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In Ireland, where the weather shifts from sunshine to sleet before lunch and pavement turns to mud after a heavy downpour, your shoes aren’t just about style-they’re survival gear. So when people here talk about casual trainers, they’re not using fancy retail terms. You won’t hear someone in Galway say, "I’m wearing athleisure sneakers today." They’ll say, "I’ve got my runners on," or "These walking shoes are holding up better than my umbrella."
Runners: The Irish Word for Casual Trainers
If you ask anyone in Cork, Limerick, or Belfast what they call their everyday shoes, the answer is almost always runners. It’s not just a regional quirk-it’s the universal term across the island. Whether you’re 16 or 65, from the Aran Islands to the Phoenix Park, if you’re wearing lace-up, rubber-soled, low-cut footwear for walking to the shops, catching the bus, or hiking the Wicklow Way, you’re wearing runners.
This isn’t just slang. It’s embedded in daily language. You’ll hear: "I need new runners before the Dublin Marathon," or "My runners are soaked from the rain at the DART station." Even in formal settings like a GP’s waiting room in Sligo, you’ll see people in faded Nike runners or worn-out Adidas originals. No one calls them sneakers, trainers, or athletic shoes. Those terms sound American or overly corporate. In Ireland, it’s runners-and always has been.
Why ‘Runners’ Stuck Around
The word likely came from the 1970s and 80s, when jogging became popular after the 1976 Olympic Games and local running clubs popped up in towns like Kilkenny and Drogheda. People started buying lightweight shoes for exercise, and the name stuck-even when they stopped running and just used them for walking to the pub or the post office.
Unlike in the UK, where "trainers" is more common, Ireland never fully adopted that term. Why? Maybe because "runners" is more descriptive. It doesn’t just describe the shoe-it implies movement, function, and resilience. In a country where you walk everywhere-from the cobblestones of Doolin to the gravel paths of Glendalough-you need shoes that can handle wet grass, muddy lanes, and sudden rain.
Top Brands Worn by Irish People
Not all runners are created equal. In Ireland, you don’t buy shoes based on Instagram trends. You buy based on durability, comfort, and whether they survive a winter in County Mayo.
- Clarks - Still the go-to for older generations. The Wallabee and Desert Boot models are worn by grandparents in Tipperary and pensioners in Sligo. They’re not flashy, but they don’t fall apart after three months.
- Adidas - The Stan Smith and Superstar are everywhere. You’ll see them on students in Trinity College, on farmers’ wives in Donegal, and on teens waiting for the 11:30 bus in Waterford.
- Nike - Mostly the Air Force 1s and Blazer Mids. Popular in cities, but less so in rural areas where they’re seen as too expensive or too dry-weather focused.
- Birkenstock - Not trainers, but often worn as alternatives. Especially in Galway and Dingle, where people prefer slip-ons for quick errands.
- Geox - Gaining ground in Dublin and Limerick. Their breathable soles and waterproof lining make them a quiet favorite for people who commute on the Luas or walk to work in the rain.
- Irish-made: Aigle - A lesser-known gem. This French brand is surprisingly popular in Ireland because of its rubber soles and water-resistant design. You’ll find them in outdoor shops in Kenmare and Wicklow.
One brand you won’t see much? New Balance. Despite being American, they’re not widely worn here. Why? They’re expensive, and Irish people are used to getting value. If a pair of Adidas lasts two winters, why pay €120 for a New Balance that only lasts one?
Where to Buy Runners in Ireland
You don’t need to go to a luxury mall. Most Irish people buy their runners where they’ve always bought them: local shoe shops, discount chains, or online after checking reviews on Irish forums.
- Shoe City - Found in every major town. They stock Clarks, Skechers, and generic brands. Often have €20 sales after Christmas.
- Debenhams (now closed, but legacy lives on) - Many still remember the old Debenhams in Dundrum or Liffey Valley. People still talk about the €39 trainers they bought there in 2018.
- Boots - Yes, the pharmacy chain. They sell basic runners from brands like Puma and Merrell. Convenient for people who need a quick replacement after a weekend walk in the Burren.
