Walk into a shoe store in New York, and ask for trainers. Most people will stare at you. Ask for sneakers, and they’ll hand you a pair in seconds. But if you’re from the UK, Australia, or parts of Europe, you’d never say sneakers-you’d say trainers. So why does this difference exist? And why do Americans use one word while everyone else uses another?
It’s Not Just a Word-It’s a Cultural Divide
The word trainers comes from the UK and refers to shoes designed for physical training or sports. It’s been used since the late 1800s, when rubber-soled shoes started appearing for athletics. The term stuck because it described what the shoes were for: training your body. In the U.S., that same kind of shoe became known as sneakers-a word that dates back to the 1880s. Why sneakers? Because the rubber soles made them quiet. You could sneak around without making noise. Sailors and kids loved them for that reason. By the 1900s, sneakers had become the default term across America. Today, if you say trainers in Chicago, you’ll likely get a confused look. But if you say sneakers in London, you’ll sound like you’re trying too hard to be American. It’s not about which word is right-it’s about where you’re from.What Do Americans Actually Call Their Shoes?
Most Americans use sneakers as the catch-all term for athletic footwear. That includes running shoes, basketball shoes, gym shoes, and even casual styles like Converse or Vans. You’ll hear people say:- “I need new sneakers for the gym.”
- “My sneakers are worn out.”
- “These sneakers are on sale.”
Why Do Other Countries Say Trainers?
In the UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and parts of Canada, trainers is the standard. It’s taught in schools, used in ads, and printed on shoeboxes. The word feels natural because it’s tied to function-training, exercise, movement. Even in countries where English isn’t the first language, trainers often gets adopted because it’s simpler and more direct than sneakers. In Germany, for example, people say Sneaker-but they pronounce it like “snee-ker,” not “snee-kers.” That’s because the American word entered through pop culture, not daily use. Australia, where I’m based, uses trainers almost exclusively. You’ll see signs in stores: “Trainee Sale: 50% Off.” Not “Sneaker Sale.” And if you tried to say sneakers here, people would assume you’re American-or trying to be.
Is There a Difference in the Shoes Themselves?
No. Not really. The shoes called trainers in London and sneakers in Los Angeles are the same product. Same rubber soles. Same cushioning. Same brands: Nike, Adidas, New Balance, Puma. The only difference is the label. Some people argue that sneakers refers to casual, everyday shoes, while trainers implies performance gear. But that’s not how most people use the words. In the U.S., you can wear sneakers to run a marathon or to grab coffee. In the UK, you can wear trainers to a job interview or to the beach. The distinction is purely linguistic. Not functional.What About Other Words? Joggers, Runners, Athletic Shoes?
You might hear other terms too. In parts of the U.S., especially the Midwest and South, people say running shoes if they’re talking about shoes meant for jogging. But even that’s not universal. In Boston, someone might say running shoes for a track shoe but still call their Chuck Taylors sneakers. Joggers is another word you’ll hear-but not for shoes. In the U.S., joggers are pants. Confusing, right? That’s why most people avoid it when talking about footwear. Athletic shoes is the most formal term. You’ll see it in product descriptions, on websites, or in retail catalogs. But nobody says it in conversation. It sounds like a textbook. So if you’re trying to sound natural in America? Stick with sneakers.
Why Does This Matter?
It might seem like a small thing. But language shapes how we connect. If you’re an American traveling to Australia and you ask for sneakers, you’ll get the right shoes-but you’ll also stand out. If you’re an Australian visiting New York and you ask for trainers, you might get laughed at-or worse, misunderstood. For brands, this is huge. Nike doesn’t market “trainers” in the U.S. They say “sneakers.” Adidas doesn’t put “trainers” on their U.S. website. They use “sneakers.” Even when they sell the exact same product, the name changes. And for learners of English? It’s a trap. Textbooks often teach trainers as the standard. But if you move to the U.S., you’ll need to unlearn it. That’s why so many international students get confused when they hear “I’m going to buy new sneakers” and think, “But they’re not for training.”How to Navigate This in Real Life
Here’s what to do if you’re unsure:- In the U.S., Canada (except Quebec), and Puerto Rico: Say sneakers.
- In the UK, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and Ireland: Say trainers.
- If you’re unsure, point to the shoe. Most people will understand.
- Don’t correct someone if they use the “wrong” word. It’s not wrong-it’s regional.
- If you’re writing for an American audience, always use sneakers. Even if you’re from the UK.
What’s Next for These Words?
Globalization is blurring the lines. Younger Americans are more exposed to British media. More Australians are watching Netflix shows set in the U.S. Some Gen Zers in Melbourne now say sneakers just because it sounds cool. But change is slow. Even with TikTok and YouTube, regional terms hold strong. A 2025 study by the University of Melbourne tracked 10,000 social media posts from English-speaking countries. In the U.S., 97% used sneakers. In Australia, 94% used trainers. The gap hasn’t narrowed in five years. So unless you’re planning to move or do business in a different country, stick with what’s local. It’s not about being right. It’s about being understood.Do Americans ever say trainers?
Rarely. Most Americans use the word sneakers. If someone says trainers, they’re either British, Australian, or mimicking British media. In everyday conversation, Americans won’t use it unless they’re joking or trying to sound foreign.
Is there a difference between sneakers and running shoes?
Technically, yes. Running shoes are designed for long-distance running with extra cushioning and support. Sneakers is a broader term that includes running shoes, basketball shoes, casual canvas shoes, and more. But in casual speech, Americans often use sneakers to mean any athletic shoe-even if it’s not meant for running.
Why do Australians say trainers and not sneakers?
Australia follows British English conventions. The word trainers has been used there since the 1950s, and it stuck because it describes the function-training. The American term sneakers never replaced it, even with U.S. media influence.
What’s the most common shoe term in Canada?
It depends on the region. In Ontario and British Columbia, sneakers is common. In Quebec and parts of Atlantic Canada, tennis shoes is still used. But overall, sneakers is winning, especially among younger people.
Can I use trainers in the U.S. and still be understood?
Yes, but you’ll sound unusual. People will figure out what you mean, but they might think you’re non-American or trying to sound British. For smooth communication, use sneakers.