For other uses of the term, see Power Sneakers (disambiguation).

The Power Sneakers[1] are reoccurring objects in the Sonic the Hedgehog series. They are a pair of sneakers and the distinctive footwear worn by Sonic the Hedgehog.

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Concept and creation

According to Naoto Ōshima, the design of the Power Sneakers was inspired by the cover of Michael Jackson's hit album Bad, and that the contrast between the colors white and red made him think of Santa Claus.[2]

Description

Appearance

The Power Sneakers are a pair of smooth red shoes with pointed toes, white sock-like cuffs and a white strap over their middles. Originally, they had no visible soles, being completely dark red on the bottom. At the time of Sonic the Hedgehog 2, they gained gold buckles on the sides, and at the time of Sonic Adventure, they received grey soles with grooves on.

When Sonic transforms into his Werehog form in the videogame Sonic Unleashed, his sneakers curve a bit at the toe, the white stripe is replaced with a silver metal plate with spikes, the bottom of each of his soles are now covered with eighteen small, metal spikes and they turn a darker red.

Abilities and traits

While not stated, the Power Sneakers appear nearly friction proof, meaning they wear out very slowly; even after running with them for years at the speed of sound, the Power Sneakers show no more than slight superficial damage.

Variants

Speed Down Boots

Main article: Speed Down Boots

The Speed Down Boots are evil knock-offs of the Power Sneakers, made by Dr. Eggman. Unlike the Power Sneakers, they disable Sonic's speed and agility, and can only be removed with the Chaos Emeralds' power.

Light Speed Shoes

Main article: Light Speed Shoes

The Light Speed Shoes are upgraded versions of the Power Sneakers. They serve as Level Up Items which enables the Light Speed Dash.

Hi-Speed Shoes

The Hi-Speed Shoes are replacement shoes for the Power Sneakers that Sonic wore in Sonic Adventure 2 and Sonic Adventure 2: Battle. They are specially designed for grinding.

Extreme Gear shoes

In the Sonic Riders series, Sonic wears different versions of his Power Sneakers. These red and white shoes resemble high-top tennis shoes with yellow accents and grey soles.

Custom Shoes

Main article: Custom Shoes

The Custom Shoes are special Power Sneakers designed by Alberto Robert. These shoes can harness the power of Gems to both alter their appearance and unlock new abilities, along with the Light Chip and Antigravity.

In other media

Comics

Sonic the Comic

In the Sonic the Comic comic series published by Fleetway Editions, the Power Sneakers created and given to Sonic by Doctor Ovi Kintobor to reduce the friction on his feet. With them, Sonic managed to break the sound barrier for the first time, changing him from a brown and spiky hedgehog to his current blue and streamlined form.

Archie Comics

In the Sonic the Hedgehog comic series and its spin-offs published by Archie Comics, Sonic's Sneakers were invented by Sonic's uncle, Sir Charles Hedgehog. They were made from Power Ring energy so they could never wear down from Sonic's speed. Originally, the sneakers resembled the Power Sneakers during the Genesis era, but were later changed to their modern design when Sonic diverted a time-beam and got a burst of Super Emerald energy.

Television series

Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog

In Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog, the Power Sneakers are referred to as hi-tops. In this media, Sonic needs them to protect his feet from friction or else he cannot run for long.

Sonic the Hedgehog (TV series)

In the Sonic the Hedgehog television series, the Power Sneakers are prized possessions of Sonic. In addition to protecting his feet, they are equipped with anti-gravity jets and magnetic soles as well.

Early Sonic canon

In the Sonic the Hedgehog promotional comic, the Power Sneakers (referred to simply as "frictionless shoes") were created and given to Sonic by Doctor Ovi Kintobor. This was after Sonic's previous trainers were shredded by the accident that turned him blue. In this comic, there is no indication that the Power Sneakers help Sonic to run faster or that they help to protect his feet.

Trivia

Gallery