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Buying shoes online seems straightforward: pick a brand, select your size and place the order. Yet many purchases turn out to be disappointing. A shoe can look appealing in photos, but be less suitable for long walks, intensive sports or daily use in changeable British weather.
So don't just focus on colour and brand name. The key differences are often in fit, sole, material and the intended use.
A model like the Nike Dunk Low, New Balance 574 or Lacoste trainers can work well with a casual outfit. That doesn't automatically mean the shoe is suitable for running or intensive training. In the product information, these models are primarily aimed at daily use, lifestyle or light activities.
If you're looking for sports shoes, you should therefore pay attention to features such as:
For running, sports shoes like the adidas Runfalcon 5 are a more logical choice than a lifestyle model. For off-road trails, trail running shoes, such as models from Salomon, are a more specific option.
Sizes can vary by brand, model and fit. An EU size 42 is not identical for every shoe. Where possible, check the foot length in centimetres and compare it with the product's size guide.
Also pay attention to the width:
For children's trainers, extra room is important, but a shoe that's too big can actually slip. A practical fastening, such as Velcro on the New Balance PC574EVN, makes putting on and taking off easier for little ones.
Words like "light", "stable" or "water-resistant" mean little without technical context. Look at the material and construction. A GORE-TEX membrane, for example on the Salomon Speedcross 5 GTX W, is mentioned in the product information as a component for water resistance and breathability. That's different from a guarantee that the shoe will stay completely dry in all conditions.
Also check the care instructions. Many sports shoes shouldn't go in the washing machine. Heat, a radiator or a tumble dryer can damage mesh, glue, rubber or synthetic overlays.
A rubber outsole with a relatively flat tread pattern is generally better suited to tarmac, school playgrounds and daily use. For mud, forest floors and loose terrain, deeper grooves and a clear tread pattern are more practical.
For trail running shoes, these points are particularly relevant:
According to the product description, the Salomon Pulsar Trail 472100 has a rubber sole with 3.5 mm lugs and is designed for smoother terrain. The Salomon Speedcross 5 GTX W is described with a Contagrip TA sole with deep grooves for loose and mixed ground.
The midsole largely determines how the shoe feels when you walk. Models in the range use different materials and systems. The New Balance 1906 models, for example, mention an ABZORB midsole and Stability Web technology. The New Balance U2002RCE also lists N-ergy.
These brand names aren't a universal quality standard. Assess them together with the intended use, fit and sole. For daily walking, a comfortable, stable midsole may be sufficient. For running, weight, roll and the surface also play a role.
A mesh upper can feel more breathable than fully synthetic or leather material. Leather and synthetic leather are often easier to wipe clean, but may be less ventilated. For children, durability and easy cleaning are usually more important than a fashionable finish.
Check before you buy:
Why this fits the profile: According to the product description, this model is designed for road use and short runs of 0–10 km. That makes it a practical option for anyone who wants to combine walking and gentle running.
The product information mentions concrete components such as a mesh upper, Cloudfoam midsole and Adiwear outsole. So you don't have to rely on the brand name alone.
Mesh for ventilation, Ortholite insole and a lace-up fastening for an adjustable fit.
Why this fits the profile: The combination of mesh, synthetic overlays, ABZORB and N-ergy makes this model interesting for anyone looking for a trainer that sits between sporty and everyday use.
The features are clearly linked to material and construction. Just check first whether size 45.5 and the standard fit suit your foot.
ABZORB and N-ergy midsole according to the product description; breathable mesh and rubber outsole.
Why this fits the profile: This model is designed for trail running and mixed or muddy terrain. Its construction is better suited to forest and off-road paths than to daily city use.
The deep grooves and trail-focused design make the intended use clear. According to the product information, the GORE-TEX membrane is designed for water resistance; follow the care instructions.
Contagrip TA outsole, Quicklace fastening and SensiFit construction according to the product description.
For daily use, you could also look at the New Balance 1906, including the U1906ROA and U1906ROC. These models combine mesh and synthetic materials with a rubber sole and are described with ABZORB cushioning and Stability Web.
If you're looking for women's trainers, alongside New Balance you'll also find various Nike Dunk Low models, such as the Nike Wmns Dunk Low NN DD1873-113 and Nike Wmns Dunk Low HM9655-001. The product information mentions a leather upper, a padded collar and a rubber sole with a pivot point for both.
For children, the New Balance 574 kids' trainers with Velcro are practical for school and daily use. The Lacoste L001 models have a synthetic leather and textile upper, an EVA insole and a rubber sole. The Skechers Meteor-Lights add lighting, but according to the product information they shouldn't go in the washing machine.
For men, the New Balance 2002, US Polo Assn trainers and Nike Manoa are suitable categories to compare. The Nike Manoa is a higher trekking and winter shoe with a nubuck leather upper and water-repellent construction according to the product description. That makes this model a different choice from low men's trainers for city use.
We've put together a full, up-to-date list of products that fully meet these strict selection criteria and comply with current European safety regulations.
Measure both feet at the end of the day, as feet can be slightly larger then. Place your heel against a wall, measure to the longest toe and compare the result with the size guide for the model. If in doubt, also use information about standard, wide or narrow fit.
The lifespan depends on use, surface, body weight, care and storage. Look out for visible wear on the tread, tears in the upper or a midsole that no longer feels even. Running shoes used only for walking wear differently to shoes used for regular training.
You can, but it's not always practical. A running shoe is designed with a specific running surface, weight and roll in mind. For daily use on the street, a versatile lifestyle model may be more comfortable. Choose based on the activity you'll use the shoe for most often.
