Are Long Boots in Style in 2024? Irish Trends, Tips, and Local Picks

Long boots are the sort of footwear you spot everywhere from Grafton Street to a gig at Whelan’s—and right now in Ireland, they’re absolutely holding their own in the 2024 style game. Most Irish women know that a good pair of knee-high or over-the-knee boots isn't just about looking sharp, it's about beating our unpredictable weather. Rain, wind, a sudden sun shower? No bother if you’ve got the right boots.

Styles this year lean toward chunky soles and classic black or brown leathers—perfect for walking cobblestones in Galway or hopping on the Luas. Big Irish brands like Dubarry and even familiar high street shops with big Autumn drops, like Arnotts and Brown Thomas, are doubling down on long boots with waterproof finishes and stretch panels (which matter when you’re wearing them all day at a match or a night out in Temple Bar).

If you’re wondering what actually works for an Irish wardrobe, think practical but with a bit of edge. Boots that can handle wet pavements outside a Liffey-side café, look smart at the office, and handle a bit of bog if you’re up at Tayto Park with the kids. Don’t risk a suede heel unless you’re ready for sudden showers. And forget flimsy fast fashion—everyone knows Ireland’s mix of cobblestones and puddles will eat those alive by November.

• Long Boots in Irish Fashion Right Now
• Weather-Proof Choices for Irish Climates
• Spotting Boots on Dublin and Galway Streets
• How to Wear Long Boots at Irish Events
• Top Local Brands and Where to Find Them
• Boot Care and Keeping Them Going Strong

Long Boots in Irish Fashion Right Now

Irish women are still grabbing long boots off the shelves in 2024—more than ever, really. Scroll through Insta feeds from Dublin Fashion Week or spot crowds at Cork’s Opera Lane, and it’s clear that knee-high and over-the-knee boots are everywhere. This isn’t just about staying dry; it’s about making a statement. Search trends from Google show a spike in 'long boots Ireland' every autumn, and they haven’t dropped in the last three years.

This year, a few looks stand out on Irish streets. Classic black leather is still the main player—easy to match with anything, works in the office, and can take a splash of Redbreast if you’re heading to the pub. Chunky lug soles and low heels are everywhere, which makes sense because they’re perfect for walking all over the place, from St. Stephen’s Green to the Cliffs of Moher.

Retro styles are back too—slouchy 80s shapes and riding boots are getting plenty of love from shoppers in Kilkenny and Limerick. Even influencers from Galway, like Emma Murphy, are pairing bright tights and long boots for a pop of colour on grey days. If you visit popular stores like & Other Stories on Grafton Street or check ASOS’s Irish site, you’ll see whole ranges aimed right at the local need for boots that can handle our ever-changing weather and busy city living.

The numbers back it up—here’s a nifty table with 2023-2024 retail facts from industry reports by Fashion Retail Academy and Statista:

All this means if you’re wondering if long boots are in style right now—no need to second-guess yourself. They’re not just ‘in’; they’re must-haves in nearly every Irish wardrobe. When you see secondary school students, business pros, and GAA fans all wearing the same type of boots, you know the trend’s rooted deep.

The long boots Ireland trend isn’t slowing down. If you’re thinking of picking up a pair, choose a style that feels sturdy enough for Irish streets but sharp enough to wear for a night at Coppers or a country wedding.

Weather-Proof Choices for Irish Climates

The weather in Ireland is a proper mix of rain, wind, and cold snaps. That means if you’re hunting for long boots Ireland can handle year-round, the materials and features you pick are crucial. There’s not much point in nice boots if they turn soggy the minute you step outside.

Most folks go for leather or proper weather-proofed synthetic boots. These don’t just look sharp—leather, especially when treated, is naturally water-resistant. Synthetic and vegan options are better these days, too, thanks to brands upping their waterproof game.

