Joybuy Insights

Buying sports shoes: how to choose footwear for sport and everyday wear

Buying sports shoes seems simple, until you have to choose between volleyball shoes, basketball shoes and trainers for everyday wear. A shoe that looks good won’t necessarily suit your sport or your feet. Grip, fit and cushioning are what really determine how comfortable you feel when you move.

Three common pitfalls when buying sports shoes

1. Mistaking a sporty look for a sport-specific sole

Many trainers have a sporty design, but aren’t made for quick sideways movements or indoor courts. A flat lifestyle sole may work perfectly well on the street, but it won’t always provide the grip and stability you need for volleyball or basketball.

2. Focusing only on cushioning and marketing terms

Terms such as ‘responsive’, ‘explosive’ or ‘maximum support’ sound appealing. However, according to a brand’s product description, they only tell you so much unless you also look at the construction: what material is used in the midsole, how is the sole built, and what surface is the shoe designed for? No cushioning feels the same for every athlete or on every surface.

3. Choosing a size without considering how you’ll use the shoes

A shoe that feels comfortable when you’re standing still may turn out to be too loose or too tight when you’re playing sport. Think about the thickness of your sports socks, the room around your toes and the width of your forefoot. For basketball and volleyball, your foot also needs to feel secure when you make a quick turn.

Key features to check

1. Sole and grip

For indoor volleyball shoes, a rubber, non-marking sole is a practical choice. A multidirectional tread can help with forward, backward and sideways movements. Also check whether the product information says the shoes are intended for indoor use. An outsole designed for the street may wear down more quickly on a sports floor or leave marks.

According to the product description, the Nike Hyperset 2 FQ7070-106 has a rubber sole with multidirectional tread. It’s designed for indoor volleyball and has a textile or mesh upper, depending on the product listing.

2. Fit and support

Check the description of the heel, midfoot and fastening. A reinforced midfoot, adjustable laces and a secure heel can all help create a stable feel. That doesn’t mean every foot needs the same level of support. If you have a wider forefoot, pay extra attention to the available sizing and any recommendation to go up half a size.

Some Li-Ning basketball shoes are described as having a snug fit. According to the product information, going up half a size may be more comfortable for wider feet or thicker sports socks.

3. Cushioning, weight and lifespan

Cushioning usually combines midsole material, an insole and heel construction. Don’t just look at a product name such as Zoom or Super Boom; check what the shoes are designed for, too. According to the product description, the Nike Hyperset 2 has Zoom cushioning and a polyurethane foam midsole. The Li-Ning Way of Wade 12 is described as having a double Super Boom midsole with a carbon plate.

These descriptions explain the product’s construction; they don’t guarantee a particular level of sports performance. Wear depends on factors including the playing surface, how often you train, your body weight and how well you look after the shoes.

Recommendations by user type

Suitable for: Beginners on a budget
Nike Hyperset 2 FQ7070 106 43

Nike Hyperset 2 FQ7070 106 43

Why it suits this type of player: According to the product information, these Nike volleyball shoes are designed for indoor volleyball and have a lightweight, breathable construction. This makes them a good choice for recreational players looking for one pair to wear for both training and matches indoors.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product description specifically mentions indoor use and a non-marking rubber sole, rather than just a general sporty look.

Key benefits and features

Textile and synthetic materials; rubber sole; Zoom cushioning according to the product information; size 43.

Suitable for: Buyers looking for premium quality
Li-Ning Way of Wade 12 basketball shoes

Li-Ning Way of Wade 12 ABAV085

Why it suits this type of player: These basketball shoes are aimed at players who value a sturdy construction and features designed for the court. The product information lists a Super Boom midsole, a carbon plate in the heel and a GCU rubber outsole.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The features are tailored to basketball, rather than just a fashionable design. Do bear in mind the snug fit described in the product information.

Key benefits and features

Carbon plate in the heel; Super Boom midsole; GCU sole; suitable for indoor and outdoor use according to the product description.

Suitable for: Specific needs and intensive users
Nike Wmns Dunk Low HM9655-001

Nike Wmns Dunk Low HM9655-001 41

Why it suits this type of wearer: For everyday wear, these Nike Dunk Low women’s trainers are a natural choice if you value a leather upper, low-profile fit and recognisable streetwear style over sport-specific performance.

How this product avoids the pitfall

These shoes aren’t presented as volleyball or basketball shoes. That helps you avoid choosing a lifestyle model for intensive indoor sport.

Key benefits and features

Leather upper; padded collar; rubber sole with pivot circle; designed for everyday wear according to the product description.

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.

Also worth considering for everyday wear

Not every pair of sports shoes needs to be made for match day. For women’s trainers and men’s and women’s sports shoes for everyday wear, you could also consider:

  • Converse women’s trainers, such as the Star Player 76 OX, with a canvas upper and vulcanised rubber sole.
  • adidas trainers, such as the Barreda Decode, with a mix of suede and nylon, a cushioned midsole and a rubber cupsole.
  • Nike Air Flight Mid, if you’re looking for a mid-top style with a leather upper and padded collar.

For these styles, pay particular attention to the fit, care requirements and the surfaces the sole is designed for. A lifestyle model isn’t automatically suitable for intensive indoor sport.

Frequently asked questions about buying sports shoes

How long do sports shoes usually last?

It depends on how you use them. If you play sport weekly, wear to the sole and cushioning may become noticeable sooner than if you use the shoes for everyday walking. Replace a pair when the sole becomes noticeably smooth, the heel wears down unevenly or the shoes no longer provide enough support. The statutory minimum two-year guarantee covers conformity; it doesn’t mean normal wear and tear is covered indefinitely.

Should I buy sports shoes a size bigger?

Not as a rule. Ideally, measure your feet at the end of the day and wear the socks you use for sport. You should have a little room around your toes, but your heel shouldn’t slip. If a shoe has a narrow or wide fit, the size guide for that particular model may matter more than your usual shoe size.

Can I wear volleyball shoes for basketball?

Sometimes, for recreational use, but the construction and support aren’t the same. Volleyball shoes are generally designed for indoor courts and quick movements in multiple directions. Basketball shoes may offer extra focus on heel stability, shock absorption and support when jumping. So choose based on your sport, playing surface and movement patterns.