Choosing men's trainers: a practical guide to comfort, style and use

A pair of men's trainers often needs to handle several situations in the Netherlands: cycling to work, walking around town, wearing with a casual outfit and sometimes doing a light sporting activity. Yet it's easy to choose a pair that looks great in the product photo but is less suited to your everyday needs.

So keep an eye out for these three common pitfalls:

• A sporty look doesn't automatically mean a shoe is suitable for running. Casual men's trainers usually aren't constructed in the same way as men's running shoes.
• “Comfort” isn't a fixed technical standard. It's better to check the sole, insole, fit and material than to rely on the marketing copy alone.
• The wrong size can make even the best features unusable. Trainers that are too narrow, too short or too loose can be uncomfortable to walk in, even with a soft insole.

1. Choose men's trainers based on how you'll use them

First, decide what you'll need the shoes for most.

For everyday wear and casual outfits

For work, shopping and getting around town, a rubber outsole, a regular fit and an easy-care material are practical things to look for. Leather or synthetic overlays can be a good choice if you want a more robust upper. Mesh may feel more comfortable in warm weather, but it's often more prone to getting dirty.

Styles such as the Adidas Samba OG, men's Puma trainers and men's New Balance trainers usually work well with a casual wardrobe. Do check the sole construction, though: a flat gum sole is suitable for everyday wear, but not necessarily for longer runs.

For walking and long days

If you spend a lot of time on your feet, look for:

• A padded tongue and collar for a more comfortable fit.
• An insole with noticeable cushioning, such as a memory foam or EVA construction.
• A rubber sole with enough tread.
• An upper that doesn't squeeze your forefoot unnecessarily.

For example, the Skechers D’Lites 4.0 lists an Air-Cooled Memory Foam insole and a rubber Goodyear outsole. These are verifiable product specifications. The model is described as true to size; still, check the current size guide before ordering.

For running or intense training

Regular men's trainers usually aren't the right choice for running. Look for a running shoe with:

• A breathable textile or mesh upper.
• A midsole made from a clearly specified foam material, such as EVA.
• An outsole suited to roads, park paths or off-road terrain.
• A fit that holds your heel securely without creating pressure points.

According to the product description, the adidas Adizero Boston 13 M is designed for intense training and race preparation. It features a Lightstrike Pro midsole, ENERGYRODS and a Lighttraxion outsole with Continental Rubber. These features make it a sports shoe for a specific purpose, rather than necessarily an everyday casual trainer.

2. Check these three specifications

Fit and size

Sizing varies between brands and models. So an EU size 44 won't always have exactly the same internal length in Adidas, Skechers, Puma or New Balance shoes.

Ideally, measure your feet at the end of the day, wearing the socks you normally use. Then compare your foot length in millimetres with the product's size guide. If you're specifically looking for size 44 trainers, also check:

• Whether the model has a regular, narrow or wide fit.
• Whether it's described as “true to size”.
• Whether half sizes are available.
• Whether there's room around your toes without your heel slipping.

The Adidas Samba OG is listed as having a regular fit. The stated foot length for EU 44 is 27,1 cm. If you're between sizes, the product information suggests choosing half a size down for a snugger fit or half a size up for more room.

Sole and cushioning

Don't just look at the thickness of the sole. The material and the purpose it was designed for are more important.

• Rubber generally offers grip and durability on many urban surfaces.
• EVA is often used for a lightweight, cushioned midsole.
• Memory foam usually refers to a softer insole, but doesn't automatically tell you anything about stability.
• A low, flat cupsole works well on a retro or lifestyle model, but has different properties from a running shoe sole.

According to the product description, the New Balance U1906ROB combines a mesh and synthetic upper with ABZORB cushioning, a Stability Web construction and a rubber outsole. This makes it an interesting choice if you're after a running-inspired look with technical details.

Material and care

A mesh upper usually offers better ventilation, while suede and leather have a different look and need different care. So check the cleaning instructions:

• Use a suitable soft brush on suede and avoid getting it wet for long periods.
• Clean synthetic materials with a soft, damp cloth.
• Air-dry sports shoes and don't put them on a radiator.
• Only machine-wash trainers if the product information explicitly says it's safe to do so.

Care instructions don't guarantee a particular lifespan. How long men's trainers last also depends on how often you wear them, the surfaces you walk on, your body weight and whether you alternate them with other shoes.

3. Our recommendations for different types of wearer

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners

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

Why it suits this wearer: These black slip-ons are designed for everyday wear and have a regular fit. The fixed insole and round toe make them practical for quick changes and casual outfits.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information specifies a textile upper, memory foam insole and rubber outsole, rather than making only a general claim about comfort.

Main benefit & key features

Slip-on design, regular fit, textile upper and rubber sole with a treaded outsole.

Suitable for: Shoppers looking for top quality

Adidas Samba OG Cloud White/Core Black/Clear Granite Men's

Why it suits this wearer: The leather base, suede overlays and gum rubber cupsole work well with a classic casual style for work, leisure and getting around town.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The regular fit and foot-length measurements help you assess the size rather than relying solely on looks.

Main benefit & key features

Full-grain leather, suede overlays, lace-up fastening and a gum rubber cupsole.

Suitable for: Specific needs & intensive use

Adidas Adizero Boston 13 M CBLACK/CARBON/CBLACKJS4941 43 1/3

Why it suits this wearer: According to the product description, this model is designed for intense training and running. Its construction is therefore clearly different from that of casual men's trainers.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information specifies the training purpose, midsole technology and outsole type. This makes it clearer what the shoe is designed for.

Main benefit & key features

Textile upper, Lightstrike Pro midsole, ENERGYRODS and Lighttraxion outsole with Continental Rubber.

Frequently asked questions about men's trainers

How do I find the right size in men's trainers?

Measure both feet and use the larger measurement. Compare the length with the size guide for the specific model. Also consider the width and the thickness of the socks you prefer to wear. A size 44 in one brand may fit differently from a size 44 in another.

How long do comfortable trainers last?

It depends on the material, how you use them and the surfaces you walk on. Heavy daily use wears down the sole faster than alternating between pairs. Replace your trainers when the outsole becomes smooth, the upper starts to come away or the cushioning and fit clearly deteriorate.

Can I use men's trainers for running?

Only if the model is designed for it. The Adidas Samba OG, Puma Speedcat OG and many lifestyle models are intended mainly for everyday wear. For running, choose a model whose product description specifies a running or training purpose, a suitable midsole and an appropriate outsole.