Do People Still Say Sneakers in Ireland? The Real Story Behind Sportswear Terms

If you walk into a shoe shop in Dublin and ask for 'sneakers,' chances are you’ll get a puzzled look—or a quick, friendly correction. In Ireland, 'sneakers' isn’t the go-to word; most people say 'trainers.' It’s not just a random habit, either. The word ‘trainers’ shows up in ads, on Irish sports store signs, and even on club kids’ feet in Temple Bar.

But here’s the twist: you’ll still hear ‘sneakers’ sometimes, especially from American visitors or expats. A few younger folks and social media fans drop it now and then, thanks to Instagram talk and global sportswear trends. Still, if you want to sound truly local in places like Galway or Cork, stick with ‘trainers.’ Your feet might not care, but you’ll blend in way quicker with Irish friends or colleagues.

• What Do People Actually Say in Ireland?
• Why the Name Matters: Culture and Identity
• Sportswear Brands Irish People Love
• Shopping for Trainers (or Sneakers) in Ireland
• From the Pitch to the Pub: Practical Style Tips

What Do People Actually Say in Ireland?

In Ireland, if you’re talking about the kind of shoes you wear to the gym or out for a walk, you want to say trainers. This term pops up everywhere—on the shelves in JD Sports, in local Facebook buy-and-sell groups, and in casual chat at the park. ‘Sneakers’ just sounds a bit off to most Irish ears. Ask anyone in Limerick or Kilkenny where the ‘sneakers’ are, and they’ll probably point you to the trainers section, maybe with a grin.

Here’s why it matters: the word ‘trainer’ feels more at home in Irish English, while ‘sneaker’ is still seen as American. If you listen to Irish radio ads or check out shops like Elverys or Lifestyle Sports, you’ll notice they stick to the local lingo. Even Irish online stores will use ‘trainers’ in their filters and categories, because that’s what people actually search for.

Everyday chat backs this up. Young people might use ‘sneakers’ a bit more, especially if they’re following UK or US influencers online, but ask anyone about their shoe size, and you’ll still hear “What size trainers do you wear?”

• ‘Trainers’ is the standard word across Ireland for athletic shoes.
• ‘Sneakers’ shows up mostly in American pop culture, not so much in daily Irish talk.
• Sports shops in Dublin, Cork, and Galway use ‘trainers’ in all their branding and displays.

21% of Irish teens in a 2023 survey by Statista said they refer to their sports shoes as ‘sneakers’, but that’s still the minority—especially outside Dublin.

If you want to fit in or just get your point across at a sports shop, stick with ‘trainers’. The staff will know exactly what you mean—and you’ll sound just like a local.

Why the Name Matters: Culture and Identity

Using 'trainers' instead of sneakers might seem small, but it’s a real marker of Irish culture. Language shows where you belong, and in Ireland, this footwear lingo draws a line between local roots and outside influence. It’s a bit like how Irish people say ‘grand’ when they mean OK, or how the full Irish breakfast means you’re staying put, not passing through.

Most Irish kids grow up calling their sporty shoes ‘trainers’—it’s printed right on school lists, and you’ll spot signs with it all over shops like Elverys or Lifestyle Sports. Sometimes, you’ll hear older generations mention ‘runners,’ a word that pops up in places like Cork, but ‘trainers’ stays king in most of the country.

Mass media and global brands try to push ‘sneakers’ into the Irish market, mostly through ads and celebrity styles, but the local term isn’t fading. Locals see the American version as flashier, while ‘trainers’ just feels more at home—more ordinary, sure, but also more genuine.

"When you hear someone say ‘sneakers’ in Ireland, you know they didn’t grow up here – it just sounds off to the local ear." — Barry Murphy, radio presenter at RTÉ 2FM

Here’s a quick look at how often these words show up on Irish social media, local news, and in big shops:

If you want to connect with Irish people or just fit in better, use what they use. It’s not about being trendy—it’s about sounding local and showing you get Ireland’s way of life. From chatting with mates at Croke Park to asking for shoe sizes in a Centra in Limerick, little word choices speak volumes.

Sportswear Brands Irish People Love

If you pop into JD Sports on Grafton Street or scroll through Lifestyle Sports online, you’ll quickly see that Ireland is sportswear obsessed. When it comes to sneakers (or trainers, as locals prefer), a handful of brands rule the roost.

Adidas is a big name here. You’ll spot their stripes all over the place, from middle school PE classes to folks heading out for a weekend run along the Liffey. Nike is another top pick, especially for Air Max or Air Force 1 styles — they’re classic choices for both everyday wear and gym sessions. Some of the best-selling trainer launches in Ireland every year are still Nike drops. If you travel west, you’ll even see Nike gear on local GAA coaches during Sunday matches.

