When you’re shopping for shoes, do you ever feel like you’re lost in a foreign country? Or that everyone around you is using a different language? Well, that’s because they are – sort of.
The shoe industry has developed its own language made up of acronyms and abbreviations. These terms describe the different features, materials, and styles of shoes. And while this jargon can seem daunting at first, it’s not that difficult to learn.
This article will cover every shoe acronym and abbreviation used in the shoe industry. By the time you finish reading the article, you’ll be an expert in shoe lingo.
So, without further ado, let’s get started.
Table of Contents show
Age Codes
BC
Acronym for “Baby Crib Shoes.”
It is used to indicate shoes meant for newborns aged between 0 to 3 months old.
BG
Acronym for “Boy Grade.”
This term is used to indicate shoes designed for boys who are in grade school or aged between 6 to 12 years old.
C
“C” stands for “Child.” Used to distinguish children’s shoe sizes from adult shoe sizes.
GS
GS is an acronym for “Grade School.”
It is used to describe shoes explicitly made for grade schoolers. GS shoes fit children aged between 6 to 12 years old.
GG
Acronym for “Girl Grade School.”
This term refers to shoes manufactured specifically for girls in grade school or between the ages of six and twelve.
I
The letter “I” is an acronym for “Infant sizes.” It is used to describe shoes that are designed for infants aged 3 to 12 months.
K
Acronym for “Kids.”It serves as an identifier for shoe sizes that fit young pre-schoolers.
PS
The abbreviation PS stands for “Pre-School.” It is a range of shoe sizes designed to fit children between two and five years old.
SP GS
“SP GS” stands for “Special Project Grade School.” The term is made by combining two acronyms – “SP” (Special Project) and “GS” (Grade School).
It is used to describe a special edition shoe designed specifically for children (grade schoolers) between six and twelve years old.
TD
TD stands for “Toddlers.”
It is a sizing category of shoes that are designed to fit toddlers aged between one to three years old.
TDV
Acronym for “Toddlers with Velcro.”
It is used to describe shoes with velcro closure instead of laces and is designed explicitly for toddlers aged between one and three years old.
Y
“Y” stands for “Youth.”
It is a sizing category of shoes that are designed to fit children aged between six to twelve years old. Basically, “Y” represents grade school sizes in the US shoe sizing system.
Width Codes
A
“A” denotes shoe width.
The letter “A” denotes an extra narrow shoe width for males. On the other hand, it represents a narrow shoe width for females.
This term has various variations, such as:
- “AA” or “2A – Extra-extra narrow for men. Extra narrow for women.
- “AAA” or” 3A” – Exceptionally narrow shoes.
- “AAAA” or “4A” – Ultra-narrow shoes (very rare to find).
The rule of thumb is – The more “A” s on the label, the narrower the shoe will be.
B
“B” indicates shoe width.
“B” indicates narrow-width shoes for men. At the same time, “B” indicates regular or standard-width shoes for women.
C/D
“C/D” is a width size.
It represents a combination of two width sizes. The first letter, C, represents the size of the heel, while the second letter represents the size of the ball of the foot.
D
“D” represents shoe width.
It represents a standard or normal width for men’s shoes. For women’s shoes, it represents wide-width shoes.
You may also find the term “DD” or “2D,” which indicates a wide-width shoe for women. Men’s shoes rarely have a width size of “DD” or wider.
E
“E” denotes shoe width.
It labels wide-width shoes for males and extra-wide-width shoes for females.
The letter “E” has two different variations:
- “EE” or “2E” – Extra-wide width shoe for both males and females.
- “EEE” or “3E” – Custom-made widest width shoe(very rare to find).
H
The letter “H” has two meanings –
- It is an abbreviation for “Half Sizes.”
- It indicates extra wide shoes for men.
M
“M” denotes shoe width. It stands for “Medium” or “Medium Width.”
It is used to describe shoes that have a medium-width fitting. “M” is a gender-neutral term, which means it has the same meaning for both men’s and women’s shoes.
N
“N” indicates shoe width. It is an acronym for “Narrow” or “Narrow sizes.”
It refers to shoes that have a narrow width fitting. The term holds the same meaning in men’s and women’s shoes.
S
The letter “S” denotes a women’s shoe with an extra-narrow width.
“S” is also an abbreviation for “Slim,” which refers to a women’s shoe with an extra-narrow width.
X
“X” represents shoe width. It simply means “Extra.”
So, if you see shoes labeled “X-Narrow,” it means they are extra narrow; likewise, “X-Wide” means extra wide.
W
“W” denotes shoe width. It stands for “Wide.”
It is used to describe shoes that have a wide width fitting. “W” is a gender-neutral term, which means it has the same meaning for both men’s and women’s shoes.
Country Codes
Eur
“Eur” is the short form of “European.”
It refers to the measurement of shoe sizes according to European sizing standards.
EU
“EU” also means “European .”It has the same meaning as “Eur.”
UK
“UK” is a short form for “United Kingdom.”
