When you’re looking to buy trainers online, you’ll soon come across terms such as “extra comfort”, “sporty” and “suitable for all-day wear”. On their own, these words don’t tell you much. A low-top trainer for your commute calls for different features from a pair of road-running shoes or a model for long walks.
Most disappointing purchases come down to three familiar pitfalls:
With the right checks, you can compare men’s trainers, women’s trainers, casual trainers and sports trainers based on the features that matter in everyday use.
First, check whether the style comes up true to size and whether it has a standard width. An EU size chart is useful, but the stated foot length or width often gives you a better guide. Some styles, for example, specify a D width. This is useful information if you need a narrower or roomier fit.
Don’t automatically order the same size in every brand. Nike Dunk Low, Puma Speedcat, Vans Old Skool and New Balance trainers can all feel different because of the shape of the toe, the lining and the sole. So check:
A rubber sole usually offers grip and durability, but the tread makes a difference. A flat sole suits casual wear around town. A treaded sole is more practical on wet pavements, walking trails or changing surfaces.
Regular lifestyle trainers aren’t automatically suitable for running. For running shoes, look for a breathable upper, suitable cushioning, a secure fit and an outsole designed for the surfaces you’ll be running on. According to the product description, the adidas Supernova Ease is designed for short to medium-distance runs and features a mesh upper, Dreamstrike midsole and rubber studded outsole. These specifications make it more suited to running than a flat-soled casual trainer.
Mesh trainers usually let more air through than fully enclosed styles. This can be comfortable when you’re wearing them for long periods, but mesh is more prone to dirt and moisture. Leather trainers and styles made from synthetic leather are often easier to wipe clean. Always check the care instructions, though.
An upper made from leather, textile or synthetic material affects more than just the look. It also influences flexibility, ventilation and care. The Vans Old Skool in this selection, for example, has a textile upper and rubber sole. The product information advises avoiding high temperatures and machine washing, among other things.
The recommendations below are based on verifiable details in the product descriptions, such as materials, sole, sizing advice and intended use.
Why it suits this profile: This black low-top style is designed for everyday wear and combines synthetic leather with mesh. The fixed Memory Foam insole and rubber outsole are practical features if you’re looking for one pair to wear to work, while shopping and with casual outfits.
The product information specifies both mesh panels and a rubber sole. So you don’t have to rely on the word “comfort” alone: you can check the ventilation and sole material for yourself.
Memory Foam insole, mesh panels, lace-up fastening and rubber outsole. This style is available in size 46 with a standard fit.
Why it suits this profile: The combination of suede and breathable mesh gives this retro trainer a different mix of materials from fully synthetic styles. Its grey-blue colour is easy to pair with jeans, chinos and sporty outfits.
The product description specifically mentions suede, mesh, a supportive midsole and a rubber outsole. That gives you more to compare than a general claim about comfort.
Retro profile, suede and mesh combination, rubber outsole and a fit that the product information says is suitable for everyday wear.
Why it suits this profile: According to the product description, this style is designed for short to medium-distance runs. Its mesh upper, Dreamstrike midsole and rubber studded outsole are suited to a sporting purpose.
Its intended use is clearly stated. This makes it less likely you’ll choose a casual trainer for workouts that call for a different sole and midsole.
Breathable mesh, full-length Dreamstrike midsole, lace-up fastening and rubber studs for grip. The available size is 44 2/3.
We’ve put together a complete, up-to-date list of products that meet these strict selection criteria and the current European safety regulations.
For a classic everyday look, you could also consider the Vans Old Skool, Converse Star Player 76 OX or Vans Hylane. If you’re after a leather look, compare the Nike Dunk Low or Puma Speedcat by their uppers, fit and soles. According to the product information, the Puma Speedcat has a leather upper, textile lining and rubber outsole. With this type of low-top trainer, check that its flat construction suits how you plan to use it.
When shopping for women’s and men’s trainers, it’s best not to focus solely on the marketing category. Many styles have a unisex or similar shape. The actual sizing, width and foot length matter more than the label.
Measure both feet at the end of the day, as they’re often slightly larger then. Compare your longer foot with the size chart for the specific style. Also check whether the shoes come up true to size and whether width information is available. If you’re unsure, it’s worth checking the stated foot length as well as the EU size.
Their lifespan depends on how far you walk or run, your body weight, the surface, the materials and how well you care for them. Casual trainers for the office and shopping wear differently from running shoes. Look for wear on the rubber sole, seams coming loose, a misshapen heel and a compressed midsole. Only wash your shoes if the product information says it’s safe to do so, and leave them to air-dry.
Not necessarily. Trainers with Memory Foam may have a soft insole, according to the product description, but that doesn’t tell you anything about stability, the outsole or whether they’re suitable for running. For training, it’s better to compare styles with a clearly stated running purpose, a suitable midsole and grip that’s right for your running surface.