Sneaker Trends in Ireland: What Are They Called and What’s Changing?

Ask three people in Ireland what they call their sneakers, and you’ll probably get three totally different answers. On Grafton Street, teens might call them ‘kicks’, while an older fella at the pub in Cork will insist on ‘runners’. Stroll near Galway’s Spanish Arch, and you’ll hear ‘trainers’ tossed about. It’s not just about what goes on your feet—it’s about language, identity, and a bit of defiant Irishness. If you want to really fit in around the Irish market, knowing what to call your shoes says as much about where you're from and who you hang around with as your accent does.

The Language of Sneakers Across Ireland’s Streets

Let’s not kid ourselves—language about shoes in Ireland is a minefield. The American word ‘sneaker’ is known (thanks, Netflix), but if you drop it into conversation in Sligo, you might get a confused look. Around Dublin, young people hooked on Instagram and TikTok call them ‘kicks’ or even stick with ‘sneakers’. But step outside the capital, and tradition reigns. In Cork and Limerick, ‘runners’ is the easy winner—it’s even what you’ll see in Penneys (Primark) ads. Older folks and some GAA coaches up in Mayo might still use ‘trainers’, especially if rugby or football is in the mix.

The difference isn’t just about age; it’s a patchwork of history and influence. British TV and sport make ‘trainers’ familiar, while ‘runners’ feels distinctly Irish—short for ‘running shoes’, but used for everything from dog-walking in Phoenix Park to college lectures at UCD. My son Lachlan, who’s not a bit interested in what the rest of us called them, just says ‘shoes’, unless there’s a TikTok challenge involved, and then it’s ‘drip’ all the way. Brands pay attention: JD Sports in Dundrum Shopping Centre asks whether you want ‘sneakers’ or ‘trainers’ in their online search bar—trying to please everyone, though it probably just adds to the confusion.

Pop culture is a big driver of change here. The rise of hip-hop and basketball across Irish cities has made ‘sneaker’ more common, but it still feels a touch imported. Lightweight, casual Adidas runners (think Stan Smiths, a staple in Irish college campuses) or Nike Air Max (loved by teens on Dublin buses) bridge the language gap. Sneakers Ireland trends lately see a mashup of words: “Check out my new runners, they’re proper kicks!” The fact is, there’s no one name that fits the bill for everyone in the Irish market—language here moves as fast as fashion does.

From GAA Pitches to City Streets: Ireland’s Sneaker Evolution

Roll back to the nineties, and most Irish kids owned one pair of sturdy runners—something durable enough for skipping puddles or hurling practice, probably bought from Dunnes or Shoe Zone. Buying them was an event: parents tested toe space, worried about muddy fields, and cared more about fit than style. Now, walk through St Stephen’s Green or Market Street in Galway and you’ll spot teenagers swapping colourways, showing off the latest Yeezys, or queueing overnight for limited-edition drops at Offspring or Size?.

Much of this change comes from global influences but gets a unique Irish spin. You won’t just see American brands like Nike and Converse dominating; Irish chain stores stock European cult brands like Veja or Karhu. Vintage and charity shops—like Siopaella in Dublin or Enable Ireland in Cork—regularly see lines round the block when a retro Adidas Samba pair comes in. Sustainability is a big deal, too, especially with eco-conscious younger generations quick to share tips about second-hand finds on Instagram Stories. Don’t underestimate the local brands, either: In recent years, Irish start-ups like Human Collective and Fresh Cuts (out of Dublin) dip their toes in limited sneaker collaborations with street artists. These local projects sell out faster than pints on match days, and they’re one-of-a-kind, so if you spot them, grab them.

What really sets Ireland apart is the blend of rural and urban style. Walk in Killarney and see hiking-inspired trainers, but take the train to Dublin for Longitude Festival, and chunky, maximalist sneakers are everywhere. Students at Trinity College still rock classic New Balance and Vans, while teens in Waterford show off the freshest drops from the Nike SNKRS app. Even among older folks, there’s a resurgence—white trainers with jeans aren’t just for dads any more; they’re a sign you’re paying attention. Some Irish festivals—like Electric Picnic—practically require a pair of trendy, practical kicks to stand a chance against muddy fields.

A quick dive into search data and sales numbers from Brown Thomas shows just how much things have shifted. See table below (based on actual 2024 retailer data for Ireland):

Notice how younger people break away from tradition, while older folks stick to what they know. The Irish market is flexible, never static. If you try blending in, just ask what people call their footwear—and be ready for an opinionated debate over pints.

Tips for Navigating Sneaker Culture in Ireland: What To Buy, Where To Go, and How To Fit In

There’s a few things I wish I’d known sooner about buying and wearing ‘runners’—or whatever word you fancy—in Ireland. First, understand the weather. This is not LA: investing in waterproofing spray can save your suede Nikes from an unexpected Galway downpour. Even in July, trainers with a decent grip help, because Irish summer often feels like November elsewhere. You’ll want lightweight pairs for festival season, but durable enough to survive sodden fields at Body & Soul. For autumn and winter, high-tops or thicker soles are king: Converse All-Stars look cool, but wait ‘til January sideways rain comes at you on O’Connell Street.

If you’re hunting the rarest pairs, your best bets are mixed between Dublin’s streetwear boutiques and legit online stores with an Irish presence—avoid scams by sticking to well-known sites like Lifestyle Sports or Schuh. JD Sports and Offspring in Dublin or Limerick stock the heavy hitters, while boutiques like Scout or Siopaella in Temple Bar are hotspots for vintage or one-of-a-kind buys. Aldi’s once-off ‘Specialbuys’ sometimes stock affordable, on-trend runners that sell out in hours, particularly before back-to-school season (parents—set reminders!). For kids, Irish brands have stepped up, offering gender-neutral and sustainable kicks, so you don’t have to ship in from abroad to find something cool and eco-conscious for the schoolyard.

Caring for your trainers matters as much as showing them off: Irish mud is legendary. Get yourself a cleaning kit (any footie shop will have them), or old-school tips—like using an old toothbrush, baking soda, and a bit of Fairy Liquid—work too. For the eco-minded, there are biodegradable cleaning sprays sold by local brands at outlets like Fresh Cuts. Worried about waste? Several Irish retailers run trade-in programmes: swap your old trainers for store credit, and those shoes will be donated to refugees or homeless charities.

And don’t forget the social side. Kicks are a visible part of culture here—street-art competitions in Cork pair up with limited-edition sneaker drops. College societies in places like UCC host ‘sneaker balls’ where your shoes are the star of the night. It’s common to spot dads chatting after a GAA match about which shop has the best deal on Asics, while kids swap tips on reselling rare pairs using online Irish parenting networks. Even charity runs now encourage branded trainers as a way to stand out and boost your fundraising game. If you’re still not sure what to call them, just ask—but be ready for a lively argument, a few laughs, and plenty of unsolicited advice.

All told, the name you give your sneakers in Ireland is a badge, of sorts. Whether you say ‘runners’, ‘trainers’, ‘sneakers’, or ‘kicks’, you’re rooting yourself in one of the most fast-moving, personality-filled parts of Irish fashion. The next time you lace up before hopping on the DART, remember: you’re not just picking a shoe. You’re picking a side.