Joybuy Insights

Buying shoes online: how to choose a pair that suits your needs, size and budget

Buying shoes online seems simple: choose a brand, select your size and check out. Yet an appealing photo can create the wrong expectations. A trainer that looks comfortable may be narrow-fitting. Children’s shoes with lights may be fun, but require different care from ordinary trainers. And football boots with FG studs are not suitable for every surface.

With this practical selection guide, you can compare shoes based on use, fit, material, fastening and care. This makes it easier to find the right women’s, men’s and children’s shoes, from comfortable trainers to sports models.

Three common pitfalls when buying shoes online

1. Choosing based only on appearance and brand name

An eye-catching design says little about the fit or suitability. Puma trainers, for example, may be intended for everyday wear, sport or both. So always check the product category, sole, fastening and material. A fashionable trainer with a rubber sole may be suitable for everyday use, but it does not automatically have the properties of a running shoe.

2. Relying on size advice without checking the shoe’s shape

“True to size” is useful information, but it is no substitute for checking foot length and shoe width. Children’s sizes also change more quickly. Some models have a regular fit, while others may come up small. The Skechers Flex Glow 90542L, for example, is stated to come up small, with one size larger recommended.

For shoe sizes 22 to 46, look beyond the number and also check:

  • the stated fit: regular, narrow or wide;
  • the shoe width, such as D or G;
  • the insole length, if available;
  • sufficient room around the toes;
  • the fastening: laces, elastic laces or hook-and-loop fastening.

3. Using a shoe on the wrong surface

The designation FG stands for Firm Ground. According to the product information, FG football boots are intended for natural grass with a firm surface. Do not simply use this type of sole on artificial grass, indoor floors or hard paving. The studs and walking comfort are designed for a specific type of use.

Which specifications should you always compare?

Fit and fastening

For children, children’s trainers with hook-and-loop fastenings are practical when they want to put their shoes on independently. According to the product details, the Skechers Heart Lights-Rainbow Lux has a hook-and-loop fastening and a regular fit. The Skechers Meteor-Lights is a high-top model with a hook-and-loop fastening, while the Flutter Heart Lights is offered as a low-top trainer.

For adults, laces generally offer more options for adjusting the fit around the instep. For women’s models such as the Skechers Summits and Puma Nova Elite, check whether the shoe is intended for everyday wear, sport or a combination of the two.

Material and ventilation

An upper made from mesh or textile can help with ventilation during everyday wear or light sporting activities. Synthetic leather is generally easier to wipe clean and is listed as the upper material for the Joma Striker 2502 FG. Sole materials also vary: rubber, EVA and synthetic materials each have a different composition and appearance.

It is important to consider the context of product claims. When a brand mentions features such as extra comfort, cushioning or support, treat these as information from the product description. They are not a medical assessment and do not guarantee that a shoe will feel the same on every foot.

Sole and intended use

A flat rubber sole suits many casual shoes. A treaded sole may offer more grip on different surfaces, but its precise suitability depends on the design. For women’s running shoes, it is worth checking that the model is actually described as a running shoe. According to the product information, the Skechers Bobs Squad Chaos has a regular fit, lace fastening and a textile upper.

For football, the sole and studs are more important than the appearance. The Joma Striker 2502 FG has a rubber sole, lace fastening and an FG designation. The sizes listed in the product details include 42, 42.5, 44 and 44.5.

Recommended shoes for different types of shopper

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
Skechers Heart Lights-Rainbow Lux 302308L-SMLT 32

Skechers Heart Lights-Rainbow Lux 302308L-SMLT 32

Why it suits this shopper: A practical children’s trainer for everyday wear, with a hook-and-loop fastening and a regular fit according to the product information. The light-up sole adds a stand-out detail without the need to tie laces.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The size, D width and fastening are clearly stated. Clean with a damp cloth and avoid machine washing so the lights are not exposed to unnecessary strain.

Main benefit & advantages

Hook-and-loop fastening, textile upper, rubber sole and Heart Lights in the outsole.

Suitable for: Shoppers looking for premium quality
Puma Nova Elite Blue Purple Women's Trainers 40

Puma Nova Elite Blue Purple Women's Trainers 40

Why it suits this shopper: Suitable for anyone looking for a women’s model that works with both sporty and casual outfits. The product information mentions a lightweight design, a padded insole and a rubber outsole.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The description specifies the materials: synthetics, mesh and rubber. This lets you compare ventilation, care and sole use in practical terms rather than choosing based on colour alone.

Main benefit & advantages

Lightweight construction, padded insole, mesh and rubber sole according to the product details.

Suitable for: Specific uses & intensive users
Joma Striker 2502 FG STRIS2502FG 42.5

Joma Striker 2502 FG STRIS2502FG 42.5

Why it suits this shopper: A targeted choice for footballers who play on firm natural grass and need an FG sole. The model has a synthetic leather upper, lace fastening and a regular fit.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The FG designation makes the intended use clear. Do not choose this model for indoor football or another surface; follow the stated care instructions by using a soft brush and allowing the boots to air-dry.

Main benefit & advantages

FG sole for firm natural grass, synthetic leather upper and lightweight design according to the product description.

Looking for more options?

We have put together a complete, up-to-date list of products that fully meet these strict selection criteria and the applicable European safety regulations.

How to check the size before ordering

  1. Measure both feet at the end of the day while wearing the socks you normally use.
  2. Compare the longer foot with the size chart for the specific model.
  3. Check the width. A regular fit is not the same as a wide fit.
  4. Check whether the insole is removable. For several Skechers models in this selection, the insole cannot be removed.
  5. Check the returns policy, delivery time and statutory guarantee before checking out.

For children: do not automatically buy several sizes larger to allow for growth. Too much space can make walking awkward. For girls’ shoes, boys’ shoes and children’s trainers, always check the model advice and the child’s actual foot size.

Care determines how long shoes last

Allow shoes to dry completely at room temperature after use. Avoid direct heat sources, as these can cause glue and synthetic materials to warp. Many models in this selection must not be machine washed. Instead, use a soft brush, a damp cloth and a mild cleaning product when permitted by the product instructions.

Light-up shoes, such as Skechers light-up shoes, require extra care: do not immerse them in water and do not machine wash them. Store them in a dry place and regularly check the sole and fastening.

Frequently asked questions about buying shoes online

What should I look for when ordering shoes online?

Start with the intended use, size, width and material. Then check the sole and fastening. For sports models, it is more important that the technical features suit the activity than that you simply like the design.

How do I choose comfortable trainers?

Look for a fit that matches your foot, a suitable sole and an upper that suits the intended use. A mesh upper can be comfortable when ventilation is important, while synthetic leather may be easier to wipe clean. Comfort is personal; product descriptions cannot guarantee the same experience for every wearer.

Are FG football boots suitable for artificial grass?

Not automatically. FG stands for Firm Ground and refers to firm natural grass. For artificial grass, check whether the manufacturer specifies a suitable sole category. Use the Joma Striker 2502 FG according to the stated surface and care instructions.