Do Americans Say Trainers or Sneakers? An Irish Person's Guide to US and Irish Shoe Lingo

Ask around in Ireland and you'll hear the word “trainers” as casually as you might hear “grand” on Shop Street in Galway. But wander into any American tourist in Temple Bar, and suddenly, “trainers” gets met with blank stares. Americans say “sneakers” – and there’s a whole load of quirky reasons behind these differences in shoe talk. The way we refer to our casual, comfy sports shoes says a lot about where we're from and who our neighbours are. Whether you’re an Irish student planning a J1 for Boston, hoping to chat with American tourists at the Cliffs of Moher, or just wondering why Netflix subtitles suddenly say “sneakers,” it’s worth knowing exactly what these terms mean on both sides of the Atlantic.

What Do People Say in Ireland Versus America?

In Ireland, “trainers” is the word passed from North to South and everywhere in between. Ask someone at Elvery’s or Sports Direct, and “trainers” is how most of us label those lace-up shoes we wear for sports or running for the bus. But in the US, “trainers” just isn’t part of regular American English. Over there, “sneakers” is the catchall term. Walk into a shop like Foot Locker in New York, tell the clerk you're after “trainers” and you’ll probably be shown to the dumbbells instead of the shoe racks.

Sure, we share a lot with the Americans, but language quirks like this make travel, ordering online, and even chatting with friends from abroad a bit confusing.

If you want to be understood when shopping or using online marketplaces with American sellers, always use “sneakers.” For Irish retailers like Lifestyle Sports, “trainers” rules. Contrast that with American brands – Nike, Adidas USA, or New Balance – who market their shoes almost exclusively as “sneakers.” It’s not just shoppers who get mixed up. Irish expats in the US often share funny stories online about being misunderstood for just wanting a new pair of runners after their 5k in Central Park.

The Origins and Spread of ‘Trainers’ and ‘Sneakers’

So, why did we in Ireland land on “trainers” while Americans swear by “sneakers”? The answer is all about history and pop culture quirks. “Sneakers” hails from the late 19th-century United States. Early rubber-soled shoes made wearers extra quiet – they could "sneak around" without being heard. The first proper sneakers actually appeared in the 1890s, and big American brands like Keds and Converse locked in the term. Over time, the word “sneaker” spread through US sports and fashion scenes, showing up in hip-hop lyrics, films, and TV.

Meanwhile, over here in Ireland and the UK, “trainers” is short for “training shoes.” The word crept into Irish slang in the 1980s and has stuck ever since. Watch any GAA match in Croke Park or listen to athletes at Loafers in Cork, you’ll hear trainers in the chat about sport and fashion. The difference stuck, probably thanks to the divide between British and American pop culture influences.

It’s worth mentioning that “runners” is another term you’ll hear up and down Ireland (and especially in Dublin). That’s not really heard in America either, unless you’re talking about people jogging. So if you find yourself in the US, remember: “sneakers” is the safest bet, and “trainers” is strictly Hiberno-English.

How Language Shapes the Market in Ireland

The choice of words isn’t just about being understood in conversation – it shapes the whole retail and lifestyle scene. Google search trends from 2024 show the majority of Irish shoppers type “trainers Ireland” or “cheap trainers in Galway” into their browsers. American websites get most of their traffic from “sneakers for men” or “women’s sneakers sale.” Shoe stores in Dublin’s St Stephen’s Green don’t even need to explain what trainers are – everyone knows.

Irish events like the Women’s Mini Marathon, parkruns, and primary school sports days all see parents chatting about trainers, not sneakers. Same thing goes for school uniform lists; you’ll see “black trainers” as a requirement. US schools, meanwhile, hand out lists with “sneakers for gym class.” Even when American pop culture lands here – like when Air Jordans appear in JD Sports on Shop Street – the in-shop ads say “trainers.”

These language differences mean Irish brands need to double-check their wording when selling to Americans online. If you run a start-up in Galway hoping to reach US customers, you’ll get more clicks if you use “sneakers.” Being sensitive to these details – whether you’re ordering, selling, or just chatting – saves a lot of confusion (and means less time explaining, "No, I don't mean the movie Sneakers with Robert Redford").

Irish Traditions and Global Brands: Bridging the Gap

When you think of Irish sports, GAA, soccer, and rugby come to mind – all fields where trainers are key. Local Irish stores stock brands that are global, like Adidas and Puma, but the marketing and labels are tailored to Irish habits. For instance, the Adidas “Samba” is usually listed as a “classic trainer” on Irish shopping sites, but it’ll be a “sneaker” on the US version.

Yet brands love blurring lines. In 2023, Nike Ireland ran a cheeky ad campaign featuring Galway’s own Athenry soccer club, with the tagline, "The best trainers for every pitch." On their American Instagram account, the exact same model was “the freshest sneakers for every field.” So, if you’re ordering gear for your local team, use “trainers” on the Irish site, and don’t be caught out by the double trouble of language if you switch to .com websites.

Not sure which site to order from? Here’s a quick tip: most Irish and UK brands end their URLs with .ie or .co.uk and use “trainers.” American brands stick with .com and promote “sneakers.” If you’re ever stuck in a Dublin phone shop after a rainstorm (don’t laugh, it happens), and ask where the “sneakers” are, expect a confused look. But ask for “trainers,” and you’ll get a respectful nod, along with a suggestion on which pair handles Irish weather best.

Practical Tips for Travelling, Shopping, and Talking Shoes in Ireland

The language of shoes gets tricky when you travel or shop online. Here’s how to keep things simple, whether you’re welcoming Americans to Ireland, buying gifts for friends overseas, or navigating the sea of marketing terms in Irish and US shops.

• Always use “trainers” when talking to Irish people, shopping local, or chatting GAA kit with your mates.
• If you’re in the US or dealing with an American, switch to “sneakers” to avoid blank stares, especially in shops and online.
• Remember, “runners” is fine for Irish casual use, but not widely understood in the USA.
• On online marketplaces like eBay or Depop, check whether the seller is based in Ireland or America. Use the word they use in the headline to get the right listings.
• If you’re sending trainers as a gift to America, label the box “sneakers” if you want to impress them with your international know-how!
• The sizing is different, too! Irish/UK sizes aren’t the same as US sizes, even if the shoes look identical. Always double-check the conversion – Sports Direct and Lifestyle Sports have handy size charts online to help.

Finally, don’t worry too much about the mix-ups. Loads of Irish people chuckle when Americans say “sneakers,” and Americans find “trainers” to be a charming quirk of Irish English. At the end of the day, no matter the name, we’re all just after comfy shoes that survive the puddles outside SuperValu in January. If you’re looking for trendy options, try Galway’s Urban Outfitters or Dublin’s Brown Thomas for classic trainers – err, sneakers – and you’ll see both terms side by side on labels at big retailers like Schuh or JD Sports.

Keep these tips in mind, and you'll never trip up in the language of sport and style. Now, next time you’re lacing up for a jog along Salthill prom or a casual stroll through the Phoenix Park, you’ll know exactly what to call the shoes on your feet – and how to explain it to anyone, anywhere.