Casual Trainers: What Are They Called? Ultimate Guide to Names & Styles

Think about those shoes you see everywhere—from airport lounges to college campuses, coffee shops to city sidewalks. The classic low-top, lace-up style that goes with practically everything. Here’s the wild part: what you call these shoes probably depends on where you live, your age, and even your favorite brands. If you’ve called them trainers, sneakers, runners, kicks, or even Tennies, you’re not alone. The naming debate is nowhere near settled. Let’s settle it right here—what exactly are casual trainers, and what are people really calling them?

Names for Casual Trainers Around the World

Here’s the fun bit—there’s no single name everyone agrees on. In the UK, "trainers" is the top pick. Wander into any British department store or scroll through online listings, you’ll find pages of “men’s trainers” and “women’s trainers.” But hop the Atlantic, and in the US you’re in “sneaker” country. Go south to Australia, and suddenly you’re buying "runners." Some Canadians love “runners” or “sneakers,” but you might also hear "tennis shoes" or even "kicks."

Check out this mix of what people call casual trainers in different countries and cities, drawn straight from a survey by Statista in 2023:

And let’s not forget brand influence. Ever heard someone call trainers “Vans” or “Converse” regardless of the brand? Brands like Nike and Adidas are so big that sometimes, their names are even used for the shoe itself, the way “Kleenex” became a stand-in for tissue.

Why So Many Names? The History Behind the Lingo

Shoes didn’t always have a hundred names. Flip back to the 1800s and people used "plimsolls" for gym shoes—simple canvas shoes with rubber soles. The word “sneaker” took off in the US around 1917, thanks to the fact that soft rubber soles let you walk quietly or “sneak.” The UK’s “trainer” comes from their original purpose: training for sports.

Language kept evolving with pop culture, technology, and advertising. In the 1980s, “kicks” landed in youth slang via hip-hop culture and sneaker collecting. The word “runners” highlights how a lot of these shoes started as strictly athletic gear. As casualwear took over, so did mash-ups—now you’ll see hybrid terms like "fashion sneakers." Some brands even made up their own names for basically the same shoe—think Reebok “Classics” or Adidas “Superstar.” Sometimes, people miss the subtle differences and just pick the most familiar word. Ever mislabeled trainers as “tennis shoes” when they never hit the court? That’s more common than you think.

Types of Casual Trainers and How to Spot the Difference

So, what actually counts as a casual trainer? The details matter. Casual trainers usually have a rubber sole, lace-up closure, and fabric or leather upper. Athletic trainers focus on support, grip, and performance features—think running shoes and basketball shoes. But casual trainers? They’re optimized for style, comfort, and matching your jeans (or dresses or even, yes, suits if you’re feeling brave).

Here are the most common types, and how to recognize them:

• Sneakers – All-rounders; can be athletic or just for fashion. Usually a rubber sole with a fabric or synthetic upper.
• Plimsolls – Canvas material, minimal structure, very basic sole. Old-school gym class style.
• Slip-ons – No laces, pull on and go. Vans made this shape famous, and they’re pure ease.
• Tennis shoes – Originally made for tennis, but the word gets used for all kinds of trainers in the US. Usually slimmer profile than runners.
• Fashion trainers – Less about sport and more for style. Extra padding, bold colors, and branding are the norm.
• Dad sneakers – Chunky, bulky, straight from the 90s, and back in fashion big time.
• High-tops – These rise above the ankle and are as likely to show up at a music festival as on a basketball court.
• Skate shoes – Flat sole with extra padding for impact; almost always paired with streetwear.

Each of these has its signature look. Vans Old Skool’s white sidestripe, Converse’s round logo patch, Adidas’s three stripes—iconic styles, instantly recognizable. Nike’s Air Force 1 is so loved, it’s sold over 10 million pairs every year since 2015!

How to Choose and Style Casual Trainers

If you’re buying casual trainers in 2025, you’ve got choices—maybe too many. Shopping online? Look for key words in the title: "sneakers," "trainers," "runners," “low-top,” “casual shoes.” Don’t get tripped up by brand lingo—Reebok might call them “classics,” while Adidas says “lifestyle.”

Picking trainers is way more than following a trend. Look at the kind of daily life you lead. Are you a city walker or weekend jogger, or do you just want comfy shoes for running errands? Leather styles dress up better, while mesh or fabric is great for those who run warm or want something lighter. White is classic, but bold prints are very in right now. Wearing all-black trainers? Instant upgrade for almost any outfit.

People are also caring more about what’s inside their trainers—think sustainability or vegan leather. Adidas announced that 16% of its sneakers sold last year used mostly recycled material. Eco-friendly brands are easy to spot: Veja, Allbirds, Cariuma. Even the insoles get attention these days—memory foam, odor control, moisture wicking.

Here are a few insider tips:

• Always go a half size up if you’re between sizes. Most trainers run smaller than formal shoes.
• Break new trainers in by wearing them around the house for short bursts, instead of going for a long city walk on day one.
• Try different lacing techniques if you get heel slip or pressure points. There are at least a dozen ways to lace trainers!
• Store them with shoe trees to avoid that floppy, creased look.
• Clean them regularly—white trainers stay white a lot longer if you don’t wait until they’re grey.
• Yes, you can wear trainers with a dress or even a suit—just pick lower-profile styles and keep them fresh.

And when it comes to budget, don’t stress—there are good casual trainers at every price from $30 supermarket classics to $800 designer collaborations.

What’s New? Trends and Must-Know Facts in 2025

People care more now about comfort and self-expression than ever before, and trainers sit right at the crossroads of both. In 2025, chunky soles haven’t gone anywhere; think Balenciaga Triple S or Nike’s Air Max series. Athleisure is still leading the charge—trainers with tracksuits, obviously, but also with tailored trousers and even skirts.

Celebrities and pop culture are steering the trainer bus. Beyoncé’s Ivy Park trainers sold out in minutes this spring. TikTok drove the “socks-over-trainers” trend, while Instagram style feeds are packed with platform soles and colorful details. Interest isn’t just about looks—according to a 2024 industry report from Footwear News, 54% of Gen Z say they care more about the story behind a brand and ethical sourcing than a shoe’s performance.

Want to keep your trainers looking sharp? Experts swear by cleaning them with a toothbrush and a paste made of baking soda and water. Take out laces and insoles before washing. For any colored trainers, skip bleach and use a laundry bag if you toss them in a machine.

If you’re hunting for rare styles, sneaker trading and reselling is a whole universe—sites like StockX, GOAT, and Depop have made it easy to snag limited drops (if you can handle the price tag). But you don’t have to spend a fortune. Classic white Stan Smiths or New Balance 574s are everywhere but never out of style.

And yes, the nickname war continues. Even among friends, the debate is real. Whether you say trainers, sneakers, or something else—you’re speaking a global language. The main thing? Wear what feels good and fits your style, because honestly, everyone’s talking about the same thing: comfortable, easy-to-wear shoes that go the distance.