Are white sneakers appropriate footwear for Ireland . I heard that it is a very casual country but I do not want to be a target as in other European countries where Americans are "marked".
We will be walking much and our new balance are by far the most comnfortable shoes we have.

Wear what is comfortable and yes IMHO you willbe marked US tourist, BUT you will still be anyway so go and enjoy it

We never wear sneakers in Ireland. Barefoot, that's us.

That's all I wore the entire time I was there. Paris too! Of course, I didn't go to any upscale restaurants.

I just got back. In terms of dress, it looked pretty much like my hometown in the States (except for the lack of university athletics apparel). Wear whatever's comfortable. I would imagine Dublin might be slightly dressier, being a large city, but we were just in the southwest.

As blightyboy noted, you'll be spotted as Americans no matter what, but at no point did I feel "marked" for being so. Never felt like I was a target for theft or anything else, actually.

What kind of a "target" do you think you will be by being "marked" wearing white sneakers? The Irish can detect tourists 50 yards away. You can not fool them by wearing regular shoes or going barefoot like Padraig

Everyone's correct--you won't be able to hide the fact that you are a tourist no matter what you wear. But then again--Ireland is LOADED with tourist, so why try to hide it? We were there last month and in my opinion Ireland is about the most tourist-friendly place I have ever been.

Blimey talk about paranoid. 'marked' 'target'?????

Sorry to tell you but Europeans anywhere can sniff out an American at 100 paces and it's nothing to do with the colour of your shoes. Being an American doesn't make you 'marked' or a 'target'. Being a tourist careless with your valuables does that, whatever your nationality.

Sorry, but even your title is a deadgiveaway that your American and not British.

Sneakers: American English
Trainers: British English

Enjoy Ireland. It's a craic!

irishgreen,

To be honest with you, I think we all look pretty much the same. Guess I don't pay attention to foot wear or lack of. Do have 2 pairs of comfortable shoes. They will get wet.

Good luck, Joan

and the wolf skin lon cloth

oppps typo should be loin cloth

Oh dear, now I'm feeling sorry for you, Irishgreen. I don't suppose you expected all this.

You realise it was your view on Europeans that set off all this in your direction?

...and of course the obssession we see a lot from Americans about clothing and esp. white trainers. I guess we find it all rather funny to worry so much about your shoes.

Locals will treat guests better than their neighbors. Your visit may be enhanced if you are recognized as a tourist/guest!
Aside: In your travels about, do you note or care what others are wearing for footgear? Does it affect you in any way?

Sneakers: American English
Trainers: British English
Runners: Irish English

You should have put "white sneakers" (AKA Tennis shoes) in your title. I don't think white sneakers are appropriate except on tennis courts

I generally wear Nike 'Hikers' all over Europe: A big benefit in Ireland is that they are waterproof.

You'll be "marked," as you write by your clothing, your hair style, and your general demeanor. Don't worry about it ...

Bright white sneakers scream yourist...so what you are. We are not meaner to you over here if you wear them. My mother comes over (She is originally from here in ireland) and we laugh as she says she is dressed like a tourist...she lived in America for 40+ years she should! She has to wear soft shoes as she has problems with her feet. Wear what is more comnfortable.

I meant tourist!

personally, I wear nothing but wooden clogs while in Ireland.