What Is the American Equivalent of Trainers? The Irish Guide to Sneakers

In Ireland, you’ll hear people say trainers more than anything else-whether they’re heading to the gym in Dundalk, walking the cliffs of Moher, or grabbing coffee in Temple Bar. But if you’ve ever watched an American movie, scrolled through a US-based online store, or chatted with someone from New York or Chicago, you’ve probably heard the word sneakers. So what’s the real difference? And why does it matter here?

Trainees vs. Sneakers: It’s Just a Word

The short answer? In Ireland, trainers are what Americans call sneakers. Same shoe. Different name. No functional difference. A pair of Nike Air Max, Adidas Ultraboost, or New Balance 574 bought in Dublin’s Grafton Street is identical to the same model sold in Boston or Chicago. The only thing that changes is the label on the box.

Why do we say ‘trainers’? It comes from the original purpose: these shoes were designed to train with. Back in the late 1800s, rubber-soled shoes were first used by athletes and tennis players in Britain and Ireland. The term stuck. In the US, the word ‘sneakers’ emerged because the quiet rubber soles let you ‘sneak’ around without making noise. Both terms are rooted in function, not fashion.

Here in Ireland, you’ll find ‘trainers’ on every high street-from Dunnes Stores in Cork to Schuh in Galway. Even in small towns like Ennis or Sligo, the shoe shop window is full of trainers. Ask a teenager in Limerick what they’re wearing to school tomorrow, and they’ll say ‘my new trainers.’ Ask the same kid in Philadelphia, and they’ll say ‘my sneakers.’

Why the Confusion Happens (and Why It Doesn’t Matter)

Language differences between the UK and the US trip people up all the time. We say ‘lorry’ instead of ‘truck,’ ‘boot’ instead of ‘trunk,’ and ‘biscuit’ instead of ‘cookie.’ Trainers and sneakers are just another pair of words that mean the same thing but sound foreign to the other side of the Atlantic.

For Irish shoppers, this becomes a practical issue when browsing online. If you search ‘trainers’ on Amazon US, you’ll get fewer results than if you type ‘sneakers.’ Flip it around: if you’re ordering from Zara or ASOS in the US and search ‘trainers,’ you might not find anything. It’s not a product difference-it’s a search term mismatch.

Pro tip: When shopping online from US sites, always search ‘sneakers.’ If you’re on Irish sites like Dunnes, Superdry, or JD Sports, stick with ‘trainers.’ It saves time, frustration, and maybe even a missed sale.

What’s Popular in Ireland Right Now?

While the name changes, the styles don’t. Irish people love comfort, durability, and weather-appropriate design-especially with our famously damp climate. Here’s what’s actually on feet across the country in 2025:

• New Balance 990v6 - The unofficial national shoe. Seen everywhere from Dublin commuters to hikers in Wicklow.
• Adidas Stan Smith - Clean, white, and perfect for the ‘smart casual’ look in pubs from Galway to Kilkenny.
• Clarks Originals Desert Boot - Not a trainer, but often worn as one. A staple for older generations and younger style seekers alike.
• Merrell Moab 3 - For anyone who hikes the Wicklow Way or walks the Dingle Peninsula. Waterproof, grippy, and built for Irish terrain.
• Converse Chuck Taylor All Star - Still going strong in university towns like Cork and Limerick. A favorite for students and artists.

Brands like Nike and Puma dominate, but local favorites like Clarks and Geox still hold their ground. And if you’re looking for something uniquely Irish? Try Irish Made Shoes-a small Dublin brand that makes trainers with recycled Irish wool linings. They’re not cheap, but they’re the only ones made right here.

How Weather Shapes Our Choices

Let’s be real: if you’re wearing thin-soled sneakers in January in Galway, you’re going to be wet. Irish weather doesn’t care about fashion trends. That’s why waterproofing, insulation, and grip matter more here than in Miami or Los Angeles.

Most Irish people own at least two pairs of trainers: one for everyday wear (lightweight, breathable), and one for rainy days or weekend walks (water-resistant, with good tread). Brands like Merrell, Salomon, and Scarpa are growing fast here because they deliver on function.

Even in cities, you’ll see people wearing hiking-style trainers to the supermarket. It’s not a fashion statement-it’s survival. Rain isn’t an event here; it’s a daily variable.

Where to Buy in Ireland

If you’re in Ireland and need new trainers, here are the top places to shop-both online and in person:

• JD Sports - Nationwide chain with the latest drops. Great for Nike, Adidas, and New Balance.
• Dunnes Stores - Reliable for budget-friendly options. Their own brand trainers are surprisingly good for €50.
• Superdry - Popular with younger crowds. Stylish, but not always the most durable.
• Clarks Ireland - For classic, long-lasting styles. Their Dublin flagship on Grafton Street has a full range.
• Irish Made Shoes - Online-only, based in Dublin. Eco-friendly, locally made. Worth the splurge.
• Amazon UK - Often cheaper than US Amazon, and ships fast to Ireland. Search ‘trainers’ here.

Don’t forget the second-hand scene. Depop and Facebook Marketplace are huge in Ireland for trainers. You can find nearly new Nike Air Jordans from 2023 for €60 in Belfast or Cork. It’s a culture of reuse-especially after the cost-of-living squeeze.

What About Sportswear and Gym Culture?

Trainees aren’t just for walking. In Ireland, gym culture exploded after the pandemic. Gyms like Anytime Fitness, David Lloyd, and local community centers are packed. People don’t just wear trainers to the gym-they wear them to work, to the pub, to the bus stop.

That’s why comfort is king. The rise of ‘athleisure’ here isn’t about looking cool-it’s about being ready for anything. One pair of good trainers can carry you from a morning jog in Phoenix Park to a Friday night pint in Temple Bar. No need to change shoes. That’s the Irish way.

Final Thoughts: It’s Not About the Name

Whether you call them trainers or sneakers, what matters is how they feel underfoot, how they hold up in the rain, and whether they get you from A to B without a blister. In Ireland, we’ve got the same shoes as Americans-we just call them something else.

So next time you’re browsing a US website and can’t find your favorite pair, don’t panic. Just swap ‘trainers’ for ‘sneakers.’ And if someone asks you what you’re wearing, say ‘trainers.’ That’s the Irish way.