Why are sneakers (the shoes) called sneakers?

Question

My son just asked me why. Does anyone know the origin of this name?

Answer 1

Back when sneakers were made, almost all other shoes bought when walked with did have a noise to them. I know that people in a hospital walking with dress shoes on you can hear them a block away, but sneakers were quiet, it was hard to hear people walk. Granted today they have shoes that are equally quiet, but when they were first made in their era they were probably the quietest shoe on the market. I left you a website that I thought was good about the history of the sneakers.