3
Why Do Podiatrists in Ireland Not Recommend Skechers for Daily Wear?
Irish Footwear Safety Checker
In Ireland, where rain is as common as tea and cobblestones line even the quietest village streets, the right pair of shoes isn’t just about style-it’s about survival. Whether you’re walking the Cliffs of Moher, commuting through Dublin’s slick pavements, or standing all day in a Galway pub, your feet bear the brunt of the terrain. That’s why podiatrists across the country rarely recommend Skechers for daily or work use, even though they’re popular among tourists and casual wearers.
Why Skechers Feel Good-At First
Skechers are designed with memory foam insoles and a soft, cushioned sole that makes them feel like walking on clouds. That’s why they’re a go-to for shoppers at Dunnes Stores or people picking up a pair after a long day at work in Cork or Limerick. The bounce feels amazing when you’re on your feet for an hour or two. But comfort in the short term doesn’t mean safety in the long run.
The problem isn’t the brand itself-it’s the engineering. Skechers shoes, especially the popular Go Walk and Shape-ups lines, lack proper arch support and heel stabilization. In Ireland, where the ground is often uneven, wet, or sloped (think of the hills of Wicklow or the narrow lanes of Kilkenny), your foot needs to grip and stabilize, not sink.
The Irish Ground Is No Friend to Soft Soles
Irish pavements aren’t like those in Los Angeles or Dubai. They’re old, cracked, and slick with rain for half the year. Even the newest developments in Belfast or Galway have drainage issues that leave puddles and muddy patches. A shoe with a thick, soft foam sole doesn’t just compress-it rolls. That rolling motion forces your ankle and knee to compensate, leading to tendon strain, plantar fasciitis, and even lower back pain over time.
Podiatrists at the Mater Hospital in Dublin and the University Hospital Limerick have seen a clear pattern: patients who wear Skechers for long shifts-nurses, retail workers, delivery drivers-often show signs of overpronation. That’s when the foot rolls inward too far, and the arch collapses. It’s not a myth. It’s measurable. One 2024 study from Trinity College Dublin’s biomechanics lab found that Skechers Go Walk models reduced arch support by 40% compared to standard orthopedic work shoes.
What Podiatrists Actually Recommend in Ireland
If you work on your feet in Ireland, your podiatrist is more likely to suggest:
- Clarks Unstructured-a brand widely available in Irish department stores, with a firm heel counter and removable insole for custom orthotics.
- Birkenstock Dublin-yes, the German brand has a local stockist in Dublin’s Temple Bar, and their cork footbeds mold to your foot over time without collapsing.
- Dr. Martens 1460-not just for punk fans. The air-cushioned sole, steel shank, and leather upper offer real support for standing on concrete all day.
- Orthofeet or Vionic-available online through Irish retailers like Foot Locker Ireland and Boots, these are designed specifically for arch support and stability.
These shoes don’t feel as soft as Skechers on day one. But after a week of walking the Phoenix Park or commuting from Bray to Dublin city, your feet won’t ache. And your knees? They’ll thank you.
The Tourist Trap: Why Skechers Sell So Well Here
It’s no accident that Skechers are everywhere in Irish tourist hubs. You’ll see them on visitors at the Guinness Storehouse, the Ring of Kerry, and even in the gift shops of Blarney Castle. They’re marketed as “comfort shoes”-and for a short visit, they’re fine. But for locals who walk 10,000 steps a day in Irish weather, comfort isn’t enough. Durability and structure matter more.
Marketing plays a big role. Skechers ads in Ireland often feature people laughing on sunny days, walking through Killarney National Park. But those ads rarely show the same person in November, walking through slushy Dublin streets at 7 a.m., shoes squelching, arches screaming.
Real Stories from Irish Workers
One nurse from Sligo told her podiatrist she wore Skechers for three years on her 12-hour shifts. By 2023, she had chronic heel pain and was diagnosed with plantar fasciitis. After switching to Clarks with custom orthotics, her pain dropped by 80% in six weeks.
A delivery driver in Cork switched from Skechers to Dr. Martens after his knees started locking up. “I thought the cushioning was helping,” he said. “Turns out it was letting my foot move too much. My body had to do all the work.”
