This had to be one of the earliest fabrics a lot of us ever heard of thanks to Don Freeman and his Corduroy book.
“Corduroy is a cut pile fabric with vertical ribs and is usually made of cotton. It is known to be a strong, durable fabric with the cords (wales) being formed by an extra system of filling yarns. The foundation of the fabric can be either a plain or twill weave. Of all cotton fabrics, corduroy is the warmest because its wales form an insulated cushion of air.” Its found in Jackets, pants, and yes, sneakers. Via about.