If you’re shoe shopping on Grafton Street or flipping through shelves at Brown Thomas, you might wonder: just how far back do trainers actually go? The story of sneakers in Ireland ties right into European style history, but it’s easy to forget that the first ever sneaker brand predates the rise of Adidas by decades. Want some real street cred at the next pub quiz? Keds started making rubber-soled shoes way back in 1916, but the real global heavyweight is even older—Converse’s story began in 1908 in Massachusetts, USA, well before anyone in Dublin or Cork had a clue about high-tops.
You'll still see those classic Converse All Stars worn everywhere from college campuses at Trinity to dog walks in Stephen’s Green. But true buffs in Ireland may also notice old-school Dunlop trainers, originally built for tennis but somehow perfect for rainy city days. The link between these brands and their spread to Irish shops tells a story about imported fashion, local trends, and the Irish love of mixing vintage with modern.
- How Trainers First Hit Irish Streets
- The Historic Brands: Who Paved the Way?
- Vintage Trainers and Irish Collector Craze
- Where to Find Classic Sneakers Across Ireland
How Trainers First Hit Irish Streets
The love story between Ireland and trainers isn’t that old compared to other countries, but when it kicked off, it changed daily life here. In the 1970s, runners started appearing in Irish shops, thanks mostly to sports becoming more mainstream and a wave of American and European imports. Before that, work boots and dress shoes ruled—your granny might still remember a time before anyone wore trainers to a pub.
By the late ’70s, you couldn’t miss the influence of global brands on the oldest sneaker brand game. Converse and Adidas were the big names sneaking into Irish wardrobes, showing up first with athletes and then school kids. The rise of GAA and football in cities like Dublin and Cork helped push trainers big-time, with loads of matches fuelling a need for comfy, easy-to-wash runners.
The 1980s made trainers almost a symbol for being young and a bit rebellious. Suddenly, Nike, Puma, and even lesser-known classics like Hummel were turning up in Irish sport shops and street markets. The O’Connell Street branches of stores like Arnotts and Guineys started clearing floor space for big rows of colourful sneakers, and people queued for new releases.
| Year | Significant Trainer Arrival in Ireland |
|---|---|
| 1975 | First major Adidas and Converse imports |
| 1979 | Nike enters Irish sports market |
| Early 1980s | Trainers become popular for everyday wear |
| Mid-1980s | Dedicated trainer sections in top Dublin and Cork stores |
Schools started giving the nod to white runners for PE, and it was almost a rite of passage to pick your ‘Sunday best’ trainers before a disco in Temple Bar. Even Irish musicians got involved—backstage at gigs, trainers became a thing instead of stiff formal shoes. Today, whether you’re running late to a Luas stop or just heading for a coffee in Galway, it’s normal to see vintage and ultra-modern trainers side by side, showing off how things have changed since those early days.
The Historic Brands: Who Paved the Way?
When you ask about the real origin of sneakers, it’s not Adidas or Nike that takes the trophy. The title for the oldest sneaker brand actually goes to the British company, Dunlop, and the American icon, Converse. Dunlop started out making rubber products in 1889, before focusing on trainers—think those sturdy tennis plimsolls that have never gone out of style. The first ones made their way over to Ireland for tennis clubs and school sports days, and you’ll still spot Dunlop Green Flash at small shops around the country.
Converse, though, changed everything with the All Star basketball shoe in 1917. Chuck Taylor put his name on them in the 1920s, and now nearly every Irish secondary school student has owned (or wanted) a pair at some stage. The mix of rubber soles and canvas uppers was a game-changer on Irish playgrounds and city pavements alike.
Keds, another old-school heavyweight from the US, got going in 1916 and became famous for making sneakers you could actually run in. Their look—simple, comfy, and affordable—resonated with folks in Ireland who wanted something steady for day-to-day wear, before runners became fashion statements.
Let’s not forget Adidas, founded in 1949 in Germany, which hit the Irish market big time in the 1970s and 80s. Their Samba and Gazelle models popped up everywhere, from five-a-side pitches in Tallaght to gigs in Galway. Puma and Reebok soon followed, but Adidas remains the top name in Irish trainer culture, even outlasting fleeting trends from other global brands.
