Joybuy Insights

Choosing men’s trainers: how to find a pair for your everyday needs

A pair of men’s trainers often needs to handle several jobs in the Netherlands: commuting, shopping, a walk around town and sometimes a light workout. Yet many people buy based on looks or a familiar model name without checking the fit, sole or care instructions.

Look out for these three common pitfalls:

  1. Confusing “memory foam” with a shoe that fits properly. A memory foam insole may feel soft, but it says nothing about the shoe’s width, heel stability or toe room. A fixed insole may also be less practical if you use your own orthotic insoles.
  2. Confusing water-repellent with waterproof. A water-repellent upper doesn’t automatically offer lasting protection from rain. For wet walks, the material, membrane and sole construction matter more than the product title alone.
  3. Ignoring the wrong width or size. An EU size 45 can fit differently from one model to another. Always check the stated fit, shoe width and size chart. This is especially important for larger sizes, such as 46 or 47,5.

What features matter in men’s trainers?

1. Fit, width and fastening

Don’t just look at the shoe’s length. A standard fit is often marked as D or G in the product information, depending on the model and the size chart used. Laces offer more adjustability than a slip-on design. Elastic laces or a bungee fastening are practical, but generally allow less individual adjustment.

When trying shoes on, check that:

  • There’s at least a little room for your toes, without your foot sliding forwards.
  • Your heel doesn’t slip up and down as you walk.
  • There are no pressure points across your instep or around your little toe.
  • There’s enough room for the socks you usually wear.
  • The fit still feels comfortable at the end of the day, when your feet are often slightly larger.

If you’re looking for extra-large shoe sizes, check that the specific product is actually available in the size you need. A model available up to size 47,5 gives you more choice than a range that stops at 45.

2. Sole, grip and intended use

For everyday wear, comfortable men’s trainers often have a rubber outsole and a lightweight midsole. This makes them suitable for pavements, shops and the office. For woodland paths or uneven ground, you’ll benefit more from a pronounced tread and extra stability.

A flat sole is usually easy to pair with casual clothes, while a trail sole can offer more grip on muddy or loose ground. That doesn’t mean every walking shoe is suitable for running or intensive training. Choose the sole to suit the terrain and how long you’ll be wearing the shoes.

3. Upper, ventilation and moisture protection

Mesh and textile usually let more air through than fully closed synthetic leather. This can feel more comfortable on long days, but an open mesh upper offers less protection from rain. Synthetic leather is easier to wipe clean, while textile usually needs more attention when it gets stained.

In wet conditions, check the exact claim:

  • Water-repellent: designed to temporarily resist light rain or splashes.
  • Waterproof membrane: according to the product specifications, designed to keep water out more effectively.
  • No moisture protection claim: treat the shoe as a dry-weather or city style.

For example, the product information for the Salomon XA Pro 3D v9 GTX mentions a GORE-TEX membrane. The Nike Manoa is described as having a water-repellent construction. Make sure you follow the care instructions for these shoes; no shoe stays dry in every condition.

Recommended models for different types of users

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
Skechers Summits 52811 BKCC 43

Skechers Summits 52811 BKCC 43

Why it suits this type of user: An accessible option for everyday wear, commuting and casual outfits. The bungee fastening makes it easy to put on and take off.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information states that it has a standard fit, includes size advice and has a rubber sole. Do check that size 43 suits your foot length.

Key benefits and features

Memory foam insole, mesh upper and bungee laces for practical everyday wear.

Suitable for: Shoppers looking for premium quality
Salomon XA Pro 3D v9 GTX 472701 41 1/3

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

Why it suits this type of user: Designed for walkers and trail users who value stability, grip and protection in wet conditions.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product description specifically mentions a GORE-TEX membrane, 3D Advanced Chassis and Contagrip outsole. These are verifiable specifications, rather than just a general comfort claim.

Key benefits and features

Waterproof membrane according to the product information, Quicklace system and rubber trail sole with tread.

Suitable for: Specific activities and intensive use
Nike Manoa 454350 trekking boot

Nike Manoa 454350 trekking boot

Why it suits this type of user: A high-top shoe for winter city outings, walks and adventurous use when ankle coverage and a sturdy sole are important.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information mentions nubuck leather, a high shaft and a water-repellent construction. This makes the shoe’s intended use clear, without presenting it as an all-round sports shoe.

Key benefits and features

Rubber outsole, cushioned polyurethane foam insole and a high-top design for extra coverage.

Suitable for: Men who want a quick and easy fit
Skechers Slip-Ins Summits Key Pace 232469-BBK 44

Skechers Slip-Ins: Summits - Key Pace 232469-BBK 44

Why it suits this type of user: Handy for everyday wear when you don’t want to tie laces, such as for short trips, shopping or the office.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The fixed footbed construction and standard fit are listed in the product details. Check in advance whether you need a removable insole.

Key benefits and features

Hands-free Slip-Ins design, memory foam insole and profiled rubber outsole.

Looking for more options?

We’ve put together a full, up-to-date list of products that meet these strict selection criteria and the applicable European safety regulations.

Black, grey or sporty: which style suits your clothes?

Black men’s trainers are easy to pair with jeans, chinos and dark workwear. With black synthetic materials, though, visible dust or creasing can be more noticeable. Grey men’s trainers, such as the Skechers Burns Agoura in CHAR, create a softer contrast and work well with denim and light-coloured jackets.

For a sporty look, sporty casual shoes for men with mesh, decorative stitching or a low-profile sole are a good choice. If you’re mainly looking for a lightweight pair, look for terms such as lightweight men’s trainers, but check the sole thickness and stability too. A low weight doesn’t automatically make a shoe suitable for long walks.

According to the product description, the Skechers Burns Agoura combines synthetic leather, mesh inserts, a rubber sole and a non-removable memory foam insole. The black version is available in several sizes, including 42 and 45. Check the product page for current stock and exact sizing information.

Care and expected lifespan

How long men’s trainers last depends on how often you wear them, the surface you walk on, your body weight, exposure to moisture and how well you care for them. Ideally, alternate between pairs, let wet shoes dry at room temperature and don’t put them directly on a radiator. Always follow the specific care label:

  • According to the product information, some Skechers models can be machine-washed.
  • Other mesh models should only be cleaned with a damp cloth.
  • According to the care instructions, the Nike Manoa should be wiped with a damp cloth and left to dry naturally.
  • According to the product details, the Salomon XA Pro 3D v9 GTX must not be machine-washed.

After regular wear, check the sole for signs of wear, look for loose stitching and see whether the heel has become permanently misshapen. If the shoes show clear signs of wear, grip will be reduced, especially on wet tiles or uneven paths.

Frequently asked questions about men’s trainers

Which men’s trainers are suitable for long walks?

Choose a well-fitting style with a sturdy, profiled rubber sole, a secure heel and suitable ventilation. For off-road terrain, men’s walking shoes or waterproof trail shoes for men make more sense than a flat casual trainer. The Salomon XA Pro 3D v9 GTX lists a trail tread, GORE-TEX membrane and stability construction among its features.

Are memory foam trainers suitable for everyday wear?

They can be, as long as the fit and width suit your feet. Memory foam mainly describes the insole material, not the overall support provided by the shoe. Check whether the insole is removable too. According to the product information, the insoles in several Skechers models in this selection cannot be removed.

How do I choose the right size in men’s Skechers trainers?

Start with your usual EU size, but always compare it with the size chart for the specific model. Some product pages say a model fits true to size; this is a useful guide, but it’s no substitute for checking your foot length and width. Also look out for the difference between standard width D and a wider fit such as G.