What Does SP Mean in Shoes?
Sneaker enthusiasts often come across the term “SP” when exploring different styles and models. But what does SP actually mean in the context of shoes? It stands for “Special Project,” and when you see it associated with a Nike sneaker, it generally means that the shoe is made using high-quality materials or is a result of creative collaborations.
NikeLab, as an example, is a team responsible for producing SP sneakers. These shoes exemplify premium craftsmanship and occasionally involve collaborations with renowned designers and artists, leading to unique and limited designs. The SP category symbolizes the highest level of quality and craftsmanship in the world of sneakers, becoming sought-after collectibles for many sneakerheads.
Key Takeaways
- SP represents “Special Project” and signifies higher quality, premium materials, and creative collaborations
- NikeLab is responsible for producing these distinctive and carefully crafted SP shoes
- Limited edition designs and unique collaborations make SP sneakers popular among collectors and enthusiasts
What Does SP Mean in Shoes?
Significance of SP
SP, short for Special Project, is a term used in the world of footwear to denote the uniqueness and exclusivity of a shoe. Originating from Nike’s collaboration on the “Hemp” Dunk SB in 2004, SP grew in popularity and became a symbol of creativity and cooperation in footwear design.
Shoes labeled as SP often result from collaborations between popular brands, such as Nike, and other renowned designers. These shoes are produced in limited quantities, and owning a pair means you have something truly special and distinctive.
Main points to remember:
- SP stands for Special Project
- First-ever SP shoes were the Nike Dunk SB “Hemp”
- Shoes with SP label are unique and exclusive
- SP has become a symbol of collaboration and creativity
Owning a pair of SP shoes allows people to express their individuality and display their support for creative collaboration. While these shoes might be harder to find, their uniqueness makes them a valuable addition to any sneaker enthusiast’s collection.
Different SP Shoes and Collaborations
SP shoes, also known as Special Project shoes, are typically made from premium materials or are the result of collaborations between well-known brands and designers. These shoes are often limited in availability and considered a status symbol in the sneaker community. Today, we’ll explore some notable SP collaborations and styles that have made a splash in the world of sneakers.
Notable SP Collaborations
Jordan x Off-White: One of the most famous collaborations is between Jordan Brand and Off-White, a high-end streetwear label. This partnership has produced unique Nike Air Jordan 1 sneakers with bold colorways and a deconstructed design, making them highly sought after by sneakerheads and celebrities alike.
Nike x Travis Scott: Another iconic collaboration is between Nike and rapper Travis Scott. Their work together has resulted in several Air Jordan and Nike Air Force 1 models with distinct design elements such as removable Swoosh logos and special colorways that reflect Scott’s personal style. These limited-edition sneakers are often snatched up quickly by fans and collectors.
Yeezy x Adidas: The Yeezy line, created by Kanye West in collaboration with Adidas, has become synonymous with exclusive sneakers and fashion. The design and colorways of Yeezy sneakers are often innovative and unique, resulting in high demand and die-hard Yeezy fans. While not strictly an SP shoe, the collaboration’s influence on sneaker culture is undeniable.
Converse x Comme des Garçons: Combining the classic style of Converse Chuck Taylor sneakers with the edgy designs of Japanese fashion brand Comme des Garçons, this collaboration has resulted in eye-catching shoes that blend fashion and function. These sneakers feature the signature Comme des Garçons heart logo, making them instantly recognizable and highly coveted.
These are just a few examples of the many SP collaborations and styles available in the world of sneakers. Brands such as Jordan, Nike, Adidas, and Converse continue to push the boundaries of design and fashion by collaborating with celebrities, artists, and other brands, giving sneaker enthusiasts more unique and exclusive options to add to their collections.
Materials and Technologies in SP Shoes
SP Shoes are all about being special and unique, both in design and function. They use cool materials and fancy technologies to make shoes that are comfy and stylish.
Innovative Technologies
One famous example of SP shoes is the Nike Dunk SB “Hemp”, which came out in 2004. Nike’s SB or “Skateboarding” line uses special design features to make sure skaters can move and groove with ease. They’ve got a hidden pocket in the tongue (great for storing stuff) and a cool Zoom Air cushion inside that helps protect your feet when you land those sick tricks.
