text: what are sneakers made out of?   they are called "sneakers" because they make far less noise when walking then do leather-soled shoes.  you can sneak up on someone.  originally the soles were soft rubber and the uppers were canvas.  now leather may also be used in the uppers.  gymn sneakers were required by most schools to play on basketball courts because the rubber soles would not scratch the highly polished varnished floors.