It refers to the measurement of shoe sizes according to the United Kingdom’s shoe sizing standards.
Brand Codes
AM
Acronym for “Air Max.”
Air Max is a line of shoes created by Nike that feature visible air cushions.
BOC
“BOC” is a brand name.
It is a subsidiary company of Born Shoes.
DC
“DC” is the short form of a brand name called “Doors Clothing.”
It is a subsidiary company of Quiksilver, specializing in skateboarding and snowboarding shoes and apparel.
HTM
“HTM” are the first initials of the three designers who collaborated to create a line of shoes – Hiroshi Fujiwara, Tinker Hatfield, and Mark Parker. It is a Nike-specific term.
The HTM line is a limited edition collection of Nike shoes that are designed by the three aforementioned designers.
As HTM shoes are limited edition, they are often highly coveted by sneakerheads and Nike fans.
KD
The initials “KD” stand for “Kevin Durant” – an American professional basketball player who currently plays for the Brooklyn Nets. It is a Nike-specific term.
It describes a line of Nike shoes designed in collaboration with Kevin Durant. The KD line includes only basketball shoes.
NMD
“NMD” is a line of modern lifestyle shoes built with cutting-edge technologies. The term “NMD” is specific to Adidas shoes only.
OTBT
“OTBT” is a brand name. It stands for “Off The Beaten Track.”
OTBT specializes in making casual shoes for women that are perfect for adventurous activities and exploring the great outdoors.
Also, if you notice the term “OTBT” in the shoe description, it signifies that the shoe is suitable for outdoor activities.
QS
Acronym for “Quickstrike.”
The term “QS” is used by Nike to describe a limited release of shoes. QS shoes are usually released without any prior announcement or marketing campaign.
R
The letter “R” is used by the company Birkenstock to indicate the width of the shoes.
For men, “R” represents a regular-width shoe. Whereas, for women, “R” represents a wide-width shoe.
RBX
Abbriviation for “Reebox.”
UNC
“UNC” stands for “University of North Carolina.”
It is a colorway of the Nike Air Jordan sneakers. UNC colorway is inspired by the University of North Carolina’s Tar Heels basketball team. Air Jordans with UNC tag features a light blue and white color scheme.
Codes for the Condition of Shoes
BNIB
Acronym for “Brand New in Box.”
It is used to describe brand new shoes that are sold with their original box.
BNIB has two different variations –
- BNWT – Brand New with Tags
- BNWOT – Brand New without Tags
DS
DS is an acronym for “Deadstock.” It describes brand new shoes that have never been on someone’s feet before.
Grades
“Grades” refer to the different levels of quality in shoes.
There are five grades in shoes:
- Grade-A – Highest quality shoe. Also called DS shoes.
- Grade-B – Shoes that have been worn 2 to 4 times yet are in excellent condition. Also known as VNDS shoes.
- Grade-C – Lightly used shoes with no significant flaws. They may be dirty or have minor scuffs.
- Grade-D – Used shoes with signs of wear and tear such as scuffs, creases, or dirt.
- Grade-E – The lowest quality shoe that has been heavily used.
NOS
“NOS” stands for “New Old Stock.”
It is used by sneakerheads or resellers to describe shoes that are brand new but have been sitting in storage for a long period of time.
NDS
Acronym for “Near Deadstock.”
It is a term used to indicate shoes that are in pristine condition but have been worn a few times.
“NDS” has the same meaning as “PADS.”
PADS
Acronym for “Pass As Deadstock.”
“PADS” refers to shoes that are in good condition but have been worn a few times.
“PADS” has the same meaning as “NDS.”
VNDS
Acronym for “Very Near Deadstock.”
It describes a shoe that is as good as a brand new shoe but has been on someone’s feet before.
Material Codes
DMX
“DMX” is a type of foam found in Reebox shoes.
It is a cushioning compound that is soft and spongy, providing maximum comfort for your feet. DMX is found in the brand’s newest basketball models.
EP
“EP” stands for “Engineered Performance .”The term is specific to Nike shoes.
It is used to describe a line of shoes that are built with high-durability rubber for extensive outdoor play.
EVA
“EVA” is the short form of “Ethyl Vinyl Acetate.”
It is a type of foam that is used in shoes as a cushioning material. It is known for its lightweight and bouncy nature.
EVA foam provides good shock absorption and is often used in running shoes.
GTX
“GTX” is the short form of “Gore-Tex.”
It is a type of fabric used in shoes to make them water-resistant and breathable. GTX-lined shoes are ideal for activities such as hiking and running in wet conditions.
Gore-Tex fabric is developed by the brand Gore-Tex.
PK
Acronym for “Primeknit.”
It is a type of fabric that is used in making shoes. Primeknit is a lightweight and breathable material that provides a glove-like fit, making it perfect for use in athletic shoes.
Primeknit fabric was first introduced by Adidas. Primeknit is also a patented Adidas technology.
TPU
Acronym for “Thermoplastic Polyurethane.”
