Walking through a shoe store on Grafton Street or browsing online from a Dublin flat, many Irish shoppers have noticed the buzz around Skechers is a global footwear brand best known for casual sneakers and lifestyle shoes. The Skechers controversy has spilled over into newsfeeds, consumer forums, and even the aisles of Brown Thomas. If you’re wondering why the brand that once dominated the Irish market for affordable comfort is suddenly under fire, you’ve come to the right place. This guide breaks down the dispute, explains how it affects Irish buyers, and offers practical steps to shop responsibly.
What sparked the controversy?
In early 2024, investigative journalists from the Irish Times uncovered that several Skechers factories in Southeast Asia were using low‑grade leather sourced from a tannery linked to illegal wildlife trade. The leather-marketed as “genuine leather”-was traced back to a Cork‑based tannery that allegedly imported hide scraps without proper documentation. While the Cork tannery supplies a range of Irish shoe makers, the scandal narrowed in on Skechers because the brand’s marketing emphasized “premium leather” while the actual material fell far short of that claim.
Compounding the issue, a leaked internal memorandum revealed that Skechers had pressured its suppliers to cut costs by accepting lower‑priced leather, even if it meant bypassing EU‑mandated traceability standards. The memo sparked outrage among Irish consumer rights groups, who argued that the brand was violating the EU regulations that require full supply‑chain transparency for leather products sold within the European Union.
How the issue plays out in the Irish market
Ireland’s footwear sector has a long‑standing love affair with leather-think of sturdy Chelsea boots from Dublin‑based manufacturers or the sleek dress shoes favored by many in the legal profession. When news broke, Irish shoppers responded quickly. Social media threads tagged with #SkechersIreland saw thousands of comments from customers demanding refunds, clearer labeling, and stricter oversight.
Retail chains like ‘Foot Locker Ireland’ and department stores such as Brown Thomas began pulling dubious Skechers models from shelves. Meanwhile, independent shoe boutiques in Cork and Galway started highlighting locally sourced, ethically certified leather alternatives. This shift reflects a broader Irish trend: consumers increasingly prioritize sustainability and ethical sourcing, a sentiment reinforced by the Irish government’s 2023 Sustainable Fashion Strategy, which encourages transparent supply chains.
Legal and regulatory backdrop in the EU and Ireland
Under the EU’s Consumer Protection Act of 2020, retailers must provide accurate product descriptors, especially concerning material composition. Failure to do so can result in fines up to €10,000 per infringement or mandatory product recalls.
In Ireland, the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) oversees compliance. After the investigative report, CCPC opened a formal inquiry into Skechers’ Irish supply‑chain practices. While the inquiry is ongoing, the commission has warned that any breach could trigger penalty notices and mandatory corrective advertising.
Consumer response - Irish shoppers and ethical concerns
Irish shoppers are known for their pragmatic approach. A recent poll by the Irish Fashion Council found that 68% of respondents would switch brands if they learned a product’s leather was not ethically sourced. Moreover, the same poll revealed that 45% of Irish consumers are willing to pay up to 15% more for shoes that carry the Sustainable fashion label verified by an EU‑approved third party.
Local consumer advocacy groups, such as the Irish Consumer Rights Association (ICRA), have set up a dedicated webpage where shoppers can report questionable Skechers products. The site offers a downloadable checklist to verify leather authenticity, including checking the product’s leather shoes tag, batch number, and country of origin.
Comparing Skechers with local alternatives
| Brand | Typical price (€/pair) | Leather source | Traceability | Sustainability badge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Skechers | 70-120 | Mixed (some imported, some Cork tannery) | Partial - recent gaps reported | None (as of 2025) |
| Clarks (Ireland) | 110-180 | Irish‑grown cattle, local tanneries | Full EU‑compliant traceability | EU Ecolabel |
| Dr. Martens (UK/Irish import) | 130-200 | British and Irish leather | Verified supply chain | Leather Working Group certified |
For Irish shoppers who value heritage and transparency, the table makes it clear why many are gravitating toward Clarks or Dr. Martens. Both brands source leather domestically or from vetted EU partners, ensure full traceability, and hold recognized sustainability certifications.
Practical steps for Irish buyers
- Check the label: Genuine leather should list the country of origin. Skechers items that only note “leather” without a location may be suspect.
- Ask the retailer: In Dublin or Cork stores, staff should be able to provide the batch number and supplier details.
- Use the ICRA checklist: Download the PDF, tally up the verification points, and refuse purchase if the score is low.
- Consider alternatives: Brands like Clarks, Dr. Martens, and local Irish shoemakers (e.g., Dubarry) regularly publish full supply‑chain reports.
- Stay updated: Follow CCPC’s announcements for any recall notices related to Skechers models.
By following these steps, you can avoid unintentionally supporting questionable leather sourcing while still enjoying stylish, comfortable footwear.
Future outlook - can Skechers regain trust?
Rebuilding reputation in Ireland will require more than a press release. Industry analysts suggest three pathways:
- Supply‑chain overhaul: Skechers could partner with a certified Irish tannery, such as the historic Cork leather tannery that has operated since the 19th century, to guarantee traceable, high‑grade leather.
- Transparent labeling: Adopting QR codes that link directly to a blockchain‑based ledger showing each step from hide to shoe would satisfy the EU’s upcoming Digital Product Passport requirements.
- Community engagement: Sponsoring local events like the Galway Fashion Week or Dublin’s Sustainable Shopping Festival could show genuine commitment to Irish values.
Until such measures are visible, many Irish consumers will continue to opt for brands with proven ethical track records. The controversy serves as a reminder that in today’s market, product claims must be backed by verifiable data-especially when it comes to cherished materials like leather.
Is Skechers still selling leather shoes in Ireland?
Yes, Skechers continues to offer several leather‑marked models, but many Irish retailers have temporarily removed them pending the outcome of the CCPC investigation. Buyers should verify the country of origin before purchase.
What legal rights do Irish consumers have if they bought a mislabeled Skechers shoe?
Under the Consumer Protection Act, shoppers can request a full refund, a replacement, or compensation for any loss incurred due to false labeling. Complaints can be lodged with the CCPC or the Competition Authority.
How can I spot genuine leather on a shoe?
Genuine leather usually carries a country‑of‑origin tag, a batch or style number, and a smooth, slightly supple texture. Conduct the “water test”: a few drops on the surface should be absorbed rather than bead up.
Are there Irish brands that offer ethically sourced leather shoes?
Yes, brands like Clarks Ireland, Dubarry, and local artisans in Cork and Galway source leather from certified Irish tanneries and publish full supply‑chain documentation.
What should I do if I suspect my Skechers shoes are part of the controversy?
Contact the retailer for proof of origin, keep the receipt, and file a complaint with the Irish Consumer Rights Association. You may also request a refund or replacement under consumer law.