What Do Americans Call Trainers in Ireland?

Ask for 'trainers' in a New York shop, and you’ll likely get a blank stare. In Ireland, the word 'trainers' is everywhere—from sports shops in Liffey Valley to signs in Penneys. But step across the Atlantic, and suddenly they’re ‘sneakers.’ Americans just don’t use ‘trainers’ the way we do. If you’re an Irish student heading to Boston, or an American expat shopping at JD Sports in Dublin, that might trip you up.

This goes beyond a funny accent or a slang word. It actually affects how you search for deals online, chat with friends, or even shop in person at Elverys or Lifestyle Sports. You’ll never see a ‘sneaker sale’ sign in County Cork, but visit Chicago and all you’ll see is ‘sneakers’ everywhere—literally the same pair of shoes.

So, to avoid ending up with hiking boots when you wanted runners, it helps to learn how these words change depending on where you are. Whether you’re swapping stories at a GAA club or browsing Brown Thomas for fresh kicks, knowing the right lingo saves time and avoids weird moments at the checkout.

• Why Irish and American Slang for Footwear Is So Confusing
• What Americans Mean by ‘Sneakers’
• Shopping for Trainers in Ireland: Dos and Don’ts
• How Irish Brands and Shops Use These Words
• Tips for Buying the Right Trainers No Matter What They’re Called

Why Irish and American Slang for Footwear Is So Confusing

Honestly, the whole shoes vs. trainers vs. sneakers thing is a classic mix-up. In Ireland, you’ll hear ‘trainers’ everywhere—kids at school, people hitting the gym in Waterford, or folks picking up a pair in Cork city. But ask the exact same thing in America, and you’ll get ‘sneakers.’ What’s wild is that we’re talking about the same Nike or Adidas kicks—you’d spot no difference on Grafton Street or in New York.

Here’s where it gets messy: across the UK and Ireland, ‘trainers’ is the main word, probably because we see the shoe as something for training or sport. In the US, though, people ditched that idea. They started calling them ‘sneakers’—said to come from an old idea that rubber soles helped you sneak around quietly. Funny enough, if you say ‘trainers’ in San Francisco, they might think you mean a personal fitness coach, not a pair you’d bring to a five-a-side in Dublin.

This confusion causes hassle when you:

• Shop online for brands that ship from outside Ireland—filter by ‘sneakers’ instead of ‘trainers’ to see all options.
• Chat with Americans at an Irish university or travelling—say ‘sneakers’ so you’re understood straight away.
• Search social media for style tips—try both words on Instagram or TikTok.

Here’s a quick cheat table showing what people say in different spots:

You’ll even hear ‘runners’ sometimes in Ireland—especially from older folks or in rural areas—another curveball for good measure. So if you feel lost, you’re not alone! With global sports brands flooding the Irish market, the jargon mix-ups have only grown. Best tip? Listen out for context. After a while, you’ll get a knack for what someone means, whether they’re at a shop in Galway or messaging you from LA.

What Americans Mean by ‘Sneakers’

When Americans say “sneakers,” they mean what we in Ireland call “trainers” or “runners.” In the US, “sneakers” is the most popular word for athletic shoes, used in nearly every state, shop, and on almost every website selling sports gear. So, if you’re searching for the latest Nike or Adidas online and you’re using the American version of Google, you’ll get way more results with “sneakers” than “trainers.”

Even big brands play into this. For example, Foot Locker USA and Finish Line use “sneakers” across all their online ads and in stores. Meanwhile, the same brands use “trainers” on their Irish and UK sites. This difference isn’t just for show—Americans genuinely wouldn’t use “trainers” unless they’re specifically talking about a coach or fitness instructor!

"In the United States, 'sneakers' isn’t just a regional term—it’s the standard. In fact, 75% of Americans use 'sneakers,' compared to only 2% who say 'trainers.'" — Dictionary.com Language Blog, 2023

Irish folks might be surprised, but in the States, nobody really says “runners.” Depending on the region, you might also hear “tennis shoes” or even “kicks.” But “sneakers” always covers anything that’s comfy and sporty—from vintage Converse to modern running shoes.

In summary, if your American friends invite you for a walk and tell you to put on your sneakers, you don’t need to panic. Just grab your trainers. If you’re browsing US-based sports stores’ websites, always search for “sneakers” to get the right deals, including brands you’d find at Elverys or Lifestyle Sports here—but labelled a little differently.

Shopping for Trainers in Ireland: Dos and Don’ts

Getting the right pair of trainers in Ireland can be simple if you know what to expect. Irish shops stick with the term 'trainers,' so if you ask a sales assistant for 'sneakers,' don’t be surprised if they grin or correct you. In places like Elverys, Lifestyle Sports, or even Sports Direct on Henry Street, the word 'trainers' pops up on shelf labels and in all the ads. So stick to local lingo when you're looking for sports shoes or comfy casuals.

