Joybuy Insights

Choosing comfortable shoes: how to find a pair that suits your day

Comfortable shoes need to do more than look good. In the Netherlands, you might wear the same pair to work, while shopping and on a walk around town. Yet many people choose shoes based only on colour, brand or how soft they feel at first. That can lead to a poor fit, limited grip or difficult care later on.

As Joybuy Product Recommendation Officer, I focus on things you can check: sizing, materials, sole, fastening and intended use. This makes it easier to compare comfortable shoes without relying on generic marketing claims.

Three common pitfalls when choosing comfortable shoes

1. A soft insole doesn’t automatically mean a good fit

Memory Foam shoes often feel pleasantly soft when you try them on. That doesn’t mean they’re right for every foot. Pay attention to the width, the shape of the toe box and how securely the heel is held. A fixed insole may also be less practical if you usually wear your own insoles.

2. A high sole isn’t the same as good cushioning

Platform sandals and trainers with thick soles can give you extra height, but height says nothing about stability or grip. A raised sole can also feel different on stairs, when cycling or on uneven pavements. So check the shape and material of the sole, not just its height in millimetres.

3. “Breathable” and “machine washable” need a closer look

A mesh or textile upper may feel airier than fully synthetic material. However, ventilation also depends on the construction and lining. Care instructions vary from one model to another: some shoes can be washed on a gentle machine cycle, while others should only be cleaned with a damp cloth. Always follow the product specifications to help prevent misshaping and discolouration.

The key specifications to check

Size, foot length and width

Measure your feet at the end of the day, wearing the socks you’d normally wear with the shoes. Compare your measurements with the product’s size chart. The same EU size may fit differently across brands and models.

Also check the width. A regular fit, such as width D in some Skechers models, differs from wide-fit shoes with extra room around the forefoot. For slippers and sandals, the width of the straps is especially important. According to the product description, the PUXI Banana Boat Slide Slippers have a wide-fit shape designed for broader feet.

Fastening and heel support

Laces let you adjust the fit for each foot. Elastic laces, bungee lacing and Skechers Slip-Ins make shoes easier to put on, but check that the heel stays securely in place.

According to the product information, the adjustable heel strap on the CROCS Crush Sandal White can provide extra support. You can wear it over the top of your foot or behind your heel. If you mainly want shoes that are quick to slip on, you could also consider slippers or slip-ons, but they won’t hold your foot as securely as a lace-up shoe.

Sole, grip and intended use

For trainers you’ll wear every day, a flexible sole and good grip are useful things to look for. For walking shoes, the tread pattern matters too, especially on wet Dutch streets or unsurfaced paths. Several recommended models have rubber soles, but grip depends on the tread and the rubber compound.

Sandals and slippers are practical in warm weather. Comfortable trainers are often more versatile for commuting, longer walks around town or light exercise. Consider care requirements too: EVA is generally easy to rinse clean, while synthetic leather and textiles may need more careful cleaning.

Recommended comfortable shoes for different needs

Suitable for: Budget-conscious first-time buyers
Skechers Burns Agoura 52635 NVY 44

Skechers Burns Agoura 52635 NVY 44

Why it suits this need: A lace-up shoe with a regular fit for everyday wear, work and leisure. According to the product description, this model has a Memory Foam insole and a mesh upper.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The laces let you adjust the fit. The mesh section means you don’t have to rely solely on a thick sole or a soft-sounding marketing claim.

Key benefits and features

Rubber sole, lace-up fastening, synthetic leather upper and mesh inserts for ventilation, according to the product information.

Suitable for: Shoppers looking for premium quality
Skechers Summits Dazzling Haze 149937-BKMT 39

Skechers Summits - Dazzling Haze 149937-BKMT 39

Why it suits this need: These Skechers Slip-Ins are designed for easy entry, commuting and light exercise. According to the product description, this model is vegan and has a removable insole.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product description mentions more than cushioning: it also lists a flexible rubber outsole, stretch laces and a heel cushion to help you slip the shoes on.

Key benefits and features

Textile upper, Air-Cooled Memory Foam according to Skechers, a flexible sole and machine washability according to the product specifications.

Suitable for: Specific needs and frequent wear
CROCS Crush Sandal White

CROCS Crush Sandal White

Why it suits this need: A good choice for warm days, short outings and casual outfits. According to the product description, this sandal has a 52 mm platform sole and an adjustable heel strap.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The specifications list both the sole height and the strap. This helps you decide in advance whether the raised sole will suit your usual walking route.

Key benefits and features

100% Croslite according to the product information, lightweight and flexible, with hand washing recommended for care.

Suitable for: Shoppers with broader feet
PUXI Banana Boat Slide Slippers Black

PUXI Banana Boat Slide Slippers Black

Why it suits this need: These unisex slippers are designed for home, the beach, the bathroom and short trips outside. The product information lists a wide fit and EVA material.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The width and recommended foot length are clearly stated. This helps when choosing slippers if standard shapes feel too tight.

Key benefits and features

EVA construction, a ridged footbed, a lightweight design and a raised toe, 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 requirements.

Frequently asked questions about comfortable shoes

Which comfortable trainers are suitable for everyday wear?

Choose a model that fits your foot, with a sole that has enough tread and an upper suited to the season. Skechers trainers with Memory Foam may appeal if you’re looking for a soft insole. Always check the size, width and care instructions for each model.

Are slip-ons suitable for long walks?

It depends on the fit, sole and heel construction. Skechers Slip-Ins are handy when you want to put your shoes on quickly. For longer walks, check that the shoe holds your heel securely and that the sole offers enough grip and flexibility.

How long do comfortable shoes last?

Their lifespan depends on how often you wear them, the surfaces you walk on, your body weight, how well you care for them and the materials they’re made from. Alternate between pairs when you can, and leave wet shoes to air-dry. Replace a pair when the sole is visibly worn smooth, the heel no longer provides support or the fit has changed permanently.