Joybuy Insights

Choosing men's sports shoes: how to find a pair for running, training or football

Buying a pair of men's sports shoes seems simple, until you have to choose between running shoes, indoor shoes, artificial-grass football boots and boots for natural grass. An attractive design or a well-known brand tells you little about whether they’re suitable for your sport.

The most common buying mistakes come down to three things:

  • Choosing the wrong sole for the surface: football boots for artificial grass aren’t automatically suitable for natural grass. Conversely, an FG sole may feel less comfortable or be less suitable on artificial grass.
  • Confusing cushioning with support: a soft midsole may feel comfortable, but it doesn’t tell you everything about fit, stability or suitability for intensive training.
  • Relying on the EU size alone: a size 42 can fit differently from one model to another. Always check the stated foot length, and try the shoes on with the socks you wear for sport.

Which features should you check?

1. Choose the sole to suit your sport and the surface

For running, a flexible outsole and cushioned midsole matter more than football-specific studs. If you mainly train on a treadmill, athletics track or paved roads, look for running shoes designed for training, with a breathable upper.

For football, the surface makes all the difference:

  • AG sole: designed for artificial grass. The studs are arranged to provide grip and stability on a synthetic surface.
  • FG sole: designed for firm natural-grass pitches. This sole provides grip when accelerating and turning on grass.
  • Sports shoes without football-specific studs: suitable for general fitness or everyday wear, but not necessarily for a football pitch.

So, don’t assume Joma men's football boots with an AG sole are suitable for natural grass. For a firm natural-grass pitch, football boots with an FG sole are a more suitable choice. Also check the venue’s rules, as some pitches specify a particular type of sole.

2. Look at the midsole and upper

In the product information for running shoes with Cloudfoam, Cloudfoam refers to the material in the midsole. The adidas Runfalcon 5 and adidas Galaxy 7 are listed in their product descriptions as having a Cloudfoam midsole. This may make them worth considering for everyday running and comfort on longer walks or training sessions, but the right choice still depends on your fit and running style.

Pay attention to the material, too:

  • Mesh or textile: can help with airflow and keep the shoe lightweight.
  • Synthetic leather: often used in football boots for its shape retention and easy care.
  • Rubber, TPU or Adiwear in the outsole: check the product’s composition and which surfaces it’s designed for.

Claims about comfort, grip or energy return come from the brands’ product descriptions. Treat them as features you can compare, not as a guarantee that every wearer will have the same experience.

3. Check the size, foot length and fit

A good sports shoe should fit snugly around the midfoot without pinching. A little room around the toes is useful in running shoes, as your feet can swell slightly during longer runs. Football boots, on the other hand, should fit securely and give you control without creating pressure points.

The range includes sports shoes in sizes 40 to 45, as well as half sizes. Examples from the product details:

  • adidas Runfalcon 5 size 40: stated foot length 25,9 cm.
  • adidas Runfalcon 5 size 42 2/3: stated foot length 26,7 cm.
  • adidas Galaxy 7 size 42: stated foot length 27 cm.
  • Joma Super Copa 2402 FG: size 45.
  • Joma Striker 2502 FG: size 43.

Measure your foot at the end of the day, compare the result with the size chart and check whether the product has a regular or wider fit. If you’re buying online, it’s worth checking the returns policy and statutory guarantee before you place your order.

Our recommendations for different types of users

Suitable for: Beginners on a budget
Adidas Runfalcon 5 GRESIX/CBLACK/FTWWHTIE8819 40

Adidas Runfalcon 5 GRESIX/CBLACK/FTWWHTIE8819 40

Why it suits this profile: This model is designed for everyday training, treadmill sessions and track use. According to the product details, sizes range from 36 to 45, making it easier to compare options.

How this product helps you avoid the pitfall

The product information clearly states its intended use, foot length for each size and materials. That means you don’t have to rely on looks or the brand name alone.

Key benefit & features

Mesh upper, Cloudfoam midsole, OrthoLite insole and Adiwear outsole, according to adidas’s product description.

Suitable for: Buyers looking for top quality
Adidas Adizero Boston 13 M CBLACK/CARBON/CBLACKJS4941 41 1/3

Adidas Adizero Boston 13 M CBLACK/CARBON/CBLACKJS4941 41 1/3

Why it suits this profile: A good choice for runners who prioritise intensive training sessions and tempo work. According to adidas, this model is designed for training towards a race.

How this product helps you avoid the pitfall

The specifications make clear that this isn’t a general lifestyle shoe, but a lightweight model for more intensive running training. Choose this type only if you’ll make use of its intended purpose.

Key benefit & features

Textile upper, Lightstrike Pro midsole, ENERGYRODS and Lighttraxion outsole with Continental Rubber, according to the product details.

Suitable for: Specific needs & intensive use
Joma Super Copa 2401 AG SUPW2401AG 40.5

Joma Super Copa 2401 AG SUPW2401AG 40.5

Why it suits this profile: According to the product information, these football boots are designed for artificial grass. That makes them a relevant choice for players who train or play matches mainly on synthetic pitches.

How this product helps you avoid the pitfall

The AG designation helps you choose a sole with the playing surface in mind. Don’t use these boots as general running shoes or as an FG model for natural grass.

Key benefit & features

Synthetic upper, rubber sole, regular fit, and EXO COUNTER and ONE PIECE technologies, according to Joma’s product information.

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 regulations.

Frequently asked questions about men's sports shoes

Which men's sports shoes are suitable for everyday running?

Look for models with cushioning that suits you, a breathable upper and an outsole designed for the surface you run on. The product information for the adidas Runfalcon 5 and Galaxy 7 associates them with everyday running and Cloudfoam cushioning. Always check the fit and foot length; the material alone won’t determine whether a shoe feels comfortable to run in.

How long do sports shoes usually last?

Their lifespan depends on how often you wear them, your body weight, the surface and how well you care for them. Replace a pair when the sole becomes visibly smooth, the upper tears or the cushioning noticeably loses its feel. Football boots generally last longer when you use them only on the recommended surface and remove mud after every session.

Can I wear football boots for artificial grass on natural grass?

This isn’t recommended as a regular combination. According to their product descriptions, AG models are designed for artificial grass, while FG models such as the Joma Super Copa 2402 FG and Joma Striker 2502 FG are designed for firm natural-grass pitches. Choose your sole to suit the pitch you use most often, and check the venue’s requirements if you’re unsure.