Footwear
Sneakers - Clothes and Fashion
20 chapters
intermediateExplore our readings on footwear to learn about a variety of shoes, from sneakers to formal styles, perfect for every occasion and activity.
1.
work of art
[n]
/wˈɜːk ʌv ˈɑːɹt/
something that is exceptionally well-crafted, attractively presented, or intricately detailed, often admired for its beauty or creativity
2.
convention
[n]
/kənˈvɛnʃən/
a large formal meeting or assembly, often of delegates with shared interests or professions
3.
trade
[v]
/treɪd/
to buy and sell or exchange items of value
4.
line up
[v]
/lˈaɪn ˈʌp/
to stand in a line or row extending in a single direction
5.
camp out
[v]
/kˈæmp ˈaʊt/
live in or as if in a tent
6.
overnight
[adv]
/ˈoʊvɝˈnaɪt/
during a single night
7.
passion
[n]
/ˈpæʃən/
a powerful and intense emotion or feeling toward something or someone, often driving one's actions or beliefs
8.
more than meets the eye
[phrase]
/mˈoːɹ ðɐn mˈiːts ðɪ ˈaɪ/
used for saying that a person or thing has more of a specific quality than it seems
9.
sneak
[v]
/ˈsnik/
to move quietly and stealthily, often with the intention of avoiding detection or being unnoticed
10.
footwear
[n]
/ˈfʊtˌwɛr/
things worn on the feet, such as shoes, boots, etc.
11.
stylish
[adj]
/ˈstaɪlɪʃ/
appealing in a way that is fashionable and elegant
12.
[come] a long way
[phrase]
/kˈʌm ɐ lˈɑːŋ wˈeɪ/
to have achieved great success or made great progress
13.
invent
[v]
/ɪnˈvɛnt/
to make or design something that did not exist before
14.
[hold] a place
[phrase]
/hˈoʊld ɐ plˈeɪs/
to have importance or value within a particular field, group, or context
15.
rubber
[n]
/ˈɹəbɝ/
a material that is elastic, water-resistant, and often used in various products such as tires, gloves, and erasers
16.
soled
[adj]
/sˈoʊld/
having a sole or soles especially as specified; used in combination
17.
plimsoll
[n]
/plˈɪmsɑːl/
a type of light athletic shoe made of canvas with a rubber sole glued to it
18.
[change] the game
[phrase]
/tʃˈeɪndʒ ðə ɡˈeɪm/
to have a major impact that significantly alters how something is done, understood, or approached
19.
release
[v]
/rɪˈliːs/
to make a movie, music, etc. available to the public
20.
of all time
[adv]
/ʌv ˈɔːl tˈaɪm/
throughout all of history up to the present
21.
massive
[adj]
/ˈmæsɪv/
exceptionally large or extensive in scope, degree, or impact
22.
hit
[n]
/hɪt/
something, such as a movie, play, song, etc. that is very popular and successful
23.
[get] {one's} hands on {sth}
[phrase]
/ɡɛt wˈʌnz hˈændz ˌɑːn ˌɛstˌiːˈeɪtʃ/
to manage to obtain, acquire, or access something, often after effort or difficulty
24.
symbol
[n]
/ˈsɪmbəl/
something that represents an idea, quality, or concept beyond its literal meaning
25.
{one's} bread and butter
[phrase]
/wˈʌnz bɹˈɛd ænd bˈʌɾɚ/
the main source of a person or business's income
26.
wardrobe
[n]
/ˈwɔrdˌroʊb/
all of the clothes that someone owns
27.
taste
[n]
/teɪst/
a strong liking or preference for something
28.
athlete
[n]
/ˈæθˌlit/
a person who is good at sports and physical exercise, and often competes in sports competitions
29.
perform
[v]
/pɚˈfɔːrm/
to function as specified
30.
lightweight
[adj]
/ˈɫaɪtˈweɪt/
having little weight or mass, making it easy to carry or move
31.
long-distance run
[n]
a sustained period of continuous running at a moderate to high intensity
32.
cushioning
[n]
/ˈkʊʃənɪŋ/, /ˈkʊʃnɪŋ/
artifact consisting of soft or resilient material used to fill or give shape or protect or add comfort
33.
stability
[n]
/stəˈbɪlɪti/
the quality of being fixed or steady and unlikely to change
34.
[go] the extra mile
[phrase]
/ɡˌoʊ ðɪ ˈɛkstɹə mˈaɪl/
to try harder than what is expected
35.
game-changer
[n]
/ɡˈeɪmtʃˈeɪndʒɚ/
something or someone that completely changes the way things are done or the outcome of a situation
36.
everyday life
[n]
/ˈɛvɹɪdˌeɪ lˈaɪf/
the normal and routine activities and experiences that happen each day to people
37.
appealing
[adj]
/əˈpiːlɪŋ/
pleasing and likely to arouse interest or desire
38.
