Definition of gym shoe

The term "gym shoe" can be traced back to the 1920s when physical education and sports were becoming increasingly popular in schools and universities. At the time, these shoes were specifically designed to be worn during physical activity in gymnasiums, hence the name "gym shoe." These shoes were typically made of canvas or leather materials and featured a non-marking sole to protect gymnasium floors. However, as athletic wear evolved, gym shoes began to also incorporate features for specific sports, such as high tops for basketball and cross-training shoes for multiple sports. Today, we know gym shoes by many other names, such as athletic shoes, trainers, and sneakers, but the original meaning still holds true - a shoe designed for physical activity, worn in a gym or any other athletic setting.