daps, n. — Green’s Dictionary of Slang

daps n.

[? dial. dap, the bounce of a ball, a hop, i.e. the image of bouncing along in one’s rubber-soled shoes]

1. gym shoes, tennis shoes.

1940		(ref. to 1887) M. Marples Public School Slang 56: daps (Colaston’s 1887) rubber-soled shoes; probably onomatopœic.
1988		A. Hollinghurst Swimming-Pool Library (1998) 169: I had come ordinarily dressed, in [...] jeans and daps.
2001		OnLine Dict. of Playground Sl. 🌐 dap n. 1) training shoe or plimsoll.
2005		www.theweebsite.com June 28 🌐 Athletic shoes come in many types and many nicknames [...] Daps, [...] whatever ye’ calls ’em, I like Sneakers!

2. any form of shoe.

2013

Esquire 1 Sept. 🌐 Any style tips for this summer? [...] Daps? Lemon Crocs for casual or squaretoe tan loafers for best.