Choosing comfortable trainers: look for fit, cushioning and grip

Comfortable trainers may seem easy to choose, but an appealing photo tells you little about how they feel to wear. A sole can look sturdy yet offer too little support. A well-cushioned style may also feel too roomy, while a tight upper can become uncomfortable after a few hours.

When buying comfortable trainers online, these are the pitfalls to watch out for:

• Focusing only on looks: white trainers or a striking retro design might go well with your clothes, but that doesn’t necessarily make them suitable for long walks or everyday wear.
• Assuming “Memory Foam” guarantees comfort: a Memory Foam insole may feel soft, but the fit, width and stability of the whole shoe still matter.
• Overlooking materials and care: suede, leather, synthetic leather and textiles all need different care. A style that isn’t machine washable is less practical if you wear your trainers often.
• Ignoring sizing advice: a regular fit usually means you can order your usual size, but always check the specific product information. Not every style fits the same way.

What should you look for in comfortable trainers?

1. Fit and room inside the shoe

First, check the stated fit and shoe width. The selected styles, for example, include width D and a regular fit. This is a useful starting point for many feet, but it doesn’t guarantee the same fit for everyone.

When trying them on, check the following:

• Your toes shouldn’t touch the front.
• Your heel shouldn’t keep lifting out of the shoe.
• The laces should hold your foot securely without creating pressure points.
• If possible, try trainers on with the socks you normally wear.
• Allow extra room if you’ll be wearing the shoes for long walks.

A style with a pull tab may be easier to put on. Elastic laces, as found on some Skechers trainers, can be handy for everyday wear, while standard laces offer more room for adjustment.

2. Cushioning and insole

A soft insole feels comfortable for many everyday activities, but also consider the construction of the midsole and outsole. Product descriptions mention features including Memory Foam, Air-Cooled Memory Foam, Arch Fit and an OrthoLite insole. These are product features, but your experience may vary.

According to the product description, the Skechers Track Syntac has a Memory Foam insole. The Summits - Dazzling Haze is listed with an Air-Cooled Memory Foam insole. The Skechers Arch Fit Legend has a removable Arch Fit insole, according to the product information. A removable insole is handy if you want to air out the inside of the shoe or use a suitable replacement insole.

For everyday trainers, a combination of cushioning and flexibility is usually more practical than an extremely hard or soft sole. If you’re buying trainers for sport, also check that the style is actually designed for your activity. Many casual trainers are suitable for walking and everyday wear, but not necessarily for intensive training.

3. Upper, breathability and grip

The upper affects how the shoe feels and how easy it is to care for:

• Textile and mesh: often lightweight and breathable, as with some Track and Summits styles.
• Synthetic leather: has a smoother surface and is usually easy to wipe clean.
• Leather or suede: can offer a different look and texture, but needs specific care.
• Vegan materials: the Skechers Summits is listed as being made from 100% vegan materials, according to the product description. Always check the product specifications for the version you choose.

A rubber outsole with a tread pattern can help provide grip. Product descriptions for several styles mention a rubber sole, flexible traction or an anti-slip pattern. This doesn’t mean every sole will offer the same grip on wet tiles, smooth floors or mud. So, when choosing trainers with good grip, consider both the tread pattern and where you’ll be wearing them.

Our recommendations for different wearers

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners

Skechers Summits - Dazzling Haze 149937-BKMT 39

Why it suits this wearer: This lightweight style is designed for easy everyday wear. The elastic fastening and slip-on construction make it practical to put on and take off on busy days.

How this product avoids the pitfalls

The product information lists a regular fit, flexible outsole and removable insole. Be sure to check the size before ordering.

Key benefits and features

According to the product description: vegan materials, Air-Cooled Memory Foam insole, rubber sole and machine washable.

Suitable for: Shoppers looking for premium quality

LACOSTE L003 2K24 224 7 SMA WHT/GRY 45

Why it suits this wearer: A versatile choice if you want to pair a smart look with features designed for everyday comfort and grip.

How this product avoids the pitfalls

The specifications list mesh, suede and synthetic overlays, so you can see in advance which materials will need care. Hand washing is recommended.

Key benefits and features

According to the product description: OrthoLite insole, padded tongue, EVA midsole and rubber outsole with an anti-slip pattern.

Suitable for: Specific activities and frequent wear

Skechers Oak Canyon Redwick 51896 WNV 43

Why it suits this wearer: This training and walking style is a good fit for anyone looking for stability, a roomier fit and a robust sole.

How this product avoids the pitfalls

The product information lists a Relaxed Fit, stabilising zones and a high-traction rubber outsole. Check that the roomier fit is right for your foot.

Key benefits and features

According to the product description: synthetic upper, leather overlays, Memory Foam insole and flexible rubber tread.

For women, men and children

The same selection criteria apply to women’s trainers, men’s trainers and children’s trainers, but their uses can differ. For school and play, a regular fit, secure fastening and easy care are practical. The Skechers Sport Court 92 for boys, for example, has a synthetic leather upper, laces and a rubber sole.

For adults, white trainers such as the LACOSTE Lineshot 223 or Skechers Sport Court 92 are a good choice if you’re after a neutral style. If breathability is your priority, look for styles with mesh. For walking or everyday cycling, a treaded sole and an easily adjustable fastening matter more than looks alone.

Good care helps your trainers last longer. Clean leather, synthetic leather and suede according to the product instructions. Let wet trainers dry at room temperature, and don’t use harsh products unless they’re recommended.

Frequently asked questions about comfortable trainers

How long do comfortable trainers last?

It depends on how far you walk, the surface, your weight, how well you care for them and the materials they’re made from. Look for wear on the tread, tears in the upper and a sole that has flattened or become misshapen. If you wear trainers every day, alternating between two pairs can help both last longer.

Are Memory Foam trainers suitable for walking?

According to the product description, Memory Foam can provide extra softness and cushioning, but you should also check the stability, fit and outsole. For longer walks, a secure heel fit and plenty of grip are at least as important as a soft insole.

How much does it cost to care for trainers?

For most styles, all you need is a soft brush, a damp cloth and mild soap, so the cost is low. Check whether machine washing is allowed, though: some trainers are best cleaned by hand, and soaking or washing them too harshly can damage the material.