What is the Difference Between Canvas Shoes and Sneakers

The main difference between canvas shoes and sneakers is that canvas shoes have a canvas top while sneakers have a top made of cloth or a synthetic substitute. 

In fact, canvas shoes are a very basic form of sneakers. The canvas material gives these shoes some unique properties, which make them different from sneakers. However, both these types of shoes are casual shoes worn by men and women. They are soft, lightweight and comfortable. 

Key Areas Covered

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

Key Terms

Canvas Shoes, SneakersDifference Between Canvas Shoes and Sneakers – Comparison Summary

What are Sneakers

Sneakers are a type of soft, light and comfortable shoes suitable for sports or other physical exercises. Since these are used for physical exercise, they are also known in a wide variety of names, including trainers, running shoes, athletic shoes, tennis shoes, gym shoes, and sports shoes. Sneakers are also worn as everyday casual wear.

If we look 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. It is these rubber sole that makes the shoe extremely comfortable, even while doing sports or physical activity. The name sneakers actually comes from the squeaky noise these rubber soles produce while walking. Moreover, most people refer to all shoes with rubber soles with sneakers, but this is not correct.

Main Difference - Canvas Shoes vs Sneakers

There are different models 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.

What are Canvas Shoes

Canvas shoes are light shoes with a canvas upper and a rubber sole. As their name suggests, they are made of canvas – a coarse cloth material made of hemp. Canvas shoes are a very basic form of sneakers. They are available in any many shapes, sizes, colours, and designs. Moreover, they are multi-purpose shoes that can be matched with a wide variety of outfits. Canvas shoes are lightweight, comfortable, versatile, and easy to clean. In addition, they are not very expensive.

Difference Between Canvas Shoes and Sneakers

However, canvas shoes do not have much cushioning, support or shock absorption.  This is why they are not very suitable for intense physical activities like running, aerobics or playing tennis. Sneakers are more suitable for this kind of physical activities. Another drawback of canvas shoes is that they are not good winterwear. Canvas material is not waterproof and not good at insulating the feet against the cold.

Similarities Between Canvas Shoes and Sneakers

  • Canvas shoes and sneakers are worn by both men and women
  • They are casual shoes.
  • Also, both are lightweight and comfortable.
  • Both shoes are suitable for outdoors and sports.

Difference Between Canvas Shoes and Sneakers

Definition

Sneakers are a type of soft, light and comfortable shoes suitable for sports or other physical exercises while canvas shoes are light shoes with a canvas upper and a rubber sole.

Material

The upper part of sneakers is made with cloth or synthetic substitutes while the flexible sole is made with rubber or some other synthetic material; the upper part of canvas shoes is made canvas, which is a coarse cloth material made with hemp.

Inside

Canvas shoes do not have much cushioning, support or shock absorption, while sneakers do.

Sports

Sneakers are suitable for sports activities while canvas shoes are not ideal for some physical activities like running.

Winter

You can wear sneakers in winter, but canvas shoes are not suitable for winter since the material is not waterproof and does not insulate against the cold.

Conclusion

Sneakers are a type of soft, light and comfortable shoes suitable for sports or other physical exercises while canvas shoes are light shoes with a canvas upper and a rubber sole. Sneakers are more common, good for intense physical activities, and used as winterwear while canvas shoes are not suitable for some activities like running and aerobics and are not winterwear. Thus, this is the main difference between canvas shoes and sneakers.

Reference:

1. “What You Should Know About Canvas Shoes.” Fibre2Fashion, Available here.
2. “Sneakers.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 13 July 2020, Available here.

Image Courtesy:

Pixabay

About the Author: Hasa

Hasanthi is a seasoned content writer and editor with over 8 years of experience. Armed with a BA degree in English and a knack for digital marketing, she explores her passions for literature, history, culture, and food through her engaging and informative writing.

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