Irish Footwear Sizing: What You Need to Know Before You Buy

When you buy shoes in Ireland, you’re not getting US sizes or EU sizes—you’re getting Irish footwear sizing, a system that matches the UK standard, used across the island for boots, loafers, trainers, and work shoes alike. Also known as UK shoe sizing, it’s the only system that works reliably here, whether you’re in Dublin, Cork, or a small town in County Clare. If you’ve ever bought shoes online and ended up with toes poking out or heels slipping, it’s probably because you assumed Irish sizing was the same as American or European. It’s not.

Most Irish brands—from Cozzie slippers to work shoe makers like Clarks and Geox—label their products in UK sizes. That means a size 8 in Ireland is the same as a size 8 in London, but it’s a full size bigger than in the US. A US men’s 8 is a UK 7 in Ireland. Women’s sizing follows the same rule: a US 7 is a UK 5. And don’t get fooled by EU numbers—they’re all over the place. An EU 40 might be a UK 6, but sometimes it’s a UK 5.5. Stick to UK numbers if you’re shopping in Ireland.

The real challenge isn’t just the numbers—it’s the fit. Irish weather demands more than style. You need room for thick wool socks in winter, extra grip for wet cobblestones, and enough width for feet that swell after a long shift. That’s why work shoes for Ireland, like those worn by nurses, builders, and retail staff, are built with deeper toe boxes and wider lasts than standard fashion shoes. Also known as Irish work footwear, they’re designed for standing all day on uneven ground, not just looking good in a photo. Even casual shoes like UGG boots, a winter staple for students and families across the country. Also known as Irish winter boots, they’re sized generously because people wear them with socks, sometimes two layers, and need to walk through puddles and muddy fields. That’s why many Irish shoppers go up half a size—even if the label says it fits true to size.

Leather quality matters too. High-quality Irish leather, like full grain and vegetable-tanned hides, stretches slightly over time. So if your new boots feel snug around the ball of your foot, that’s normal—they’ll mold to your shape. But if they pinch your toes or squeeze your arches from day one, they’re the wrong size. And don’t trust online size charts that don’t mention UK sizing. Always check the product details for ‘UK size’ and read reviews from Irish buyers.

There’s no magic trick to getting the right fit. But there is one rule: if you’re buying online, order two sizes and return the one that doesn’t work. Most Irish retailers offer free returns. If you’re in-store, go in the afternoon—feet swell by then. Wear the socks you’ll actually wear with the shoes. Walk around. Stand up. Ask if they have a wider width option. And remember: a shoe that fits perfectly in a warm shop might feel tight in the rain. Irish footwear sizing isn’t about numbers—it’s about survival.

Below, you’ll find real advice from people who’ve been there—whether they’re asking if UGGs still work in Ireland, why trainers are called trainers here, or how to tell when it’s time to toss out worn-out leather shoes. These aren’t random posts. They’re the answers you didn’t know you needed.