Another cool SP shoe is the Nike Air Force 1. They use the Nike Air technology, which has a cushion filled with air inside the shoe. This makes the shoes super comfy, and it feels like you’re walking on a cloud! Talk about innovation, huh?
There are also SP shoes from other brands, like the ASICS company. They make Asics SP shoes for specific sports and activities. So, if you’re into trail running, indoor sports, or weightlifting, there’s an SP shoe made just for you.
Now let’s talk materials. Many SP shoes use nylon to give the shoes a fresh and colorful look. Nylon is really popular for summer shoes because it’s not too heavy and it lasts a long time.
But wait, there’s more! Some SP shoes are even made with fancy materials, like leather and suede. The NikeLab team designs super special shoes with these high-quality materials to make the shoes look and feel amazing.
Limited and Special Edition SP Shoes
SP, which stands for “Special Project,” is often found on certain limited and special edition shoes. These shoes are unique, exclusive, and typically produced in limited quantities, making them highly sought after by sneakerheads. SP-designated shoes often have unique colorways and are made from premium materials. Let’s explore the world of Nike Special Project Releases as an example.
Nike Special Project Releases
Nike is a well-known brand that has been using the SP label for some of their most exclusive and unique releases. These sneakers are typically created by the NikeLab team or are the result of collaborations with other designers or companies. One of the first-ever SP shoes released was the Nike Dunk SB “Hemp” in 2004 as a special project.
When it comes to Nike Special Project releases, sneaker enthusiasts can expect limited quantities and unique colorways. These sneakers often become grails for sneakerheads, who are always on the hunt for rare and exclusive shoes to add to their collections.
Nike SP releases may also come in different variations such as PRM (premium) or QS (quickstrike), indicating the use of high-quality materials or a limited-time release, respectively. This adds an extra layer of exclusivity to the shoes, making them even more desirable.
Here are some examples of Nike SP shoes:
- Nike Air Force 1 SP
- Nike Dunk SB “Hemp” SP
- Nike Air Max 90 SP
These limited and special edition SP shoes offer a unique way for sneakerheads to express their personal style and passion for sneakers. With striking colorways, premium materials, and limited quantities, SP-designated shoes are a must-have for anyone who loves exclusive footwear.
Athlete and Celebrity SP Shoes
SP, which stands for “Special Project,” refers to unique and exclusive shoes created by collaboration between brands and athletes or celebrities. These sneakers usually feature limited edition designs and are highly sought after by collectors and fans. Let’s dive into some player exclusive SP shoes and their impact in the world of footwear.
Player Exclusive SP Shoes
One great example of player exclusive SP shoes is the iconic Nike Air Jordan line. These sneakers were originally created for Michael Jordan, a legendary basketball star, and have since become a symbol of style and performance for generations of athletes and celebrities.
Air Jordan PE
The Air Jordan Player Exclusive (PE) shoes are specially made for NBA players and feature unique colorways, materials, and logos. These PEs are highly coveted by collectors and can sometimes be sold for a hefty price at auctions.
Celebrity SP Shoes
Many celebrities have also been involved in creating signature SP shoes with brands like Nike. For example, rapper Kanye West’s collaboration with Nike resulted in the famous Nike Air Yeezy line.
Another celebrity collaboration is the OVO x Nike partnership, featuring Canadian rapper Drake. These limited edition sneakers combine the recognizable OVO owl logo with classic Jordan silhouettes, making them popular among fans and sneakerheads.
Basketball Influence
Basketball has played a significant role in the popularity of SP shoes. Brands like Nike and Adidas often collaborate with top NBA athletes to create exclusive sneakers that appeal to their fans and enthusiasts. Some examples include the LeBron James series, the Derrick Rose Adidas line, and the Stephen Curry Under Armour collection.
Sneaker Terminology and Abbreviations
In the world of sneakers, you might come across many abbreviations and terminology that can be confusing. Here’s a simple guide to help you understand some of these terms.
SP stands for Special Project. These are Nike sneakers made from premium materials, crafted by the NikeLab team, or created as a result of collaborations. An example of an SP sneaker is the Nike Zoom Fly SP.
