Up to 40% off. Black Friday on now. Shop Sale Free shipping over $120 + Free exchanges

The Forecast Blog

Stay connected through our community initiatives, sustainability updates, styling tips, and exciting partnerships!

What Does SE Mean in Shoes? All You Need to Know

While shopping for your favourite pair of shoes online, you might see a few unfamiliar terms. These are terms we often overlook when shopping, but they are a guide when buying. This brings us to the question; what do all those SEs in shoes mean?

Special Edition shoes is abbreviated as SE. Typically, these pairs are one of a kind because they honor special people or occasions with unique designs and creative partnerships between them. However, SE shoes are more expensive and harder to come by, and they are limited edition sneakers.

If you are considering buying shoes with unique features but uncommon, we would recommend our shoes Vessi shoes. We provide high quality and stylish limited edition shoes that are exclusive, special and sell. And what do our shoes not offer, anyway? They are stylish, waterproof, and and comfortable for everyday wear.

Collecting sneakers is never a waste of time; you can always find one to add to your sneaker game and improve your sneaker game. Let’s start with SE shoes and the features of SE shoes, and the differences between SE shoes and limited edition shoes.

What Does SE Mean in Shoes?

What Does SE Mean in Shoes?- Definition of SE Shoes

Image Source: heatingwell.com

We have already mentioned that SE stands for 'Special Edition.' Nowadays, most of the shoe brands debut their special merchandise on festivals or other special occasions. These shoes had a special edition label, and were released and sold in exceptional events.

On the price side, SE footwear is more expensive than normal shoes as it represents something special and something different. The high-quality materials used to make these collections make them expensive.

These special-edition shoes are special because they are something unique or special. They play a role in marking the day of their release, and how they are significant or connected to that day. That's how shoe brands mark the event.

This event serves a purpose and is of significance to their style and pattern. Although people are sometimes mistaken for being limited edition shoes, they are different since they have certain qualities which are related to certain events.

Characteristics of Special Edition Shoes

But what sets a SE shoe apart from other shoes in the line? How do you know that these sneakers are special editions if you don’t even look at the tag on the box?

Characteristics of Special Edition Shoes

Special edition shoes are expensive and there are tons of fakes and copies in the sneaker world so it takes more time investment for research and evaluation. Isn't that why you didn't have a beer with your friends after the exam? To not waste you hard earned money on a pair of shoes that will be worn only once.

Below is a list of qualities of shoes with an SE label should have.

1. Timing

On special occasions or at major gatherings, a special edition shoe is unveiled. They are released by brands to celebrate a holiday season, sporting victory or famous person. The shoes are never actually part of the rotation and only come out for a limited amount of time.

2. Rarity

Compared to limited edition shoes, the number of special edition ones is not limited. However, they are manufactured only for a short time and are not always present. It means they are hard to find even for sneaker connoisseurs.

3. Distinctive characteristics

To be considered unique the SE shoes in the line must stand out from the rest. One of the biggest reasons special editions are produced is because they often have a theme, pattern, or memorial nature attached to them that makes them distinct from anything else on the market. Other brands aren't likely to copy the design or even have something comparable in the brand lineup.

4. Price

The reason expensive special edition shoes are expensive is because they are unique and in high demand. Limited edition shoes, released in quantities so low you almost feel like they were for your eyes only, although not as expensive as shoes they may be quite expensive. In addition, they are collectibles so they are also gaining value over time, vintage SE shoes would cost a lot upwards of $20 dollars from 10 or so years ago aren’t they.

5. Packaging

Special Edition shoes usually come with a custom packaging that matches the theme and thus attracts more people. It can be a distinctive box or container for a particular brand. There are many unique packages such as hand painted boxes, lockable cases, see through products which resembles spaceships and ice cream print packages that make them even more appealing.

6. Collaborations

Often times Special Edition shoes include celebrity, athlete, or brand collaborations. Partners include Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream/Playstation/Nike/Kobe Bryant/Lebron James/Playstation/Kanye West Nike.

