Ask anyone around Galway or Cork what they call those comfy shoes you wear everywhere, and they'll probably say 'trainers.' Across Ireland, that’s the word you’ll hear in shops, schools, and even the Sunday GAA pitches. But if you hop over to Scotland, things can get a bit confusing. There's no point fumbling for the word 'sneakers' at a Glasgow JD Sports – trust me, you’ll get funny looks.

So what are sneakers called in Scotland, and why does it even matter if you’re Irish? If you travel, order shoes online, or just love chatting about fashion, knowing the right term can save the day. I’ve seen friends in Dublin order 'sneakers' from a UK online store, only to get trainers with an unexpected Scottish label. The words you use shape what you find, from the shelves at Lifestyle Sports in Limerick to deals online shipped from Edinburgh.

If you’re packing for a trip or shopping abroad, getting comfy in your language—and your shoes—makes all the difference. Let’s clear up the mix-up, so your next pair fits both your feet and your vocabulary.

• Sneakers vs Trainers: The Basics in Ireland
• What Do Scots Call Sneakers?
• Why the Name Matters When Travelling or Shopping
• Local Shoe Brands and Shopping Tips
• Stories from the Irish-Scottish Shoe Divide
• Final Thoughts: Mind Your Language (and Your Feet)

Sneakers vs Trainers: The Basics in Ireland

Here in Ireland, we don’t really use the word “sneakers.” If you ask for sneakers in a shop, people might figure out what you mean, but you’ll almost always hear “trainers” instead. Whether you’re in a PE class in Dublin, lining out at Páirc Uí Chaoimh, or just grabbing a pair for walking around Liffey Valley, it’s “trainers” you’ll find written on the shelves and in all the ads.

It’s mostly a US thing to call them sneakers. If you flick through Irish catalogues or scroll through websites for big local chains like Elverys, you’ll be searching under “men’s trainers” or “women’s trainers”—never “sneakers.” Even the older generations, like my dad, will ask if you need new trainers for the summer’s football blitz, not sneakers.

There are a few exceptions, usually in city-centre shops that deal with tourists, or in big-brand outlets that cater for American students and visitors. But for Irish locals, “trainers” is the go-to word. It’s the same if you’re comparing styles: runners, astro boots, and fashion trainers all fall under the “trainer” umbrella here.

• Ask for trainers in sports shops across Ireland—staff will know exactly what you mean.
• If you’re searching for deals online, type in “trainers Ireland” or even “cheap trainers Dublin.” You’ll get more accurate results than if you use “sneakers.”
• School uniforms and lists for PE almost always say “black trainers” or “non-marking trainers.”

Here’s a look at how Irish people talk about shoes compared to the US and UK:

If you’re in Ireland, “trainers” is your safest bet every time—just don’t be surprised if an American tourist gives you a puzzled look. It’s all the same shoe, but the name really does depend on what side of the Atlantic you’re standing on.

What Do Scots Call Sneakers?

If you ask someone in Scotland what they call those comfy runners on their feet, you won’t often hear the word sneakers. The most common word, both in Glasgow and Edinburgh, is 'trainers'. Sound familiar? It should – that’s what we say right here in Ireland. So, if you wander into a sports shop anywhere in Scotland, just ask where the trainers are and you’ll get pointed in the right direction.

You might hear a less common term, 'gutties', as well. This is more of an old-school, regional word you’ll hear around west Scotland, especially with older folks. 'Gutties' dates back to the time when rubber soles were new and exciting—think of your granny talking about her own school days in Donegal, reminiscing about plimsolls.

• 'Trainers' is the everyday word for gym shoes, running shoes, or any casual lace-ups.
• 'Gutties' is still used in places like Paisley or Ayr, but you won’t spot it much in tourist guides.
• 'Sneakers' is rare, and mainly pops up if someone’s watched too much American TV.

If you’re shopping online from Ireland and see Scottish suppliers mention 'trainers', they mean exactly what Irish folks wear every day. No need to second-guess your order.

The takeaway here: don’t stress about a language mix-up if you’re Irish and heading north. Say 'trainers' and you’ll fit right in, whether you’re at a football match in Dundee or grabbing a bargain in Edinburgh’s discount outlets.

Why the Name Matters When Travelling or Shopping

Let’s face it—mixing up names for something as everyday as shoes can make life awkward, especially when you’re hitting the shops in a new country. In Ireland, we’re all about ‘trainers,’ but take the ferry across to Scotland, and you’ll hear folk using ‘trainers’ too, though sometimes ‘gutties’ pops up, especially in the west or among older generations. If you’re used to American lingo and ask for sneakers, you might just get blank stares unless you’re in a shop that caters for tourists.

Why does it matter? Because knowing the right term makes a big difference when you’re:

• Shopping online (filters and search functions can change based on your word choice)
• Looking for bargains at places like TK Maxx or Shoe Zone, both popular in Irish and Scottish cities
• Asking for directions to shoe shops in towns like Dundee or Athlone
• Talking with locals—no one wants to sound like a lost tourist

For Irish online shoppers, being aware of these differences can help you dodge mix-ups. A quick look at the websites for JD Sports (which has outlets all over Ireland and Scotland) shows that ‘trainers’ is the go-to word for athletic shoes—‘sneakers’ rarely appears. If you sort by ‘trainers,’ you get a much fuller selection, especially from brands like Nike, Adidas, and New Balance.

Here’s a handy table to show which terms are most likely to be understood depending on where you are shopping or chatting in person:

If you shop at Irish stores like Elverys or Intersport, you’ll notice that staff will talk about ‘trainers,’ and all the promotions use the Irish wording. Meanwhile, if you’re in Scotland, especially in places bordering Northern Ireland like Ayr or Stranraer, you’ll hear similarities in slang, which makes a handy link for Irish sports fans or holidaymakers.

