Oldest Shoe Brand: The Irish Guide to Timeless Footwear Heritage

When you think of the oldest shoe brand, a company that has been making footwear for over a century with continuous production and unchanged quality standards. Also known as heritage shoe maker, it isn’t just about history—it’s about shoes that survive Irish rain, cobblestones, and decades of daily wear. These aren’t museum pieces. They’re the boots your grandmother wore to market, the loafers your uncle still owns, and the work shoes that never quit—even when the weather does.

Many of these brands come from Europe, not Ireland, but they’re deeply embedded in Irish life. Take Born shoes, a Spanish brand founded in 1979 that became a favorite for Irish women seeking arch support and waterproof durability. Or Dr. Martens, a British brand dating back to 1960, known for its air-cushioned soles that stand up to wet pavements and long shifts. Even Clarks, a UK brand started in 1825, still sells its classic desert boots in Dublin shops because they don’t slip on wet grass. These aren’t trendy names—they’re trusted names. And in Ireland, where you walk through puddles before breakfast, trust matters more than logos.

What makes these brands last isn’t marketing. It’s construction. Thick soles. Leather that breathes. Stitched, not glued. You’ll find this in the posts below—real Irish people choosing shoes that last, not those that look good for one season. Whether it’s a nurse in Cork who needs all-day comfort, a builder in Galway who walks on uneven ground, or a grandmother who refuses to give up her favorite loafer, the oldest shoe brands keep showing up. They’re the ones that don’t fall apart when the rain comes. They’re the ones you find in secondhand shops, still wearable. And yes, they’re the ones you’ll still see on Irish feet in 2030.

Below, you’ll find real stories from Irish wardrobes—how people choose footwear that lasts, what they avoid, and why some shoes become family heirlooms. No fluff. Just what works in Ireland’s weather, terrain, and lifestyle.