Where Are Thursday Boots Made? A Look for Irish Women

Wondering if your next pair of Thursday boots will actually stand up to Galway’s rain or a night out in Dublin’s Temple Bar? Before you buy, it’s smart to know exactly where these boots are made—and how that lines up with Irish needs. Loads of brands drum up a story about “craftsmanship” but skip the details. Thursday boots might look ready for anything—from wandering St. Stephen's Green to catching a match in Croke Park—but their origins can catch shoppers off guard.

Irish buyers care about where things are produced. With so many choices between local and global brands, there’s a big difference between shoes that actually suit our weather and values versus just looking good for Instagram. Let’s get clear on whether Thursday boots are made close to home, or if they’re making a longer journey to reach Irish feet.

• Who Makes Thursday Boots—And Where?
• What It Means for Irish Shoppers
• Do Thursday Boots Work for Irish Weather?
• Tips for Buying from Ireland—Sizing, Shipping, and More

Who Makes Thursday Boots—And Where?

First things first: Thursday boots aren’t made in Ireland or anywhere in the EU. The company was founded in New York City back in 2014 and it’s very much an American brand at its heart. The name, quirky as it sounds, is rooted in the idea that Thursday sits between work and the fun of the weekend—so you need footwear that works for both. And here’s the big detail: the actual manufacturing is split between León, Mexico, and a handful of factories in the USA.

The city of León is basically the shoe capital of Mexico. Loads of huge brands, not just Thursday, rely on makers there because the area is packed with skilled leatherworkers and family-run workshops that focus on traditional boot making. The rest, including some limited runs and special editions, are made in the United States—mainly in Arkansas and a couple other southern states.

Irish folks who want to support local jobs should know right away—there’s no connection between Thursday boots and Ireland’s boot factories or tanneries. That means the boots make a long journey before landing on your doorstep in Cork or Limerick.

Here’s a quick cheat sheet for you:

• Mass production (most styles, including the women's Captain & Explorer) happens in León, Mexico.
• Some limited or heritage lines get made in smaller American workshops.
• No Thursday boots currently made in Ireland or by Irish suppliers.

If you care about where your Thursday boots are made, this should help you make an informed choice before you spend your money.

What It Means for Irish Shoppers

If you're shopping from Ireland, it's good to know the full story about where Thursday boots come from. They're designed in New York, but most of the production actually happens in León, Mexico—a city known for leatherwork and shoemaking. A few styles are still made in small batches in the United States. So, you won't be buying something put together in Cork or Kilkenny, but in fairness, León factories are well-regarded in the shoe world.

This global approach has pros and cons for Irish buyers. The major upside? Prices stay lower than many premium European brands. Because Thursday boots are made in Mexico, you get solid quality for your euro without paying the big markup you sometimes find with brands crafted in Italy or hand-stitched in Spain. For a boot built with full-grain leather, it's decent value.

Of course, you’re still importing. That means longer delivery time to Ireland, possible customs charges, and the risk that returns could be a hassle. Keep an eye on shipping fees, which can add up—especially after Brexit with some US brands switching their distribution hubs to mainland Europe. If you’re ordering direct, be prepared for:

• Shipping times to Ireland that range from 1–3 weeks.
• Customs and VAT fees, which can bump the cost up by 23% or more.
• Sizes based on US standards, not the UK/Irish ones we’re used to.

Here's a quick look at what shoppers in Ireland can expect when buying Thursday boots online:

If you need boots for walking along the Cliffs of Moher or kicking through puddles in Limerick, factor these details in before you order. Local brands like Dubarry or shoemakers in Donegal might save you the hassle if you want totally seamless buying. But if you’re after the style, pay attention to the above to avoid any nasty surprises at the post office.

Just remember, your Thursday boots are coming a long way—and it's worth weighing up the total cost, delivery time, and fit before you splash out.

Do Thursday Boots Work for Irish Weather?

Irish weather is no joke—one minute it’s bright, the next, you’re running for cover from the rain. So, are these boots up for the test? Here’s what’s worth knowing before you try braving a wet day in Galway or the muddy fields at Electric Picnic.

