pair of sneakers. These can be used for comfort, warmth, or deodorising.

Instacop: Instant Cop: A sneaker that you would buy in a split second if given the chance.

Jumpman: Michael Jordan's sneaker and clothing line. Named as such due to his brand's iconic logo that shows MJ's silhouette.

LE: Limited Edition. A sneaker that has been produced in limited quantities and exclusively available at select retailers. They usually sell out immediately.

LPU: Latest Pick Up: A sneaker that you have just bought that you’re not afraid to flex.

Lateral: The technical term for the outer sidewall of a sneaker.

Medial: The technical term for the inner sidewall of a sneaker

Midsole: The unit that sits in between the insole and the outsole of a sneaker. These are usually combined with technologies that offer extra comfort and cushioning.

NWT: New With Tags: An alternative way of saying deadstock, it means a sneaker is 100% brand new and comes complete with the original tags.

OBO: Or Best Offer. Also known as ONO, it means that there's a little bit of wiggle room on the listed price.

OG: Original. The original release of a sneaker. While some models can be re-released, this term is specially used to describe the first launch.

Outsole: The outer sole of a sneaker. These are usually made from rubber and feature a series of grooves for added traction.

PE: Player Exclusive. A term used to describe sneakers that are made exclusively for athletes and will not to be released to the public.

PRM: Premium. A term used to describe Nike sneakers that have been made with extra luxurious materials.

QS: Quickstrike. A term used to describe Nike sneakers that are only available at Tier 0 retailers.

Reseller: A person who buys sneakers with the sole intent of selling them to make a profit. Inexperienced resellers are commonly called BTEC resellers.

Restock: This means that a particular sneaker that had previously sold out is now back in stock.

Retro: Retrospective. A sneaker that has been re-released.

SB: Skateboarding. A Nike sub-division from the early ‘00s that focuses on skateboarding.

SE: Special Edition. A sneaker that has been produced to celebrate a special occasion or an event.

SP: Special Project. A term used to describe Nike's most creative and experimental sneakers. This includes some collaborations and all NikeLab releases.

Sample: One of the many prototypes that sneaker designers had to go through in order to create the final product. These will never be released to the public.

Sneakerhead: A term used to describe someone who lives and breathes sneaker. They collect and trade them and are usually extremely knowledgeable about them.

StockX: The sneaker community's favourite resale marketplace. Check out our full StockX review here.

TTS: True To Size. When a sneaker fits true to your usual size.

Toebox: The section of a sneaker that surrounds the front.

Uptowns: A nickname for the Nike Air Force 1. First used in the early ‘80s when the silhouette first gained popularity in the hoods of uptown NYC.

VNDS: Very Near Deadstock. Also know as NDS, the sneaker shows very minimal wear but can pass as deadstock to the untrained eye.

WDYWT: What Do You Wear Today. A question used on social media that asks what other sneakerheads are wearing on their feet.

WTB: Want To Buy. A term used by sneakerheads who want to buy a particular pair.

WTS: Want To Sell. A term used by sneakerheads who want to sell a particular pair.