London Slang for Trainers: What Irish Sneaker Fans Should Know

Ever asked for 'trainers' in a shop in Ireland and got a blank look when you tried the same trick in East London? You’re not alone. In Ireland, everyone’s used to calling them trainers—or maybe even runners if you grew up outside Dublin. But park yourself in the heart of London and you’ll quickly hear the locals dropping the word 'creps' when they talk about their latest kicks.

This little difference in slang isn’t just about sounding cool. It can make you feel right at home or stick out like a sore thumb, especially if you’re heading over to catch a gig or do a bit of shopping in the UK. Knowing what to say—and when to say it—can make conversations a whole lot smoother, and might even land you some bargains when digging around outlets like JD Sports, Foot Locker, or the Dublin sneaker favourite, Korky's.

• Irish vs. London Trainer Lingo
• What Does 'Creps' Mean?
• How London Slang Reaches Ireland
• Irish Sneaker Culture: Local Favourites
• Tips for Talking Trainers in Ireland
• Where to Shop and Stay on Trend

Irish vs. London Trainer Lingo

If you’ve spent any time hanging around sneaker shops from Henry Street to Abbey Street, you’ll know most people in Ireland just call them trainers. Outside Dublin, you might even hear ‘runners,’ which is pure Irish, especially in Cork or Galway. But hop over to London and suddenly you’ll be surrounded by folks talking about their ‘creps’ instead.

What gives? It’s not just a random swap. The word ‘creps’ came out of London’s urban scene—think grime music, youth clubs, and inner-city markets. It’s become the shorthand for trainers, covering everything from the latest Nike Air Max to classic Converse. If you ask for ‘runners’ in Shoreditch, you might get a laugh, but ask for ‘creps’ in Dublin and you’ll get odd looks too.

The table below shows some of the key words used for sneakers in both countries, and where you’ll most likely hear them:

Here’s a quick tip: if you’re chatting with Irish mates, just stick with ‘trainers’ or ‘runners’. But if you’re messaging London friends, drop in ‘creps’ if you want to blend in. Most Irish sneakerheads are clued in about the word, especially if they follow UK-based Instagram accounts or YouTube trainers content.

One surprise? The word ‘sneakers’ is still less common here, but it’s started creeping in thanks to big online brands and influencers. Still, if you’re in the queue at Life Style Sports, asking for trainers will always get you sorted.

What Does 'Creps' Mean?

So, what's the deal with "creps"? Over in London, the word "creps" means exactly what most people in Ireland call trainers, and what Americans call sneakers. The slang goes way back—some reckon it’s from the word "crepe" in "crepe-soled shoes," which were popular after World War II. The rubber soles looked creased, so "crepe" became "creps," and Londoners turned it into the must-know word for fresh trainers.

You’ll hear "creps" everywhere in London—from markets like Camden to music tracks and streetwear shops. These days, loads of Irish teens and young adults pick up the word from UK YouTubers or TikTok trends. If you hop onto the Luas in Dublin or hit a streetwear drop in Cork, it wouldn’t surprise anyone to hear someone ask, "Where’d you get those creps?"

Just to clear up any confusion, here’s how the slang stacks up against what’s said on this side of the Irish Sea:

If you want to try sounding more local in London shops or on UK-based resale sites, go with "creps." Just don’t be surprised if back in Louth or Galway, your granny asks, “What on earth are creps?” Still, the more you hang around in streetwear circles or sneaker spots across Ireland, the more often you’ll hear both words tossed around. It’s a world where language changes fast, and Ireland isn’t shy about picking up what’s trending next door.

How London Slang Reaches Ireland

London has always been a massive influence on how people talk in major Irish cities, especially when it comes to streetwear. If you hear someone in Dublin, Cork, or Galway say “creps” instead of trainers, that’s London slang doing its thing. But how does it travel across the Irish Sea and stick?

Most of it happens through pop culture. Streaming UK music—grime, drill, or even acts like Stormzy and Skepta—means Irish listeners pick up a good bit of lingo just from the lyrics. TikTok, Snapchat, and Instagram only speed things along. When a trend catches fire in London, it’s usually only a matter of weeks before you’ll hear Irish teens or students dropping new phrases casually. The word "creps" has been on the rise here since the late 2010s, thanks to some viral music videos and British influencers Irish fans follow online.

Shopping habits change things, too. Loads of Irish folks head to London for gigs, shopping trips, or just to see the sights. When they come back, they often bring new words home along with the latest kicks. Then there’s the TV shows—if you’ve watched “Top Boy” on Netflix, you know exactly how fast these street terms cross over. You might even spot staff at big name sports shops like JD Sports or Size? in Dublin using "creps" when showing the newest Nikes or Adidas.

Here’s a quick look at how London slang travels and lands in Ireland:

• Music and Influencers: Grime and UK rap acts set trends Irish listeners follow.
• Social Media: TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat make new phrases go viral fast.
• Travel & Shopping: Shoppers pick up slang during trips to London.
• TV & Streaming: British shows feature slang used by Irish fans.
• Sports & Streetwear: Sneaker culture in Ireland overlaps with the UK.

According to a 2024 survey by Red C, 62% of Irish teenagers said they used UK slang in everyday conversation, with "creps" being a top pick for shoes and trainers.

Whether you’re into fresh sneakers or just want to keep up with your mates, knowing a bit of London slang makes you sound sharp—especially if you’re hanging out at sneaker drops on South William Street or grabbing coffee near Trinity College.

