Joybuy Insights

Buying shoes online: how to choose a pair that suits how you’ll use them

Buying shoes online seems straightforward until you’re faced with women’s trainers, men’s trainers, kids’ shoes, running shoes and walking shoes. A low price or a famous brand name doesn’t tell you everything about fit, grip and comfort. With the right checks, you’ll avoid ending up with a pair that spends most of its time in the cupboard after a few weeks.

Common pitfalls when buying shoes online

1. Focusing only on looks or brand

A Nike Dunk Low, Converse Star Player or Skechers trainer might match your outfit, but a stylish shoe isn’t automatically suitable for long walks or sport. So start by looking at the sole, the upper material, the fastening and the intended activity.

2. Confusing size with fit

An EU size isn’t identical across every brand or model. The width at the forefoot, the height over the instep and the room in the toe box also determine whether a shoe feels comfortable. Always check the size chart and, ideally, measure both feet at the end of the day.

3. Reading too much into marketing claims

Words like “waterproof”, “maximum cushioning” or “professional” need to be checked in the product information. A shoe with water-repellent nubuck isn’t the same as a model with a waterproof membrane. And a trail sole with aggressive lugs won’t automatically feel comfortable on tarmac.

A brand’s own research may suggest certain materials or technologies support certain performance claims. In practice, your experience also depends on the surface, how long you use them, your foot shape and how you care for the shoes. Base your choice on verifiable features.

Three specifications you should always check

1. Fit and sizing

Look for the stated fit, width and foot length in millimetres or centimetres. Some shoes are listed as a regular fit; other models have a narrower or more close-fitting construction.

Practical points to check:

  • Leave roughly a small thumb’s width of space at the toes.
  • Make sure the heel doesn’t lift when you walk.
  • If you have a wider foot, don’t just go up a size; look for the right width or version.
  • See whether the fastening is adjustable with laces, Velcro or a quick-lace system.
  • Use the size chart for the specific model, especially for sports shoes.

With children’s shoes, a simple fastening is often important. The New Balance PC574EVN, for example, has a Velcro strap and a rubber outsole with tread. That can be practical for school and daily use, but regularly check that your child still has enough room in the shoe.

2. Midsole and cushioning

The midsole affects how the shoe feels when walking, running or jumping. EVA foam is often used for a lightweight build and cushioning. According to the product information, the adidas Supernova Ease uses Dreamstrike foam throughout the midsole. The PELLIOT models list an elastic EVA midsole.

Cushioning isn’t a fixed quality guarantee. A soft sole won’t feel right for everyone and can feel less stable during quick lateral movements. For everyday wear, a balance between comfort and stability is usually more practical than simply choosing the thickest sole.

3. Outsole, grip and water protection

Match the outsole to the surface:

  • Rubber with a flatter tread: suitable for everyday use and many urban surfaces.
  • Rubber with lugs: designed for more grip on unpaved paths.
  • Trail-specific compounds: can offer extra bite on mud, loose ground or wet rock.
  • GORE-TEX membrane: the Salomon XA Pro 3D v9 GTX is offered with this for protection in wet conditions.

Note the difference between water-repellent and waterproof. The Nike Manoa 454350 is described as water-repellent nubuck with a robust rubber sole. That makes it an interesting option for winter walks, but the product description doesn’t indicate the same membrane construction as a GTX model.

Choose based on how you’ll use them

For everyday wear, low-cut trainers such as adidas Barreda Decode, Converse Star Player and Nike Dunk Low are sensible categories to compare. They differ in upper materials: canvas on the Converse Star Player 76 OX, and leather or textile on the Nike Dunk Low models. For sport, fit, sole and support matter more than the silhouette alone.

If you’re after running shoes, look at adidas running shoes, Skechers trainers with sporty features or PELLIOT trail running shoes. For basketball, basketball shoes with a close fit, grip and support for lateral moves are more suitable than general sports shoes. If you often head out on woodland paths, trail running shoes or walking shoes with tread will serve you better than a flat lifestyle trainer.

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
New Balance PC574EVN kids' trainers

New Balance PC574EVN 28.5

Why it fits this profile: These kids’ shoes are geared towards school, play and everyday use. The Velcro fastening makes them easy to get on and off.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information clearly lists the materials, midsole, outsole and fastening. That means you don’t have to choose purely on colour or brand name.

Key benefit & highlights

Suede, synthetic material and mesh; lightweight EVA midsole; rubber sole with tread; Velcro fastening.

Suitable for: Buyers seeking top quality
Salomon XA Pro 3D v9 GTX trail running shoes

Salomon XA Pro 3D v9 GTX 472701

Why it fits this profile: For walkers and trail runners who regularly tackle wet or technical trails, this model offers features to suit those conditions.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The description specifies the GORE-TEX membrane, the Contagrip sole and the 3D Advanced Chassis. You can therefore assess water protection and stability features separately.

Key benefit & highlights

GORE-TEX membrane; Quicklace system; reinforced toe and heel; Contagrip outsole; suitable for trail running and walking.

Suitable for: Specific use & intensive users
LI-NING Wade 808 5 Ultra V2 basketball shoes

LI-NING Wade 808 5 Ultra V2

Why it fits this profile: This model is designed for basketball and intensive movement on indoor or outdoor courts, where grip and a close fit are essential.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product details list specific materials, a carbon plate and different rubber compounds in the sole. That gives you more to go on than a generic claim about sports shoes.

Key benefit & highlights

GCU rubber at the forefoot; TUFF RB rubber at the rear; woven jacquard mesh; full-length carbon plate; close, supportive fit.

Suitable for: Daily runners
adidas Supernova Ease running shoes

adidas Supernova Ease M

Why it fits this profile: According to the product information, these running shoes are designed for short to mid-distance runs and daily training loops.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The use case, fit, mesh upper, midsole and rubber lugs are described separately. That lets you decide whether the model suits your running routine.

Key benefit & highlights

Regular fit; breathable mesh; Dreamstrike midsole; rubber lugs; lace-up closure for an adjustable fit.

Looking for more options?

We’ve compiled a complete, up-to-date list of products that fully meet these strict selection criteria and comply with current European safety regulations.

Care and expected lifespan

Longevity depends on how often you walk or run, body weight, surface, storage and care. Let shoes air after use and avoid prolonged heat when drying. Clean canvas, mesh, leather and nubuck according to the product instructions. A running shoe that’s visibly wearing unevenly or whose sole has lost its grip may be due for replacement, even if the upper still looks tidy.

Also check the information about warranty and returns when buying. Several product listings mention a statutory warranty of at least two years under EU consumer rules. That’s separate from normal wear and tear through use.

FAQs about buying shoes online

How do I determine my shoe size for an online order?

Measure both feet on a sheet of paper, ideally wearing the socks you usually use. Compare the longest foot with the size chart for your chosen model. Also check the stated fit and width. “Regular” doesn’t mean every model will feel the same on every foot.

How long do running shoes last?

There isn’t a fixed number of months. Look at the condition of the midsole, the tread and how the sole is wearing. Frequent running on tarmac stresses a shoe differently to mixed training on forest ground. Store running shoes in a dry place and avoid using them as your everyday shoes by default to limit wear.

Are waterproof shoes suitable all year round?

A waterproof or water-repellent model can help in the rain, but ventilation, temperature and care still matter. A GTX model like the Salomon XA Pro 3D v9 GTX is constructed differently to a canvas trainer or a water-repellent leather walking shoe. Choose based on the conditions you’ll actually use the shoes in.