It is a type of plastic that is used to make shoes. TPU is a durable and flexible material that can be molded into different shapes. It is also resistant to oil, grease, and abrasion.
TPR
“TPR” stands for “Thermoplastic Rubber.”
It is a type of polymeric material made by combing rubber and plastic. TPR shows the properties of both rubber and plastic, making it an ideal material for shoes. TPR is mainly used to make different types of soles, outsoles, shoe platforms, and rubber shoes & boots.
Edition & Release Codes
CDP
Abbreviation for “Countdown Pack.”
It is a series of Air Jordan sneakers packaged in a unique fold-out box with graphics of the first 22 Air Jordan models and a personal note from Michael Jordan.
GR
“GR” stands for “General Release.”
It describes a type of shoe release available to the public through regular channels such as retail stores, online retailers, and brand websites.
General Release shoes are not limited in quantity and do not require any special methods to purchase them.
LE
Acronym for “Limited Edition.”
It is used to specify shoes produced in small quantities and not regularly stocked by retailers.
Limited edition shoes often have unique designs or colorways, making them highly coveted among sneakerheads and shoe collectors.
LS
“LS” stands for “Lifestyle.”
The term is used to indicate shoes designed for everyday casual wear, as opposed to performance during athletic activities.
LMTD.
Abbreviation for “Limited.”
It indicates that the shoe you are looking at is a limited edition model.
MID SE
“MID SE” represents a middle ground between the regular lineup and special edition shoes. It is a variation of the acronym “SE.”
“MID SE” shoes have some unique features but are not as rare or exclusive as “SE” shoes.
OG
Acronym for “Original” or “Original Release.”
The term “OG” has two meanings –
- Refers to the first release of a shoe.
- Refers to the original colorway of a shoe.
PE
Acronym for “Player Edition.”
It is used to indicate shoes that are specially designed for a certain player or athlete. PE shoes have unique colorways and designs to match the player’s uniform.
Retro
The term “Retro” describes a re-release of a colorway or design that took place after the original release of a shoe model.
SE
SE stands for “Special Edition.”
It is used to represent a shoe designed to commemorate a special event or celebrate a milestone. SE shoes have unique colorways and designs.
SP Mean in Shoes?
Acronym for “Special Project.”
“SP” shoes are a type of special edition shoe produced in collaboration with another brand or entity.
Reps
Reps is an abbreviation for “Replicas.”
It indicates shoes that are counterfeits or knock-offs of authentic shoes.
What are Reps Grade in Shoes?
“Reps Grade” is a term used to indicate the quality of replicas.
There are five grades of reps shoes, namely –
- AAA – Lowest and worst quality replica.
- SP – Stand for super perfect and indicates a low-quality replica.
- SMP – Stands for Super Max Perfect and indicates a mid-grade quality replica shoe.
- 1:1 – Second highest quality replica with minor flaws.
- UA – Stands for Unauthorized Authentic and indicates the highest quality replica.
Other Abbreviations
BOA
“BOA” is a type of shoe closure system.
BOA is a patented system that uses a dial and stainless steel wire laces to provide a customized, secure, and comfortable fit. The dial is easy to use – you simply turn it to tighten or loosen the laces.
CM
“CM” stands for “Centimeter”.
It is used to measure the length of your foot to find your shoe size.
GUA
Acronym for “Gift Upon Arrival.”
This term refers to resellers’ desire for you to pay via PayPal and “gift” the money to them. In this way, a seller can avoid some PayPal charges.
H/O
“H/O” stands for “Highest Offer.”
It is used by shoe sellers to indicate the highest bid a potential buyer has made for a pair of shoes.
It may also indicate the price the seller will accept for the shoes.
LPU
Acronym for “Latest Pick Up.”
It is a term sneakerheads and shoe collectors use to describe or show off the latest shoes they added to their collection.
QC
“QC” stands for “Quality Check.”
It indicates that the shoes you are looking at have passed the quality control test and are free from manufacturing defects.
SB
Acronym for “Skateboarding.”
The term “SB” is used by Nike to describe shoes that are designed for skateboarding. SB shoes usually have a lower profile and a wider sole than regular sneakers.
SKU
“SKU” is an acronym for “Stock Keeping Unit.”
SKU number consists of an alphanumeric combination of eight-or-so characters. It is a scannable bar code that is used to track inventory. SKUs are usually printed on the shoe’s hang tag or price sticker.
SZ
Short form for “Size.”
UA
Acronym for “Unauthorized Authentic.”
It represents a shoe that was made in the same factory as the authentic version but was not authorized by the brand to be sold to the public.
WMNS
Abbreviation for “Women.”
Conclusion
Now that you know all about the different acronyms and abbreviations used in the shoe industry, you’ll be able to shop confidently. We’ve covered every term so that you don’t have to guess what they mean.
We hope this article has helped demystify some of the jargon used in the shoe industry. Be sure to bookmark this page for future reference.
Happy shopping!
If you are struggling with big shoes, check out thesenine methods to make the big shoes fit.
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