What Are Sneakers Called Now in Ireland?

In Ireland, the word sneakers barely gets spoken anymore. Walk down Grafton Street in Dublin, stroll the docks in Galway, or head out to Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter, and you’ll hear one word more than any other: trainers. It’s not just a regional quirk-it’s the default term used by teens in Cork, commuters in Limerick, and even grandmas buying new kicks for their grandkids at Dunnes Stores. The shift isn’t about fashion trends alone; it’s about how Irish people have always talked about things that matter in daily life: comfort, practicality, and a bit of local identity.

Why ‘Trainers’ Stuck in Ireland

The term ‘trainers’ dates back to the 19th century, when rubber-soled shoes were used by athletes to train without slipping. But in Ireland, it never faded into obsolescence like it did in the U.S. Instead, it became the everyday word. While Americans say ‘sneakers’ (a term rooted in quiet, sneaky soles) and Brits say ‘plimsolls’ for old-school canvas shoes, Ireland settled on ‘trainers’ as the umbrella term for everything from running shoes to skate-style kicks.

There’s a reason it stuck. Irish weather doesn’t care about labels. Rain, wind, mud-these aren’t inconveniences; they’re part of life. So when you’re heading to the gym after work, walking the kids to school in Letterkenny, or catching the bus from Sligo to Dublin, you need footwear that handles wet cobbles, puddles, and sudden downpours. ‘Trainers’ implies function first. And in Ireland, function always wins.

What’s Actually on People’s Feet Right Now

It’s 2026, and the Irish market isn’t just buying any old trainers. People are more selective than ever. The most common styles you’ll see across towns and cities:

• Minimalist runners - Brands like On Running and Hoka are everywhere. You’ll spot them on cyclists in the Phoenix Park, on walkers along the Wild Atlantic Way, and in yoga studios in Bray.
• Chunky dad shoes - Still popular, especially among 20-somethings in Derry and Galway. Think New Balance 550 or Nike Air Monarch. They’re not just for looks-they’re shock-absorbing, perfect for long days on cobblestone streets.
• Water-resistant urban trainers - Irish brands like Irish Made and Clarks (yes, the British brand has deep roots here) now offer waterproof linings and quick-dry soles. These aren’t just for rain-they’re for crossing flooded sidewalks after heavy autumn storms.
• Secondhand and vintage - Thrift stores like Salvation Army in Cork and Charity Shops in Limerick are packed with 90s-era Adidas and Reeboks. Buying used isn’t just eco-friendly-it’s cheaper, and in Ireland, that matters.

There’s also a quiet rise in locally designed trainers. Small Irish makers like Shoebox Collective (based in Wexford) and Boots of the West (Galway) are crafting low-impact, sustainably sourced shoes with Irish wool linings and recycled rubber soles. They don’t have global ads, but they’re sold out every time they drop at the Galway Market or the Dublin Craft Fair.

The Irish Sneaker Culture Isn’t About Branding

Unlike in New York or London, where sneaker drops make headlines, Ireland’s culture is quieter, more community-driven. You won’t find queues outside Apple Stores for limited-edition Air Jordans. Instead, you’ll find people trading old pairs at local sports clubs-like the Galway Athletic Club’s monthly shoe swap, or the Louth Running Group’s ‘Swap & Go’ Sundays.

It’s not about logos. It’s about durability. A pair of Nike Air Max 90s that lasted five winters? That’s a legend. A pair of designer trainers that fell apart after one rainy month? That’s a cautionary tale told over pints in a pub.

Even the language reflects this. You won’t hear someone say, ‘I got these on release day.’ You’ll hear, ‘I got these off a fella in Ballina. They’re still good for the hills.’

What’s Changing in 2026

Two things are shifting fast. First, sustainability. With Ireland’s new plastic tax on footwear packaging and growing pressure from local councils to reduce landfill waste, people are demanding repairable shoes. Brands like Veja and Allbirds have seen a 40% sales jump in Irish stores since 2024.

Second, hybrid styles. The line between ‘trainers’ and ‘everyday shoes’ is gone. People wear the same pair to the gym, to the post office, to a family dinner in Kilkenny. The rise of remote work means no one needs ‘office shoes’ anymore. That’s why slip-on trainers with memory foam insoles are now the top sellers in Dunnes Stores and Penneys.

Even the Irish weather is influencing design. New models now come with ‘Irish Grip’ soles-deep treads designed for mossy stone paths, wet grass in the Burren, and slippery docks in Dún Laoghaire. You won’t find this on U.S. versions. It’s made for us.

Where to Buy in Ireland (And What to Avoid)

If you’re looking for trainers in Ireland, here’s where to go:

• Decathlon - Best for budget-friendly, high-performance options. Their ‘Runners’ line is waterproof and under €70.
• Dunnes Stores - Solid mid-range selection. Look for their ‘Active’ range with Irish-made cushioning.
• Charity shops - Goldmine for vintage Adidas, Puma, and Reebok. Go on a Thursday-new stock arrives after weekend donations.
• Local markets - Galway Market, Limerick Flea, and Belfast’s St. George’s Market have indie sellers offering handmade trainers.

Avoid buying from online retailers that don’t offer returns. Many Irish consumers learned the hard way after ordering ‘sneakers’ from U.S. sites that arrived with no arch support-and no Irish-sized width. You’ll end up with blisters and a €15 return fee.

What’s Next for Irish Footwear

Don’t expect ‘sneakers’ to come back into common use. The word feels foreign here, like ‘apartment’ instead of ‘flat’ or ‘elevator’ instead of ‘lift.’ It’s not about correctness-it’s about identity.

What’s next? More Irish-designed trainers. More repair cafes popping up in towns like Ennis and Tralee, where you can get your old pair resoled for €20. And more people choosing comfort over trends-because in Ireland, your shoes aren’t just fashion. They’re your boots for the road, the rain, and the long walk home.