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Do People Size Up in Boots in Ireland?
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Based on Irish foot conditions and brand sizing differences. Always try boots on with thick socks!
When you’re standing in a shoe shop in Galway, Dublin, or Cork, and you’re holding a pair of sturdy leather boots that look perfect for the Irish weather, there’s one question that always pops up: do people size up in boots? The answer isn’t simple - it depends on the brand, the style, and whether you’re wearing thick wool socks or thin tights under them. But if you live in Ireland, where rain, mud, and uneven cobblestones are part of daily life, getting the right fit isn’t just about comfort - it’s about survival.
Why Boot Fit Matters More in Ireland
Ireland’s climate doesn’t give you much room for error. You’re not just walking from the bus stop to work - you’re crossing wet fields near Glendalough, stepping over puddles on Grafton Street, or hiking the Cliffs of Moher with damp socks and aching feet. A boot that’s too tight can cause blisters, numb toes, or even long-term foot damage. A boot that’s too loose? You’ll slip, twist an ankle, or lose a sole in the sludge near Lough Neagh.
Most Irish women who’ve lived here for more than a year know this: you don’t buy boots based on your usual shoe size. You buy them based on how they feel after 20 minutes of walking around the store, preferably on a tile floor that mimics a Dublin pavement after a downpour.
Brands That Fit Irish Feet - And Which Ones Don’t
Not all boots are made the same. If you’ve ever bought a pair of UGGs online and ended up with toes pressed against the front, you’re not alone. Here’s what works in Ireland:
- Clarks - Their Irish-made Heritage line runs true to size, with a slightly roomier toe box. Many women in Cork and Limerick swear by the Clarks Unstructured Boot for winter.
- Blundstone - Australian-made but wildly popular here. They run big. Most Irish buyers size down by half a size. The 550 and 580 models are everywhere in Donegal and Wicklow - tough, waterproof, and easy to slip on after a long day.
- Dr. Martens - The classic 1460 boot? Narrow. If you have wide feet or plan to wear thick socks, go up a full size. Many Dubliners buy them in the Dundrum Town Centre store and get them stretched on the spot.
- Irish-made brands like Aigle or Dunnes Stores’ own range - These often run smaller. A size 6 in Dunnes might be a 6.5 in Clarks. Always try before you buy.
One thing you’ll hear at Irish shoe fairs - like the one in the RDS during the Dublin Fashion Festival - is that Irish feet are wider than average. That’s not folklore. A 2023 podiatry survey by the Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists found that 68% of Irish women have a foot width over 100mm at the ball of the foot. That’s wider than the European average. So if a boot feels snug across the toes? It’s probably too small.
The Sock Factor - It’s Not Optional
Here’s a secret no one tells you: you’re not buying boots for summer. You’re buying them for December in Mayo, when the wind bites and you’re wearing two pairs of socks under your boots. That’s why every seasoned Irish woman keeps a pair of Merino wool socks in her bag - and why she always tries boots on with them.
Try this trick: Walk into any shoe shop in Kilkenny or Waterford and ask to try on your boots with the thickest socks you own. Then stand up. Wiggle your toes. If you can’t, walk around the store for five minutes. If your heel slips or your toes press into the front, it’s too tight. No exceptions.
Where to Buy Boots in Ireland - And What to Avoid
Don’t buy boots online unless you’ve worn that exact model before. Ireland’s return policies are messy. Most online retailers charge €10-€15 for returns, and if the boots have even a speck of mud on them, they’ll refuse the return. That’s why most Irish women stick to:
- Clarks stores - Dublin, Galway, Limerick
- Shoe City - Nationwide, with trained fitters who know Irish foot shapes
- Dunnes Stores - Their winter boot range is surprisingly good, and prices are fair
- Local cobblers - In towns like Kinsale or Ennis, many offer custom insoles and stretching services for €15-€25. Worth every euro.
Avoid buying from tourist traps in Temple Bar or Killarney. The boots there are designed for photos, not for walking 10km on wet grass. They’re often made with thin soles and cheap leather that cracks after one season.
