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If you’re looking to buy trainers, you’ll quickly come across terms such as “extra comfort”, “lightweight” and “maximum cushioning”. But these labels don’t always tell you whether a pair is right for your needs. Trainers for your commute need different features from road-running shoes, children’s trainers for school or trail-running shoes for off-road paths.
Use these practical checks to avoid a costly mistake and compare men’s, women’s and children’s trainers based on the features that really matter.
A soft insole may feel comfortable when you try a shoe on, but that doesn’t automatically mean it’s suitable for running or long walks. Look at the whole construction: the insole, midsole and rubber outsole. In sports shoes, the midsole has the biggest influence on the spring and stability you feel as you move.
Memory Foam can make shoes more comfortable to step into. Skechers trainers, for example, are listed as having a Memory Foam footbed. This makes a model worth considering for everyday wear, but doesn’t in itself prove that it’s suitable for intensive running training.
A well-known model such as the New Balance 574, adidas Supernova or PUMA running shoes may appeal because of its style and brand recognition. However, the fit, sole and upper vary from model to model. A retro casual trainer isn’t automatically suitable for long distances.
Always check:
Sizing can vary between brands and models. A product may come up true to size, come up large or list a specific foot length. Ideally, measure your feet at the end of the day, wearing the socks you usually wear. Then compare your measurements with the product’s size chart.
For example, the Skechers Graceful - Get Connected is listed as coming up large, with a size smaller recommended. According to the product information, the New Balance U574SOB40 comes up true to size. Details like these are more useful than relying only on your usual EU size.
A textile or mesh upper generally lets more air through, making it a comfortable choice in warm weather, for school or for everyday walking. Breathable trainers are especially practical if you wear them for several hours at a time. However, mesh is more prone to getting dirty and often offers less protection from rain than leather or synthetic materials.
A reinforced upper is useful for outdoor activities. According to the product descriptions, PELLIOT models use sandwich mesh and woven material, with some versions also featuring a TPU film. This is designed to provide ventilation and protect against wear. For trail-running shoes, check that the tread is suitable for mud, loose ground or wet stones.
Pay attention to the material, not just the marketing name. EVA foam is widely used in lightweight trainers and sports shoes. Its properties can vary depending on its density and construction.
According to the product information, the adidas Supernova Ease has a full-length Dreamstrike midsole. The New Balance PC574EVN for children has a lightweight EVA midsole. These descriptions tell you how the shoes are made, but don’t mean every wearer will have the same experience.
For casual trainers, a comfortable insole is often enough. For running, a good fit, a stable heel and an outsole with sufficient grip are also important.
A rubber outsole with tread is practical for everyday wear and changing surfaces. For city use, a relatively flat tread is usually sufficient. If you walk on woodland paths or hilly terrain, you’ll benefit more from a sole with deeper lugs and a construction that grips loose ground.
Also consider wear. A soft sole may feel comfortable, but can show signs of use more quickly. A harder rubber sole may hold its shape for longer, but feel less flexible. Choose based on the surface you’ll be walking on, not just the word “comfort”.
Why it suits this profile: This low-cut model is designed for everyday wear. It has a textile upper, lace fastening and heel loops to make it easier to put on. The product information lists a Memory Foam footbed and a 2-centimetre sole.
The size note says this model comes up large. Check the size chart before ordering instead of automatically choosing your usual size.
Textile upper, lace fastening, Memory Foam footbed and a grippy PU sole for everyday wear.
Why it suits this profile: According to the product description, this model is designed for short to medium-distance runs. It has a mesh upper, a full-length Dreamstrike midsole and a rubber outsole with lugs.
Its intended use and sizing are clearly described. This makes it easier to tell apart from casual trainers that simply have a sporty look.
Breathable mesh, Dreamstrike foam and a rubber outsole with tread; according to the product information, suitable for short to medium-distance training runs.
Why it suits this profile: According to the product information, this unisex model is designed for road-to-trail use and a range of surfaces. The upper is designed for ventilation, while the ROCKYTEC outsole is designed to provide grip.
The product description clearly states the foot shape, fit type and intended surfaces. This helps you avoid wearing a city shoe on muddy or loose paths.
Lightweight mesh and woven material, an EVA midsole and a grippy ROCKYTEC rubber outsole, according to the product information.
We’ve put together a complete, up-to-date list of products that meet these strict selection criteria and the applicable European safety regulations.
Their lifespan depends on how you use them, your body weight, the surface, how well you care for them and the materials they’re made from. Everyday trainers can wear out more quickly if you also use them for running. Look out for a tread that’s becoming smooth, tears in the upper or a midsole that’s started to collapse. These are practical signs that it’s time to replace your pair.
A Memory Foam insole may feel comfortable, but check whether the whole shoe is described as a running shoe. The midsole, heel stability, fit and outsole also matter for running. So a casual model with Memory Foam isn’t automatically suitable for training runs.
Brush off loose dirt with a soft brush and follow the care label. Many models shouldn’t be put in the washing machine. Clean your shoes with a damp cloth, leave them to air-dry and avoid direct heat. For suede, as found on some New Balance 574 and Vans models, a suitable care product is more practical than using lots of water.
