A pair of men’s trainers often has to fulfil several roles in the Netherlands. You might wear them to work, on a walk through town, at the gym or with a casual outfit. However, a shoe that looks sporty is not automatically suitable for running or long walks.
So don’t focus only on the brand and colour. Above all, check the construction, fit and intended use. This will help you avoid paying for a marketing term that means very little in practice.
Terms such as Memory Foam, Air-Cooled and cushioned insole usually refer to the construction of the insole or midsole. They provide information about the material, but no universal guarantee of comfort. The fit, width and the way you walk remain decisive factors.
A Memory Foam insole can feel comfortable for everyday use. For running, you also need a suitable running construction, secure fastening and sufficient grip.
Sporty trainers and men’s running shoes often differ in their sole construction and finishing. A casual model with a flexible rubber sole may be suitable for commuting, but it may not be designed to withstand repeated impact during longer running sessions.
Use the product category and technical description as your starting point. If the shoe is described only as “casual” or “training”, don’t automatically treat it as a running shoe.
An EU size is a useful starting point, but brands may use different size charts. Adidas, for example, also uses half sizes such as 41 1/3 and 42 2/3. Puma describes the Speedcat OG as having a regular fit and recommends your usual European size.
Always check:
Look at the materials used for the outsole and midsole. Rubber generally offers a different grip experience from a fully synthetic sole. The Skechers Summits 52811 combines a rubber sole with a Memory Foam insole. According to the product description, the Skechers Slip-Ins: Summits - Key Pace has a shock-absorbing midsole, flexible rubber outsole and removable insole with Memory Foam.
These are verifiable product specifications. They don’t mean that every foot will have the same experience, but they do help you compare different models.
A knitted mesh or textile upper can be a good choice when breathability and flexibility are important. The Skechers Summits models use a mesh or textile construction. This suits everyday use and light activities, but an open mesh upper generally offers less protection against wind and rain than leather or nubuck.
If you mainly walk in wet conditions, it may be better to look for a shoe with an explicitly stated water-repellent construction. According to the product description, the Nike Manoa 454350 has a nubuck leather upper and water-repellent construction. This is not a substitute for complete waterproofing, so check the exact product information for that.
Laces allow you to adjust the fit around your instep. Bungee laces and men’s slip-on trainers are quicker to put on. The Skechers Summits 52811 combines a bungee-lace fastening with a slip-on design. The Skechers Slip-Ins: Summits - Key Pace is designed to let you step in and out hands-free and features what the brand describes as a Heel Pillow.
This makes such models practical for everyday use. For more intense activity, traditional laces may offer more adjustment options.
Why it suits this profile: A simple slip-on model for everyday use, light training and casual outfits. The regular fit suits shoppers looking for their usual size 43.
The product information specifically mentions a mesh upper, bungee laces, Memory Foam insole and rubber sole, rather than making only general comfort claims.
Bungee-lace fastening, mesh construction, Memory Foam insole and regular fit.
Why it suits this profile: For anyone looking for a sporty Adidas model that can handle everyday use and a variety of surfaces. The adjustable lace fastening helps you achieve a personalised fit.
The ATR version, synthetic rubber outsole and textile lining are clearly specified. However, check that the shoe suits the distances you plan to cover.
ATR construction, padded insole, synthetic rubber sole and lace fastening.
Why it suits this profile: Designed for short to medium-length running sessions. The combination of breathable mesh, Dreamstrike midsole and rubber lug sole makes it more specific to running than a casual trainer.
The intended use and sole construction are stated explicitly. This makes it clearer what the model is designed for than with a trainer that simply has a sporty appearance.
Breathable mesh, Dreamstrike foam in the midsole, rubber lug sole and regular fit.
Why it suits this profile: A black walking shoe for men who regularly walk on hilly terrain. The mid-cut upper and lugged sole are relevant features for this type of use.
The model is described as category A/B for hilly terrain and has a rubber lug sole. This makes its intended use more specific than that of ordinary black men’s trainers.
Leather upper, mid-cut upper, rubber lug sole and lace fastening.
For a retro look, the black-and-white Puma Speedcat OG models are worth considering. The product information specifies a leather upper, regular fit, flat heel and rubber outsole. This model is better suited to casual outfits than running training.
If getting your trainers on quickly is your priority, you could also look at the Skechers Slip-Ins: Summits - Key Pace in size 41 or the Skechers Bobs B Flex - Arctic Edge in sizes 42,5 or 44. Check the specific care instructions for each model: according to the product information, some versions can be machine-washed, while others may only be cleaned with a damp cloth.
For cold and wet conditions, you can also browse black men’s winter shoes. A higher shaft, leather upper and water-repellent finish may be more practical than a lightweight mesh model.
We’ve put together a complete, up-to-date list of products that fully meet these strict selection criteria and the applicable European safety regulations.
Start with your usual EU size, then compare the brand’s size chart. With Adidas, look out for half sizes such as 41 1/3 and 42 2/3. If you’re unsure, measuring your foot length in centimetres or millimetres is more useful than relying on the size number alone. Ideally, try shoes on with the socks you normally wear.
Their lifespan depends on how often you wear them, the surface, your body weight, how well you look after them and the wear on the sole. A pair worn every day will generally wear out faster than a model used in rotation. Look out for smooth patches on the sole, seams coming undone and a misshapen insole. These are practical signs that it’s time to replace your trainers.
Sometimes for short, low-intensity activities, but not automatically for regular running training. Men’s running shoes are usually designed with a different sole and cushioning construction. For walking, choose a model with sufficient grip and a fit that doesn’t slip. For running, choose a shoe whose intended use and construction are explicitly designed for running.