[run] an errand
[phrase]
/ɹˈʌn ɐn ˈɛɹənd/
to complete a short and often minor task
39.
night out
[n]
/nˈaɪt ˈaʊt/
an evening spent outside the home for entertainment or social activity
40.
versatility
[n]
/ˌvɝsəˈtɪɫəti/
the ability to adapt to many different uses, activities, or styles
41.
go-to
[adj]
/ɡoʊɾuː/
always relied on or preferred for a particular need or situation
42.
walk of life
[n]
/wˈɔːk ʌv lˈaɪf/
careers in general
43.
retiree
[n]
/ɹiˈtaɪˈɹi/
a person who has retired from employment or a professional career
44.
[stand] the test of time
[phrase]
/stˈænd ðə tˈɛst ʌv tˈaɪm/
to remain strong, valuable, or effective over a long period, despite changes or challenges
45.
take off
[v]
/teɪk ɑːf/
to become famous and successful in a sudden and rapid manner
46.
pair
[v]
/ˈpɛɹ/
to connect or combine two objects, ideas, or people, often because they complement or work well together
47.
streetwear
[n]
/stɹˈiːtwɛɹ/
informal clothing that the urban youth of a particular subculture typically wear
48.
[mix] and [match]
[phrase]
/mˈɪks ænd mˈætʃ/
to combine different pieces of clothing, styles, or colors in a flexible way to create a coordinated outfit
49.
outfit
[n]
/ˈaʊtˌfɪt/
a set of clothes that one wears together, especially for an event or occasion
50.
reflect
[v]
/rɪˈflɛkt/
to show a particular quality, characteristic, or emotion
51.
trendy
[adj]
/ˈtrɛndi/
influenced by the latest or popular styles
52.
high fashion
[n]
/hˈaɪ fˈæʃən/
expensive, stylish clothing produced by leading fashion designers, often associated with luxury and exclusivity
53.
as common as dirt
[adj]
/æz kˈɑːmən æz dˈɜːt/
very widespread and ordinary
54.
around the (world|globe)
[phrase]
/ɐɹˈaʊnd ðə wˈɜːld ɔːɹ ɡlˈoʊb/
in many different countries and regions of Earth
55.
feature
[v]
/ˈfitʃɝ/
to have something as a prominent or distinctive aspect or characteristic
56.
futuristic
[adj]
/ˌfjutʃɝˈɪstɪk/
having extremely modern, innovative technology or design, often resembling what might be expected in the future
57.
lace
[v]
/leɪs/
to fasten, secure, or tighten something, typically a shoe or garment, by threading and tying its laces
58.
sell out
[v]
/sɛl aʊt/
to sell the entire supply of a particular product
59.
in a heartbeat
[phrase]
/ɪn ɐ hˈɑːɹtbiːt/
without any hesitation or delay
60.
passionate
[adj]
/ˈpæʃənət/
showing or having enthusiasm or strong emotions about something one care deeply about
61.
limited-edition
[adj]
/lˈɪmɪɾᵻdɪdˈɪʃən/
a product that is produced in a restricted quantity, making it exclusive or rare, often to increase its value or appeal
62.
unique
[adj]
/juˈnik/
unlike anything else and distinguished by individuality
63.
vintage
[adj]
/ˈvɪntɪdʒ/
(of things) old but highly valued for the quality, excellent condition, or timeless design
1
Chapter
Sneakers
Read a passage about comfortable, versatile shoes, ideal for casual wear and physical activities, offering both style and support.
The World of Sneakers
1.1
Sneakers are a type of footwear that almost everyone around the world knows. They are comfortable, stylish, and practical. People wear them for many different reasons—whether for sports, walking, or just as a part of their daily fashion. Sneakers have come a long way since they were first invented, and today they hold a special place in fashion and popular culture.
History of Sneakers
1.2
The history of sneakers is quite interesting. The first rubber-soled shoes were created in the 1800s, and they were originally called "plimsolls." These early shoes were simple and did not offer much comfort. However, as time went on, technology improved. By the 20th century, companies like "Converse," "Nike," and "Adidas" began producing sneakers that changed the game. The "Converse Chuck Taylor All-Stars," released in the 1920s, became one of the most famous sneakers of all time.
1.3
During the 1980s, sneakers became even more popular thanks to basketball players like "Michael Jordan." The "Air Jordan" shoes by Nike were a massive hit, and soon everyone wanted to get their hands on a pair. Today, sneaker culture is still growing, and sneakers are not just shoes; they are a symbol of style and personality. They have become the bread and butter of many people's wardrobes, with a style to fit everyone's taste.
Sneakers and Sports
1.4
Sneakers are often linked to sports, and for good reason. The main purpose of early sneakers was to help athletes perform better. Tennis, basketball, and running shoes were among the first types of sneakers designed for specific sports. These shoes needed to be lightweight and comfortable, allowing athletes to move quickly and easily. Today, many famous athletes wear sneakers designed just for them, such as the "Kobe Bryant" and "LeBron James" basketball shoes.
1.5
Running shoes are some of the most popular sneakers used by people today. They are designed to protect the feet and offer support during long-distance runs. Sneakers made for running can help people run faster and farther by providing the right balance of cushioning and stability. In fact, a good pair of running shoes can make a world of difference for someone training for a marathon or a 5-kilometer race. If you want to go the extra mile, a good pair of sneakers can be a game-changer.