Get familiar with local lingo, especially if you’re after a very specific style or brand. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, ask using ‘trainers’ first—odds are you’ll find what you want more quickly and avoid any shoe drama.

Local Shoe Brands and Shopping Tips

If you’re searching for sneakers in Ireland or Scotland, knowing the go-to brands and where to shop really helps. In Ireland, most people stick to international favourites like Nike, Adidas, and Puma, but don’t skip out on checking local gems. If you want something with real Irish roots, Walsh Brothers Shoes (based in Kerry) and Dubarry (famous for their boots, but now offering casual shoes too) are worth a look. Everybody has a story of finding a quality bargain at Shoe Rack or Elverys, especially during back-to-school sales.

Scottish shoppers, meanwhile, love their JD Sports, Schuh, and Office – these chains are everywhere from Glasgow to Edinburgh. You’ll also spot smaller shops like Begg Shoes, a family-run business with outlets in Aberdeen and Inverness. Some Scots brands, like Goliath or the now-iconic Kiltwalk-branded trainers, pop up at charity events and local pop-up markets.

If you’re shopping online, watch out for different UK and Irish sizing – a UK size 8 is the same in both countries, but European sizes or brand fit can change. Double-check whether you’re on a .ie (Irish) or .co.uk (UK) site before you click pay. Irish stores usually have better local returns, while UK stores might offer free shipping to Northern Ireland but not down south.

Here’s a quick look at some handy places and stats from the last year:

Some quick tips to make life easier:

• Always try on trainers in the afternoon – your feet swell a bit by then.
• For online deals, check if VAT or customs pops up on shipments from the UK into Ireland since Brexit.
• When in doubt about sizing, ring the store or check their sizing guide – it saves returns hassle.
• Sign up for local loyalty cards like in Elverys or Lifestyle Sports – they often do birthday discounts, and who doesn’t love a treat?

When you swap stories about shoe shopping between Ireland and Scotland, most people agree: local knowledge is everything. Whether you’re waiting for a delivery to Donegal or doing a quick shop in Stirling, these tips keep your feet happy and your wallet in check.

Stories from the Irish-Scottish Shoe Divide

Anyone who’s ever shifted between Ireland and Scotland knows the shoe lingo is a part of everyday chat that can trip you up. I found out the hard way on a weekend in Edinburgh with my husband, Eoin. We’d popped into a sports shop looking for a decent pair of gym shoes, and while I was asking about trainers, the shop assistant offered me a choice of 'gutties,' 'sannies,' or 'trainers.' I blinked. "Sorry, what was that first word?"

Here in Ireland, no one calls them 'gutties.' But in parts of Scotland, especially in the west and around the central belt, 'gutties' means cheap canvas shoes, often for PE kits in school. Up north, you’ll hear 'sandshoes' or 'sannies' (short for sandshoes). But in both Ireland and Scotland, if you say trainers, everyone gets you—even if it sometimes feels like you’re lost in translation.

There are some stats that really put this shoe divide into context. Based on retail data from 2023, Irish customers overwhelmingly use 'trainers' when shopping online or in shops, while Scottish shoppers use:

Most of my friends in Cork say 'runners' sometimes, but shops stick to 'trainers' on shelf labels or websites, just like nearly everywhere in Scotland now. Still, older Scots and some teachers hold onto 'gutties' or 'sannies.' Oddly, kids with Irish parents in Scottish schools sometimes get teased for calling them 'runners.' It’s the kind of thing that sounds small but means a lot when you’re trying to fit in.

Here are a few handy tips for not getting confused next time you travel or shop across the two countries:

• Stick with 'trainers' if you want to be understood in both Ireland and Scotland.
• If you hear 'gutties' or 'sannies,' they’re talking about plimsoll-style shoes, not fancy sports trainers.
• When buying for school—especially for kids—double check the term used in the school list to avoid surprises.
• If ordering online, filter by 'trainers' for the best search results on Irish and Scottish retail websites.

It’s mad how two places so close can have so many ways to talk about the same thing. But, honestly, it keeps things interesting (and is a better story than mixing up your football loyalties!).

Final Thoughts: Mind Your Language (and Your Feet)

No matter where you go in Ireland or Scotland, your feet are what keep you moving—but the names for your shoes can change in a snap. In Ireland, everyone calls them "trainers." Cross the water into Scotland, and you’ll mostly hear "trainers" as well, though in some parts, especially around Glasgow, locals might say "gutties" or even "sannies" for older folks. That throwback word, "gutties", comes from "gutta-percha," a type of rubber in old school gym shoes. You’ll rarely hear "sneakers" unless you’re hanging around American tourists on Dublin’s Grafton Street.

If you’re chatting about shoe shopping with a Scot, knowing the local terms saves heaps of confusion. A friend of mine, visiting Edinburgh, once asked for "sneakers" in a shop and got sent to the sports memorabilia section. No harm, but a bit awkward!

• Stick with "trainers" in stores, both in Ireland and Scotland—it’s the safest bet.
• If you order online from UK or Irish retailers, brands usually list them as "men/trainer" or "women/trainer".
• For kids, you might hear "plimsolls" or "gym shoes" on British sites—same basic shoe, different name.

To give you a quick glance at what’s common, here’s how the main terms stack up in Ireland and Scotland:

So, next time you’re talking shoes in Belfast or eyeing a sale in Aberdeen, remember—language isn’t just about words, it shapes what you get and where you fit in. Whether you call them trainers, runners or sneakers, as long as they’re comfy, you’re sorted.