Irish Sneaker Culture: Local Favourites

Irish sneaker shoppers aren’t shy about showing off their style, and you’ll spot different trends depending on if you’re strolling down Grafton Street in Dublin or checking out St. Patrick’s Street in Cork. Up North in Belfast, retro classics are making a comeback, with people hunting down vintage Nike and Adidas. Dubliners love clean styles—think crisp white Air Force 1s or Adidas Stan Smiths—but you’ll also catch statement colourways from brands like New Balance and Asics getting plenty of play.

JD Sports, Elverys, and Foot Locker often drive what’s hot by dropping limited editions or Ireland-exclusive colourways. Local shop Korky's is another go-to for new releases and rare finds, especially if you want something a bit different that won’t turn up on every street in London.

Here’s a quick look at the most popular trainers (runners) you’ll spot on Irish streets this year:

• Nike Air Force 1 – Always a safe bet for lads and lassies alike. Simple, comfy, and easy to spot in any pub or bus queue.
• Adidas Samba – These have blown up again thanks to GAA players and TikTokers sporting them with baggy jeans and trackie tops.
• New Balance 550 – Gaining steam among students at Trinity and UCD, mostly for their vintage look and all-day comfort.
• Asics Gel-Kayano – If you want to stand out in Galway or Limerick, these colourful kicks are a favourite with runners and streetwear crowds alike.
• Puma Suede – A staple in Cork for anyone after old-school vibes without a massive price tag.

Pricing always matters, so here’s what you can expect to shell out in Ireland for these popular picks:

It’s not all about what you wear, though. Irish sneakerheads are some of the most connected in Europe, with Facebook groups and WhatsApp chats dedicated to trading, swapping, or even showing off the latest London slang pairs picked up on trips or online drops. Plus, events like the Sneaker Society meetups in Dublin or the Belfast trainers fairs keep growing every year, so there are loads of chances to snag rare kicks and swap stories with fellow fans.

Tips for Talking Trainers in Ireland

Let’s get straight to the point—if you’re talking to someone in Ireland about shoes meant for sport or casual wear, you’ll want to say trainers. In Cork, Galway, or even the likes of Limerick, that’s the word folks expect. Step outside Dublin, and you might also hear 'runners,' but try dropping 'creps' in your local Centra and don’t be surprised if you get a puzzled look. The London slang just hasn't stuck here like it has across the Irish Sea.

If you’re chatting with mates who’ve spent a bit of time across the channel, or maybe you’re messaging a friend living in London, they might use 'creps' or 'kicks' (the latter is more American, but it pops up now and then). But around Ireland, sticking to trainers works in almost every shop and social group. If you’re buying or selling gear on adverts.ie or Depop, listings are usually under trainers, though an odd ‘runners’ might show up.

• When shopping in big city stores like JD Sports or Sports Direct, ask for trainers.
• Chatting to GAA players or joggers? You’ll probably hear 'runners.' It’s a grand old Irish thing.
• If you're talking style—like fresh out-of-the-box Nike or Adidas—trainers covers both performance and street look in store and online.
• Checking out sneaker events in Ireland, such as Sneaker Society Dublin, people usually stick to trainers, but you might overhear kicks or even creps from London visitors.

There’s even a bit of data on this. In 2024, a local footwear retailer survey asked 500 shoppers across Dublin, Cork, Galway, and Limerick what they call their sporty shoes. Check out the stats below:

The takeaway? Stick to trainers if you want to sound like you know what you’re talking about in most places around Ireland. Switch to runners when chatting sport with locals, but keep 'creps' for London trips or talking street style with mates raised on UK streetwear YouTube channels.

Where to Shop and Stay on Trend

If you want to keep your trainer game strong in Ireland, you’ve got options—from Dublin city centre to Cork and Galway. The trick is knowing where to look, what’s hot, and how to score something a little different before everyone else has it on their feet. Whether you’re after solid classics or wild limited editions, a few places pop up in every group chat when talk turns to sneakers.

In Dublin, Korky's on Grafton Street has been a go-to for trainers fans for decades. They’re famous for stocking big-name brands and hard-to-find colourways. If you’re chasing the latest Nike drops or Adidas collabs, JD Sports and Foot Locker (with branches in Blanchardstown, Liffey Valley, and city centre) usually get them soon after UK releases. Size? in Dublin is another spot that mixes streetwear and trainers, with staff who actually know the difference between Air Force 1s and Yeezys without needing to Google it.

For those outside Dublin, McCullough Pigott in Cork and Elverys in Galway keep a steady flow of new arrivals, often at prices that don’t sting quite as much as some of the boutique shops in London. If you want to try your luck online, Irish-based sites like Life Style Sports are handy for home delivery—no more hunting for UK shipping codes or worrying about customs since Brexit.

If you’re really into the scene, local sneaker swaps and events are popping up more often now—especially in Dublin and Belfast. These are perfect if you want to buy, sell, or even trade pairs that might never hit regular shelves. Plus, it’s a great place to pick up on the latest London slang or see what’s catching fire on Irish streets.

Here’s a quick look at where Irish trainer fans are shopping—and the brands they’re after:

One last tip—don’t ignore local Instagram accounts and trainer groups. Irish sneakerheads often post news about restocks or flash sales before the shops announce them. Stay on top of those stories, drop a comment, and you’ll never miss out on the next big thing.