Differences Between Special and Limited Edition Shoes

Differences between special and limited edition Shoes

Now that we understand what a special edition shoe is and why one is so valuable, you still may struggle to differentiate these and limited edition shoes. Much like Special Edition (SE) footwear, Limited Edition (LE) shoes are referred to as the Holy Grail of the sneaker market. But are they really similar?

  1. Producing term: Brands will release special edition shoes for a brief while, or limited edition ones in limited quantities.

  2. Value: Special edition shoes are valued for their uniqueness or the special occasion when they were released while rarity is what makes the limited edition cheaper.

  3. Restocking ability: A shoe brand can decide to manufacture the special edition shoes or keep them in stock. However, manufacturers do not restock them after they sell out.

  4. Prices: In terms of purchasing these two shoes you can see that some of the special edition shoes are cheaper than their limited edition shoes. This also applies if you choose to resale the products in the future.

What Are Some Examples of SE Sneakers?

Sneaker collecting can be a hobby and a fashion statement at one time. Some people may even view this as an investment, as the resale market continues to thrive. However, the market is so competitive that only a few enthusiasts can buy a SE sneakers pair.

Examples of SE sneakers?

The following are some of the most iconic special edition pairs ever made.

  • CLOT x Nike 1World Air Force 1: CLOT’s collaborations with Nike are almost legendary in the sneaker world due to the Chinese brand’s famed quality and attention to detail. Any product featuring their name is very desirable.

    The best alternative limited edition of this shoe is our Vessi Stormburst Sneakers. These adventure-ready sneakers combine comfort and coverage with their exclusive sneaker design. These sneakers are lightweight and waterproof, making them ideal for any outdoor activity.

  • Another example of SE sneakers produced by Adidas in their NMD line is the NMD_R1 Japan Pack. It comes in black and white colours with a Japanese branding on the midsole.

  • If you can't find these SE shoes, consider buying our Vessi Everyday Move Sneakers. Designed with more breathability, comfort, and added support, these limited-edition shoes will give you an amazing outdoor experience.

Final Thoughts

Sneaker enthusiasts crave SE shoes because they are uncommon and of great quality. However, we love SE shoes for their uniqueness, so if you would like to have rarity or you just want premium quality, stick for the limited edition shoes.

Whether you're looking for uniqueness or rarity while purchasing a pair of shoes to add to your collection of sneakers, Vessi's got you covered! We hope this blog helped you find a great pair of shoes!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Special Edition Sneakers

1. Is it hard to get SE shoes?

Well, it varies. If the shoe model is brand new, you can buy in stock from the retailer's online store or physical location where you have the money. But the old designs are not as simple as one would think. These highly sought after shoes provide a lot of competition when it comes to sneakerheads as there have been numerous auctions and searches for these shoes.

2. What does "SE" shoes mean in Nike Air Jordans?

Special Edition shoe or SE in Nike Air Jordan shoes. This also applies to Nike Air Jordan shoes as the meaning of 'SE' is the same for different bands and sneakers.

3. What does SE stand for in shoe size?

A common phrase in sneaker world is SE, which stands for Special Edition. Medium width is the common SE size in sneakers and is indicated with M or B. However, SE sneakers can sometimes come in different widths, such as narrow (N), or wide (W). The shoe width measurement is critical because it affects the fit and comfort of a shoe. When choosing a shoe size, try to know the width of the pair first, then the length.

4. What does MID SE mean in shoes?

Specifically, MID SE shoes are shoes that are mid way between regular and special edition shoe lines. Although not as special edition shoes, these shoes have some special features. SE shoes are a bit pricey but look very stylish.

← Older Post Newer Post →

Seek Adventure.
Innovate.
Live Your Best Life.

Sign up for our newsletters to follow The Forecast, our new arrivals, and exclusive promotions.

Recent Posts

Your Cart

Filling Cart