Buying sports shoes seems straightforward until you have to choose between running shoes, football boots, indoor football shoes, volleyball shoes and casual trainers. A low price or a recognisable logo says little about whether they are suitable for your activity. The sole, fit and surface make much more difference.
Also pay attention to product information, which is not always completely consistent. Sometimes a size in the product title differs from a size chart or another product specification. Always check the product detail page before placing your order.
A running shoe is not automatically suitable for football or indoor training. Running shoes are generally designed for repeated forward movement. Football boots, on the other hand, have studs for grip on a specific surface. Indoor football shoes and volleyball shoes usually have a flat rubber sole for indoor floors.
If you use a shoe on the wrong surface, the grip may be disappointing and the sole may wear out more quickly. So first check whether you mainly play on asphalt, natural grass, artificial grass, parquet or in a sports hall.
Cushioned sports shoes can feel comfortable for everyday use or running, but more cushioning is not practical in every situation. For indoor sports, stability, flexibility and grip are at least as important. A soft running shoe, for example, may be less suitable for quick sideways movements.
So look at the combination of midsole, outsole and intended use. Product names such as Cloudfoam, Dreamstrike or Reactive Ball are brand terms. According to adidas and Joma product information, these terms refer to features of the midsole or sole construction; they are not a general guarantee of a particular user experience.
An EU size is not exactly the same for every model. adidas, for example, also uses half sizes such as 41 1/3 and 42 2/3. A narrow last, high instep or thick sports socks can also affect the fit.
Measure both feet at the end of the day and compare the longer foot with the size chart on the product page. If possible, check the foot length in centimetres or millimetres. If you are unsure, the fastening, available returns policy and product specifications are more important than the number on the label alone.
When choosing football boots, pay attention to the sole code:
Do not simply wear FG or AG football boots in a sports hall. The studs are designed for a different surface and can make movement less comfortable.
For running and everyday walking, a cushioned midsole, breathable upper and rubber outsole are relevant features. According to the product specifications, the adidas Runfalcon 5 uses a Cloudfoam midsole, mesh upper, OrthoLite sockliner and Adiwear outsole.
A mesh upper may feel more breathable than synthetic leather, while synthetic leather is easier to wipe clean. Suede, as used on the adidas Barreda Decode, requires more careful maintenance and is less practical in wet weather.
As well as the size, check:
Women’s and men’s sports shoes may have different size listings or shapes. Always check the individual product page. If you normally wear sports shoes in size 42, a half size such as 42 2/3 may still correspond to a different foot length.
Why it suits this profile: According to the product information, this model is designed for everyday running and short distances on the road. The combination of mesh and cushioning also suits walking and active everyday use.
The product clearly states the intended use, size and sole materials. This means you do not have to rely solely on the general term ‘comfortable sports shoes’.
Mesh upper, Cloudfoam midsole, OrthoLite sockliner and Adiwear outsole according to the product specifications.
Why it suits this profile: For anyone looking for a sports shoe that also works as a casual trainer. The T-toe shape and combination of suede and nylon are well suited to everyday wear.
The product description specifies the materials, regular fit, rubber cupsole and care instructions. This makes it clear that these are not specialist running shoes or football boots.
Suede and nylon upper, cushioned midsole and rubber cupsole with an adjustable lace fastening.
Why it suits this profile: For football on firm natural grass. The FG sole, synthetic leather upper and lace fastening are suited to the intended use stated in the product information.
The FG designation makes the choice of surface clear. This helps you avoid buying a general sports shoe or an AG model for natural grass.
FG studded sole for firm natural grass, synthetic leather upper and standard fit according to the product details.
Why it suits this profile: For volleyball players looking for an indoor model with a rubber outsole, lace fastening and standard fit.
The sports category and indoor-focused rubber sole are listed in the product specifications. This makes the intended use clearer than with an ordinary trainer.
Reactive Ball cushioning according to the product information, synthetic upper, polyurethane foam insole and rubber outsole.
We have put together a complete, up-to-date list of products that fully meet these strict selection criteria and the applicable European safety regulations.
A pair of sports shoes will last longer when you use them for their intended purpose. Remove mud and grass after exercising with a soft brush or damp cloth. Allow shoes to dry at room temperature and avoid direct heat, tumble dryers and washing machines if the product information advises against them.
If you exercise frequently, consider alternating between two pairs. This gives the material time to dry between training sessions. Replace your shoes when the sole becomes visibly smooth, the fit changes or the upper starts to tear. There is no fixed lifespan: the surface, frequency of use, body weight and maintenance all play a part.
Choose a model with a breathable upper, a suitable midsole and an outsole designed for the surface you run on. For road training, models such as the adidas Runfalcon 5 and adidas Galaxy 7 are described as running shoes in the product information. Always check the size and foot length for each model.
This is generally not recommended. FG and AG football boots have studs for firm natural grass and artificial grass respectively. For indoor football, choose a model with a flat rubber sole and an explicit IN designation, such as the Joma FS Reactive 2402 IN.
Measure both feet in millimetres or centimetres, preferably at the end of the day and while wearing the socks you use for sport. Compare the longer foot with the model’s size chart. Also check whether the shoe has a standard, regular or narrow fit. This is more reliable than relying solely on sports shoes size 42.