First off, Thursday boots are mostly made with full-grain leather, which is the top tier for durability. But, don’t take that as a promise for total waterproofing. Some models, like their Captain and Duchess boots, come with weather-resistant treatments and Goodyear welt construction, which do help against the drizzle. But let’s be honest—typical Irish downpours or unexpected puddles can soak right through if you don’t prep them with a proper wax or spray. Thursday boots are water-resistant, not fully waterproof out of the box.

Take a look at this quick comparison with popular boots worn in Ireland:

If you’re walking around Grafton Street in light drizzle, you’re sorted. But if you’re heading to the Cliffs of Moher or standing all day at the Aviva for a rugby match, don’t expect these boots to be your wet-weather saviours unless you treat them. Here’s what actually works for the Irish climate:

• Spray the boots with a waterproofing treatment before wearing them out. It only takes a minute, and you’ll feel the difference.
• Let them dry fully if they get soaked—stuff them with newspaper and keep away from heat (like old-school radiators).
• Pair with decent wool socks. Honestly, that’s half the battle in a damp climate like ours.

Bottom line: Thursday boots are stylish and tough enough for city wear in Ireland, but you have to put in a little effort if you want them to last through the typical rainy season. If you want boots for hiking in Wicklow or braving the winds on Achill, consider a fully waterproof Irish brand. For most urban days, though, these will do well if you keep them cared for.

Tips for Buying from Ireland—Sizing, Shipping, and More

Picking up a pair of Thursday boots from Ireland sounds easy until you dig into the details—sizing shifts, shipping costs, and customs can all catch you out. Here’s how to dodge the usual headaches and end up with boots that fit right and actually arrive on your doorstep without surprise charges.

Sizing Troubles? Read This First

Thursday uses US sizing, which trips up a lot of Irish shoppers. A US 8 isn’t the same as a UK or EU 8. For women, the rough rule is to go half a size down from your usual EU size, but always check the brand's size chart—they update it online and even show measurement suggestions by centimetre. If you’re moving between brands like Dubarry or Clarks, Thursday boots can run a bit narrower, especially in the toe. Want less guesswork? Measure your foot (heel to toe) in cm and use their chart rather than winging it.

Shipping to Ireland—The Real Story

As of mid-2025, Thursday boots don’t have an official stockist in Ireland or the UK. That means orders usually ship from the US. Standard shipping costs range between €25 and €35. Express can hit €50 or more, and just because you pay for fancy shipping doesn’t mean customs will be skipped.

Customs & Duties—No Surprises, Please

This one’s important! Because Thursday boots ship outside the EU, Irish shoppers almost always get hit with VAT and customs. Current Irish VAT on shoes is 23%. On a €175 pair of boots, that’s another €40. Some buyers have even received extra handling fees from delivery carriers like An Post or DHL. Budget for this instead of hoping to skip it—most negative reviews from Irish customers boil down to being caught off guard by surprise charges.

• Factor VAT and customs into your real budget before ordering
• Watch your tracking number: some couriers make you pay before they hand over the parcel
• Save your invoice—customs sometimes want to see proof of purchase price

Returns: Worth It?

Returning to the US isn’t cheap. Buyers from Ireland pay for shipping back—usually €25–€50—and refunds take a couple weeks. Thursday won’t cover the return shipping unless the boots have a defect.

Real-Life Irish Tips

• If you’re ever in New York or LA (direct flights from Dublin!), you can try on Thursday boots in-store—handy if you want to avoid the sizing risk.
• Irish outdoor shops like Kildare Village or Arnotts might not sell Thursday boots, but their staff can help compare fit and materials to local options—especially if you're after style or durability similar to Thursday's lineup.
• Check for Irish online shopping communities, particularly on Boards.ie—they’re full of honest feedback and up-to-date info on shipping and customs surprises.

In short: measure your foot, double-check the size chart, set money aside for tax and postage, and be ready for a bit of a wait. If you want an alternative, brands with Irish or EU warehouses will often make your experience a lot less stressful—but if you’ve got your heart set on Thursdays, you can make it work with a little planning.