Trainers in Ireland: Best Picks for Rain, Walks, and Daily Comfort

When you live in Ireland, trainers, a type of casual, flexible shoe designed for walking and light activity. Also known as sneakers, they're not a fashion choice—they're survival gear. Rain doesn’t wait for dry weather. Puddles form in seconds. Pavements turn slick. Your feet stay wet if you’re not careful. That’s why Irish people don’t buy trainers because they look cool—they buy them because they don’t fall apart after three walks to the shop.

Not all trainers are made the same. The ones that work here have grip that doesn’t turn to slush, uppers that breathe but still keep water out, and soles that don’t crack in winter cold. Brands like Clarks, a British footwear company known for durable, comfortable designs popular in Ireland, Geox, an Italian brand with breathable, moisture-wicking soles favored by Irish commuters, and local favorites like Birkenstock, a German brand with contoured footbeds that support long hours on uneven ground show up again and again in Irish homes. You’ll see them on nurses leaving shifts in Galway, on students walking to lectures in Dublin, and on grandparents heading to the pub in Cork.

What makes a trainer work in Ireland? It’s not the color, the logo, or how many likes it gets online. It’s the sole. A deep tread that bites into wet stone. A midsole that doesn’t flatten after six months. A heel that doesn’t slip when you step off a curb in the dark. And yes, it needs to fit right—because Irish feet aren’t the same as American or Italian ones. Many people here buy half sizes up because the narrow lasts used overseas just don’t fit our wider foot shapes.

And don’t get fooled by the word "athletic." You don’t need to run marathons to need good trainers. You just need to walk the dog, wait for the bus, or carry groceries home from the supermarket. That’s why Irish shoppers look for trainers that double as all-day wear—not just gym gear. The best ones look simple, feel like socks, and still keep your feet dry when the rain comes sideways.

Below, you’ll find real advice from people who’ve tried every pair and thrown out the ones that didn’t last. We’ve pulled together guides on what to look for, what to avoid, and which brands actually survive the Irish climate. Whether you’re buying your first pair or replacing your tenth, you’ll find something that fits your life—not just your feet.