The Rice University Neologisms Database

Sneaker has come to represent a shoe that was made for the purpose of playing sports or daily wear. However, because collectable sneakers are rather expensive, it is unlikely that a sneakerhead will wear his/her sneakers during any rigorous activity. In fact, sneakerheads will put a lot of effort in keeping their shoes looking new, e.g. walking in a specific way as to not put a crease in the toe or watching the weather forecast very diligently. Some may even go so far as to buy two of the same pair: one for wear, the other for display. The definition of sneakers within the sneakerhead culture has therefore become specialized, referring to shoes that 1) may never be worn, but also 2) could be considered acceptable in formal situations. Clubs often specify in their dresscodes that sneakers are not allowed, but make exceptions for these certain types of sneakers.

Sneakerheads in this way are distinctly different than someone who simply has expensive shoe taste. The compound of sneaker + head speaks to the fanatical nature of the sneakerhead--always having sneakers on their mind. Because of this, shoe companies have devised strategies in order to appeal to sneakerheads by offering things such as "quick hit" shoes, where only a few hundred exist in the world, or opening "pop-up stores" that temporarily sell limited editions shoes. Camping out overnight for these shoes in particular is a sure sign that one is a sneakerhead, and is symbolic of the sneakerhead culture.