Why Do Podiatrists in Ireland Warn Against Skechers Shoes for Work?

Walk through Dublin’s city centre, and you’ll spot Skechers on plenty of feet—from teens hanging around Grafton Street to healthcare workers grabbing coffee near the Mater Hospital. They’re comfy, affordable, and everywhere. So it’s a bit of a shock when Irish podiatrists turn up their noses at Skechers, especially when so many locals think they’re grand for a long day on the job.

But here’s the thing: comfort isn’t always the same as support. If you’re pounding the pavements in Galway’s rain, standing for hours in a Cork kitchen, or clocking twelve-hour shifts at a Kildare hospital, a squishy shoe might sound ideal. Yet that ‘marshmallow’ feeling can actually be hiding a lack of real structure. Podiatrists across Ireland keep seeing the same issues—sore arches, tired ankles, and even knee and back pain—often in folks who swear by their Skechers for work.

• Skechers’ Popularity on Irish Streets
• What Podiatrists Actually Say
• Common Foot Problems Linked to Skechers
• Climate and the Irish Workday: Footwear Matters
• Better Alternatives: What to Look For
• Smart Foot Choices for Ireland’s Workforce

Skechers’ Popularity on Irish Streets

In Ireland, it’s hard to ignore how many people reach for Skechers when picking out shoes for work or a casual wander around town. If you take a stroll through St. Patrick’s Street in Cork or along Shop Street in Galway, you’ll probably spot Skechers displays front and centre in shoe shops. No surprise—the brand raked in over one billion euro in European sales last year, and Ireland is a big slice of that pie.

Irish shoppers love Skechers for how light and soft they feel. Slip-ons are especially big sellers, thanks to all the nursery staff, retail workers, and GAA parents who need something quick but supportive (or so they think) while on the go. Skechers also offers wide fits, which appeal to lots of Irish people with broader feet—a trait that runs in many Irish families, according to podiatrists in Dublin.

It’s not just about comfort or price. People say Skechers help them get through 12-hour shifts, standing at tills in Dunnes or prepping food at Supermac’s. There’s almost a sense of loyalty—kind of like everyone has that one mate who swears by Tayto crisps, there’s always someone in your workplace who won’t stop singing the praises of their memory foam shoes.

“The memory foam insoles have made my days behind the counter bearable. I’ve recommended Skechers to nearly all my staff,” says Laura O’Mahony, who manages a Centra shop in Limerick.

Skechers’ own Irish stores and regular sales have only added to the buzz. The brand sponsors special offers during promotions like Black Friday and often partners with Irish charities in local events, making them even more visible in the community.

With so many people convinced their podiatrist will back up their love for Skechers, it’s easy to see how these shoes have become part of Irish daily life. But are they really the best choice for long shifts on Irish feet? That’s where the debate begins.

What Podiatrists Actually Say

If you ask a podiatrist in Ireland about Skechers, you’ll probably get a raised eyebrow before you get an answer. A good few of them, like Dr. Ken Leavy in Cork and Claire in Galway’s busy foot clinic, say the same thing: these shoes are comfy for a quick stroll, but not up for the daily slog Irish workers put their feet through.

The biggest gripe is the lack of proper support. Most Skechers, especially the memory foam ones, sink down under your weight. You get a soft landing, but not enough backing for your arch or heel. This doesn’t sound like a big deal—until you’ve done two weeks straight on a shop floor in Liffey Valley or in a kitchen at Temple Bar and your feet feel wrecked.

• Podiatrist groups here often point out that Skechers miss the mark on firm midsoles and structured heels—stuff that’s crucial if you’re on the move or standing all day.
• Dr. Andrea Collins, a regular on RTÉ’s ‘Today’ show, has said she treats a good chunk of heel pain cases in nurses and teachers who wear these ‘squishier’ shoes.
• There’s also a common complaint about shoes wearing down quickly on the outer sole—meaning less shock absorption and more risk of twisting an ankle on a slick street in Salthill.

