How to Say "sneakers" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “sneakers” is “tenis” — use 'tenis' when referring to athletic or casual shoes, particularly in Mexico and Central America, for everyday wear or light athletic activities.
Use 'tenis' when referring to athletic or casual shoes, particularly in Mexico and Central America, for everyday wear or light athletic activities.
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Choose 'zapatillas' when you specifically mean athletic footwear, such as those worn for sports or going to the gym, and you want a widely understood term across Spanish-speaking countries.
Learn more →teh-neesˈtenis
Examples
Necesito unos tenis cómodos para caminar todo el día.
I need comfortable sneakers to walk all day.
¿Viste mis tenis blancos? No los encuentro.
Did you see my white tennis shoes? I can't find them.
Plural Usage
Even though you are talking about a single pair, you must use the plural form 'los tenis' and plural adjectives ('tenis nuevos', 'tenis sucios').
Using Singular
Mistake: “Compré un tenis.”
Correction: Compré unos tenis. (Always use the plural article 'unos' or 'los' when referring to a pair of shoes.)
sah-pah-TEE-yassapaˈtiʝas
Examples
Necesito unas zapatillas nuevas para ir al gimnasio.
I need new sneakers to go to the gym.
Mis zapatillas favoritas son blancas y muy cómodas.
My favorite athletic shoes are white and very comfortable.
Always Plural for a Pair
Even though 'zapatilla' is the singular (one shoe), when you refer to the pair you wear, you must use the plural 'zapatillas'.
Using 'Zapatos'
Mistake: “Using 'zapatos' when referring to trainers.”
Correction: Use 'zapatos' only for formal or dress shoes. 'Zapatillas' is specifically for casual or sports shoes.
Tenis vs. Zapatillas
Learners often confuse 'tenis' and 'zapatillas' because both can mean sneakers. Remember that 'tenis' is more common for casual wear in certain regions like Mexico, while 'zapatillas' is a more universal term for athletic shoes across the Spanish-speaking world.
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