In Ireland, you’ll hear people say trainers more than any other word for athletic shoes. Walk into a shop in Temple Bar, grab a coffee in Galway, or hop on the Luas in Dublin, and if someone’s heading out for a jog or a walk in the park, they’ll likely be wearing their trainers. But not everyone says it that way. The word you use for your running shoes tells you where you are - and sometimes, who you are.
Why Ireland Says 'Trainers'
Ireland’s use of trainers comes straight from British English. After centuries of shared history, language, and culture, Ireland adopted many UK terms - especially around fashion and everyday objects. While Americans say sneakers and Australians say runners, Ireland, like the UK, stuck with trainers. It’s not just a word - it’s a cultural marker. If you’re in Cork and ask for sneakers, you might get a blank stare. Ask for trainers, and you’ll be handed a pair of Nike Airs or Adidas Stan Smiths in seconds.
Even brands in Ireland lean into this. Look at the shelves in Dunnes Stores, Penneys (Primark), or local runners like Fit4U in Limerick. You won’t find a section labeled Sneakers. Instead, it’s Trainees or Training Shoes. The same goes for online retailers like Scout or Jack & Jones - their Irish websites use trainers exclusively.
Where Else Do People Say 'Trainers'?
It’s not just Ireland. The UK, of course, uses trainers too - from Manchester to Margate. Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland all follow suit. Even in parts of Canada, especially near the UK-influenced eastern provinces like Nova Scotia and Newfoundland, you’ll hear it occasionally. But outside the British Isles, it’s rare.
Here’s how the rest of the world says it:
| Country/Region | Term Used | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ireland | Trainers | Universal term; used by all ages |
| United Kingdom | Trainers | Same as Ireland; no regional variation |
| United States | Sneakers | Also "athletic shoes" in formal contexts |
| Australia | Runners | "Joggers" is also common for casual styles |
| New Zealand | Trainers | British influence; same as UK |
| South Africa | Trainers | English-speaking regions use this term |
| India | Shoes / Sports shoes | "Trainers" is understood but not widely used |
Why Not 'Sneakers' in Ireland?
You might wonder why Irish people don’t just adopt the American term sneakers. After all, American pop culture is everywhere - from Netflix to TikTok. But language doesn’t change just because of media. It changes through daily use. Irish kids grow up hearing their parents say trainers. Teachers say it. TV ads say it. Even Irish sports stars like Cian Ducrot or Katie Taylor say it on interviews.
There’s also a quiet pride in keeping local terms alive. While some younger people in Dublin might say sneakers when talking online, in real life - in the park, at the gym, or in the queue at SuperValu - it’s always trainers. It’s one of those small, unspoken things that make Irish English distinct.
What About Other Irish Footwear Terms?
If you’re curious about how Ireland talks about shoes, here are a few more local quirks:
- Wellies - not just for farmers. Every Irish household owns at least one pair. Rainy season? You’ll see them on commuters in Limerick and on schoolkids in Sligo.
- Brogues - traditional leather shoes with perforated patterns. Still worn in formal settings, especially in Cork and Galway. Many Irish men own a pair for weddings or church.
- Plimsolls - an old-fashioned term for canvas shoes. Older generations still use it, but younger people rarely do. You’ll find it in vintage shops in Kilkenny or on eBay listings from Waterford.
- Flats - used the same way as in the UK. Not called "pumps" here.
What Happens When Tourists Visit?
Every year, thousands of Americans, Brazilians, and Japanese visit Ireland. Many come expecting to hear sneakers. They walk into Clerys or Zara and ask for sneakers. Staff are polite. They understand. But they hand over trainers - and sometimes, they’ll smile and say, "We call them trainers here, love."
It’s not a big deal. But it’s a little reminder that language is local. In Ireland, your shoes aren’t just footwear - they’re part of your identity. And if you’re wearing them on a trail through the Wicklow Mountains or walking the River Liffey, you’re wearing Irish.
Is 'Trainers' Changing?
Language evolves. Young people in Belfast or Limerick are more connected than ever to global trends. You’ll hear sneakers in TikTok videos. Some online stores in Ireland now use both terms. But in physical stores, in homes, and on the streets - trainers still wins.
It’s not about resistance. It’s about comfort. We’ve used this word for generations. It fits. It sounds right. And honestly? It’s easier to say than "athletic footwear."
Final Thought: It’s Not Just a Word
When you say trainers in Ireland, you’re not just naming a type of shoe. You’re saying you’re part of the place. You know the way things are done here. You know that rain means wellies, that Sunday means church shoes, and that a good pair of trainers means you’re ready for anything - from a jog in Phoenix Park to a pint in O’Neill’s.
So next time you’re shopping in Ireland, don’t ask for sneakers. Ask for trainers. You’ll get the right pair. And maybe, just maybe, you’ll feel a little more at home.
Why do Irish people say 'trainers' instead of 'sneakers'?
Irish people say 'trainers' because the term comes from British English, which has deeply influenced Irish language and culture. While 'sneakers' is common in the U.S., Ireland has retained its own vocabulary for everyday items like footwear. The word 'trainers' is used in shops, schools, media, and homes across the country, making it the natural term for everyone.
Are 'trainers' and 'athletic shoes' the same thing in Ireland?
Yes, 'trainers' is the everyday term for athletic shoes in Ireland. You might hear 'athletic shoes' in formal contexts, like a product description on a website, but in conversation, on the street, or in stores, everyone says 'trainers.' It’s the only term you need to know.
Do Irish people call running shoes 'runners' like Australians?
No. While Australians use 'runners,' Ireland sticks with 'trainers.' Even if you’re running a marathon, you’ll hear people say they’re wearing their 'trainers.' The term 'runners' is rarely used and can sound odd or overly American to Irish ears.
Where can I buy trainers in Ireland?
You can buy trainers in nearly every major retail chain: Dunnes Stores, Penneys (Primark), Schuh, JD Sports, and local shops like Fit4U in Limerick or The Runner’s Shop in Galway. Online, Scout.ie and Jack & Jones offer Irish-sized trainers with free delivery across the country.
Is 'trainers' used in Northern Ireland too?
Yes. Northern Ireland uses 'trainers' just like the Republic. The term is consistent across the island of Ireland. Whether you’re in Derry or Dublin, you’ll be asking for the same thing.