Joybuy Insights

Buying shoes online: how to choose the right pair and avoid a costly mistake

Buying shoes online may seem simple, but a good-looking photo tells you little about fit, materials or how they’ll be used. Women’s shoes, children’s shoes and women’s trainers can vary considerably from one style to another. A low price or a familiar brand name doesn’t guarantee that a pair will suit your feet or your everyday needs.

Use this practical checklist to look out for details that are often overlooked when shopping online. Then browse some popular options for different needs, including shoes in size 37 and shoes in size 32.

Three common pitfalls when buying shoes online

1. Looking only at the EU size

A size 37 won’t have the same internal length in every brand or style. The shape of the shoe, toe room and width all affect the fit too. Some styles are listed as a standard fit, while others may come up narrower or roomier.

So always check:

  • the size guide for the specific style;
  • the foot length in centimetres, if available;
  • the stated fit, such as standard or roomy;
  • whether you plan to wear socks;
  • whether the insole is removable.

It’s especially important to check carefully when buying for children. A size 32 shoe may feel different from another style in the same size. A shoe that’s too roomy may also feel less stable when playing or walking.

2. Confusing marketing language with verifiable features

Words such as “ultralight”, “premium” or “all-day comfort” sound appealing, but they don’t always tell you how a shoe is made. Look instead for specific details:

  • upper: for example, textile, leather or synthetic material;
  • lining: textile or another material;
  • sole: rubber, plastic or Croslite;
  • fastening: laces, hook-and-loop fastening or a heel strap;
  • insole: fixed or removable;
  • fit: standard, narrow or roomy.

If a brand claims that a product has a particular effect, we don’t treat that as independently proven fact. For example, Skechers’ product information lists Memory Foam as part of the insole. That’s a product specification, not a guarantee that every wearer will find the shoes equally comfortable.

3. Choosing a style without considering how you’ll use it

Trainers for commuting don’t need the same features as children’s shoes for school and outdoor play. Slip-ons can be practical at home or in your spare time, while a style with laces or a heel strap offers a different way to secure the shoe.

Think about:

  • daily walks or occasional short periods of wear;
  • indoor, outdoor or mixed use;
  • dry or wet weather;
  • how easy they are to put on and take off;
  • your clothing style;
  • how much maintenance you’re happy to do.

Important specifications to check when buying shoes online

Fit and size

Measure both feet at the end of the day, as feet are often slightly larger then than in the morning. Use the longer foot as your guide. Compare your measurement with the chart on the product page, rather than relying only on a previous purchase.

For girls’ trainers, hook-and-loop fastenings are handy when a child needs to put their shoes on independently. According to the product information, the Skechers styles with light-up details have a standard fit, D width and hook-and-loop fastening. For styles in size 32, that size is listed separately, so check the exact product page before ordering.

Materials and weather conditions

Textile can be lightweight and flexible, but usually needs more care when exposed to dirt and rain. Leather has a different look and requires different care. Plastic or Croslite-style material is often easy to wipe clean.

According to the product description, the Crocs Classic Clog is made from a proprietary foam-resin material containing 25% plant-based material, calculated using a mass balance method with ISCC PLUS certification. The manufacturer also lists ventilation ports, a pivoting heel strap and cleaning with soap and water. Use this style for activities its construction is suited to, such as leisure, gardening or around the pool. It isn’t a substitute for every type of work shoe.

Sole, fastening and care

A rubber outsole can offer grip, but how it performs also depends on the surface, wear and tread. A flat sole, like the one listed in the PUMA Speedcat product information, feels different when walking from a platform sole.

Check the care instructions too. According to the product information, several Skechers styles shouldn’t be machine-washed. A damp cloth with mild soap is recommended for cleaning. Crocs recommends cleaning by hand and allowing the shoes to air-dry naturally. Direct heat or prolonged exposure to sunlight can cause some materials to warp or fade.

Recommended styles for different types of shopper

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
CROCS Classic Clog White

CROCS Classic Clog White

Why it suits this shopper: A simple slip-on for home, leisure, the garden and casual outings. The white colour is easy to pair with casual clothes.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information clearly lists the materials, sizing and care instructions. That means you don’t have to rely on the product photo alone.

Key benefit & features

Moulded construction, pivoting heel strap, ventilation ports, and cleaning with soap and water, according to the product description.

Suitable for: Shoppers looking for premium quality
Nike Wmns Dunk Low NN DD1873-113 36

Nike Wmns Dunk Low NN DD1873-113 36

Why it suits this shopper: For anyone looking for a recognisable women’s trainer with a leather and textile upper and a sporty, everyday look.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product page lists the style, colourway, upper, rubber outsole and the EU’s statutory minimum two-year guarantee.

Key benefit & features

Leather and textile upper, padded collar, cushioned insole and rubber sole with pivot point, according to the product information.

Suitable for: Specific needs & frequent wearers
Skechers Flutter Heart Lights 302315L-LVMT 34

Skechers Flutter Heart Lights 302315L-LVMT 34

Why it suits this shopper: A practical choice for girls who want an eye-catching pair of children’s shoes for school, play and everyday wear.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The size 34, standard fit, D width and hook-and-loop fastening are listed separately. That makes it easier to compare than simply searching by age.

Key benefit & features

Textile upper, rubber outsole, light-up details and an easy fastening, according to the product description.

Suitable for: Shoppers looking for everyday trainers
Skechers Bobs Geo-New Aesthetics 117417-BBK 37

Skechers Bobs Geo-New Aesthetics 117417-BBK 37

Why it suits this shopper: A good choice if you’re looking for a black, low-cut trainer in size 37 to wear with everyday outfits.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information lists size 37, standard fit, D width, laces and a fixed insole. This lets you compare the style directly with other shoes.

Key benefit & features

Textile upper, rubber sole, lace-up fastening and Memory Foam insole, according to the product description. The style is listed as vegan.

Looking for more options?

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

Frequently asked questions about buying shoes online

How do I find my shoe size when ordering online?

Measure both feet on a sheet of paper, from heel to longest toe. Compare the longer measurement with the size chart for the style. Check the fit and width too. An EU size isn’t always identical across brands or types of shoe.

Can you tell how comfortable shoes are from an online listing?

You can’t fully judge comfort from a product page. But you can look at verifiable features such as the material, sole type, lining, fastening, insole and fit. Check the returns policy before ordering too, so you can try the shoes on at home without rushing.

How can I keep trainers bought online looking good for longer?

Follow the product’s care label. For textile, a soft, damp cloth and mild soap are usually suitable, unless the manufacturer gives different instructions. Avoid machine-washing if it isn’t permitted, and let the shoes dry at room temperature. Store them somewhere dry and out of prolonged direct sunlight.