Irish Footwear Slang Finder
Describe your situation or the vibe you're going for, and we'll tell you the most authentic word to use in Ireland.
Trainers
The standard, go-to term across most of Ireland.
Quick Takeaways
- 'Trainers' is the standard, go-to term across most of Ireland.
- 'Kicks' and 'Creps' are the preferred terms for the sneakerhead and streetwear community.
- 'Daps' is a specific regional term often found in the North.
- Terminology shifts based on whether the shoe is for sport, fashion, or casual wear.
The Reign of the Trainers
If you want to blend in anywhere from Cork to Donegal, Trainers is the most common term used in Ireland to describe athletic shoes designed for sports or casual wear . It's a versatile word. Whether you're wearing a pair of basic New Balance for a walk in Phoenix Park or high-performance gear for a 5k, they are trainers. This term stems from the idea of shoes used for training, but it has evolved into a catch-all category. If you tell a friend in Dublin you're "grabbing some new trainers," they know exactly what you mean-you're headed to a shop like JD Sports or Size? to find something comfortable yet stylish.
Stepping into Sneakerhead Territory
Not everyone is just wearing 'trainers' for comfort. There is a massive subculture in Irish cities where shoes are viewed as art and investments. For this crowd, the language shifts to something more rhythmic and urban. Kicks is a widely recognized slang term globally and in Ireland, referring to sneakers as a fashion statement rather than just athletic equipment . When someone asks, "What kicks are those?" they aren't asking about the utility of the shoe; they're asking about the brand, the colorway, and the rarity.
Then we have Creps, a term that migrated from London's grime scene and found a home in the streetwear circles of Dublin and Belfast. It’s a high-energy word used primarily by Gen Z and the fashion-forward. If you're rocking a pair of limited-edition Air Jordans at a festival like Electric Picnic, calling them 'creps' signals that you're plugged into the current streetwear zeitgeist. It's less about the act of walking and more about the act of showing off.
| Term | Vibe | Typical User | Context |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trainers | Neutral/Standard | Everyone | Daily use, gym, shopping |
| Kicks | Cool/Urban | Sneakerheads | Fashion, collecting |
| Creps | Trendy/Edgy | Gen Z / Streetwear fans | Social media, music events |
| Daps | Regional/Old School | Northern Ireland/Older Gen | Casual, home, local walks |
Regional Quirks and Old School Terms
Ireland isn't a monolith, and language changes as you move across the map. In parts of Northern Ireland, you'll frequently hear the word Daps. This is an older, more colloquial term for plimsolls or canvas sneakers. While it's less common among teenagers today, it still carries a lot of nostalgic weight. If an older relative in Derry asks if you've put your 'daps' on, they're referring to those lightweight, flat-soled shoes perfect for a quick trip to the local shop.
We also have the influence of Plimsolls, which describes the very specific style of rubber-soled fabric shoes. While not "cool" in the modern sense, they are an entity in their own right, often associated with school PE lessons from decades ago. In the modern era, these have been replaced by the ubiquity of brands like Vans or Converse, which most people just refer to by their brand names rather than a generic term.
How to Choose the Right Word
Using the wrong word won't get you kicked out of a conversation, but using the right one helps you connect. If you're in a corporate office in the Silicon Docks area of Dublin, sticking to "trainers" or "sneakers" is a safe bet. However, if you're hanging out at a skate park or a streetwear pop-up, "kicks" is the way to go. It shows you respect the culture of the shoe.
Think of it like a social hierarchy of language. 'Trainers' is the baseline. 'Kicks' is the upgrade for those who love the hobby. 'Creps' is the peak of current youth slang. And 'Daps' is the cozy, regional comfort word. The key is to observe the environment. Are people talking about the "drop" (the release date of a new shoe)? If so, you're in a 'kicks' and 'creps' environment.
The Influence of Global Brands on Local Lingo
The way we talk about shoes in Ireland is also heavily influenced by the brands we wear. For instance, Nike and Adidas have such a strong presence that people often use the brand as the descriptor. You'll hear people say they're "wearing their Nikes" instead of "wearing their trainers." This is a common linguistic shortcut that removes the need for a slang word entirely because the brand itself carries the 'cool' factor.
In recent years, the rise of New Balance in Ireland has created a new category: the "Dad Shoe." While not a name for the sneaker itself, it describes the aesthetic-chunky, comfortable, and slightly uncool in a way that actually makes it very cool. This trend has seen a surge in Dublin's creative quarters, where professionals pair chunky trainers with tailored trousers, blending the line between formal and athletic wear.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
One major mistake is overusing the word "sneakers" in a casual Irish setting. While everyone understands it, it can sound a bit artificial or like you're reading from a script for a US-based TV show. If you want to sound natural, lean into "trainers." Another mistake is using "creps" if you're over the age of 30 and not deeply embedded in the streetwear scene; it can come across as trying too hard to sound young. Authenticity is the most important part of using slang.
Also, be careful with the term "runners." In some parts of Ireland, specifically in the south, "runners" is used interchangeably with trainers. However, in a strictly athletic context, runners refer specifically to jogging shoes. If you're talking about a pair of high-fashion sneakers that you'd never actually run in, calling them "runners" might be technically incorrect, though most people won't mind.
What is the most common word for sneakers in Ireland?
The most common and widely accepted term is "trainers." It is used by all age groups and in all regions of the country for any type of athletic or casual shoe.
Is "kicks" a common term in Dublin?
Yes, "kicks" is very common in Dublin, particularly among younger people, fashion enthusiasts, and those involved in the streetwear and sneaker collecting community.
What does "creps" mean?
"Creps" is a slang term derived from UK urban culture (specifically the grime scene) that refers to sneakers. It is generally used to describe high-end or stylish sneakers.
Where is the term "daps" used?
"Daps" is most frequently heard in Northern Ireland and among older generations. It typically refers to simple canvas shoes or plimsolls.
Can I just use the brand name instead of a slang word?
Absolutely. In Ireland, it is very common to say "my Nikes" or "my Adidas" instead of using a generic term like trainers or sneakers.
Are "runners" and "trainers" the same thing?
In common Irish conversation, they are often used interchangeably. However, "runners" more specifically implies shoes intended for running, whereas "trainers" covers a broader range of athletic and casual styles.
Next Steps for Your Shoe Game
If you're looking to upgrade your footwear and want to fit into the local scene, start by visiting some of the curated sneaker shops in the city centers. Instead of just searching for "sneakers," try searching for "limited edition trainers" or "streetwear drops" to find the real gems. If you're visiting Ireland, a walk through the shopping districts of Galway or Cork will give you a great feel for how these terms are used in real-time conversations.
For those who are new to the country, the best way to master the lingo is to listen. Pay attention to how people describe their gear at the gym or at a social event. You'll quickly realize that while the words change, the passion for a great pair of shoes is universal, whether you call them trainers, kicks, or creps.