Joybuy Insights

How to buy shoes online without getting it wrong: choosing the right pair

Buying shoes online seems simple, but an appealing photo doesn’t tell you everything. A trainer may look versatile and still come up too narrow. A slipper may be lightweight but offer too little grip on a wet bathroom floor. Even well-known names such as Vans, Nike, New Balance, Converse and Puma don’t guarantee that every style will suit every foot or occasion.

Use this practical guide to check the size, materials, sole and intended use. You can then compare women’s trainers, men’s trainers, unisex trainers, casual shoes, sports shoes and slippers using verifiable product information rather than appearance alone.

Three common pitfalls when buying shoes online

1. Relying on the EU size alone

A size 38 won’t fit the same in every brand or style. The shape of the toe, the width of the last and the thickness of the lining all affect the fit. Some styles also list foot length in millimetres. This is often a more useful starting point than simply searching for size 37 shoes, size 38 shoes or size 40 shoes.

Measure both feet at the end of the day. Use the longer foot as your reference and compare the result with the size guide for the specific product.

2. Mistaking marketing claims for measurable features

Terms such as “extra comfortable”, “premium” or “suitable for every occasion” are only useful when you check the specifications behind them. Look at:

  • the upper material;
  • the lining and insole;
  • the type of outsole;
  • whether it has ventilation, cushioning or a reinforced heel;
  • the recommended use.

According to New Balance’s product description, the U574 combines suede, mesh and a rubber outsole. That tells you more about its construction than a general claim about comfort.

3. Choosing shoes for the wrong purpose

Canvas trainers can be comfortable for everyday wear, but they aren’t automatically designed for intensive sport. EVA slippers are handy at home, on holiday or by the pool, but they can vary considerably in tread, water drainage and grip. Always check whether the style is intended as a casual shoe, sports shoe, bath slipper or house slipper.

Which specifications should you check before buying?

Materials and care

Textile and canvas usually feel lightweight, while leather or suede have a different look and require different care. The Nike Dunk Low NN DD1873-113 lists a leather and textile upper, a textile lining and a rubber sole. The product information for another Nike Dunk Low style recommends cleaning it with a dry or clean cloth and not immersing it in water.

Suede styles, including some Vans trainers, need careful handling. Avoid the washing machine, bleach and high temperatures if the care label advises against them. Leave shoes to dry naturally, away from a radiator.

Sole, grip and flexibility

A rubber outsole can offer grip and durability, but the tread also affects how suitable the shoe is for wet or slippery surfaces. A flat trainer sole is often a good choice for everyday wear in town. For the bathroom or pool, a drainage or non-slip tread is more practical.

The PUXI Wave Bathroom Slippers product description mentions deep grooves, a wave pattern and drainage channels. These are specific features you can compare. They don’t guarantee that you won’t slip: wet floors, dirt and wear can all affect grip.

Fit and foot length

Look at the EU size alongside the recommended foot length and style type. For example, the PUXI clogs in size 37-38 are recommended for a foot length of 240 mm. The Vans Knu Skool size guide lists foot lengths as well as EU sizes, including 23 cm for size 36.5.

If you’re between sizes, check the returns policy and the brand’s specific recommendation. For the Geox D Bleyze E Collection, the product information recommends choosing the larger size if your foot length falls between two sizes.

Recommended styles for different types of buyer

Suitable for: Budget-conscious first-time buyers
Vans UA Old Skool VN0A38G15U71 Port Royale/True White 38.5

Vans UA Old Skool VN0A38G15U71 Port Royale/True White 38.5

Why it suits this buyer: A recognisable low-top trainer for everyday wear, walking, work and casual outfits. Its textile upper and rubber sole make it easy to compare with other styles.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information specifies the upper, lining and rubber sole. It also includes care instructions, so you don’t have to rely on colour or brand alone.

Main benefit & features

Textile upper, textile lining, rubber sole and a stated statutory guarantee of at least two years, according to the product information.

Suitable for: Buyers looking for top quality
Nike Wmns Dunk Low HM9655-001 39

Nike Wmns Dunk Low HM9655-001 39

Why it suits this buyer: For anyone looking for a distinctive women’s trainer with a leather upper, low-top shape and colourway that works well with casual clothes.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The materials are clearly specified: leather on the outside, a textile lining and a rubber sole. The right size is still a personal choice, so check the fit before ordering.

Main benefit & features

Leather upper, padded collar, cushioned insole and rubber outsole with pivot point, according to the product description.

Suitable for: Specific needs & frequent users
PUXI Wave Bathroom Slippers Reef Black Size 37-38

PUXI Wave Bathroom Slippers Reef Black Size 37-38

Why it suits this buyer: For use at home, in the bathroom, by the pool or when travelling, when water drainage and a secure fit matter more than a closed trainer.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The description lists drainage channels, a recessed footbed and a grooved sole. This makes it easier to choose based on specific features rather than a general promise of “comfortable slippers”.

Main benefit & features

EVA construction, drainage in the midsole, a non-slip tread with deep grooves, and size 37-38 for a recommended foot length of 240 mm.

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.

Care helps determine how long your shoes last

The right care helps prevent unnecessary wear:

  • Let wet shoes dry at room temperature, not on a radiator.
  • Clean leather, suede, textile and EVA according to the product instructions.
  • Rotate your shoes if you wear them every day.
  • Check the soles regularly for wear and reduced grip.
  • Keep slippers clean and dry; rinse off sand, salt and chlorine residue.

Several of the branded products mentioned state that they come with a statutory guarantee of at least two years. This is separate from normal wear and tear, incorrect care or damage caused by use. Keep your order details and check the terms for the specific product.

Frequently asked questions about buying shoes online

How do I find my shoe size online?

Measure both feet in millimetres and compare the longer foot with the size guide for the style. Also check whether the shoes come up true to size, narrow or wide. Your usual shoe size is only a starting point.

Which shoes are suitable for everyday wear?

It depends on how far you walk, the surfaces you walk on and your preferences. Casual styles with a rubber sole are often practical for town and work. When choosing trainers, check the insole, lining, sole construction and care instructions, not just the brand.

How long do shoes bought online last?

Their lifespan depends on the materials, how often you wear them, your body weight, the surfaces you walk on and how well you care for them. A shoe worn outdoors every day will usually wear differently from a slipper used occasionally. Check the soles, seams and fit regularly while wearing them.