Something practical? Grip matters more than people admit. Irish pavements get slick in a second, so rubber soles with decent tread are lifesavers. Dubarry boots (made in Ballinasloe) are a local favourite for a reason—they’re designed for wet fields and city streets alike. If you’re shopping around, keep an eye out for:

• Waterproof coatings (ask for GORE-TEX linings or similar)
• Good ankle support for uneven ground
• Thicker, grippy rubber outsoles
• Quick-drying linings

Boot height actually makes a difference too. Over-the-knee styles are great for walking the blustery beaches of Salthill, but knee-highs are usually enough for wet city wandering. Steer away from full suede—unless you don’t mind stains or endless brushing.

If you want proof the Irish weather is wild and wet, just check the numbers:

So, investing in waterproof or at least water-resistant boots isn’t just smart—it’s non-negotiable if you want to stay dry and stylish all year long. Don’t forget those handy boot sprays from local shops like Shaws or Clerys, either—they’ll give an extra layer of defence when the next downpour hits.

Spotting Boots on Dublin and Galway Streets

Walk down South William Street or the Spanish Arch on a Saturday, and you'll see long boots everywhere. They’re not just on teenagers or fashion students either. You’ll notice women in their twenties and up, from college students grabbing a flat white to mums dragging buggies over wet bricks, all rocking long boots in their own way. The trend isn’t all for show—boots here have to hold up, so what you see is practical, tough, and definitely Irish.

Local boutiques in Dublin’s Creative Quarter report that sales of knee-highs and over-the-knees are up 30% compared to three years ago. Over in Galway, it’s the chunky sole that rules. According to a cool little survey by the Independent, nearly half of boots snapped in Eyre Square over one rainy weekend were black leather jobs, while tan and heeled versions usually got paired with long, layered skirts or skinny jeans.

“Long boots have never been out of style in Ireland—it's the way you wear them. In Galway, we see them mixed with everything from Claddagh rings to charity shop jumpers.” — Éabha Ní Bhraonáin, owner at Belladonna, Galway

Spotted trends in both cities this year include:

• Long boots Ireland locals prefer are mostly water-resistant.
• Chunky heels and lug soles, handy for puddle-dodging.
• Boots are paired with midi skirts, football scarves, or even denim shorts at gigs—yes, really.
• Socks poking out the top is a thing again, especially in colder months.

Irish street style: long boots by numbers (Spring 2024 snapshot):

The bottom line? Long boots in Ireland are less about runway flash and more about blending style with everyday life. You’re as likely to see them queuing for a 99 as you are at a DART platform. That’s how you know it’s not just fashion—it’s part of the local uniform.

How to Wear Long Boots at Irish Events

You’ll spot all sorts of long boots Ireland styles at gigs, weddings, ladies’ days, and match days across the country. But figuring out how to make long boots work—whether you’re heading to the Galway Races, a Christening in Donegal, or brunch in Cork—comes down to knowing your event, your boots, and the unpredictable Irish weather.

Here’s what works for real Irish events:

• Match Days: Football and rugby games call for warmth and grip. Chunky-soled leather knee-highs with a mid-heel give you height without misery. Pair with jeans or leggings, plus your county jersey or a smart blazer.
• Weddings & Christenings: Long boots can dress up formal outfits when you don’t want the hassle of heels on soggy grass or gravel outside rural churches. Go for a sleek black or tan leather. Skirts or dresses with an A-line shape work best to balance out the bulk of boots.
• Festival Season: Think Electric Picnic or Fleadh Cheoil. Waterproof boots (faux or real leather) save your feet from muck. Pair with midi skirts, denim shorts, or over tights. Avoid suede—just trust me.
• Night Out in Town: In Dublin, Galway, or Limerick, long boots and a mini dress or shirt dress are everywhere in 2024. Add a pair of thick tights if the weather looks rough. A block heel gives you comfort for walking between pubs.

