Regional Footwear Terminology Quiz
Test your knowledge about footwear terminology across English-speaking regions. How well do you know the differences between what we call them in Ireland, Scotland, and the United States?
Results
In Ireland, we know a thing or two about shoes. With rain most days of the year and cobblestones in every town from Galway to Derry, your footwear isn’t just fashion-it’s survival. So when someone asks, what are sneakers called in Scotland?, the real question might be: why does it even matter? Because here in Ireland, we’ve got our own way of saying it-and it’s not the same as down south in England, or over the water in Scotland.
Trainers, not sneakers: the Irish default
If you walk into a shop in Cork or Belfast and ask for sneakers, you’ll likely get a raised eyebrow. In Ireland, we say trainers. Always have. From school PE classes in Clonmel to weekend walks along the Wild Atlantic Way, trainers is the word that sticks. It’s not slang-it’s standard. You’ll see it on labels in Dunnes Stores, on ads for Nike and Adidas in the Irish Independent, and on the lips of grandmas in Sligo who still buy them for their grandkids before the winter sets in.
Why? Because sneaker is an American import. It came over with Hollywood movies and MTV in the ’80s, but it never took root. We didn’t need it. We had our own term, rooted in the British Isles, where the word trainer originally described shoes used for athletic training. Simple. Practical. No frills.
What about Scotland? They say the same thing
So, back to the original question: what are sneakers called in Scotland? The answer? Trainers. Just like us. Scotland doesn’t use sneakers either-not in everyday speech. You won’t hear someone in Glasgow or Aberdeen say, “I’m off to the park in my sneakers.” They’ll say, “I’m off in me trainers.” Same as Dublin, same as Limerick. The whole of the UK and Ireland uses trainers. It’s one of those quiet, unspoken cultural ties that bind us.
Even the big brands know it. When Nike launched its latest running shoe in 2024, the Irish and Scottish ads didn’t say “sneakers.” They said “trainers.” The same packaging, the same TV spots, the same in-store displays. No need to localize. The word works across borders.
Why do Americans say “sneakers”?
It’s a fun little history lesson. The term sneaker comes from the early 1900s, when rubber-soled shoes were quiet enough to let you “sneak” around without making noise. It stuck in the U.S. But in Britain and Ireland, the focus was always on function: these were shoes for training, running, sports. So trainers made more sense. It’s not about being old-fashioned-it’s about language evolving differently on either side of the Atlantic.
And here’s the kicker: even in Canada and Australia, you’ll hear trainers more than sneakers. It’s the Commonwealth pattern. The U.S. is the outlier.
When you might hear “sneakers” in Ireland
That said, you’re not completely immune to American influence. In cities like Dublin or Belfast, younger people-especially those who binge Netflix or follow U.S. influencers-might throw in a “sneaker” now and then. You’ll catch it in music videos, TikTok trends, or when someone’s trying to sound cool. But ask a local shop assistant in Galway if they have any “sneakers,” and they’ll still reach for the trainers rack.
And if you’re shopping online? Watch out. U.S. websites like Amazon or Zappos will list them as “sneakers.” But Irish retailers like Superdry, JD Sports, or even the local Foot Locker in Dundalk? They’ll use “trainers.” Always.
Brands you’ll find on Irish feet
What do we wear? The usual suspects: Nike, Adidas, Puma, New Balance. But we’ve also got homegrown favorites. Clarks still sell like crazy here-not because they’re trendy, but because they last. Walk into any pharmacy in Waterford on a Saturday, and you’ll see older folks picking up their Clarks trainers for Sunday mass. They’re not flashy, but they’re built for Irish pavements and wet grass.
Then there’s Geox, popular for its breathable soles-perfect for our damp climate. And don’t forget Bally, the Irish luxury brand that’s been making quality leather footwear since 1930. They’ve got trainer-style shoes that look sharp but still keep your feet dry. You’ll see them in Galway’s Latin Quarter, worn by people who want to look put-together without sacrificing comfort.
Why this matters beyond words
This isn’t just about vocabulary. It’s about identity. Language tells you where you’re from. Saying trainers instead of sneakers is a tiny, quiet way of saying, “I’m from here.” It’s the same as saying “lorry” instead of “truck,” or “biscuit” instead of “cookie.” These words stitch us into a shared culture across Ireland and Scotland.
And if you’re visiting? Don’t worry if you say “sneakers.” No one will think less of you. But if you want to blend in, if you want to sound like you’ve walked the streets of Doolin or cycled the Great Western Greenway, say “trainers.” It’s the little things that make you feel at home.
Footwear in the Irish climate
Let’s be real-our weather doesn’t care what you call your shoes. Rain falls here like clockwork. Even in July, you’ll need waterproof soles. That’s why brands like Clarks, Geox, and Ugg (yes, even Ugg has waterproof lines now) sell so well here. The best trainers in Ireland aren’t the flashiest-they’re the ones with sealed seams, non-slip soles, and breathable linings.
Look for models labeled “water-resistant” or “GORE-TEX.” You’ll find them in every major shoe store in Ireland. And if you’re hiking the Wicklow Mountains or walking the Dingle Way? Skip the cotton socks. Go for wool blends. Your feet will thank you.
Train or walk? The Irish way
There’s a reason we don’t have a big running culture like the U.S. We don’t have wide, paved trails everywhere. But we do have the Irish LifeActive initiative, backed by Sport Ireland, that encourages walking and light exercise. And guess what? People wear trainers for it. Not running spikes. Not fancy gym shoes. Just good, solid trainers.
Every weekend, you’ll see groups in Phoenix Park, or along the Liffey in Dublin, or near the Giant’s Causeway in Antrim-people walking, chatting, laughing, all in trainers. It’s not a performance. It’s life.
Final thought: It’s not about the name, it’s about the fit
So, what are sneakers called in Scotland? Trainers. Just like in Ireland. And honestly? That’s the whole point. The word doesn’t change how they feel on your feet. What matters is whether they keep you dry, support your walk, and last through a wet winter.
Next time you’re in a shop in Galway or Glasgow, don’t overthink it. Walk up to the counter, point to the shoes you like, and say, “I’ll take these trainers.” You’ll get a nod. Maybe a smile. And you’ll be speaking the local language-without even trying.
Are sneakers and trainers the same thing?
Yes, they’re the same type of shoe-rubber-soled, casual, for sports or everyday wear. The difference is just the word. In Ireland and Scotland, we say “trainers.” In the U.S., it’s “sneakers.” Same shoe, different name.
Do Irish people ever say “sneakers”?
Rarely, and usually only when they’re quoting American media. In daily life, “trainers” is the default. Even kids in primary school learn to say “trainers” first. You might hear “sneakers” online or in ads, but you won’t hear it on the street.
What’s the best brand for trainers in Ireland?
There’s no single answer-it depends on what you need. For durability and comfort in wet weather, Clarks and Geox are top picks. For running or gym use, Nike and Adidas dominate. If you want something stylish but practical, New Balance and Bally are popular in cities like Cork and Dublin.
Why don’t Irish shops sell sneakers?
They do-but they label them as trainers. Irish retailers follow local language norms. If you search “sneakers” on Dunnes Stores or Superdry’s Irish site, you won’t find results. But search “trainers,” and you’ll see hundreds of options. It’s not that they don’t sell them-it’s that they use the right word for their customers.
Do Scottish people call them something different from Irish people?
No. Both Scotland and Ireland use “trainers” as the standard term. You’ll hear the same word in Edinburgh as you do in Limerick. The only difference might be the accent.