Arbit's Essential
Sneakerhead
Dictionary
How big of a sneakerhead are you?
ππ‘ Test your knowledge of the 50 most important definitions in the sneaker game.
β
β
Aglet: The plastic or metal tip at the end of a shoelace.
β
Authenticity Checks: Methods to verify the legitimacy of sneakers. π―
β
Beaters: Sneakers that are worn regularly and show signs of heavy use.
β
Botting: Using automated software to purchase sneakers quickly. π€
β
Bred: A colorway of black and red, commonly associated with Air Jordan sneakers.
![Jordan 4 Retro OG Bred](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/63960dc5fb295182678f5a6a/668001f4747777a7dd0e894e_jordan%204%20bred%20polaroid.png)
Collab: Short for collaboration, when two or more brands or designers work together on a sneaker release.
β
Color Blocking: The arrangement and placement of different colors on a sneaker.
β
Colorway: The combination of colors used on a sneaker.
β
Copping: Slang for purchasing or acquiring sneakers.
β
Customs: Sneakers that have been modified or personalized by artists.
β
Deadstock (DS): A pair of sneakers that are brand new, unworn, and in original condition.
β
Drop: The release of a new sneaker.
β
Exclusive: A sneaker release that is limited to a specific store, region, or group.
β
βF&F (Friends and Family): Exclusive sneakers given to friends and family of the brand or designer, not sold to the public.
β
Fake Sneaker: A counterfeit or replica of an authentic sneaker, often made to deceive buyers into believing it is a genuine product.
β
Flipping: Buying sneakers and reselling them at a higher price for profit.
β
GR (General Release): Sneakers that are widely available and not limited in quantity.
β
Heat: Highly sought-after and desirable sneakers. π₯
β
βHeat Check: Assessing someoneβs sneaker collection or current wear to gauge their sneaker credibility.
β
βHype: The excitement and demand surrounding a particular sneaker release.
β
Hypebeast: A person who buys trendy and hyped sneakers and streetwear to stay in style.
β
Insole: The inner part of the shoe that provides cushioning and support.
β
Jβs: A common nickname for Air Jordan sneakers, a popular and iconic line of basketball shoes created by Nike in collaboration with Michael Jordan.
β
Jumpman: The logo of Michael Jordan, featured on Air Jordan sneakers.
β
![](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/63960dc5fb295182678f5a6a/667ffb6ba23bb1e36686a280_jumpman%20logo.png)
Kicks: Slang for sneakers.
β
L (Loss): Refers to not being able to purchase a desired sneaker, often used in "taking an L."
β
Lace Swap: Changing the original laces of a sneaker to a different color or style.
β
Limited Edition (LE): Sneakers produced in limited quantities.
β
Midsole: The part of the sneaker between the outsole and the upper, often containing cushioning technology.
β
OG (Original): The original release of a sneaker model or colorway.
β
![adidas Yeezy Boost 350 Zebra](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/63960dc5fb295182678f5a6a/667ff5f8b40940f4f397c8c6_jordan%201%20chicago%20ad.jpg)
Outsole: The bottom part of the sneaker that comes in contact with the ground.
β
P.E. (Player Exclusive): Sneakers made specifically for professional athletes.
β
Pigeon: Refers to the Nike SB Dunk Low "Pigeon," known for its rarity and high resale value.
β
Quickstrike (QS): A limited release sneaker that is not widely advertised and often released without much notice.
β
Resell/Resale Market: The aftermarket where sneakers are bought and sold, typically at higher or lower prices than retail.
β
Restock: When a previously sold-out sneaker is made available for purchase again.
β
Retro: A re-release of a previously released sneaker, often with minor updates.
β
Sample: A prototype of a sneaker, often used for testing and not sold to the public.
β
Shoe Game: Refers to a person's knowledge, collection, and involvement in sneaker culture.
β
Silhouette: The overall shape and design of a sneaker model.
β
Sneaker Conventions: Events where enthusiasts buy, sell, and trade sneakers.
![adidas Yeezy Boost 350 Zebra](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/63960dc5fb295182678f5a6a/667ff146d2f63a8d4b158f5c_sneakercon%20dallas%20small.png)
βSneaker Investments: Treating sneakers as assets with potential resale value.
β
Sneaker Restoration: The process of cleaning, repairing, and restoring sneakers to their original condition, often involving repainting, re-gluing, and other detailed work.
β
Sneakerhead: A person who collects, trades, and admires sneakers as a hobby.
β
Sockliner: The removable insole of a sneaker.
β
Sole Swap: Replacing the sole of a sneaker with a different sole, often for customization.
β
TTS (True to Size): Refers to sneakers that fit according to standard sizing.
β
Unboxing: Videos showcasing the opening of new sneaker packages.
β
Uppers: The top part of the sneaker that covers the foot.
β
VNDS (Very Near Deadstock): A sneaker that has been worn once or twice but is still in excellent condition.
β
Yeezy: A popular line of sneakers designed by Kanye West in collaboration with Adidas.
![adidas Yeezy Boost 350 Zebra](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/63960dc5fb295182678f5a6a/667ef96320c364788049f3d7_yeezy%20350%20zeba.png)