Choosing men’s shoes: a practical guide to comfort, style and use

A pair of men’s shoes can look convincing online yet disappoint as soon as you wear them through Dutch rain, over cobbles or during a long day at work. This is particularly true of men’s trainers and sporty shoes, where features are sometimes described broadly while important details about fit, sole and materials are less clear.

So watch out for these common pitfalls:

• A sporty appearance is mistaken for sporty support. Casual men’s trainers with a retro running style are often suitable for everyday use, but they are not automatically suitable for running.
• “Breathable” does not tell you everything. A mesh upper can allow air to circulate, but may offer less protection against rain and mud. Conversely, a waterproof membrane may feel warmer.
• The wrong size makes good materials unusable. A shoe that slips at the heel or pinches at the toes will remain uncomfortable, regardless of the brand or price.
• A shallow tread is not suitable for every terrain. A rubber sole with grip for the city is different from a trail sole with deep lugs for wet woodland paths.

Which specifications should you check?

1. Fit and foot length

Don’t just look at the EU size. Also check the stated foot length in centimetres or millimetres and compare it with your own measurement. Measure both feet at the end of the day, wearing the socks you usually wear. Use the larger foot as your reference.

Also pay attention to:

• Regular or wide fit: a regular last may feel too tight on wide feet.
• Toe room: leave some space in front of your longest toe, especially with men’s running shoes and men’s walking shoes.
• Heel hold: the heel should feel secure without creating pressure points.
• Laces or quick laces: these allow you to adjust the tension more precisely than a loose slip-on style.

For example, a product page may state a specific size and foot length. According to the product information, the adidas Run 70s 2.0 in size 40 is linked to a foot length of 25.5 cm. Always check the size chart for the exact model you have chosen.

2. Upper and ventilation

The upper largely determines how the shoe feels and what it is suitable for.

• Textile or mesh: generally lightweight and airy, making it useful for everyday wear, training and dry weather.
• Leather or synthetic leather: often provides more structure and a different look, but may be less breathable.
• Reinforcements at the toe and heel: useful when you use your shoes more intensively or walk over rough ground.
• Waterproof membrane: according to the Salomon XA Pro 3D v9 GTX product description, it features GORE-TEX. This is relevant in wet conditions, but also check the care instructions.

“Breathable” and “waterproof” are not synonyms. Choose an airy model for warm days and a model with extra protection for rainy walks.

3. Midsole and outsole

The midsole affects how the shoe feels as you walk. Brands use materials such as EVA, IMEVA, Cloudfoam and Energy Foam for cushioning or a lightweight feel. Treat these descriptions as the brand’s product information and focus mainly on how the overall combination suits your intended use.

The outsole determines grip:

• Shallow rubber tread: suitable for the city, work and everyday use.
• Flexible rubber sole: comfortable when you want a smooth roll-through.
• Deeper tread: more relevant for men’s trail-running shoes, mud and loose ground.
• Contagrip or a similar trail rubber sole: according to the product description, designed to provide grip across different terrains. Also check the exact version.

A pair of Salomon trail shoes or Joma TR-6000 is therefore not automatically the right choice for road training. Conversely, a retro trainer such as the New Balance 574 or adidas Run 70s may be less suitable for long runs on off-road terrain.

Our recommendations by user profile

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners

Adidas Run 70s 2.0 FTWWHT/CBLACK/GREONEIH8584 40

Why it suits this profile: The retro style works well with jeans and casual clothing, while the textile upper, flexible rubber outsole and stated foot length of 25.5 cm provide clear purchasing information.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The size chart and material information make it easier to distinguish appearance, fit and suitability for everyday use.

Key benefit & highlights

Synthetic leather and textile; lightweight, flexible rubber outsole; suitable for casual everyday wear.

Suitable for: Shoppers looking for premium quality

Salomon XA Pro 3D v9 GTX 472701 41 1/3

Why it suits this profile: For walkers and trail runners who regularly encounter wet, uneven paths, the stated GORE-TEX lining, 3D Advanced Chassis, Quicklace and Contagrip sole are relevant specifications.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product details list wet-weather protection and grip separately. This prevents you from relying solely on a marketing term such as “all-terrain”.

Key benefit & highlights

GORE-TEX according to the product description; Quicklace system; Contagrip outsole; reinforced toe and heel.

Suitable for: Specific uses & intensive users

Joma TR-6000 Men 2517 TKTR6S2517 44

Why it suits this profile: According to the product description, this model is designed for trail running, with mesh, an EVA midsole, a high-grip sole and reinforcements at the toe and heel.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The reinforced sections and tread are more specific than simply describing the shoe as sporty. However, check that size 44 and the regular fit suit your feet.

Key benefit & highlights

Breathable mesh; EVA midsole; high-grip rubber sole; reinforced toe and heel.

Which shoes are right for your situation?

• For work, the city and everyday wear: look for comfortable shoes with a flexible sole, sufficient toe room and an upper suited to the season. The Puma Speedcat, Vans Old Skool and New Balance 574 are examples of casual models with a distinctive style.
• For running on asphalt: choose men’s running shoes with a suitable ride feel, a good fit and a sole designed for hard surfaces. According to the product information, an adidas Galaxy 7 M has a Cloudfoam midsole and TPU outsole.
• For woodland and off-road terrain: choose men’s trail-running shoes with grip, protection and sufficient stability. With models from Salomon, Joma or PELLIOT, check the tread and the exact version.
• For a sporty look without intensive training: men’s trainers with a retro profile, such as the adidas Run 70s or Puma Speedcat, generally pair more easily with everyday clothing than technical trail shoes.

Proper care extends their useful life. Remove dirt with a damp cloth, allow shoes to dry naturally and do not use a heat source. Always follow the care label: some models must not be put in the washing machine and have a non-removable insole.

Frequently asked questions about men’s shoes

How long do men’s shoes last on average?

This depends on use, terrain, body weight, materials and care. A pair for everyday use wears differently from running shoes or walking shoes. Regularly check the tread, cracks in the sole and any deformation of the heel. With intensive use, alternating between two pairs can help the materials recover between wears.

Should you buy men’s running shoes in a larger size?

Not as a rule. Measure your foot first and check the size chart for the model you have chosen. For running, a little extra room around the toes is often comfortable, but a shoe that is too large may slip. Ideally, try shoes on with running socks and check that the heel remains secure.

Are leather men’s trainers suitable for rain?

Leather can cope with light showers when properly maintained, but it is not automatically waterproof. A textile model may absorb moisture more quickly, while a shoe with a waterproof membrane is specifically designed for wet conditions. Check the product description and only apply waterproofing treatment if permitted by the care instructions.