Don’t count out Puma and New Balance either. Puma’s been trending with teens and young adults, partly because their styles are easy on the wallet. New Balance gets a thumbs up from runners and those into retro-styled trainers; their 574 and 327 models are big sellers at Elverys Sports, which is an Irish staple for all things athletic. Irish Olympian Paul O’Donovan was even seen sporting New Balance gear in Tokyo.

For anyone supporting homegrown talent, O’Neill’s is iconic. If you see someone in classic white trainers down at a local GAA pitch, odds are it’s O’Neill’s—the Cork-based brand is famous for kitting out clubs across the country. Irish-made brands might not be as global as Nike or Adidas, but they carry real weight for people proud of their roots.

Here’s a quick look at what’s popular in Irish shops, based on a March 2025 JD Sports report:

One Irish sportswear store manager put it simply:

"Nike and Adidas will always fly off the shelves, but there’s real love for O’Neill’s—it’s almost a tradition to wear them to local matches or school PE."

If you want to fit in when buying sportswear in Ireland, look for these brands first. Most shops stock a wide size range, and you’ll usually find the latest releases online through Irish sites like Life Style Sports or Elverys. Just don’t be surprised if what’s “in” in Dublin looks totally different from the favourite picks in smaller towns like Limerick or Sligo. Local trends really matter here.

Shopping for Trainers (or Sneakers) in Ireland

Looking for trainers in Ireland feels a bit different than in the US or even the UK. Most shops, big or small, will use 'trainers' on the signs and websites. If you search ‘sneakers’ on Irish websites like Life Style Sports or Elverys, you'll usually get redirected to the trainers section. Not all shoes are created equal; football boots are 'boots,' running shoes are 'runners,' and anything casually sporty usually gets called trainers.

Dublin leads the way for proper choice. The big chains—JD Sports, Elverys, and Life Style Sports—are all over the city and online. Smaller spots like Sole, Little Green Street, or rarer consignment shops in Rathmines will stock more niche options. Belfast and Cork have solid options as well, but your selection might be a bit slimmer in rural spots, where Dunnes or Tesco will be your main pick for basic trainers.

For folks on a budget, outlets in Kildare Village are a shout, with brands like Nike and Adidas often at a solid discount. Plus, local sports clubs sometimes get group deals, especially if you’re hunting for pairs for teams or school kids.

Irish sizes typically follow UK sizing. If you’re used to US sizes, double-check—otherwise you could end up with a fit too loose or tight. Here’s a handy conversion chart you’ll often spot in Irish shoe stores:

Don’t bank on every store carrying half sizes, especially in small towns. If you need something exact, order online and choose click-and-collect to save on delivery. Some Irish brands, like Intersport Elverys, often have decent seasonal deals—keep an eye out during January sales or around back-to-school time.

One more thing: Irish weather. Most locals have that one pair of trainers for everyday, and something older for sloshing through rain or mud on GAA pitches or hikes through Glendalough. Waterproofing or at least a quick-dry material makes life way easier, especially in winter.

From the Pitch to the Pub: Practical Style Tips

Irish life swings between the sportsground and the local pub, and honestly, so does your footwear. Whether you’re kicking about at the RDS Arena or grabbing a pint on South William Street, styling your trainers (yep, that’s what’ll get you nods from locals) is about comfort, practicality, and not looking like you tried too hard.

Let’s keep it simple. Most Irish folks grab bold, classic colours for their daily trainers—think white Adidas Stan Smiths, Nike Air Force 1s, or New Balance 327s. Spot these everywhere from GAA matches to Sunday strolls by the Liffey. If you’re hoping to hit a match and not look out of place, just don’t roll in with neon soles or flashy patterns; that tends to mark you as a tourist.

Rain is always lurking, so if you’re living here or staying a while, buy trainers that can take a bit of a soaking. Waterproof sprays do the job, but some smart Irish brands—from Intersport Elverys to Lifestyle Sports—offer shoes with decent water resistance. Check the label before you buy, especially between October and March.

Here’s a quick checklist for moving from the pitch to the pub without any fuss:

• Pick plain trainers that match well with jeans and joggers (no wild colours).
• Keep them clean; muddy trainers don’t fly even in the most relaxed pubs in Galway.
• High-tops? Save them for gigs or nights at the Button Factory, not match day.
• Some Dublin pubs have sneaky dress codes—if it’s your first time, call ahead or check their site.

City or rural, the key is blending style and function. Even in Cork, people expect you to put a little effort in—nobody wants to be the only one in battered runners in a group selfie at Crane Lane. Here’s a look at popular Irish cities and their preferences:

The bottom line: in Ireland, sportswear means being ready for movement, rain, and last-minute plans. Stick to what works, keep those trainers tidy, and you’ll make the jump from the pitch to the pub no sweat.