Who Holds the Spot as Ireland’s 2nd Largest Sportswear Brand?
Discover why Adidas is the second largest sportswear brand worldwide and how it dominates Ireland's market with local collaborations, GAA gear, and where to buy it.
When it comes to Adidas, a globally recognized sportswear brand known for durable footwear and weather-ready designs. Also known as the maker of the three-stripe classics, it’s one of the few brands that actually works in Ireland—not because it’s trendy, but because it’s built for rain, mud, and endless walking. You won’t find many Irish people wearing delicate sneakers in January. But you’ll see plenty in Adidas trainers, because they don’t fall apart after two weeks of wet pavements and puddles.
Adidas isn’t just about running shoes. In Ireland, it’s about sportswear, clothing and gear designed for movement in harsh conditions that lasts. From the classic Ultraboost for city commutes to the Terrex hiking boots for Donegal trails, Adidas makes gear that handles what Irish weather throws at it. Unlike some brands that prioritize looks over function, Adidas here is chosen for its grip, cushioning, and water resistance. It’s not about looking cool on Instagram—it’s about not slipping on wet cobblestones or getting soaked by lunchtime.
Many Irish shoppers compare Adidas to other global names like Nike or Puma, but the real difference shows up after a month of rain. Nike might have the marketing, but Adidas has the soles that don’t crack in cold damp. And while some brands make trainers that look good in a store but turn to mush in Galway drizzle, Adidas keeps its shape, its support, and its grip. That’s why nurses, teachers, delivery drivers, and retirees all end up with the same pair: the ones that don’t quit.
It’s also why Irish parents buy Adidas for school uniforms. Not because it’s expensive, but because it’s the only brand that survives the daily grind of muddy playgrounds, bus rides in the rain, and back-to-school walks through puddles. You’ll find them in Dublin, Cork, Limerick—same model, same reason. They’re not fashion statements. They’re survival gear.
And if you’ve ever wondered why so many Irish people wear Adidas with jeans, even in summer? It’s because the weather doesn’t care about seasons. One minute it’s sun, the next it’s sleet. Adidas trainers don’t need a weather forecast. They just work.
What you’ll find in this collection aren’t ads or sponsored posts. They’re real stories from people who’ve worn these shoes through Irish winters, walked miles in them, and still swear by them. You’ll learn why Adidas trainers are called runners here, how they compare to local favorites like Clarks, and why even older folks choose them over fancy heels. You’ll see how they stack up against other brands when the rain won’t stop and your feet just need to stay dry.
Discover why Adidas is the second largest sportswear brand worldwide and how it dominates Ireland's market with local collaborations, GAA gear, and where to buy it.