Where “Runners” Comes From
“Runners” is an everyday word for sports shoes, from the idea of shoes you run in. It’s used across Australia and in some other places.
Australia has several words for the same shoe, including “sneakers” and “joggers”. Which one you use can depend on the state you grew up in.
“Put your runners on, we’re going for a walk.”
How Aussies Actually Use It
You’ll hear it in family talk (“Where are your runners?”) and in shoe shops.
In Real Life
Ask a group of Australians what to call sports shoes and you’ll get a friendly argument. “Runners” is common in many places, “sneakers” is heard widely too, and some people say “joggers” or “trainers”. Kids need runners for school sport, and the word turns up on school uniform lists. Whichever word you use, people will know what you mean.
Quick Questions
Are runners and sneakers the same thing?
Yes. They’re two names for the same kind of shoe, and the word people use varies by region.
What are runners in the UK?
British English usually says “trainers”. “Runners” is more Australian, Irish and Canadian.
Say It Like an Aussie
Say it: RUN-erz.
In conversation:
- Where are my runners?
- I need new runners for school.
- He ran in his old runners.
Good to know: Australians use several words for sports shoes, such as “runners”, “sneakers” and “joggers”, and the choice often varies by state.
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