Sneakers in Everyday Life
1.6
What makes sneakers so appealing is how they fit into everyday life. You can wear them while running errands, going for a walk, or even when dressing up for a casual night out. Their versatility has made them the go-to choice for people from all walks of life. Whether you are a student, a professional, or a retiree, sneakers are likely a part of your wardrobe. They have managed to stand the test of time because they are not only practical but also fashionable.
1.7
The popularity of sneakers in casual fashion took off when people started pairing them with jeans, dresses, and even suits. In many countries, sneakers have become a key part of streetwear culture. The best part is that you can mix and match them with any outfit without missing a beat. Sneakers have also become symbols of self-expression, with people choosing designs and colors that reflect their personalities.
Sneakers in Fashion
1.8
Sneakers are not only worn for sports. Over the years, they have become a big part of fashion as well. Many people choose sneakers for their everyday outfits because they are comfortable and trendy. From simple white sneakers to colorful, high-fashion designs, there is a sneaker for every taste. People from all walks of life wear them, and they have become as common as dirt in cities around the world.
1.9
Some of the most famous sneakers have been worn by celebrities and featured in movies and TV shows. For example, in the movie "Back to the Future Part II," the character "Marty McFly" wears a pair of futuristic self-lacing Nike sneakers. These shoes became so popular that Nike later released a real version of them. Sneakers have also appeared in the world of music, with hip-hop artists like "Kanye West" creating their own lines of sneakers. His "Yeezy" sneakers have been hugely popular, selling out in a heartbeat.
Sneaker Collecting
1.10
Sneaker collecting is a hobby that has grown in popularity over the last few decades. Some people are so passionate about sneakers that they spend thousands of dollars on rare or limited-edition shoes. These collectors, often called sneakerheads, take pride in finding unique or vintage sneakers to add to their collections. For them, sneakers are not just shoes—they are works of art.
1.11
There are also sneaker conventions, where people come together to buy, sell, and trade sneakers. Some sneakers are so rare that they become extremely valuable, like the "Air Jordan 1" sneakers, which can sell for thousands of dollars. It is not uncommon for collectors to line up outside stores or camp out overnight just to get their hands on the latest pair of sneakers. For sneakerheads, collecting shoes is more than meets the eye—it is a serious passion.
Fun Fact: The Silent Origins of Sneakers
1.12
The word "sneaker" comes from the fact that these shoes are so quiet. The rubber soles made it easy for people to "sneak" around without making any noise. This name became popular in the late 1800s, and it has stuck around ever since!
1. Sneakers
Footwear
100%
100%
QuizSkip the quiz
1.
What was the original name for rubber-soled shoes in the 1800s?
A
Runners
B
Plimsolls
C
Chuck Taylors
D
Trainers
2.
What company released the "Air Jordan" sneakers?
A
Adidas
B
Converse
C
Puma
D
Nike
3.
Sort the following events in the correct chronological order (from earliest to most recent):
converse releases chuck taylor all-stars
"back to the future part ii" shows self-lacing sneakers
michael jordan makes sneakers more popular
sneakers were first called "plimsolls"
sneaker conventions become common
4.
Match the item to its correct description:
Converse Chuck Taylors
Marty McFly
Sneakerheads
Early basketball sneakers from 1920s
Worn in a famous movie with self-lacing
People who collect rare sneakers
5.
What feature helped give sneakers their name?
A
The sound of laces
B
The heavy sole
C
The quiet rubber sole
D
The colorful designs
6.
Fill in the blank with the correct words from the text (Only one word is allowed in each blank).
The "Converse Chuck Taylor All-Stars" were first released in the
.
The Air Jordan sneakers were made by
and quickly became a cultural phenomenon.
Sneakers became part of casual fashion when people started wearing them with clothes like
, dresses, and even suits.
In the movie Back to the Future Part II, the character Marty McFly wears self-
sneakers.
Sneaker
allow collectors to buy, sell, and trade rare shoes.
shoes can help people train for events like marathons or a 5-kilometer race.
7.
Match the type of sneaker to its purpose:
Running shoes
Sports sneakers
Casual sneakers
Worn for daily activities like errands
Designed for long-distance movement
Made to help athletes perform better
8.
Which of the following are functions or uses of sneakers mentioned in the passage? (Select all that apply)
Running
Business meetings
Fashion
Skiing
Sneaking quietly
Dancing competitions
Playing sports
9.
Complete the table about the sneakers.
| Description | Feature or Function |
|---|---|
Helps runners go faster and farther | and stability |
Are symbol of | and personality |
Prevents injury, provides stability | Support during long |
Rubber soles allow silent steps | Movement without |
10.
Which of the following statements are true according to the passage? (Select all that apply)
Sneakers were originally called plimsolls.
All sneakers are made of leather.
Michael Jordan made sneakers more popular.
Some people trade rare sneakers at conventions.
Sneakers are no longer worn by athletes.
Sneakers first became popular in the 200
Marty McFly wore futuristic Nike sneakers in a movie.
