Tennis Shoes Tennis shoes are called sneakers because they don't make noise when you walk, and so you can'sneak up on someone and not be heard Sneakers were only worn by athletes until Hollywood picked up on the fashion in the 1950s, when teen icon James Dean was photographed wearing a pair Since then, young people around the world have been lis wearing them as an unofficial uniform. Sneakers are multipurpose, and people wear them for hiking, to the gym, or even to walk to the office. However, a chic dress, black stockings, and white sneakers just dont work together as an outfit.