Are Thursday Boots True to Brannock Size in Ireland? The Real Fit for Irish Women

If you’ve ever bought women’s boots in Ireland, you know the struggle of wrestling with size charts and conversions. Thursday boots, popular for their mix of style and toughness, claim to use true Brannock sizing. But how does that actually stack up with the way we size shoes in Ireland—and does it save you from pinched toes or heel slip on Grafton Street?

Here’s the deal: the Brannock device is the official metal foot measure you see in most Irish shoe shops. It gives you your real “foot size” without any brand tricks. But brands can play fast and loose with fit, so Brannock numbers don’t always mean the same thing on every label. Thursday boots say they stick to true Brannock sizing, but Irish buyers have found it’s still smart to double-check, especially since we sometimes size down in boots for a snug fit against the Irish chill.

Trying on Thursday boots? Bring your latest Brannock size, but also think about sock thickness—especially if you stomp along wild Atlantic Way paths or through soggy city lanes. Winter calls for thick socks, and you’ll want a little extra space. Too much though, and you’re wobbling like you just left Temple Bar.

• Brannock Sizing vs. Irish Shoe Sizing
• How Thursday Boots Fit Irish Feet
• Buying Thursday Boots in Ireland: What to Watch Out For
• Easy Returns, Exchanges, and Irish Retailers
• Tips for the Perfect Fit—Even in Irish Weather

Brannock Sizing vs. Irish Shoe Sizing

The Brannock size is the gold standard for foot measurements around the world, including here in Ireland. If you’ve ever had your feet measured in a shop from Cork to Donegal, chances are the staff used that familiar metal device. It gives you three numbers—overall length, arch length, and foot width. This takes the guesswork out of shopping, but here’s where the confusion starts: Irish shoe sizes can wander, especially when you cross the Irish Sea or buy international brands online.

In Ireland, most women use UK sizing. But not all brands treat sizes the same. A UK 5 can sometimes fit like a 5.5 or even a 4.5 depending on the make. Then you throw in European sizing (common in chains like Schuh or Brown Thomas), and the numbers start to blur. Thursday boots, which come in US sizes based on Brannock sizing, can be tricky to match up if you’re used to UK codes.

To keep things straight, check this quick comparison table—handy if you’re ordering Thursday boots from an Irish address:

If your foot measures a straight 7 on the Brannock, you’re looking at a UK 5. But sizing sometimes shifts with brand style, boot cut, or even the type of leather. Thursday boots usually follow the Brannock map, but Irish folks report that your regular UK size will usually match the US/Brannock number plus two. So, a UK 5 in your usual ankle boots goes to a US 7 in Thursday boots.

To avoid mistakes, use the Brannock device in local shops (Arnotts, for example, has one at the women’s shoe department). Knowing your Brannock size saves you headaches and makes online ordering less risky. Remember: Thursday boots use US sizing on their website—even when shipping to Dublin or Limerick—so always double-check before clicking buy.

How Thursday Boots Fit Irish Feet

Here’s what you really need to know: Thursday boots are built using US Brannock size as the guide, and most styles are pretty true to size. That means, if you know your Irish size, you’ll still want to check the US size conversion before clicking “buy,” since Irish sizes can be a half size or even a full size different. For women, a UK 5 roughly matches a US 7.5, so double-check that label if you’re used to shopping at Arnotts or Brown Thomas.

What’s different about Irish feet? Folks here often have a wider forefoot, thanks to years of rain boots and walking on uneven city streets and even bog roads. Thursday boots lean towards a standard-to-slightly-narrow fit, especially in styles like the Duchess or Captain. So, if you’re in-between widths or love a thick boot sock, you might feel a little squeeze at first. Some women in Cork and Belfast report that Thursday boots loosen up with a week or two of regular wear, especially in the toe box.

• Thursday boots stretch slightly over time, so don’t upsize too much, or you’ll end up with heel slip.
• If you already wear orthotics or inserts, pay close attention: the standard insole isn’t super thick, but there’s not tons of extra space in most models.
• Leather types matter too. Smooth leather breaks in much faster than Thursday’s rugged, weatherproof options, like those needed for a surprise Irish downpour in December.

For women shopping for boots for city commuting in Dublin or country pub hopping in Doolin, here’s a common issue: the ankle fit can feel snug, making it tough to slide your foot in at first. Don’t force it—with a short break-in at home (just wear them for an evening indoors), the fit sorts itself out.

A quick tip—if you’re shopping for Thursday boots in Ireland and you’re not sure about your width, pick your usual Brannock length, but wear them with your standard sock (not a paper-thin liner or a chunky mountaineer sock). That’ll give you the best feel for their “real world” fit, whether you’re braving Moore Street markets or just heading to the local for a trad night.

Buying Thursday Boots in Ireland: What to Watch Out For

Getting your hands on Thursday boots in Ireland can turn into a bit of a maze—especially when it comes to getting the right size and fit. Unlike high-street staples like Clarks or Dubarry, you won’t find Thursday boots in local shops up and down the country. Most Irish women go online, usually through Thursday’s own website or places like Amazon UK. Be warned: returns from Ireland are often at your own expense, with international shipping fees that aren’t cheap.

