What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
shoe
Example
I need to buy a new pair of shoes for my job interview. [shoes: noun]
Example
She shined her black leather shoes before the wedding. [shoes: noun]
sneaker
Example
I wear my sneakers to the gym every day. [sneakers: noun]
Example
He likes to wear his sneakers with jeans for a casual look. [sneakers: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Sneaker is more commonly used than shoe in casual and athletic contexts. Shoe is more versatile and can be used in formal and informal contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between shoe and sneaker?
Shoe is typically associated with formal or professional contexts, while sneaker is associated with casual and athletic contexts. However, both words can be used in various formality levels depending on the context.