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What Do Irish People Call Boots and Trainers? The Real Words Used in Ireland
Irish Footwear Terminology Quiz
Question 1
In Ireland, the way you refer to your shoes isn’t just about comfort-it’s a quiet signal of where you’re from, what the weather’s doing, and whether you’ve got a long walk ahead of you. Forget what you hear in British TV shows. The truth is, Ireland has its own rhythm when it comes to footwear names, shaped by rain, peat bogs, and decades of practical living.
What’s a Boot Called in Ireland?
If you’re standing in a puddle in Galway or trudging up the Wicklow Way, you’re not wearing ‘boots.’ You’re wearing wellies. That’s it. Short for Wellington boots, these rubber, knee-high, waterproof shoes are as Irish as tea with a splash of whiskey. You’ll find them in every household, from Cork city apartments to Donegal farm sheds. Brands like Le Chameau and Bogs are common, but the real national favorite? Galoshes-the cheap, bright green ones sold at SuperValu for €15 that last through three winters before splitting at the heel.
People don’t say ‘rubber boots’ here. They don’t say ‘rain boots.’ They say wellies. And if you’re wearing them in April, you’re not being dramatic-you’re being smart. The Irish climate doesn’t ask for permission before drenching you. A pair of wellies means you can walk from the bus stop in Clonmel to the post office without soaking your socks. They’re worn by farmers, schoolkids, and even bankers on their way to the local pub after work.
Trainers? Or Something Else?
Now, what about the sneakers you wear to the gym, the park, or to chase the bus in Dublin? In Ireland, they’re called trainers. Not ‘sneakers,’ not ‘running shoes,’ not ‘joggers’-though you’ll hear those too, especially from younger folks. But if you ask a 60-year-old woman in Limerick what she’s wearing to the supermarket, she’ll say, ‘My trainers.’
Brands like Adidas, Nike, and Reebok dominate here, but the most popular model? The Adidas Superstar-not because it’s trendy, but because it’s durable, easy to clean, and costs under €80 at Dunnes Stores. You’ll see them on teenagers in Belfast, pensioners in Waterford, and even on the steps of Trinity College. They’re the unofficial uniform of casual Ireland.
Don’t be surprised if someone calls them ‘gym shoes’ or ‘sports shoes’-those phrases still pop up, especially in older generations. But if you want to sound like you belong, stick with trainers.
Why the Difference From Britain?
You might think Ireland just copied Britain’s footwear terms. But that’s not quite right. While the UK uses ‘boots’ for anything from ankle-high hiking gear to tall leather work boots, Ireland keeps things simple: if it’s rubber and waterproof, it’s a welly. If it’s for walking or running, it’s a trainer.
There’s also a cultural reason. Britain has a class-based vocabulary for shoes-‘lace-ups’ for the office, ‘brogues’ for the gentleman, ‘trainers’ for the youth. Ireland? We don’t care. A farmer in Mayo wears the same trainers as a student in Galway. A nurse in Sligo wears the same wellies as a gardener in Kilkenny. It’s not about status-it’s about survival.
And let’s not forget the weather. Ireland gets 200+ rainy days a year. That means footwear isn’t fashion-it’s function. You don’t buy shoes to impress. You buy them to stay dry.
What About Other Footwear Terms?
Here’s what you’ll actually hear around Ireland:
- Slippers = indoor house shoes, often wool-lined, bought at Aldi or Tesco. No one wears them outside unless they’re in a hurry and the rain’s coming down sideways.
- Walkers = sturdy, laced hiking boots. Used for the Wicklow Mountains, the Dingle Way, or the Burren. Brands like Merrell and Salomon are common. You’ll hear this term more in the west and south.
- Work boots = heavy-duty, steel-toed shoes. Worn by builders, electricians, and plumbers. Often black leather with a thick sole. You’ll see them at construction sites in Louth or on the docks in Cork.
- Dr. Martens = still called that. No one says ‘Docs’ here-it’s always ‘Dr. Martens.’ Popular with students and musicians, especially in Dublin’s Temple Bar area.
Don’t expect to hear ‘chukkas,’ ‘loafers,’ or ‘oxfords’ used much outside of formal events. Even then, most Irish people would just say ‘shoes.’
How to Sound Like a Local
If you’re new to Ireland-or just trying to blend in-here’s your quick guide:
- Call waterproof rubber boots wellies. Never ‘rain boots’-that sounds American.
- Call athletic shoes trainers. Avoid ‘sneakers’ unless you want to sound like you’re from the States.
- Don’t overthink it. If someone says ‘shoes,’ they mean regular ones-not wellies or trainers.
- Buy your wellies at Dunnes Stores or SuperValu. They’re cheaper, and everyone knows it.
- If you’re buying trainers, go for something black or grey. Bright colors are for festivals, not the commute to work.
And if you’re ever unsure? Just point at your feet and say, ‘These?’ Most Irish people will nod and say, ‘Ah, right you are.’
Real-Life Examples
Take Mary from Ennis. She’s 72. She wears her wellies every morning to feed her chickens, then changes into her trainers to walk to the chemist. She bought both at the local market in 2022. They’re still going strong.
Or Liam in Cork. He’s 24. He wears his Adidas trainers to college, then swaps them for wellies when he goes to his uncle’s farm on weekends. He doesn’t own a pair of dress shoes. He doesn’t need them.
These aren’t exceptions. They’re the norm.
Why This Matters
Language reflects how we live. In Ireland, footwear isn’t about labels or trends. It’s about what keeps you moving through the rain, the mud, the wind, and the occasional surprise downpour on the Doolin Cliff Walk. The words we use are practical, rooted in reality, and passed down through generations-not marketing campaigns.
So next time you’re in Ireland, don’t worry about sounding ‘correct.’ Just say wellies and trainers. You’ll be understood. And more than that-you’ll be welcomed.
Do Irish people call trainers ‘sneakers’?
Rarely. ‘Sneakers’ is an American term. In Ireland, they’re almost always called ‘trainers.’ You might hear ‘gym shoes’ from older people, but ‘sneakers’ will mark you as a tourist or someone from the US.
Are wellies only for farmers in Ireland?
No. While farmers wear them, so do teachers, nurses, students, and even city dwellers. Wellies are the default footwear for any outdoor activity in Ireland’s wet weather. You’ll see them at GAA matches, on the DART platform in Dublin, and even outside Irish pubs on rainy nights.
What’s the best brand for wellies in Ireland?
There’s no single ‘best’ brand. For everyday use, Galoshes from SuperValu or Dunnes Stores are the most popular-they’re affordable and durable. For higher quality, Le Chameau and Bogs are common among outdoor enthusiasts. But most Irish people judge wellies by how long they last, not the brand on the side.
Do Irish people wear boots in winter?
Yes-but not leather boots. Leather soles don’t handle Irish rain well. Most people stick with wellies or waterproof trainers. If they need more insulation, they’ll wear thermal socks inside their wellies. Some older folks use ‘walkers’-sturdy hiking boots with grip-for icy paths.
Is there a difference between Irish and British footwear terms?
Yes. In Britain, ‘boots’ can mean anything from ankle boots to tall leather work boots. In Ireland, ‘boots’ usually means leather or hiking footwear, while ‘wellies’ are strictly for rubber, waterproof shoes. Also, ‘trainers’ is used more consistently in Ireland than in parts of the UK, where ‘sneakers’ or ‘joggers’ are gaining ground.
If you’re visiting Ireland, pack a pair of wellies and a pair of simple trainers. You’ll thank yourself by day two. And if you’re staying? You’ve already got the language right.