- Amazon UK - Used heavily. Shipping from the UK is cheap and fast. People order in bulk before winter.
- Local independent shoe shops - Still thriving in places like Ennis, Kinsale, and Letterkenny. These shops often carry niche brands like ECCO or Ecco’s waterproof models, which are perfect for Ireland’s damp climate.
What Makes a Good Irish Runner?
Here’s what matters in Ireland:
- Water resistance - A shoe that soaks through after one rainy walk is useless. Look for sealed seams and rubber soles.
- Non-slip soles - Wet cobbles in Galway or icy footpaths in Belfast demand grip. Avoid smooth rubber.
- Arch support - Many Irish people walk long distances daily. Whether it’s to the local shop or up the Hill of Howth, your feet thank you.
- Easy to clean - Mud is a constant. A wipe with a damp cloth should be enough.
- Price under €60 - Most people won’t pay more unless it’s a special occasion. Runners are replaceable, not investment pieces.
Runners vs. Other Footwear in Ireland
People don’t wear boots all the time. Too heavy. Too hot in summer. Too expensive. Flip-flops? Only in June, and even then, only at the beach. Sandals? Rare. You’ll see them in Kerry on holiday, but not in Dublin in October.
So what’s the alternative to runners? Nothing, really. Even people who own hiking boots keep a pair of runners in the car for quick trips to the pharmacy or the post office. Runners are the Swiss Army knife of Irish footwear.
How to Spot a Real Irish Runner
If you’re visiting and want to blend in, here’s how:
- Don’t wear shiny, white sneakers. They’ll get stained in a day.
- Don’t buy them in tourist shops in Temple Bar. They’re overpriced and made for looks, not weather.
- Look for slightly scuffed, worn-in pairs. That’s the sign of someone who’s walked the Bog of Allen, the Dingle Peninsula, or the Giant’s Causeway.
- Check the sole. If it’s worn flat on the heel, that’s an Irish runner. It means they’ve walked more than they’ve run.
Runners in Irish Culture
They’re not just shoes. They’re part of the rhythm of life. You’ll see them outside the local pub on a Friday night. You’ll see them at the bus stop in Athlone at 7 a.m. You’ll see them on the steps of the Book of Kells exhibit in Trinity College. They’re the footwear of everyday Ireland.
Even in fashion circles, runners are accepted. Designers like Mary Kennedy and brands like Dunnes Stores now sell "smart runners"-clean lines, minimal branding, neutral colors. They’re still called runners. Nothing else.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are runners the same as sneakers in Ireland?
No. In Ireland, "sneakers" is an American word you’ll only hear in ads or from younger people who watch US YouTube channels. Locals say "runners." If you say "sneakers," you’ll sound like a tourist.
Why don’t Irish people wear hiking boots every day?
Hiking boots are heavy, hot, and expensive. Most daily walks in Ireland are short-between the house and the shop, the bus stop, or the school. Runners are lighter, easier to slip on, and dry faster. You only wear boots if you’re going into the mountains or the bogs.
Can I buy good runners in Ireland for under €50?
Absolutely. Shoe City, Dunnes Stores, and Amazon UK regularly have Adidas, Puma, and Skechers models on sale for €35-€45. Many people buy two pairs at once because they know the first pair won’t last the winter.
Do Irish people wear trainers for work?
In many jobs, yes. Teachers, nurses, retail workers, and even office staff in smaller towns wear runners daily. You’ll rarely see a person in a suit and dress shoes in a local GP’s office or library. Runners are the norm for comfort and practicality.
What’s the best brand for wet weather runners in Ireland?
Geox and ECCO are top choices. Both have waterproof membranes and breathable linings. You’ll find them in Boots, Clarks stores, and online. Avoid cheap brands with thin soles-they’ll let water in after one rainy walk in Galway.
Final Thought: Runners Are Part of the Irish Identity
They’re not fashion statements. They’re not status symbols. They’re the quiet, reliable companions that carry you through the rain, the mud, the cold, and the long walks between places that don’t have buses. In Ireland, your runners don’t define your style-they define your resilience.