Before you hit buy, keep an eye out for these:

• Check the Size Guide Twice: Thursday uses US sizing by default, even for women’s boots. Double-check you’re picking the right size by comparing your Brannock size (if you know it) to Thursday’s chart. Irish shoe sizes don’t always match up cleanly to US ones.
• Watch Out for Stock Delays: When ordering into Ireland, shipping can take longer than promised—sometimes more than two weeks. If you need boots in a hurry for a festival in Galway or a City break, account for delays at customs.
• Think About Customs and VAT: Since Brexit hit, buying from the UK or US can mean surprise charges. Shoppers report paying an extra €30-€50 in VAT or customs fees at delivery. That's worth factoring into your overall spend, especially if you're working within a budget.
• Mind Return Policies: Thursday only offers free returns within the US. Sending boots back from Ireland could cost up to €35, plus the hassle of An Post paperwork. It's best to try boots on over a thick pair of socks indoors before committing.

Lots of Irish shoppers chat about fit and returns in forums such as Boards.ie and in Facebook groups. It's smart to search for reviews from women in Ireland, as sizing feedback from American buyers doesn't always tell the full story here.

Here’s a snapshot of what buyers in Ireland commonly face:

The main thing? Don’t rush. Do your homework, talk to other Irish buyers if you can, and weigh up the total price with all those extra costs. Getting it right first time means you’ll spend more time showing off your new women’s boots in Dublin or Dingle—and less time queuing at the post office.

Easy Returns, Exchanges, and Irish Retailers

Nobody wants the hassle of boots that pinch or swim on your feet, especially after splashing out on a new pair of Thursday boots in Ireland. Getting the right fit is tricky, but the return and exchange process doesn’t have to add stress. Here’s what you need to know before you click “Order Now.”

If you buy directly from Thursday's official website, returns from Ireland are possible, but you’ll cover the shipping cost back to the US—usually around €20 to €35 with An Post, depending on the service. Exchanges are handled like a return and new order, so you’ll wait a bit for the refund to hit, then buy your new size. Always double-check current return details; Thursday updates their policies now and then.

Some Irish shoe shops—like Greenes in Galway and The Shoe Horn in Dublin—carry select women's boots from Thursday (though lines vary, and stock can be patchy). Shopping locally means you can try before you buy, plus their return process tends to be more generous, usually 14 to 28 days for an exchange or refund, provided you've not worn them outdoors.

• Keep all packaging until you’re sure the boots are a keeper. Even a missing tag can cause headaches.
• Pay by credit card for smoother refund processing and handy protections if something goes wrong.
• If you ordered online but live near a retailer, check if they’ll help with size swaps or returns—they sometimes will, even for web purchases.

Buying at Brown Thomas or Arnotts? Ask about their current return policy—these major Irish retailers usually offer strong customer service but may only stock Thursday boots as a once-off or in limited sizes and styles.

For Irish online orders, look for .ie domains or EU-based shops (like Zalando) that sometimes carry Thursday boots. Returns within the EU are way easier—often free or included, rather than paid by you.

So, before you settle on a size, have a look at return policies and local options. Knowing your rights in Ireland saves a load of bother if your Brannock size call doesn’t pan out.

Tips for the Perfect Fit—Even in Irish Weather

Nailing the right fit for your Thursday boots isn’t just about numbers on paper. Ireland’s famously unpredictable weather throws its own curveballs. Wet footpaths, sudden rain, and the cold snap in January all affect how boots feel on your feet day to day. Here’s how to get it right, even when the forecast changes five times before lunch.

• Factor in Socks: In most of Ireland, you’re rarely walking around in bare ankles. Test your boots with the kind of socks you actually wear—whether it’s thick Donegal wool or standard cotton. Some women in Galway say sizing up half a Brannock size saves them from tightness once winter hits.
• Try in the Afternoon: Feet swell during the day, especially if you’re on your feet commuting between Pearse Station and city centre offices. Go boot shopping in the late afternoon to avoid buying a snug pair that’ll pinch by dinnertime.
• Check the Toe Room: Give your toes a quick wiggle when trying on. A thumb’s width between your longest toe and boot tip is the old-school rule still used in Irish shoe shops like Carl Scarpa or Greenes. Too much space, though, and your heel will slip with every step along the Liffey.
• Break-in Time: Real leather Thursday boots take a week or two to loosen up, so judge the fit more by comfort than stiffness on day one. Irish winters speed up this process—wet conditions soften the leather faster, but treat them with a protective spray from stores like Arnotts to keep them looking good longer.
• Adjust for Insoles: If you use arch supports or insoles, bring them along. Extra inserts can make a boot feel half a size smaller, especially in the snug O’Connell or Captain models popular with Dublin shoppers.

If you’re shopping online for Thursday boots in Ireland, double-check the retailer’s return and exchange policy. Many Irish women said fast swaps are a lifesaver since international returns to the US can get pricey with An Post, especially after Brexit changes. Canterbury Leather and Brown Thomas sometimes offer local try-before-you-buy or easier returns when Thursday boots run a bit off your Brannock size.

For anyone after pure stats, here’s a quick look at how Irish sizing choices break down according to a small 2024 survey of 56 women who bought Thursday boots in Cork, Limerick, and Dublin:

The clear story: most Irish women stick with their regular Brannock size, but a sizable group size up for warmth and thick socks. So, trust the numbers, but always listen to your feet—and don’t be afraid of a test walk down Henry Street before you commit.