Sneakers vs Trainers: Is There a Difference? (2026)
Sneakers and trainers are the same shoe. The one number that changes between the two words is the size on the box.
Last updated: October 2026
There is no real difference between sneakers and trainers: both are casual lace-up shoes with rubber soles, and the word you use mostly depends on where you live. The number that does change is sizing, because a US 9 sneaker is a UK 8 trainer, both 27 cm long.
In this article
- Is there a difference between sneakers and trainers?
- Are US sneaker and UK trainer sizes the same?
- Which Adam & Westcott pairs lean sneaker, and which lean trainer?
- FAQ
Is there a difference between sneakers and trainers?
No. Sneaker is the word in the US and Canada, trainer in the UK and Ireland, and both describe the same casual, rubber-soled lace-up shoe across all 104 pairs in our sneakers collection.
Sneaker comes from the quiet rubber sole: you could sneak around without the click of a hard heel. Trainer comes from the shoe's first job, athletic training. Both words drifted from those origins long ago. The only nuance left is that trainer can hint at a sportier build with more cushioning, while sneaker covers the whole casual category, from mesh walkers to leather low-tops.
Are US sneaker and UK trainer sizes the same?
No. On Adam & Westcott sneaker size charts the UK size sits one below the US size, so a US 10 is a UK 9, an EU 44 and 28 cm of foot length.
This is where the two words genuinely diverge for a buyer. Our charts list US, EU, UK and centimetres side by side; the common rows are below. Measure your foot heel to toe in cm and match it to the last column, which works whatever word your country uses.
| US (sneaker) | UK (trainer) | EU | Foot length |
|---|---|---|---|
| US 8 | UK 7 | EU 42 | 26 cm |
| US 9 | UK 8 | EU 43 | 27 cm |
| US 10 | UK 9 | EU 44 | 28 cm |
| US 11 | UK 10 | EU 45 | 29 cm |
| US 12 | UK 11 | EU 46 | 30 cm |
Each EU size covers two US half sizes, so US 9 and US 9.5 both read EU 43. If you sit between, the cm column, 27 versus 27.5 cm, decides. Our guide to what size sneakers to buy walks through measuring at home.
Which Adam & Westcott pairs lean sneaker, and which lean trainer?
Five pairs from $39.99 to $69.99 cover both ends: three everyday sneakers and two sportier or leather trainers, with US runs from 6.5 to 14.
| Pair | Leans | Upper | US sizes | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 Urban Oxford Sneakers |
Sneaker | Breathable mesh | 6.5 to 14, every half size | $39.99 |
 Wide Fit Walking Shoes |
Sneaker | Breathable, extra width | 6.5 to 14, every half size | $49.99 |
 AeroFlex Knit Sneakers |
Sneaker | Air-mesh knit | 6.5 to 12.5, eight sizes | $49.99 |
 Air Sole Trainers |
Trainer | Mesh, air cushion sole | 6.5 to 12, every half size | $49.99 |
 Torino Leather Trainers |
Trainer | Genuine leather, water-resistant | 7.5 to 13.5, skips 10 and 13 | $69.99 |
Breathable mesh upper, light non-slip sole, in black, white, khaki or grey. Our top-selling sneaker over the last 30 days, in every half size from US 6.5 to 14.
Mesh airflow over an air cushion sole, built for commuting, walking and light runs. Beige, white or black, US 6.5 to 12.
If your feet run wide, the 
Wide Fit Walking Shoes add extra width across the same US 6.5 to 14 run. The 
AeroFlex Knit Sneakers suit smart casual outfits but skip several sizes, including US 10, so check the run first. The 
Torino Leather Trainers use a water-resistant genuine leather upper with elastic laces that slip on.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a difference between sneakers and trainers?
No real difference. Both name the same casual, rubber-soled lace-up shoe. Sneaker is the American and Canadian word, trainer the British and Irish one. Only the size label changes: US 9 is UK 8.
Are UK trainer sizes the same as US sneaker sizes?
No. On Adam & Westcott size charts the UK size is one lower than the US size, so US 10 is UK 9, EU 44 and 28 cm of foot length.
Do trainers mean running shoes?
Sometimes, informally. A trainer can suggest a sport build, like the Air Sole Trainers, made for walking and light runs, but most people use both words for any casual athletic shoe.
What do Australians call sneakers?
Trainers is common, and runners is widely used too. All three words describe the same category of shoe.
Which Adam & Westcott pair should I buy?
For everyday wear, the Urban Oxford Sneakers at $39.99, our best-selling sneaker over the last 30 days, in US 6.5 to 14. For extra room, the Wide Fit Walking Shoes at $49.99.
More sneaker help: Urban Oxford Sneakers sizing and fit, the types of men's sneakers and the best white sneakers for men.
Call them what you like
Sneakers or trainers, in US 6.5 to 14 with a full size chart on every pair.
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