Shopping in Dublin or Galway isn't just about picking something off the shelf. There are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind to not get caught out, especially if you're coming from the US or another country:

• Always try shoes on. Irish shoe sizing can run differently compared to American sizes, and we usually use UK measurements. If you shop online, double-check whether the site shows UK or US sizes, because a UK 8 isn’t the same as a US 8.
• If you need a certain style for running or GAA, ask staff directly. Most Irish shops know exactly what you mean by 'trainers' but might show you a range, from running shoes to fashion-only types. Be clear so you don’t walk out with a pair that won’t handle a muddy field in Mayo.
• Watch out for local brands: Intersport Elverys often carries Irish or European brands you won’t see in American stores. Try checking out O’Neill’s for sports trainers—and if you’re in a GAA club, their shoes are popular on pitches all over the country.
• Mind the price tags. A fancy pair from Nike or Adidas can be a lot pricier here than in the States, thanks to VAT and import costs. If you’re on a budget, shop at Penneys or look for discounts during big sale weekends like Black Friday or the St. Stephen’s Day sales.
• If you're shopping for kids, most shoe stores like Clarks or Shuh will measure feet for you. Irish schools are strict about uniform shoes, but outside school, kids call them trainers too, and you’ll find loads of affordable options in every town.

The bottom line is—when in Ireland, call them trainers, know your size, and make sure you’re clear about what you want the shoes for. That saves you the hassle of returns and gives you better stories to tell after the shopping trip.

How Irish Brands and Shops Use These Words

Walk into any big sports shop in Ireland, and you’ll spot 'trainers' signs slapped on the shelves from the get-go. Shops like Elverys, Lifestyle Sports, and even Penneys stick with 'trainers' both online and in-store. If you search their websites, it’s all 'men’s trainers,' 'kids’ trainers,' or 'running trainers.' You’ll rarely see 'sneakers' unless it’s attached to a specific brand or model imported from the US.

Trainers is the go-to word for this type of footwear across most Irish brands. When Nike releases a hot new drop at JD Sports in Dundrum, you’ll see ads and billboards shouting about trainers, not sneakers. Even Irish-owned brands like Gym+Coffee and Intersport Elverys keep the same lingo. Everyone knows what you mean if you ask for trainers in Arnotts or even Tesco’s clothing section.

But here’s where it gets interesting: international brands, especially US-based ones like Foot Locker or giants like Adidas and Nike, tend to mix things up. Sometimes you’ll see 'sneakers' used in Instagram ads or when scrolling through American brand direct websites, even if you’re based in Galway or Belfast. Shopping online with an Irish shipping address? The sites often switch right back to 'trainers.'

If you’re on the hunt for a deal, keep an eye out. Irish sites use 'trainers' for discounts and category headings, while overseas websites or US-based apps (like StockX or GOAT) will have you searching for 'sneakers.' Cross-border shopping with UK sites like Sports Direct? You’ll get 'trainers.' On Amazon.com? You’re in 'sneakers' land.

Check out this quick comparison of a few familiar places to see how they label the same shoes:

If you’re after a specific brand, like a pair of Adidas Stan Smiths, don’t get tripped up by the differences. In Irish shops, they’re trainers, and in American stores or US websites, they becomes sneakers. Same shoes, just different words.

Tips for Buying the Right Trainers No Matter What They’re Called

Whether you ask for trainers, runners, or sneakers, getting the best fit means focusing on what really matters. Don’t let the name confusion mess with your head—here’s how to get sorted in any Irish shop or when you're ordering from an American website.

• Know your size in both regions. Irish and UK sizes are the same, but US sizes usually run about a full size bigger for men, and sometimes 1.5 sizes bigger for women. If you spot a pair on an American site, double check their sizing chart. Most Irish shops (like Sports Direct and Intersport Elverys) have conversion tables. Screenshot one if you shop around a lot.
• Check the return and exchange policy. Buying trainers online is handy—especially if you’re looking for a certain brand like Adidas or Nike—but shoes don’t always fit as expected. Irish chains often give you 28 days to bring them back if they’re unworn. American stores sometimes only give you two weeks. If you’re cross-ordering, check who pays for return shipping.
• Try before you buy—if you can. Head into Arnotts, Lifestyle Sports, or even the Nike store in Dundrum to get a feel. Walk around, don’t just stand there. Irish roads and paths aren’t always flat, so good grip and a bit of bounce help a tonne here, especially if you run outdoors or walk a lot in the city.
• Watch out for style names. Sometimes, “trainers” in Ireland can mean something slim and fashion-focused (like Converse), but proper running “sneakers” in the US are built for sport. If you’re after gym gear, ask the staff directly. They’re used to helping people with this mix-up, especially in student-heavy cities like Galway and Cork.
• Use local brands and shops. Irish shops usually list “trainers” and “runners” front and centre, with size and EU/UK/US equivalents. And be aware, popular Irish spots like Elverys or McSport in Drumcondra have expert staff who won’t hesitate to answer questions about fit, support, or the best style for GAA, soccer, or everyday wear.

Last tip: if you’re browsing online, add all the words to your search—'trainers,' 'runners,' 'sneakers,' and even 'athletic shoes.' You’ll find more results and the right styles. Once you know what you want, you can call them whatever you like. The shoes do the running. The words are just for getting you to the right aisle.