Terms
A-M
N-Z
Beater -
A term used to describe a sneaker that has been excessively worn. This sneaker more than likely has many stains and signs of damage.
OBO -
An acronym for ‘Or Best Offer’ used when selling a shoe and the seller is not firm on a set price.
B-Grade -
A sneaker that is considered ‘B Grade’ implies that the shoe contains flaws/errors that were sustained during the manufacturing process. You can typically find these sneakers at a lower price point in outlet stores.
OG -
An abbreviation for ‘original.’ An OG sneaker is authentic.
Colorway -
An adjective used to describe the color of the materials used to design the shoe. Sneakers can be produced in the same model, but in different colorways.
PE -
An acronym for ‘Player Exclusive.’ Sneakers can be created as a 1 of 1 model upon an athlete or team’s request.
Cop -
In a simple wording, ‘cop’ is a synonym to ‘buy’ or ‘get.’ When a popular sneaker is released you may hear buyers stating they ‘copped’ the shoe.
Quickstrike -
A sneaker release that does not align with a specified date. A ‘quickstrike’ is an unexpected release by the company. This changes the anticipation of buyers and can sometimes increase the luck of buyers.
Drop -
1.The opposite of ‘cop’. If a buyer is not interested in a sneaker, they will ‘drop’ the shoe. This does not mean the shoe is purchased and then resold. ‘Drop’ implies the decision to pass on the shoe so to speak.
2. A synonym for ‘release.’
Rep -
A shortened version of the word ‘replica.’ It is common for popular shoes to sometimes come with a ‘rep box’ meaning the box was purchased separately due to loss of the original or damage.
DS -
Deadstock. The sneaker is brand new. Factory lacing has not been tampered with nor has the shoe been put on foot.
Retro -
A sneaker release inspired by an old colorway. ‘Retros’ are typically identical to the original release, but can include minor modifications to the details of the sneaker.
Fufu -
A peculiar word used to describe a shoe that is fake. This shoe was NOT made by the company and more than likely produced by a scam organization trying to recreate the look of the shoe without authentication. Their goal is to maximize profit using cheap or improper materials.
Sample -
A rare model of a sneaker release created by the designer or brand to promote the sale or test the current model. ‘Samples’ are much more expensive than the final draft of the sneaker which is put into mass production.
F&F -
Friends and Family. Sneakers can be modified in unique ways that will only be available to the close friends and family of the designer. This makes the product rare and drives up the price tremendously.
Sleepers -
Sneakers that do not seem to peak the interest of majority of buyers but others see a large value in. ‘Sleepers’ are easier to purchase due to the extended amount of time they remain in stock at retailers.
Grail -
A sneaker that is considered a ‘grail’ is one that the buyer has aimed to own for quite a bit of time and has an increased level in pride of ownership for this specific shoe. All sneaker wearers can have a different ‘grail’. This depends on the level of appeal and personal interest.
UA -
Unauthentic. The sneaker was not authenticated by the company and is a fake model.
GS -
Grade School. This is used as a sizing reference and can be defined by the ‘3.5Y-7Y’ size group in sneakers.
UNDS -
Undeadstock. A verb used to predict a time when the buyer will wear the shoe for the first time. Many buyers choose specific occasions to ‘UNDS’ their new purchase.
Icy -
An adjective used to describe the sole of a shoe. If the sole of a shoe is identified as ‘icy’ this means the sole is made from a clear rubber material or blue-tinted rubber. This material has a higher risk of yellowing due to oxidation.
3M -
A company-designed reflective material that has become popular in the fashion and sneaker industry.
Instacop -
A must have. This implies the sneaker will be bought instantly by anyone who claims it to be an ‘instacop.’ Regardless of the retail price.
4D -
An exclusive term for an Adidas shoe sole that is made from a liquid which solidifies and takes the shape of a lattice-like structure. ‘4D’ soles are known for their prestige support for athletes or runners.