Sneaker Glossary

Are you new to sneakers or have you been in the game for a while, but some terms just don’t make sense to you? Then the HEAT MVMNT Sneaker Glossary is the perfect place for you. Here you’ll find virtually all abbreviations and terms along with their meanings. The sneaker terms are listed alphabetically so you can find exactly what you’re looking for right away. From aglets to deadstock to unboxing, you’ll find it all here. Have fun browsing!

All terms:

Aglets

These are the shoelace tips. They’re made of metal or plastic, which varies from model to model.

Beater

The “beater” is an everyday sneaker. You wear it for just about anything: shopping, going for a walk, taking out the trash, etc. It’s been a while since you last cleaned it, and it doesn’t require much attention.

Bot

Bots are computer programs designed to flood the sneaker release page and do everything in their power to buy the sneakers. Anyone trying to do this manually usually doesn’t stand a chance.

Campout

This is probably the most exciting way to get sneakers. You “camp out” in front of the store until the sneakers are released. The rule here is: first come, first served! This can easily take over 24 or even 48 hours. So make sure to bring plenty of supplies—and preferably don’t go alone, or it’ll get boring!

Collaboration (Collab)

A collaboration is a partnership between two parties: brand x brand, artist x brand, musician x brand, etc. For example, Travis Scott x Jordan!

Colorway (CW)

Describes the color scheme of a sneaker.

Cop or Drop

Buy or not buy?

Custom

A custom sneaker is a sneaker that has undergone visual modifications through color, different materials, etc. (Not done by the brand itself)

Deadstock (DS)

Describes the condition of a sneaker. Deadstock refers to a sneaker that is new and unworn.

Deadstock with Tags (DSWT)

Also describes the condition of a sneaker. It’s often used in reselling. It means the sneaker is unworn and still has its original tags attached.

Drop

The drop is the same as the release of a sneaker. For example, the drop (release) usually takes place at 9 a.m.

Discord Cook Group

This usually refers to a group or community on the Discord platform that often uses bots to display available sizes of sneakers.

Early Access

You’ve received early access to a sneaker—usually 2–3 days before the release.

Exclusive Access

You’ll be granted exclusive access to a sneaker from the past.

Fake/Fufu/Replica 

The sneaker is not an original, but a 1:1 replica—it’s a fake!

Ground School (GS)

In German, “GS” refers to “shoes for older children.” Sizes for GS models typically range from size 35.5 to 40.

General Release (GR)

This term refers to the release of sneakers that don’t receive as much attention as limited-edition models and will be available in very large quantities—often even in unlimited quantities.

Grail

A “Grail” can mean a different sneaker for each person. A sneaker that wasn’t easy to get, an emotional connection to a shoe, or simply the shoe’s unique design can be the deciding factors here. It could be an “Air Yeezy 2 Red October” or an “Air Force 1 Shadow.” Everyone has their own personal sneaker Grail that they absolutely want to own someday.

Heat

This is slang used to describe a sneaker. “Got some heat on again today?” “Heat” refers to sneakers that are rare or special, or simply have an extremely high market value.

Hypebeast

A “hypebeast” is someone who follows every trend and identifies with it as long as the trend lasts.

L

L = Lost—you didn’t receive the sneaker.

Laces

These are shoelaces.

Leak

A “leak” refers to the unauthorized or unofficial release of information, images, or data about releases or collaborations.

Nike Member

A membership or account on Nike.com.

OG (Original)

The product is authentic.

On Feet

“On feet” refers to a photo of sneakers “on the foot.”

Primary School (PS)

In German, this term refers to “shoes for younger children.” Sizes range from 27.5 to 35.

Raffle

Means “raffle.” This is where sneaker stores raffle off the right to purchase limited-edition sneakers. It can also be a simple contest.

Release

The time when the sneaker is released.

Retro

“Retro” is often used for Jordans and means that this sneaker has already been released in a similar form. As soon as the material or colorway has been released before, the name “Retro” is added to the shoe’s title.

Reseller

Resellers are people who resell limited-edition sneakers above retail price to make a profit. The sale can be commercial, as with our friends at HYPENEEDZ, or take place privately.

Restock

A restock means that sneakers—or specific sizes of sneakers—that were previously sold out are available again. You can get restock alerts through our HEAT MVMNT App.

SE

SE stands for Special Edition

Shock Drop

This refers to a sneaker release where no information about the drop was circulating beforehand. It’s therefore a surprise release.

Surprise Drop

When a sneaker goes live on a website that hasn’t been seen anywhere else before.

Sizerun (SR)

“Sizerun” simply refers to the size range of the sneakers. For toddlers, this ranges from EU16 to EU40. For women, from EU34.5 to EU56. For men, from EU35 to EU56.5.

Store

Often used instead of “shop” and essentially refers to the store where you can buy the sneakers.

Stacked

In "stacked" style, this refers to when the pants fall over the sneakers.

Suede

Suede is a type of leather. Suede is often used as the upper material for sneakers.

Sneaker

What does “sneaker” actually mean? “Sneaker” is the English technical term for athletic shoes. The word “sneaker” has been adopted so widely into other languages that virtually everyone around the world understands what a sneaker is. Among other things, a sneaker is a shoe worn on the street. It has no special features.

True To Size (TTS)

The shoe isn’t too small or too big. It fits exactly according to the size.

Upper

The upper refers to the top part of the sneaker.

Unboxing

Describes the process of unboxing sneakers. Often seen on YouTube or other platforms. Here, sneakers are unboxed and presented in detail.

What’s on your feet? (WOYF)

Translated into German: “What are you wearing on your feet?”

What do you wear today? (WDYWT)

Translated into German, the question is “What are you wearing today?”

W

W = Win—you were selected and received the sneaker.

We hope this glossary has been helpful and that you’re now ready to take on the sneaker game! However, if there are any terms missing that you think should be added to the glossary, feel free to message us on Instagram!