In the Netherlands, a pair of trainers often needs to do more than simply complete a casual outfit. You might wear them to work, out for a walk, on your bike or to meet someone in town. Yet choosing men’s or women’s trainers that are both comfortable and easy to pair with your clothes isn’t always straightforward.
Marketing copy often focuses on looks and well-known brand names. As a result, important details can be overlooked. These might include a sole with too little grip, an upper that’s difficult to clean or sizing that differs from your usual pair.
Retro trainers such as the Vans Old Skool, New Balance 574 or adidas Samba OG have a distinctive look. But that doesn’t automatically mean they’ll fit your feet well. Check whether the product description gives details about the width, insole, lining and cushioning.
A low-top trainer with a flat rubber sole may be suitable for everyday wear, but it’ll feel different from a style with a softer midsole. If you do a lot of walking, it’s worth bearing this difference in mind.
A synthetic upper may be easy to wipe clean, while suede needs more care. Mesh and textiles can feel more breathable, but they’re not always easy to clean. So look beyond the colour and brand, and check:
Sizing varies between brands and styles. An EU size 42 won’t have exactly the same internal length in every pair. If possible, measure your feet at the end of the day, when they take up a little more room. Then compare your measurements with the size chart for the specific product.
Also consider the socks you usually wear. For everyday use, the toe box shouldn’t press against your toes, but too much room can make your foot slide around.
A regular fit, lace-up or slip-on fastening and a clear size chart make it easier to choose a pair that fits. For example, the product information for the Skechers Bobs Geo-New Aesthetics describes it as a regular-fit style and recommends ordering your usual size. For some versions of the adidas Run 70s 2.0, the foot length is also given in centimetres.
Use this information as a guide, not a guarantee. Your foot shape, sock thickness and personal preference still matter.
A rubber outsole is a practical choice for Dutch streets, shop floors and cycle paths. Rubber is listed as a material that provides grip and durability for several styles. The Lacoste L003 2K24 is also described as having anti-slip tread on the outsole. This doesn’t mean the shoe will provide the same grip on every surface; take care when walking on wet tiles and slippery floors.
A cupsole, as found on certain adidas styles and the Samba OG, has a sturdy, distinctive construction. A style with a softer or more cushioned midsole may feel more comfortable if you’re standing or walking for longer periods.
Choose the material to suit how you’ll wear your trainers:
Don’t automatically put your trainers in the washing machine. Machine washing isn’t recommended for the Vans Old Skool. For several adidas styles, the care instructions recommend wiping them with a damp cloth and leaving them to dry naturally.
Why it suits this profile: This women’s style has a regular fit, lace-up fastening and neutral beige colour. That makes it easy to pair with jeans, casual clothes and everyday outfits.
The product information includes details about the fit, shoe width, materials and care. So you don’t have to rely on the photo or brand name alone.
Textile upper, rubber sole, regular fit and lace-up fastening.
Why it suits this profile: A good choice if you’re looking for smart, modern men’s trainers with mesh, suede and synthetic overlays. The white and grey colourway works with both workwear and weekend outfits.
The description specifies the materials, OrthoLite insole, padded tongue and hand-washing advice. That gives you more to go on than a general claim about comfort.
Mesh and suede upper, EVA midsole, OrthoLite insole and rubber outsole with grip tread.
Why it suits this profile: This style is designed to feel lightweight and flexible, and to be worn every day. Its retro shape works well with sporty and casual outfits.
The product details list the sole, lining, materials and foot length for size 42. This helps you make a more informed judgement about fit and use.
Synthetic leather and textile upper, textile lining and rubber outsole.
Other options include the New Balance 574, with suede, mesh and a rubber sole, or the Vans Old Skool, made with textile and rubber. For a bold retro look, you could also consider the adidas Samba OG. For each style, check the available sizes and care instructions.
We’ve put together a complete, up-to-date list of products that meet these strict selection criteria and the applicable European safety regulations.
Look for a combination of fit, weight, sole and material. Trainers with a rubber outsole, textile lining and enough cushioning can be a practical choice for commuting and casual wear. For long walks, a style designed specifically for walking may be more suitable than lifestyle trainers.
Measure both feet on a flat surface and use the longer foot as your guide. Compare its length with the size chart for the style you’ve chosen. adidas sizes may include half sizes such as 40 2/3, 41 1/3 and 43 1/3. So don’t rely on your usual EU size alone.
Always follow the care advice on the product page. For many styles, use a damp cloth, avoid bleach and leave the shoes to dry naturally. Suede, textiles and synthetic materials all react differently to water and cleaning products. Machine washing isn’t recommended for some styles, including the Vans Old Skool and various adidas trainers.