Want something more local? While Ireland doesn’t have a homegrown brand that matches the international giants for age, Irish shops have long been curators, picking the best classics for local tastes. Old family shoe stores in towns like Ennis and Kilkenny still sell classic models, and Irish sports shops regularly bring back vintage styles that nod to trainer history. If you’re after shoes with real heritage, these are the brands—Dunlop, Converse, Keds, and Adidas—that paved the way for everything you see in today’s sneaker scene across Ireland.
Vintage Trainers and Irish Collector Craze
Vintage trainers have picked up serious traction in Ireland over the past decade. Shops in Dublin like Nine Crows and Siopaella regularly showcase retro sneakers from the ‘70s, ‘80s, and ‘90s. It’s not rare to step into a community market in Galway or Cork city and spot a collector hoping to swap old-school Nikes, OG Adidas Gazelles, or even a battered pair of Reeboks. The love for these trainers isn’t just about nostalgia—some fetch hundreds of euro, especially if they still have their original box or laces intact.
Irish collectors are a passionate bunch. Online groups like Irish Sneaker Society have thousands of members trading tips and making deals every week. While some just want a blast from the past, others see this as pure investment. For example, in 2023, an unworn pair of vintage Adidas Stan Smiths sold on DoneDeal for €350. Parents might feel a bit of sticker shock, but teens and sneakerheads queue up for hours whenever a retro release hits places like Offspring in Dundrum Town Centre.
Looking for tips to start your own collection? Here’s what most Irish sneaker fans suggest:
- Always check for authenticity—replicas show up even in Ireland's best secondhand spots.
- Condition matters a lot: value drops if there are holes or heavy scuffing.
- Original packaging and tags can double the resale price.
- Follow Irish sneaker forums for upcoming swap meets, like those held seasonally in Belfast and Limerick.
Take a look at what some classic trainer models have fetched lately on the Irish market:
| Brand / Model | Year Released | Recent Selling Price (€) |
|---|---|---|
| Adidas Stan Smith (Original) | 1971 | 350 |
| Nike Air Max 1 OG | 1987 | 425 |
| Converse Chuck Taylor All-Star Hi (Vintage) | 1970s | 220 |
| Reebok Classic Leather (Vintage) | 1983 | 180 |
The hunt for the oldest sneaker brand isn’t just a global trend—it’s a real part of Irish street fashion and weekend shopping. Whether you’re hitting a flea market in Smithfield or scrolling through Depop, there’s a good chance the next big find is hiding in plain sight, waiting for someone with a sharp eye for trainer history.
Where to Find Classic Sneakers Across Ireland
Finding classic trainers in Ireland is way easier than you’d think. Dublin alone has a bunch of shops where you can grab a pair of vintage sneakers. If you’re after the oldest sneaker brand styles—like Converse Chuck Taylors or Adidas Superstars—you’ve got options on both the high street and online.
You’ll want to check out stores like:
- Their Wicklow Street shop is packed with iconic models, including reissues of retro runners.
- Office: Grafton Street is a hotspot for classic re-releases, with loads of retro Adidas, Puma, and Nike lines.
- Vintage Kilo Store: George's Street Arcade houses this gem, where you can dig for rare old pairs—Converse, Reebok, and sometimes even deadstock gems from the 90s.
- Sneakerbox Cork: This Cork city staple stocks new drops alongside old favourites, and staff are up for a bit of a sneaker chat.
- Schuh: With locations in Limerick, Dublin, and Galway, they carry staple models year-round, including limited editions.
More after something unique? A lot of Irish sneakerheads look to Depop and Irish seller groups on Facebook for pre-loved pairs you can’t get in stores anymore. Some shops, like Indigo & Cloth in Temple Bar, also stock premium and vintage pieces for the collector crowd.
Here’s a snapshot of what’s trending and where you’re likely to find them in Ireland right now:
| Trainer Model | Popular Store | City | Average Price (€) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Converse Chuck Taylor | Size?, Schuh | Dublin, Nationwide | 65 - 75 |
| Adidas Superstar | Office, Sneakerbox Cork | Dublin, Cork | 90 - 100 |
| Puma Suede Classic | Office | Dublin, Limerick | 75 - 80 |
| Reebok Classic Leather | Vintage Kilo Store, Depop | Dublin, Online | 55 - 70 (used) |
If you’re touring Ireland or just freshening your own look, don’t skip the smaller independent shops—they're more likely to have staff who know shoe history inside out. And when festivals hit, like Electric Picnic or All Together Now, you’ll spot lots of people rocking timeless trainers, so keep an eye out for pop-up stalls with hidden gems.