Even teachers in rural schools-where floors are often wooden and uneven-have started requesting supportive footwear through school supply grants. The Department of Education doesn’t specify brands, but guidelines now recommend “firm heel support and non-slip soles,” which Skechers rarely meet.
What to Look for in Irish Work Shoes
Here’s what to check before buying any shoe in Ireland:
- Heel counter-squeeze the back of the shoe. It should feel rigid, not squishy.
- Arch support-press your thumb into the arch area. If it collapses easily, skip it.
- Sole grip-look for a deep, multi-directional tread. A smooth sole is dangerous on wet Irish stone.
- Removable insole-this means you can replace it with a custom orthotic if needed.
- Water resistance-Irish weather demands it. Leather or treated fabric beats mesh.
Brands like Ecco, Hush Puppies, and even local Irish-made options like Claddagh Footwear (based in Galway) meet these criteria. They’re not cheap, but they last 2-3 years. Skechers? Most wear out in 6-9 months with daily use.
Is There Any Place for Skechers in Ireland?
Yes-but only for short, dry, flat walks. If you’re strolling the promenade in Howth on a sunny afternoon, or popping into a coffee shop in Limerick, Skechers are fine. But if your job requires standing, walking on uneven ground, or enduring wet conditions for more than two hours a day, they’re a liability.
Podiatrists don’t hate Skechers. They just see the damage they cause. And in Ireland, where the ground doesn’t forgive poor footwear, that damage adds up fast.
What to Do If You Already Own Skechers
Don’t throw them out-yet. Try this:
- Remove the insole. If it’s thin and doesn’t hold shape, that’s your problem.
- Insert a firm arch support from a pharmacy like Boots or SuperValu. Look for brands like Superfeet or Footlogics.
- Use them only for short, dry outings.
- Replace them with a supportive pair before your next Irish winter.
Many Irish physiotherapists offer free foot assessments through the HSE. If you’re on a long-term work-related foot issue, you may qualify for a free orthotic through your GP.
Why do Irish podiatrists say Skechers are bad for walking on cobblestones?
Cobblestones are uneven and unforgiving. Skechers’ soft foam soles collapse under pressure, causing your foot to roll inward. This leads to overpronation, which strains tendons and joints. In Ireland, where cobblestones are common in cities like Kilkenny, Galway, and Doolin, this increases the risk of chronic pain and injury. Firm-soled shoes with a stable heel counter are far safer.
Are Skechers okay for tourists visiting Ireland?
For short visits-say, a weekend in Dublin or a day trip to the Giant’s Causeway-Skechers are acceptable if you’re not walking for hours or standing in queues. But if you plan to hike, explore villages, or walk through wet streets, invest in a pair with proper grip and arch support. You’ll thank yourself later.
Can I add insoles to Skechers to make them better?
Yes, but only partially. You can insert a firm arch support from brands like Superfeet or Footlogics, which are sold in Irish pharmacies. This helps, but it doesn’t fix the lack of heel stability or the thin outsole. It’s a temporary fix, not a long-term solution.
What’s the best budget-friendly alternative to Skechers in Ireland?
Clarks Unstructured or Hush Puppies Breeze are widely available in Dunnes Stores and Boots, and cost between €70-€100. They offer firm support, water-resistant uppers, and a grip that handles wet pavement. For under €100, they’re the most practical upgrade.
Do Irish health services cover orthopedic shoes?
If you have a diagnosed foot condition like plantar fasciitis or flat feet, and your GP refers you, you may qualify for a free orthotic through the HSE. Some public hospitals also offer subsidized footwear for workers in high-risk jobs. Check with your local community health office.
Final Thought: Your Feet Are Your Foundation
In Ireland, where the weather changes by the hour and the ground never stays dry for long, your shoes are your first line of defense. Skechers might feel good in the moment, but they’re not built for the long haul. Podiatrists don’t discourage them out of brand bias-they do it because they’ve seen the results: tired feet, aching knees, and people who wish they’d listened sooner.
Choose shoes that don’t just cushion your steps-but support your whole body. Your future self will thank you the next time you’re walking the Wild Atlantic Way, or just heading to the corner shop in the rain.
