2
Do People Still Say Sneakers in Ireland?
Irish Footwear Term Checker
Check if a footwear term is used in Ireland
Enter a term like "sneakers" or "trainers" to see if it's commonly used in Ireland.
In Ireland, you won’t hear many people say "sneakers." If you walk into a shop in Galway, Dublin, or Cork and ask for sneakers, you’ll likely get a polite smile and a corrected answer: "You mean trainers?" The word "trainers" is the default term across the country, used by teens in Limerick, grandparents in Donegal, and students in Athlone. It’s not just preference-it’s ingrained in how Irish people talk about footwear. But why? And does anyone ever say "sneakers" at all?
Trainers: The Irish Standard
From the early 1980s, when brands like Adidas, Puma, and Reebok started flooding Irish high streets, "trainers" became the go-to word. It stuck because it was practical. These weren’t just for sport-they were for walking to school, commuting to work, or hiking the Wicklow Way. The term "trainers" implied function: they trained you for movement. That’s why you’ll see ads in The Irish Times for "best running trainers for winter trails," or hear a mum in Clonmel say, "My boy’s outgrew his trainers again-time for a new pair before the cross-country race."
Even today, when Nike, New Balance, or Asics launch new models, Irish retailers label them "trainers" on shelves and websites. Supermarkets like Dunnes Stores, Tesco Ireland, and Lidl stock them under "Footwear & Trainers," not "Sneakers." The Irish version of Amazon.co.uk lists over 1,200 trainer products, and not a single one uses "sneakers" as the primary term.
When Do People Say "Sneakers"?
There are exceptions. You’ll hear "sneakers" from younger people who grew up watching American TV shows or TikTok trends. A 17-year-old in Belfast might say, "I just got these limited-edition Air Jordans-best sneakers ever," especially if they’re posting a photo online. But even then, they’ll switch to "trainers" when talking to their dad or buying in-store.
Expats from the US or Canada often get confused. One American living in Cork told me, "I asked for sneakers at a shop on Grafton Street and the girl looked at me like I’d asked for a horse-drawn carriage." She started saying "trainers" within a week. Tourists, too, sometimes use "sneakers"-but they’re quickly corrected by shop assistants who know the local lingo.
There’s also a niche group: fashion bloggers and streetwear enthusiasts. In Dublin’s Temple Bar or Galway’s Latin Quarter, you might hear "sneakers" used ironically or to sound "global." But even here, it’s rare. Most Irish streetwear brands like Irish Made or Boots & Bogs still use "trainers" in their product descriptions.
Why Not "Sneakers"?
The difference isn’t just linguistic-it’s cultural. "Sneakers" comes from American English, tied to the idea of quiet, stealthy movement. In Ireland, footwear has always been about durability, weather resistance, and everyday use. Our roads are wet, our winters are long, and our terrain is rough. You don’t need quiet shoes-you need grippy soles, waterproof uppers, and something that won’t fall apart after a walk from the bus stop to the pub.
Brands like Clarks, Geox, and Camper dominate Irish sales not because they’re trendy, but because they’re built for Irish conditions. Even when people buy flashy Nike Air Force 1s, they’re still calling them trainers. The word doesn’t change just because the design does.
Generational Shifts and Global Influence
Is the tide turning? Maybe. With streaming services and social media, American terms are creeping in. Gen Z in Cork might say "sneakers" when texting friends. But in person? Still "trainers." A 2024 survey by the Irish Language Society found that 87% of respondents aged 16-25 used "trainers" in spoken conversation, even if they knew the word "sneakers."
Even global brands adapt. When Adidas launched its "Sneaker Culture" campaign in Europe, the Irish version was rebranded as "Trainer Culture"-complete with footage of teens in Limerick’s Mallow Street and students in Dundalk lining up for new releases.
What You Should Say in Ireland
If you’re visiting, living in, or doing business in Ireland, stick with "trainers." It’s not just correct-it’s respectful. It shows you’ve noticed how people actually talk here. If you’re shopping, search for "trainers" on Irish websites. If you’re writing copy for a local brand, use "trainers." If you’re chatting with someone at a pub in Kilkenny, say "trainers"-you’ll fit right in.
And if you hear someone say "sneakers"? Don’t correct them. Just smile. They’re probably from abroad. Or they’ve been binge-watching Netflix.
Where to Buy Trainers in Ireland
Here’s where locals actually shop:
- Dunnes Stores - Reliable, affordable trainers for families, especially in winter
- JD Sports - Go-to for Nike, Adidas, and New Balance in Dublin, Belfast, and Limerick
- Clarks - The go-to for comfort and durability, especially among older generations
- Foot Locker - Popular with teens and athletes, especially around back-to-school season
- Local independent stores - Like Shoe Station in Galway or Trainer Hub in Waterford-small, but stocked with niche brands
Many of these stores offer free delivery across Ireland, and most have loyalty programs. If you’re buying for walking the Burren or hiking the Mourne Mountains, look for models with Vibram soles and Gore-Tex lining. No one in Ireland wants soggy feet.
Trainees, Not Sneakers: A Cultural Marker
Language is a mirror of daily life. In Ireland, "trainers" reflects a culture that values practicality over flash. It’s not about being old-fashioned-it’s about being real. The word carries the weight of rainy mornings, school runs, weekend walks along the Wild Atlantic Way, and pub crawls in Galway city that end at 3 a.m. with muddy soles.
"Sneakers" might sound cool in a music video. But in Ireland, it’s "trainers" that keep you moving.
Do Irish people say sneakers at all?
Rarely in everyday speech. "Trainers" is the standard term across Ireland. You might hear "sneakers" from younger people influenced by American media or from tourists, but it’s not the norm. Even when people know the word, they still say "trainers" in real-life conversations.
Why do Irish people say trainers instead of sneakers?
The term "trainers" has been used since the 1980s when athletic shoes became common for daily wear. It’s tied to function-these shoes were meant for training, walking, and moving through Ireland’s wet, uneven terrain. "Sneakers" has no cultural root here; it’s an imported term with no practical connection to Irish life.
Are sneakers sold in Irish stores?
Yes, but they’re always labeled as "trainers." Retailers like JD Sports, Dunnes Stores, and Foot Locker use "trainers" in product titles, signs, and online filters. Even if the brand is American, the Irish market adapts the language to match local usage.
What’s the best brand of trainers for Irish weather?
Clarks, Geox, and Salomon are top choices for wet, cold conditions. Look for waterproof materials like Gore-Tex, rubber outsoles with deep treads, and insulated linings. Many Irish walkers and hikers swear by the Salomon X Ultra 4 GTX for trails like the Wicklow Way or the Burren.
Is "trainers" used in Northern Ireland too?
Yes. "Trainers" is the universal term across the entire island of Ireland, including Northern Ireland. Whether you’re in Derry, Armagh, or Belfast, you’ll hear "trainers," not "sneakers." The linguistic divide between Northern Ireland and the Republic doesn’t extend to footwear terminology.