Take a look at this quick guide to choosing boots by event. These are based on what’s trending on Irish Instagram right now and what local fashion stylists suggest:

Don’t forget, events here often mean serious walking—think of trekking out to Croke Park or standing for hours at TradFest. So, always check the weather in the morning (Met Éireann is your friend), and if your day will run into night, bring a pair that goes the full distance. If you’re worried about new boots pinching, break them in with thick socks and a few strolls around Phoenix Park first. Your feet will thank you!

Top Local Brands and Where to Find Them

If you’re hunting for long boots Ireland style, a few homegrown names are a no-brainer. Dubarry, probably Ireland’s best-known boot brand, started out in Ballinasloe, County Galway. Their leather Galway boots are seen on everything from the National Ploughing Championships to the streets of Killarney. They’re waterproof, tough, and can take on Irish mud and city puddles with zero hassle.

Then you have Greenes Shoes—a family-run favourite with shops from Letterkenny to Dublin. They carry solid European brands alongside their own Notion line, which includes both knee-highs and slouch boots. If you’re after something more luxe, check out Carl Scarpa, an Irish-Italian mashup. Their flagship on Grafton Street always has a solid selection each autumn, and they prioritise proper leather, comfy soles, and classic looks that won’t fade with changing trends.

When it comes to where to shop in person (or online if you fancy), here’s some real options:

• Dubarry: Their Dublin shop (St. Stephen’s Green) and main website have the widest range of waterproof long boots and country options.
• Carl Scarpa: Stores in Dublin, Cork, and Galway—plus their website does reliable delivery to anywhere on the island.
• Greenes Shoes: Big presence in the North West but you’ll also find them in Swords, shopping centres, and online with regular sales.

Most Irish shoppers still like to try boots on for size, but stores are making it easy with click-and-collect and fast swaps. Here’s a quick look at what each brand is best known for:

Boot buyer Orla Kelleher at Brown Thomas puts it straight:

“The key for Irish shoppers is finding boots that look smart but actually handle our weather. That’s why the best sellers all have a waterproof finish or a bit of grip underfoot.”

So, whether you need boots for walking the dog through Phoenix Park or something sharp for an evening on George’s Street, check your local shop first. You’ll get styles built for Ireland’s streets and weather—and you might just bag a deal too.

Boot Care and Keeping Them Going Strong

If you live in Ireland, you already know that our weather isn’t exactly kind to long boots Ireland style fans. Anyone investing in good boots wants them to last, so let’s talk about how to keep them looking decent from Galway rain to Cork kerbside puddles.

First up: cleaning. Dirt and grit from Irish streets will quickly wreck leather, so it pays to wipe boots down with a damp cloth after each wear. For leather pairs, follow up with a quick buff using a neutral cream polish—every couple of weeks does the job, but more often if you're clocking up the kilometres between St. Stephen’s Green and the office.

Waterproofing is a must. You can pick up spray-on protectors at most Deichmann or Clarks stores, and a couple of coats before the first big rain will help. Irish-made boot brands like Dubarry use water-resistant leathers, but regular protection keeps even the toughest pair from cracking or losing their shape.

• Don’t dry boots next to a radiator—it dries out leather fast. Let them air dry, stuffed with old newspaper to keep their shape.
• Sneaky tip: use a boot tree or even empty wine bottles to stop tall boots flopping and creasing in the wardrobe.
• For suede boots, invest in a suede brush. Always clean off mud gently after it dries, never when it’s wet.
• Check the soles by December, especially if you walk a lot. Cobbled streets can wear them thin. Repair shops in most Irish towns—like Quickstitch in Dublin or Mr. Cobbler in Limerick—can put on fresh soles for less than the price of a takeaway.

Storage matters come spring. If you’re packing boots away, pop them in a cotton bag (not plastic!) to stop mould from the damp. Irish homes can be a bit humid, so silica gel packets or even rice in a sock inside your boots help ward off musty smells.

With a little effort, you’ll get years out of your boots—no matter what the Irish skies throw your way. Looking after them isn’t just for looks; it saves you money and means you’re never caught out with soggy socks during festival season or Christmas shopping.