If you’ve ever wandered down Grafton Street in Dublin or along Galway’s Shop Street, you know how much an eye-catching pair of boots can turn heads. In Ireland, where rain and cobblestones rule, sturdy footwear isn’t just a wish—it’s a necessity. Thursday Boots have elbowed their way into the Irish market, promising not just rugged looks, but an unexpected bonus for those not topping the height charts: a bit of a lift. So, just how much altitude are we talking, and is it all it’s cracked up to be? Grab a cuppa; you might be surprised by the facts hiding in those soles.
Boots have always played a functional role in Ireland. Our landscapes demand more than dainty brogues—think about a wet race day in Punchestown or a muddy walk in Connemara. So when Thursday Boots landed on Irish shelves, folks immediately noticed their sturdy, American-inspired builds, slightly different from the more traditional Dubarrys or Clarks you’ll spot at a pub in Doolin. But the real question on plenty of minds is, "How much height do Thursday Boots add to your stance?"
The answer: on average, Thursday Boots provide about 1.25 to 1.5 inches (a little over 3 cm) of height boost. This comes from a combination of the boot’s sole thickness, stacked heels, and that plush insole that gives a gentle bounce underfoot. The classic Captain boot, probably their best-known style, adds around 1.3 inches—measured from heel to toe drop, not just at the heel. This is a touch above what you’d expect from a typical pair of Blundstones or even the standard Chelsea boot on Irish streets.
Why does this matter in Ireland? Well, think about meeting mates for a pint at The Front Door in Galway, or heading to a match at Aviva Stadium. That subtle lift might give you extra presence, especially around taller crowds. Plus, with everyone bundling themselves into oversized Aran jumpers come October, a bit of extra height can keep proportions looking sharp. Interestingly, Thursday Boots releases data on their measurements: according to their US site, most of their men’s boots (like the Captain, President, and Diplomat) sit right between 1.25 and 1.5 inches, while their women’s Duchess and Legend boots tend to climb towards 1.7 inches. That’s just enough for most folks to notice a difference when they catch their reflection passing the windows on Henry Street.
Here’s a quick comparison for the nerds among us who want the hard numbers:
Boot Style | Height Added (inches) | Height Added (cm) |
---|---|---|
Captain | 1.3 | 3.3 |
President | 1.25 | 3.2 |
Duchess (Women) | 1.7 | 4.3 |
Diplomat | 1.5 | 3.8 |
Whether you’re hoping to edge past a mate in group photos or just prefer that feeling of standing tall, these numbers can actually make a difference. Unlike chunky lifts that can scream “look at me,” the extra height in Thursday Boots is subtle—think more natural confidence than obvious platforms.
It’s one thing to add a few centimetres, but why are Thursday Boots popping up in so many parts of Ireland, from Cork to Limerick? Part of the reason is their blend of style and substance. Anyone who’s ever stood at a bus stop during an Irish shower knows that flimsy shoes won’t do. Thursday Boots use water-resistant leather and Goodyear welting—the same kind you’ll see in high-quality Irish labels like Dubarry or even traditional work boots sold at O’Donnell’s. This translates to durability for actual weather, not just a dry Instagram photo in Phoenix Park.
Their design leans into that heritage look we love. The minimalist, clean lines fit right in with both a pair of Levi’s bought at Brown Thomas and a tweed jacket for a pint in Dingle. And for those working jobs in the city—think architects dashing down Baggot Street or engineers popping over to Google’s Docklands campus—the boots don’t look out of place in business-casual settings. Add in ethical production values (something Irish shoppers are caring more about each year—see recent Bord Bia reports), and you’ve got mass appeal across age brackets.
Height aside, Thursday Boots are famous for their comfort, too. The memory foam insoles and shock-absorbing cork midlayers (a feature you might miss at first glance) mean they’re kinder on the feet than most new boots. That matters whether you’re popping out to Croke Park or spending a long Saturday at the Galway Market. People here have started posting their Thursday Boot fits on Irish Twitter, not just sharing the style but literally showing before-and-after shots with the extra inches next to the Ha’penny Bridge or along Salthill Prom. There’s even talk in Belfast’s sneakerhead groups about which Thursday Boot style works best with skinny jeans vs. wide-legs, which says a lot about how quickly they’ve been adopted into local fashion circles.
On the flip side, anyone worried about standing out too much: don’t. These boots read more "rugged gent" than "wannabe influencer." Unlike overly chunky American work boots or narrow Italian Chelsea boots, Thursday Boots hit a sweet spot that blends well with Irish sensibilities, from casual walks in the Burren to rainy nights in Temple Bar.
You’ve decided to grab a pair—maybe after seeing Grainne Seoige rocking them on Instagram or catching a glimpse while queuing up at SuperValu. First, let’s make sure you really get the full benefit, both in height and comfort, because who says you can’t have both?
Thinking about making these your next boots? The best deals for the Irish market usually pop up on Black Friday or local shopping events like Brown Thomas Private Sale. Irish retailers have caught onto demand, so it’s not unusual now to see them featured right next to classic Timberlands or even next to GAA boot bins. Watch out for fakes though—use trusted local retailers like Office Shoes or call ahead at Arnotts. And yes, they do ship directly to Ireland from the Thursday Boots website, but customs and VAT can make things tricky if you don’t calculate it in advance.
It’s almost a rite of passage for Irish teens and twenty-somethings to want a bit of extra height growing up (is it all those rugby lads, maybe?). Thursday Boots give that little rise, but they aren’t fussy or flashy—just a steady, solid bet for adding style and practicality, whether you’re striding into a meeting in Dublin or marching up Croagh Patrick. Just remember: walk tall, but always look where you’re stepping—those Galway stones can be dodgy, with or without a bit of lift.