According to a survey by Foot Health Network Ireland from September 2024, podiatrists noted the top foot problems linked directly to regular Skechers wear:

That’s not to say every single person will get these issues, but it’s a warning sign. Irish weather doesn’t help either—Skechers aren’t known for handling puddles or keeping feet dry, which means soggy socks by lunchtime if you have to nip between offices in the rain.

So, when podiatrists talk about Skechers not being work-friendly, it’s not snobbery. It’s about repeated injuries, tired feet, and how the wrong shoe makes even a grand job feel like slogging through the Burren in slippers. They want people thinking about proper support rather than just the instant softness of those memory foam insoles.

Common Foot Problems Linked to Skechers

If you chat with an Irish podiatrist, they’ll likely tell you: a good chunk of foot pain cases link back to shoes without proper structure—and Skechers come up a lot. The big issue? Most people wear their Skechers for work thinking they offer enough support, but their lightweight, bendy build just doesn’t hold up for folks on their feet all day.

Skechers are known for their spongy memory foam insoles. Nice at first, but with regular wear, that foam gets flat fast. When your arches aren’t supported, all sorts of problems can crop up:

• Heel pain (plantar fasciitis): This is hands-down the most common complaint, especially among nurses and shop staff who walk miles indoors from Limerick’s shopping centres to Dublin’s hospitals.
• Flat feet and collapsed arches: The soft, flexible sole can let your foot roll inwards, which isn’t great if you’re already prone to flat feet. Loads of people here only notice it after a string of long shifts.
• Achilles tendonitis: Because Skechers are so bendy, the foot doesn’t stay stable. Over time, this can put strain on your Achilles—something GPs and podiatrists from Cork to Belfast are seeing more often.
• Knee and lower back pain: Thanks to poor shock absorption, pressure travels up your leg every time you step, making knee, hip, or even back pain more likely, especially if you’re walking on hard floors all day (hello, Irish retail staff!).

Check out this quick comparison local podiatry clinics have highlighted when looking at common foot complaints with Skechers versus sturdier work brands like Vionic or Ecco:

Plenty of people in Ireland only realize there’s a problem after feet start hurting or work days get tough. If you’re running around Temple Bar or working kitchen shifts in Sligo, pay attention to how your feet feel by the end of the week. If aches and pains are creeping in, it’s time to rethink your shoes.

Climate and the Irish Workday: Footwear Matters

If you’ve lived through a winter in Ireland (or, let’s be honest, most summers), you know rain is never far away. It’s grand for the grass, but less so for your work shoes. Ireland’s wet, chilly climate means soggy socks, cold toes, and often slippery pavements. So, what you wear on your feet really has to stand up to the local weather and the demands of your job.

Skechers are made with soft fabrics and mesh, which wearers love for breathability. But moisture seeps in quickly—handy if you’re out for a jog in the Phoenix Park, but a disaster if you’re delivering post in Limerick or on your feet serving pints in Clifden all day. When your shoes get soaked, feet can become cold and swollen, blisters and fungal issues pop up, and footwear loses its shape fast. Waterlogged shoes are also a slip hazard in places like hospital corridors or school halls, where a few wet tiles can be a real risk.

Let’s look at the basics of Irish weather and how it messes with work shoes:

Combine those stats with unsupportive footwear and you’re in for a rough shift. If your job involves standing all day (think teachers, retail staff, nurses), slippery insoles and damp materials do nothing for foot health or mood. Even office workers in Ireland often walk long distances to bus stops or dart between buildings on campus—steady, dry shoes are a must.

• Waterproof or at least water-resistant shoes cut down on blisters and cold-related aches.
• Shoes with reinforced heels and solid arch support mean less aching by the end of a shift.
• Non-slip soles—especially on busy floors—are a lifesaver in a country where sudden downpours are just part of the deal.

