National Sneakers Day celebrates athletic footwear designed for sports and exercise that have become a staple of casual everyday wear. These shoes, also known as tennis shoes or kicks, have evolved from simple rubber-soled athletic gear to fashion statements and collectible items.
Quick Facts
- When is it: October 9th annually
- Tagged as: Clothing & Fashion
- What’s the hashtag: #NationalSneakersDay
- When was it founded: First documented use of term “sneakers” in 1887
- Who founded it: Term popularized by Henry Nelson McKinney in 1917
History
The term “sneakers” originated in 1887 when the Boston Globe described them as “the name boys give to tennis shoes.” The first rubber-soled shoes appeared in the United States in 1892. The name “sneaker” was coined because their quiet rubber soles allowed wearers to move stealthily. After World War I, sneakers gained widespread popularity, especially when sports figures began endorsing them, like Chuck Taylor with Converse All Stars.
Timeline
- 1887: First documented use of term “sneakers”
- 1892: Introduction of rubber-soled shoes in the US
- 1917: Term “sneaker” popularized
- 1950s: Adoption as everyday footwear
- 1970s: Rise of specialized jogging shoes
- 1985: Run-DMC signs first non-athlete sneaker endorsement
Dates by Next Year
| Year | Month | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | October | 9 | Wednesday |
| 2025 | October | 9 | Thursday |
| 2026 | October | 9 | Friday |
Observed
National Sneakers Day is celebrated annually on October 9th, with enthusiasts worldwide showcasing their favorite pairs and collectors sharing their prized possessions.
Fun Facts About Sneakers
- Sneakerheads are dedicated sneaker collectors
- The first female athlete-named sneaker was Nike Air Swoopes
- Nike was almost named “Dimension Six”
- Michael Jordan initially preferred Adidas over Nike
Quiz
- When was the term “sneakers” first documented?
- Who was the first non-athlete to get a sneaker endorsement deal?
- What year did the first rubber-soled shoes appear in the US?
-(Answers: 1887, Run-DMC, 1892)
FAQs
Q: Why are they called sneakers?
A: The rubber soles allowed quiet, stealthy movement.
Q: Where is the term most commonly used?
A: Northeastern United States and Southern Florida.
Related
- National Shoe The World Day
- World Running Day
- National Athletic Footwear Day
- International Sneakerhead Appreciation Day