athletic shoe: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Neutral to Informal
Quick answer
What does “athletic shoe” mean?
A type of footwear designed primarily for sports and physical activities, typically characterized by flexible soles, cushioning, and supportive uppers.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A type of footwear designed primarily for sports and physical activities, typically characterized by flexible soles, cushioning, and supportive uppers.
While originally for sports, athletic shoes are now widely worn as casual or fashion footwear. The term can encompass various specialized designs (e.g., running shoes, basketball shoes) and also broadly refers to any sneaker or trainer designed with an athletic aesthetic or heritage.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, the generic term is more likely 'trainer(s)' or possibly 'sports shoe'. 'Athletic shoe' is understood but sounds American. In American English, 'athletic shoe' is a standard category term, competing with 'sneakers' (more casual/general) and specific terms like 'running shoes'.
Connotations
UK: Slightly formal/technical or Americanized. US: Neutral, descriptive, associated with retail and specific activity.
Frequency
Higher frequency in American English, especially in commercial/formal contexts. Lower frequency in British everyday speech.
Grammar
How to Use “athletic shoe” in a Sentence
[VERB] + athletic shoes: wear, buy, lace up, tie, put on, design, manufacture[ADJ] + athletic shoes: supportive, cushioned, worn-out, specialist, cross-trainingVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “athletic shoe” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- I need to get a new pair of athletic shoes for the gym.
- The store has a wide range of athletic shoes.
American English
- Her go-to athletic shoes are great for long walks.
- He works in athletic shoe design.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to the product category in retail, manufacturing, and marketing reports (e.g., 'The athletic shoe segment saw 5% growth').
Academic
Used in sports science, biomechanics, or design studies discussing footwear technology and its impact on performance or injury.
Everyday
Common in contexts like shopping, discussing gym attire, or casual plans (e.g., 'Wear your athletic shoes for the walk').
Technical
Used in podiatry, orthopedics, and sports medicine to specify footwear prescribed for support during activity.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “athletic shoe”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “athletic shoe”
- Using 'athletic shoes' in casual UK conversation where 'trainers' is expected.
- Misspelling as 'athletic shoo'.
- Using it to refer to cleats/spikes (football boots) or specialised footwear not designed for general training/running.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is neutral but somewhat formal/descriptive in everyday conversation. In commercial or technical contexts, it's standard.
In US English, 'sneakers' is a broad, casual term for all soft-soled casual shoes. 'Athletic shoes' specifically emphasizes design for sports or physical activity, though the line is blurry.
Yes, you will be understood, but it will mark you as using an Americanism. The natural British term is 'trainers' or 'sports shoes'.
Not exactly. 'Running shoes' are a specific type of athletic shoe designed for running. 'Athletic shoes' is a broader category that includes running shoes, basketball shoes, cross-trainers, etc.
A type of footwear designed primarily for sports and physical activities, typically characterized by flexible soles, cushioning, and supportive uppers.
Athletic shoe: in British English it is pronounced /æθˈlɛt.ɪk ʃuː/, and in American English it is pronounced /æθˈlɛt̬.ɪk ʃuː/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “On a shoestring (budget) – unrelated but phonetically similar word 'shoe'.”
- “If the shoe fits – unrelated proverb.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine an ATHLETE tying their SHOES before a race. The two words combine to name what they put on their feet.
Conceptual Metaphor
FOOTWEAR IS EQUIPMENT (for the sport of life/activity); A SHOE IS A TOOL (for movement and protection).
Practice
Quiz
Which term is LEAST likely to be used in a British high street shop to label a shelf of sneakers?