Shopping For Sneakers In English: Simple Store Dialogue

What does “sneakers” mean in American English?

Sneakers are soft shoes for sport, walking, or just for every day. They have a rubber bottom. Americans say sneakers. British people say “trainers” for the same shoes. The American name has a fun reason. Long ago these shoes had quiet rubber bottoms. Old shoes were loud, but in these you could walk and make no sound. You could “sneak.” That is why they are sneakers.

In the clip the customer says “I’m looking for a new pair of sneakers.” You count them in pairs: “a pair of sneakers.” Other words for the same shoes are “running shoes,” “tennis shoes,” and “kicks.”