Real Stories From Irish Women
Mairead from Sligo bought a pair of Dr. Martens in a size 7, thinking she’d size up. She wore them to a wedding in Ballina - and spent the whole night with bruised toes. Next time, she went up a full size, added a cushioned insole, and now she wears them every day. “I’ve walked from the bus to the pharmacy in the rain for six winters,” she says. “I’d rather spend €120 on a boot that fits than €60 on one that ruins my feet.”
And then there’s Eileen from Cork, who bought a pair of Blundstones online, sized down as recommended, and ended up with her heel blistered from slipping. She returned them, went to Shoe City, tried on five pairs with wool socks, and found the perfect fit - size 8, not 7.5. “The saleswoman didn’t even blink,” Eileen says. “She’s seen this a hundred times.”
What to Do If You Already Bought the Wrong Size
Don’t panic. There are three fixes that actually work in Ireland:
- Use insoles - Brands like Superfeet or Sof Sole are sold in pharmacies like Boots and Chemist Warehouse. They fill space and add arch support.
- Get them stretched - Most cobblers in towns like Derry, Waterford, or Tralee can stretch the toe box for €20. It takes 24 hours. Worth it.
- Wear them indoors - Put on thick socks, walk around the house for an hour, then leave them by the radiator overnight. Leather stretches slightly with heat and pressure.
But here’s the truth: none of these are perfect. If the boot was too small to begin with, you’re risking long-term foot problems. Better to return it and get the right fit.
The Bottom Line: Do People Size Up in Boots in Ireland?
Yes - but not always. It depends on the brand, the sock, and your foot shape. In Ireland, where the ground is wet and the winters are long, you can’t afford to guess. Always try boots on with thick socks. Walk. Wiggle. Test. Don’t trust the size tag. Trust your feet.
If you’re buying for the first time, go to a shop with a fitter who’s seen Irish feet before. Ask for recommendations. Take your time. And remember: the best boot in Ireland isn’t the fanciest one - it’s the one that lets you walk through rain, mud, and frost without a single ache.
Should I size up in Blundstone boots in Ireland?
Yes, most Irish women size down by half a size in Blundstones because they run large. But always try them on with the socks you plan to wear. If your toes feel squashed, go up half a size. The 550 and 580 models are popular here because they’re durable and waterproof - perfect for Irish weather.
Do Irish women have wider feet than other Europeans?
Yes. A 2023 survey by the Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists found that 68% of Irish women have a foot width over 100mm at the ball of the foot - wider than the European average. That’s why boots from brands like Clarks and Dunnes Stores often have wider lasts. Don’t assume your usual size will fit.
Is it better to buy boots in-store or online in Ireland?
In-store. Online returns in Ireland often come with fees, and muddy boots are frequently rejected. Stores like Shoe City, Clarks, and Dunnes have trained staff who know how Irish feet fit. You can try boots with thick socks and walk on hard floors that mimic Irish pavements. It’s worth the trip.
What’s the best boot brand for Irish winters?
Blundstone and Clarks are the top choices. Blundstones are tough, waterproof, and easy to slip on. Clarks offer better arch support and a roomier toe box for wider feet. Both are widely available in Irish shops and handle wet conditions well. Avoid cheap fashion boots - they crack in cold weather and offer no grip.
Can I stretch boots at home in Ireland?
Yes. Wear thick socks, walk around the house for an hour, then leave the boots by a radiator overnight. The heat and pressure will gently stretch the leather. For better results, use a boot stretcher - available at cobblers in towns like Kilkenny or Galway for under €30. Don’t use water or alcohol sprays - they can damage the leather.
What to Do Next
If you’ve been wearing boots that pinch, it’s time to act. Don’t wait until your toes go numb in January. Head to a local shoe shop this week. Bring your thickest socks. Walk. Ask questions. Let the fitter help you. Your feet will thank you - especially when the rain starts again.
