What Countries Call Shoes Trainers? The Irish Perspective

In Ireland, if you walk into a shop in Galway, Cork, or even Derry and ask for trainers, you won’t get confused looks - you’ll get exactly what you need. That’s because here, trainers aren’t just a style of shoe; they’re part of the everyday vocabulary. But if you’ve ever traveled to the UK, the US, or Australia and said "I need new trainers," you might’ve been met with a blank stare or a polite correction. So, which countries call shoes trainers? And why does Ireland stick to this word when others don’t?

Why Ireland Says "Trainers"

The word "trainers" comes from their original purpose: to train in. Back in the late 1800s, rubber-soled shoes were developed for athletics, especially for running and gym work. In Britain and Ireland, these became known as "trainers" because they were worn during physical training. The term stuck. Unlike in the US, where "sneakers" became the dominant term (from the quiet, rubber-soled shoes that let you "sneak" around), Ireland never fully adopted American slang. We kept our own.

Even today, if you ask a teenager in Limerick what they’re wearing to soccer practice, they’ll say "my trainers." If you’re buying them in a Dunnes Stores or a Superdrug, the label will say "trainers." The same goes for online retailers like ASOS or Zalando - when you filter by "footwear" in Ireland, the category is labeled "trainers," not "sneakers."

Where Else Do People Say "Trainers"?

The UK is Ireland’s closest linguistic cousin, and yes - in England, Scotland, and Wales, people also say "trainers." That’s no surprise. Shared media, TV, and a common history mean the vocabulary overlaps heavily. If you’ve ever watched a Premier League match, you’ve heard commentators say, "He’s wearing his new trainers today." But it doesn’t stop there. In Ireland’s former colonial ties, the term spread to other Commonwealth countries. In Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and India, "trainers" is widely understood - and often used. In Australia, you’ll find brands like Asics and Nike labeled as "trainers" in stores in Melbourne or Sydney. In India, where British English still influences daily speech, you’ll see "trainers" on product pages for online shops like Myntra or Flipkart.

Where People Say Something Else

Now, flip the coin. In the United States, you’ll hear "sneakers" almost exclusively. Ask for "trainers" in a New York shoe store, and you might get a smile and a "You mean sneakers?" The term "athletic shoes" is also used in formal settings - but nobody says "trainers" unless they’ve lived in London.

Canada is a mixed bag. In cities like Toronto and Vancouver, you’ll hear both "sneakers" and "trainers," but "sneakers" dominates. In Quebec, French speakers use "chaussures de sport," which literally means "sports shoes."

And then there’s the rest of Europe. In Germany, it’s "Sneaker" (yes, borrowed from English). In France, it’s "chaussures de sport" or sometimes "basket" (from "basketball"). In Spain, "zapatillas deportivas." None of them say "trainers." But if you’re an Irish person visiting Madrid or Berlin and say "trainers," you’ll likely be understood - thanks to global brands and English-language marketing.

Why It Matters in Ireland

This isn’t just about words. It’s about identity. In a country that’s seen waves of American pop culture wash over it - from Hollywood to fast food - Ireland has held onto its own version of English. We say "biscuit," not "cookie." We say "lorry," not "truck." And we say "trainers," not "sneakers." It’s also practical. In Ireland’s damp climate, you need footwear that’s grippy, breathable, and tough. Brands like Clarks, ECCO, and local favorites like Bally or O’Neill’s (yes, the rugby brand makes footwear too) all market their casual athletic shoes as "trainers" here. If you’re walking the Wild Atlantic Way in Galway or hiking the Wicklow Mountains, you don’t want flimsy "sneakers" - you want sturdy, waterproof trainers.

Even in fashion, the term matters. Irish influencers on Instagram posting from Temple Bar or the Liffey Bridge will tag their outfits with #trainers, not #sneakers. Local streetwear brands like Ballymore or Dublin-based The Irish Outfitter design their products with "trainers" in mind - and they label them as such.

What to Expect When You Travel

If you’re flying from Dublin to New York or Los Angeles and you say, "I need new trainers," don’t be surprised if the shop assistant says, "We don’t call them that here." It’s not wrong - it’s just different. You’ll still find the exact same shoe, just under a different name. Same brand. Same sole. Same cushioning.

When shopping online from abroad, always check the filters. On Amazon US, search for "sneakers." On ASOS UK or Dunnes Stores Ireland, search for "trainers." The results are nearly identical - the difference is just in the label.

Trainers in Irish Culture

In Ireland, trainers aren’t just for sport. They’re for school runs, pub crawls, Sunday walks, and even casual office days. In Dublin’s tech hubs, it’s not unusual to see coders in tailored trousers and a pair of white trainers. In rural counties like Mayo or Kerry, farmers wear waterproof trainers to check fences and feed lambs.

There’s even a cultural moment: the "Irish trainer" look - clean, minimal, neutral tones. Think Nike Air Max 90s, Adidas Stan Smiths, or New Balance 574s. These aren’t flashy. They’re practical. They match the Irish aesthetic: understated, durable, and never overdone.

And if you’ve ever been to a GAA match - Gaelic football or hurling - you’ll see thousands of fans in their club colors, wearing trainers. No one’s in cleats. No one’s in boots. Just trainers. Because here, that’s what you wear.

Final Thoughts

So, what countries call shoes trainers? Ireland, the UK, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and parts of India. That’s the core group. Everywhere else? They’ve got their own names. But in Ireland, "trainers" isn’t a quirk - it’s the default. It’s the word you grow up with. The word your mum uses. The word on the shoebox at the corner shop in Sligo.

Next time you’re in a Dublin shoe store and the salesperson says, "These trainers are on sale," you’ll know why - and you’ll know you’re home.