Which one should you use?
While baskets specifically implies a casual sneaker style, chaussures de sport is a more general and formal term for sports shoes. The expression souliers de sport can also be used to imply sneakers or sports shoes.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
In everyday spoken French, baskets is the most common and informal way to refer to sneakers. For a more formal or general tone, you should use chaussures de sport.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Canadian French, the term espadrilles is sometimes used to refer to sneakers. In Swiss and Belgian French, the term chaussures de sport is often preferred over baskets or tennis.
How does it change in a sentence?
While baskets is almost always used in the plural to refer to a pair of shoes, the singular form une basket can be used to refer to a single shoe.
Did you know?
- The term espadrilles is used in Canada to mean sneakers, but in France, it refers specifically to a traditional type of shoe made from esparto rope.
- In high-fashion contexts, French magazines often use the English word 'sneakers' instead of baskets to evoke a luxury or 'streetwear' aesthetic.
- In Quebec, if you ask for baskets, people might think you are looking for a container or a sports basket rather than footwear.
Examples in context
- J'ai acheté une nouvelle paire de tennis.I bought a new pair of sneakers.
- J'aime porter des baskets de sport pendant mes entraînements.I like to wear sports sneakers during my workouts.
- Je recherche des chaussures de sport confortables.I am looking for comfortable sports shoes/sneakers.
- Mes nouvelles baskets sont très confortables.My new sneakers are very comfortable.
- Il porte des baskets blanches pour courir.He wears white sneakers for running.
- Est-ce que tu as besoin de baskets ?Do you need sneakers?
Example conversation
Hugo and Manon are preparing for a walk in the park.
- HugoTu as mis tes baskets pour la marche ?Did you put on your sneakers for the walk?
- ManonOui, j'ai pris mes baskets préférées.Yes, I took my favorite sneakers.
- HugoParfait, elles sont très pratiques.Perfect, they are very practical.
- ManonOn y va alors !Let's go then!