GR refers to General Release, meaning these sneakers are available for everyone and not limited in quantity. They are usually easier to find and are sold by various retailers.
OG means Original. This term is used for sneakers that were first released, often associated with the first colorway of a sneaker model. A well-known example is the Nike Air Jordan 1 Retro High OG ‘Bred’.
Moving on, DS stands for Deadstock. These sneakers have never been worn and are still in their original packaging, making them highly sought after by collectors.
HS or Hyperstrike is a term given to extremely rare and valuable sneakers with only a few in existence. These are usually the most exclusive editions.
You might also see GS, which stands for Grade School. It refers to kids’ sneaker sizes, typically for children between the ages of 8 and 12.
The abbreviation SB is used for Nike Skateboarding, a sub-brand focused on skateboarding shoes and apparel.
Some other terms you should be familiar with:
- EP: Elite Player
- N: New or Number
- M: Model or Mid
- I: International
- W: Women’s
- QS: Quickstrike, a term used for limited edition Nike sneakers that are usually released with little notice.
Keep in mind that these are just some of the many sneaker terminology and abbreviations you might encounter. So, whenever you’re shopping for sneakers or discussing them with friends, this guide should help you make sense of the lingo!
Buying, Reselling, and Authenticating SP Shoes
Resale Market
SP shoes, which stands for “special purchase,” are shoes that are not part of a regular stock order. They’re often clearance items, closeouts, or limited editions, making them highly sought after by collectors. This exclusivity provides a great opportunity for buyers and resellers in the resale market.
When looking for SP shoes, be on the lookout for a few key traits. First, many SP shoes are deadstock, which means they’ve never been worn and come with the original box. This can significantly increase their value. High-end collaborations like the ones from NikeLab, which focus on creating exclusive and limited edition sneaker designs, are also popular among SP shoe hunters.
Legit Check
Buying and reselling SP shoes can be very profitable, but it’s important to ensure that you’re dealing with authentic products. With the high demand for these shoes, counterfeit versions, or “fakes,” can be a big problem.
One popular online platform for buying and selling sneakers, including SP shoes, is eBay. To help prevent the sale of counterfeit products, eBay has implemented an Authenticity Guarantee for Sneakers, which covers any sneakers sold for over $100. When a seller lists a qualifying item, it must be shipped to eBay and SneakerCon for verification. Once the shoes are confirmed to be 100% authentic, they’re tagged with an NFC tag and sent to the buyer.
Here are some helpful tips to keep in mind when performing a legit check on SP shoes:
- Boost: If the shoes in question feature Adidas’ Boost technology, make sure the texture and feel of the Boost material are consistent with authentic products.
- Craftsmanship: Inspect the stitching, materials, and overall build of the shoes. Authentic SP shoes will have a higher level of craftsmanship and quality control.
- Comparisons: Compare the shoes you’re trying to legit check with images or videos of authentic pairs from trusted reviewers or resources online.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the meaning of SP in Nike sneakers?
SP in Nike sneakers stands for “Special Project.” These shoes are often made from premium materials, crafted by the NikeLab team, or result from collaborations with other designers or brands. In short, SP indicates that the shoe is a unique and high-quality edition within the Nike lineup.
How does SP differ from other terms like GS and OG?
SP, or Special Project, differs from other terms like GS (Grade School) and OG (Original) in the context of sneaker terminology. GS refers to shoes specifically made for kids in grade school sizes, while OG refers to the original colorways or designs of a particular sneaker model. SP, on the other hand, signifies a special or unique edition that often features premium materials or collaborations.
What is the significance of SP in Jordan brand shoes?
In Jordan brand shoes, the term SP has a similar meaning as in Nike sneakers – it indicates a special edition or collaboration. These shoes often incorporate premium materials, unique colorways, or designs resulting from partnerships with other brands or creators. This helps elevate the Jordan SP shoes as a standout option among other Jordan releases.
What’s the difference between SP and SE in sneakers?
While SP stands for “Special Project” and often showcases collaborations or premium materials, SE, or “Special Edition,” is another sneaker term used for limited-release shoes that may feature alternative colorways or designs. Both SP and SE aim to set themselves apart from general sneaker releases through their exclusivity and unique designs.
