ITZY 'SNEAKERS' (2022)

What is ITZY Sneakers?

Sneakers is a song recorded by South Korean girl group ITZY, released on July 15, 2022, by JYP Entertainment and Republic Records as the lead single from their fifth extended play Checkmate. The electro-pop track features both Korean and English versions included in the extended play, with a Japanese version later released as the ninth track on their first Japanese full-length album Ringo.

The song was written by Friday (Galactika), OGI (Galactika), Didrik Thott, and Jessica Pierpoint, with composition handled by Didrik Thott, Jessica Pierpoint, and Sebastian Thott. The arrangement was completed by Sebastian Thott. Musically, the track is composed in the key of G major with a tempo of 120 beats per minute.

Commercially, "Sneakers" achieved significant success in South Korea, peaking at number five on the Circle Digital Chart. This position marked ITZY's highest-charting single since "Dalla Dalla" in 2019 and became their sixth top-ten entry on the chart. The song reached number one on Billboard's South Korea Songs chart. Following its release, ITZY promoted the track through live performances on various South Korean music television programs, accumulating three music show trophies.

Lyrically, the song encourages listeners to run farther together toward moments of freedom, symbolized through wearing sneakers that provide comfort and self-expression. The track represents an extension of ITZY's discography centered on living authentically without conforming to societal expectations.

Composition and lyrics of Sneakers

Songwriting and production credits

The track was co-written by friday. and OGI, members of the music production group GALACTIKA, who previously produced several ITZY hits including "Dalla Dalla," "Wannabe," and "Loco". The production team maintained continuity with ITZY's established sonic identity while introducing fresh elements for this release.

Musical structure and style

The instrumental features a funk bounce foundation that provides playful energy throughout the composition. Critics described the sound as bright pop with hip-hop influences, creating a refreshing quality comparable to ITZY's 2019 single "Icy" but with added cutesy elements. The vocal-driven pre-choruses emerged as standout moments, showcasing the members' vocal capabilities. However, reviewers noted the instrumental lacked density and could have benefited from greater tension and build to elevate the groove.

Lyrical themes and message

The lyrics center on freedom and authentic self-expression, using sneakers as a metaphor for comfort and individuality. Leader Yeji explained the song encourages running farther together toward moments of complete freedom while wearing sneakers that provide confidence. The recurring phrase "put my sneakers on" symbolizes embracing one's unconventional path without seeking validation or guidance from others. Members related personally to lyrics like "You can call me weirdo," emphasizing the mindset of maintaining individuality despite external judgment.

Music video and promotion

JYP Entertainment released two teaser clips on July 12 and July 13, 2022, measuring 20 seconds and 15 seconds respectively, both accumulating more than 7 million views before the official release. The music video premiered on July 15, 2022, through JYP Entertainment's YouTube channel, coinciding with the extended play's release.

SL8 Visual Lab produced the visual, with direction by 725. The opening sequence features Yeji wearing an extravagant gown while walking through a hallway displaying framed pictures of purple sneakers. Subsequent scenes show the quintet adorned in jewels, performing choreography within a luxurious palace surrounded by thrones, statues, chandeliers, and a marble sneaker structure. The setting shifts to a military control center where members assume command roles, followed by choreography sequences in an outer space sneaker store. The visual concludes with the group's signature crown pose. NME writer Gladys Yeo characterized the music video as playful.

Prior to the album's release, ITZY hosted a live event titled "Itzy Comeback Special Checkmate" in collaboration with Mnet on July 15, 2022. Promotional activities included performances on Music Bank (July 15), MTV Fresh Out Live (July 16), Show! Music Core (July 16), and Inkigayo (July 16). The group appeared on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert on July 22 as part of the "#LateShowMeMusic" series.

Chart performance and awards

Weekly and monthly chart positions

The track registered on multiple Billboard regional charts during the July 15-21 tracking period. Weekly positions included number 71 on the Global 200, number 19 in Hong Kong, number 24 in Indonesia, number 62 on Japan Hot 100, number 15 in Malaysia, number 10 in Singapore, number 11 in Taiwan, and number 27 on Vietnam Hot 100. The music video accumulated 20.1 million views during this period, securing the number five position on YouTube's Global Music Videos Chart. With views from additional uploads included, total YouTube streams reached 36.6 million, correspondingly placing the track at number five on the Global YouTube Songs Chart.

On monthly charts, the song reached number six on South Korea's Circle Digital Chart.

Music show wins

The song secured three first-place trophies on South Korean music programs. Wins occurred on Music Bank on July 22, M Countdown on August 11, and Inkigayo on August 14, 2022.

Year-end chart performance

On the 2022 year-end Circle Digital Chart in South Korea, the track positioned at number 63.

FAQs

Why did "Sneakers" receive mixed critical reception?

Critics identified the song's nursery rhyme-like melody and repetitive chorus phrase as primary weaknesses. Reviewers characterized the track as lacking the "coolness" present in earlier releases, with the recurring lyric "put my sneakers on" described as difficult to sing without feeling ridiculous. The verses failed to generate excitement, and while pre-choruses demonstrated strong vocal layering, the hook lacked compelling qualities compared to ITZY's previous work. Some listeners appreciated parallels to "Icy" in sound design, though others viewed the release as underwhelming after a ten-month hiatus.

How did release timing affect the song's performance?

The track debuted during a competitive period in July 2022, positioned between established and emerging acts. Release occurred one week after aespa's "Girls" and one week before NewJeans' debut. This timing coincided with comebacks from multiple groups including (G)I-DLE and debuts from Le Sserafim, creating heightened competition for audience attention. The concentrated release schedule during this period amplified pressure on releases to immediately resonate with listeners.

What did JYP Entertainment indicate about future releases?

JYP stated the group's subsequent title track, already recorded at the time, represented his favorite ITZY release.