What is the Difference Between Boots and Sneakers

The main difference between boots and sneakers is that boots are sturdy, strong and durable while sneakers are light and comfortable.

Boots are sturdy footwear that covers feet, ankles, and sometimes even lower legs. Sneakers are soft, light and comfortable shoes suitable for sports or other physical exercises. Both types of footwear are suitable for physical activities. 

Key Areas Covered

1. What are Boots
     – Definition, Features, Design
2. What are Sneakers
     – Definition, Features, Design
3. Similarities Between Boots and Sneakers
      – Outline of Common Features
4. What is the Difference Between Boots and Sneakers
    – Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms

Boots, Sneakers, Shoes

What are Boots

Boots are sturdy footwear that covers feet, ankles, and sometimes even lower legs. They are typically larger and higher than regular shoes and sandals. Traditionally, boots were made of leather or rubber, but modern boots are made from various materials. Most boots have a heel that is distinguishable from the rest of the sole. Some boots are held by bootlaces or bootstraps.

There are different styles and types of boots. Cowboy boots, army boots, riding boots, fashion boots, and Chelsea boots are some famous styles. Moreover, we can also classify according to their function. Rain boots are boots made of rubber or plastic. They provide protection against rain and water. Winter boots, on the other hand, are boots that keep your feet warm in cold weather. Worker boots or construction boots are for people who work in construction or factories.

What are Sneakers

Sneakers are soft, light and comfortable shoes suitable for sports or other physical exercises. Since we use them for physical exercise, we also call them trainers, athletic shoes, tennis shoes, running shoes, gym shoes, and sports shoes. You can wear sneakers every day, as casual wear.

Looking at the basic design of sneakers, the shoe’s upper part is made with cloth or synthetic substitute while the sole is flexible and made with rubber or some other synthetic material. These rubber sole make the shoe extremely comfortable, even while doing sports or physical activity. The name sneaker comes from the squeaky noise these rubber soles produce while walking. Moreover, most people refer to all shoes with rubber soles as sneakers, but this is incorrect.

There are different styles and designs of sneakers; some include high tops covering the ankle, low tops (do not cover ankles), mid-tops (between high tops and low tops), and sneaker boots. Adidas, Nike, Fila, Puma, Brooks and Converse are some popular shoe brands that manufacture sneakers.

Similarities Between Boots and Sneakers

• Both men and women wear boots and sneakers.
• You can wear them while engaging in physical activities.

Difference Between Boots and Sneakers

Definition

Boots are sturdy footwear that covers the foot and ankle while sneakers are soft, light and comfortable shoes suitable for sports or other physical exercises.

Features

Boots are sturdy, strong and durable while sneakers are soft and comfortable.

Size

Boots are usually larger and higher than sneakers.

Coverage

Furthermore, boots cover the foot, ankle, sometimes lower leg or knee while sneakers only cover feet and some parts of the ankle.

Rain and Snow

You can wear boots in rain and snow, and any weather condition, but rain and snow can damage sneakers.

Conclusion

The main difference between boots and sneakers is that boots are sturdy, strong and durable while sneakers are light and comfortable. Boots are usually larger and higher than sneakers and you can wear boots in any weather, including heavy rain and snow.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Brown, men’s boots, shoes” (CC0) via Pikist
2. “Nike, sports shoes, sneaker, sneakers, sport shoe, style, fashion, shoes, leisure” (CC0) via Pikist