Podiatrists frequently flag Skechers for missing the mark here. They’re comfy but don’t stand up to wet Irish streets, long hours, or the kind of foot support you need for work. That’s where picking shoes designed with the Irish climate—and your actual workday—in mind becomes far more important than simply chasing cushiony comfort. Podiatrist advice usually leans toward structure and weather-readiness over fluff every time.

Better Alternatives: What to Look For

If you’re picking work shoes in Ireland, don’t just grab anything that feels soft. Podiatrists here always stress that real support matters more for keeping your feet, knees, and even your back pain-free on long shifts. So what exactly should you look for when shopping around?

• Podiatrist-recommended brands: Check out Clarks, Ecco, and Hotter—they’re all available in Irish stores and focus on arch support, heel stability, and shock absorption. Most local podiatrists love Brooks, Asics, or New Balance for people who need trainers at work due to their solid build.
• Firm Heel Counters: Press the back of the shoe. It shouldn’t squash or give in easily. A sturdy heel counter keeps your ankle from wobbling—a must for standing or walking all day.
• Removable Insoles: Anyone in Ireland with custom orthotics will tell you how handy this is. Removable insoles give you the freedom to slip in your medicated supports if you already own them.
• Non-slip Soles: Irish weather is no joke—between slick pavements in Limerick and shop floors in Cork, grip means everything. Look for shoes labelled as “slip-resistant” for your own safety.
• Materials That Breathe: We get our fair share of rain and sudden heatwaves, so shoes with leather uppers or mesh panels help stop sweaty feet and blisters.
• Local Fit: Irish people often have wider feet than European averages, so don’t be afraid to ask for extra-wide options, especially from brands with UK and Irish sizing.

Here’s a quick look at how some popular brands available in Ireland line up when it comes to things podiatrists love:

Need more help? Most big towns in Ireland—think Dublin, Cork, or Galway—have specialist shoe shops with proper fitting services. Places like Greenes Shoes or Dubray in Cork can offer proper advice instead of just selling what’s trendy. Don’t be shy about asking to walk around the shop before deciding. Remember, a good work shoe won’t just save your feet, but they’ll keep you grand for years down the line.

Smart Foot Choices for Ireland’s Workforce

Choosing work shoes in Ireland isn’t as simple as picking something that feels soft or looks grand with your uniform. The weather’s unpredictable, workdays can run long, and foot health isn’t top of mind until pain kicks in. Podiatrists here are clear: flimsy shoes lead to bigger problems, both at work and at home.

When it comes to protecting your feet during those marathon shifts, here’s what actually matters:

• Podiatrist-approved structure: Go for shoes with proper arch support and a snug heel. Look for brands like Ecco, Clarks, and Brooks, which have models often recommended by local foot clinics.
• Slip resistance: The Irish drizzle can make floors in hospitals, shops, or pubs dangerously slick. Make sure the sole design is meant for wet conditions, not just dry days.
• Breathability: After hours in boots or trainers, sweaty feet mean blisters and fungus—especially with our damp climate. Mesh panels or natural leather uppers make a big difference.
• Correct fit: Sizing can vary by brand. Always try shoes on both feet—especially if you’re shopping at a local spot like Arnotts or Vaughan Shoes, which know Irish feet sizes run slightly wide.
• Replacement schedule: Work shoes lose support over time. If you’re on your feet all day, aim to replace them at least once a year.

To put it into perspective, check out how Irish workers rate support versus comfort in their work shoes:

If your workplace has an allowance for safety shoes, check options from Irish companies like Portwest or buy from dedicated footwear suppliers in Galway or Limerick. For anyone with diabetes or recurring foot pain, GP referrals to an HSE podiatrist can unlock recommendations or even partial reimbursements on proper shoes.

No shoe will last forever, especially if you’re constantly on the move. Keep an eye on wear patterns—if the tread’s gone or one side of the heel is collapsing, it’s time for a swap. Your feet are about to clock more kilometres than a postie during the General Election, so look after them with shoes that work as hard as you do.