Sneakers & Athletic Shoes

A Shoe by Any Other Name

Trainers, sneakers, kicks, beaters, tennis shoes, cross trainers, runners. No matter what you call them, one thing is indisputable: Sneakers have been around for a pretty long time. While their original design was ideal for sports and athletic events, over time, sneakers evolved to everyday-wear. At Hibbett | City Gear, we have sneakers from brands like adidas, Nike, Under Armour, PUMA and Jordan. We have classic styles, retro releases and modern colorways in sizes for the whole family.

The History of Sneakers

In the late 1800s, tennis shoes often went by the name “plimsolls” because, like the Plimsoll Line on a ship’s hull — the line where water cannot go higher — similarly, the shoe couldn’t get wet past its rubber outsole. Original sneakers were used for sport — on the tennis or croquet courts. The first actual running shoes debuted in 1895, and around the dawn of the 20th century, the shoes got their “sneakers” moniker. Shoes featuring rubber soles began gaining popularity everywhere from the basketball court to Olympic sports.

After World War II, sneakers made their way onto the feet of schoolchildren, joggers, footballers and basketball players. It wasn’t until the mid-80s and 1990s, however, that sneakers gained the cultural significance they now enjoy, thanks to ingenious marketing, iconic collaborations and rereleases of retro footwear.

What to Wear with Sneakers

These days, sneakers are everywhere. From the gym to school and the track to the club, sneakers can take you seamlessly from early morning to late evening with their all-day comfort, versatility, durability and style. Choose a sleek pair of sneaks to complement a casual dress or skirt. Go with something vibrant and bulky to compliment a pair of skinny jeans and a tee. Cuff a pair of pants, and throw on some old-school kicks like Chucks. Slide on a pair of Vans with a hoodie and skate shorts. The possibilities are endless. No matter where you go on your journey, you’ll no doubt find a pair of sneakers to take you there.

As a premium sneaker retailer, Hibbett | City Gear can connect you with some of the hottest shoes in history. Looking to snag the latest Jordans? How about a new pair of adidas running shoes featuring cutting-edge technology and lightweight materials? Need a casual Nike lifestyle shoe that goes with any outfit?

Look to Hibbett | City Gear both in-stores and online. We offer classic sneaker collections, hot new releases and everything in between.

Black and White Shoes | Nike Air Force 1