Joybuy Insights

Buying trainers: how to choose a pair for your everyday needs

Buying trainers sounds simple, until you have to choose between men’s trainers, women’s trainers, children’s trainers, casual trainers and sporty trainers. An attractive style is not automatically suitable for long working days, cycling around the city or playing in the school playground. So don’t just consider colour and brand. Pay particular attention to fit, materials and how you intend to use them.

Common pitfalls when buying trainers

1. Mistaking a soft insole for comfort

A thick insole may feel comfortable when trying on the shoes, but it doesn’t tell you everything about how comfortable they will be to wear. Also check the width, the shape of the toe box, the flexibility of the sole and how the shoe fastens. Trainers with memory foam, such as certain Skechers trainers, can feel soft, but the fit still needs to suit your feet.

2. Wearing a fashionable style for every activity

Retro trainers, such as the New Balance 574 or adidas Run 70s, work well with everyday outfits. That doesn’t automatically mean they are suitable for intensive training. For sports use, grip, ventilation, flexibility and a stable construction are more important than appearance alone.

3. Automatically choosing the same size

Sizes can vary between brands and models. A style described as true to size will usually require your usual size. The Skechers Graceful Get Connected, however, is described as a generous fit, with one size smaller recommended. Measure your feet in centimetres and compare the result with the size guide on the product page.

Three things you should always check

Fit and size

Keep these practical points in mind:

  • Leave roughly a finger’s width of room at the toes.
  • Check that the heel doesn’t lift when you walk.
  • Make sure the shoe is wide enough around the forefoot.
  • Compare EU sizes with the stated foot length in centimetres.
  • Don’t choose an excessively large size for children: extra room is useful, but a loose shoe can make walking awkward.

For children’s trainers, a hook-and-loop fastening is practical. The Skechers Gametronix 402260L in size 29, for example, has a regular fit, a hook-and-loop fastening and a rubber sole. Do check the product information carefully for this model, as the available sizes refer to different product pages.

Upper and ventilation

The material partly determines how the trainer feels and how easy it is to care for.

  • Mesh and textile: generally lightweight and breathable, but more prone to getting dirty.
  • Suede and canvas: offer a sturdy, casual look; suede requires careful maintenance.
  • Synthetic leather: easy to wipe clean, but less breathable than open mesh.
  • Leather with mesh: combines durability with ventilation, according to the product specifications.

New Balance U574 models use a combination of suede and mesh. Vans Old Skool models combine suede and canvas. If you are mainly looking for black trainers that are easy to style, you could also consider models made from synthetic materials and mesh, such as various Skechers Burns versions.

Sole, grip and intended use

A rubber outsole is a common choice for everyday use. Also check the tread and thickness. A flat sole, as found on some Vans trainers, suits casual use and a skater-inspired style. A more pronounced tread can be more practical on varied surfaces.

According to the product description, the New Balance U327SWB has an enlarged rubber outsole with a distinctive tread. The New Balance U1906WFD is described as having a mesh upper, synthetic overlays and a rubber outsole. These specifications make the model an interesting option if you are looking for a sporty trainer for everyday use, but they do not guarantee that the shoe is suitable for every sport.

Our recommendations by user profile

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
Vans Old Skool VN0A4BV51951 Pewter/True White 41

Vans Old Skool VN0A4BV51951 Pewter/True White 41

Why it suits this profile: The combination of suede and canvas, a low-profile fit and a flat sole works well with everyday outfits and casual wear.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information clearly states the materials, fit and sole. This means you are not buying based on brand image alone.

Key benefit & highlights

Suede and canvas; soft collar around the ankle; breathable textile insole.

Suitable for: Shoppers looking for premium quality
New Balance U574GWH42

New Balance U574GWH42

Why it suits this profile: According to the product description, this retro style combines suede and mesh with an ENCAP midsole and rubber outsole.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The choice of materials and the construction are clearly stated. This helps you compare a fashionable retro trainer with other models.

Key benefit & highlights

Suede and mesh; ENCAP midsole according to the product description; sturdy rubber sole.

Suitable for: Specific uses & intensive users
New Balance U1906WFD47.5

New Balance U1906WFD47.5

Why it suits this profile: The combination of mesh, synthetic overlays and a rubber outsole is well suited to active everyday use and sporty outfits.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product description mentions ventilation, cushioning and grip separately. Do compare these features with the requirements of your specific sport.

Key benefit & highlights

Breathable mesh; synthetic reinforcements; rubber outsole with grip according to the product information.

Suitable for: Parents looking for children’s trainers
Skechers Gametronix 402260L BLMT 29

Skechers Gametronix 402260L BLMT 29

Why it suits this profile: These red children’s trainers have a hook-and-loop fastening, regular fit and rubber sole for school, play and everyday wear.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The size, width and fastening are clearly described. This makes it easier to match the shoe to your child’s independence and fit.

Key benefit & highlights

Hook-and-loop fastening; regular fit; rubber sole; clean with a damp cloth.

Looking for more options?

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.

Care and lifespan

Lifespan depends on how often you walk, the surfaces you use them on, the material and how well you maintain them. Rotate your shoes if you walk a lot every day. Allow wet trainers to dry at room temperature and don’t use a direct heat source. Many models should not be machine-washed. For mesh, canvas and suede, a soft brush or damp cloth is usually safer than harsh cleaning; always follow the care label and product page.

A statutory minimum two-year guarantee may apply to many of the models mentioned, according to the product information and European consumer rules. This guarantee is separate from normal wear and tear, incorrect care or damage caused by use. Keep your order details and contact the seller if there is a problem.

Frequently asked questions about buying trainers

Which trainers are suitable for everyday use?

Choose a style with a fit that doesn’t pinch, a sturdy rubber sole and an upper suited to the climate and how you intend to use the shoes. Casual trainers from Vans, retro trainers from New Balance and Skechers styles with memory foam may be suitable, depending on the fit and the surface.

How do I know which trainer size to buy?

Measure both feet at the end of the day and compare the longer measurement with the size guide. Also check whether the style comes up true to size, small or large. Don’t automatically choose the same size for adidas trainers, Puma trainers, Converse trainers and New Balance trainers.

How much should I spend on comfortable trainers?

First consider how often you will wear the shoes. For occasional use, a simple textile or canvas style may be enough. If you walk every day, you may place greater value on a sturdy sole, breathable materials and a well-fitting insole. Always compare the specific features and care requirements, not just the price or brand name.