Joybuy Insights

Buying shoes without regrets: how to choose trainers, sports shoes and walking shoes

Buying shoes online may seem simple, but an appealing design says little about fit, grip or durability. A pair may look good in photos yet still be too narrow, offer insufficient support or wear out quickly with everyday use. This applies to trainers, sports shoes, running shoes, trail running shoes and children’s shoes.

Use these practical checks to compare shoes based on the features that really matter in the Netherlands: intended use, material, size, sole and care.

Common pitfalls when buying shoes

1. Confusing style with functionality

A low-top trainer such as the Nike Dunk Low, Puma Speedcat, Vans Old Skool or Converse Star Player 76 OX is easy to pair with everyday outfits. However, a casual model is not automatically suitable for running, long walks or wet woodland paths. Always consider how you will use the shoes before focusing on colour or current trends.

A leather trainer may feel sturdy, while a mesh upper is lighter and more breathable. Neither material is suitable for every situation.

2. Looking only at the EU size

A size 42 can vary from one brand and model to another. Width also matters. Product information may sometimes include an indication such as D for a standard width or G for a wider fit. Also check the foot length in millimetres where this information is available.

Ideally, measure your feet at the end of the day, wearing the socks you normally use. Compare the longer foot with the size chart. Leave some room around the toes in sports shoes, but make sure your heel does not lift as you walk.

3. Taking comfort-focused marketing language too literally

Words such as “cushioning”, “shock absorption” or “all-day comfort” are not a guarantee of your personal experience. Look at the specific components instead: midsole type, fastening, insole, upper and outsole pattern. According to adidas product information, the Galaxy 7 M uses a Cloudfoam midsole, while the Joma TR-6000 is listed with an EVA midsole featuring shock absorption. These are verifiable product specifications, but the perceived softness still depends on your foot shape, walking style and the surface beneath you.

Important points to check

Intended use and terrain

Choose shoes based on where you will wear them:

  • Trainers and women’s or men’s shoes for everyday use: focus on fit, weight, fastening and a sole suitable for pavements and shop floors.
  • Sports shoes and running shoes: check the cushioning, flexibility, weight and the terrain the model is designed for.
  • Trail running shoes: look for a clearly defined tread and a grippy rubber outsole for mud, loose stones and wet paths.
  • Walking shoes: stability, toe protection and protection from moisture may be more important than low weight.
  • Children’s shoes: a practical fastening, regular fit and easy-to-clean materials are often useful for school and play.

A sole designed for natural terrain may feel harder or less flexible on tarmac. Conversely, a flat lifestyle sole generally offers less traction on muddy paths.

Material and protection

An upper made from mesh or textile can be airy and lightweight. Leather, suede or synthetic overlays can provide additional structure and protection, but may require different care. For example, the Puma Speedcat is listed with a leather upper and textile lining. According to its product specification, the Vans Hylane combines suede and synthetic material.

For rainy weather, a water-repellent treatment is not the same as a waterproof membrane. The Salomon XA Pro 3D v9 GTX is listed with a GORE-TEX membrane in the product information. Always check the care instructions and seams too: prolonged exposure to water can affect wearing comfort even when protective materials are used.

Fit, fastening and insole

Laces allow you to adjust the fit precisely around your foot, while hook-and-loop fastenings on children’s shoes are quick and easy to use independently. A padded collar can reduce pressure around the ankle, but a high edge will not feel comfortable for everyone.

Also check whether the insole is removable. The Joma TR-6000 Men 2517 is listed as having a non-removable insole. This is relevant if you want to use a different insert. Also look at the shape of the toe box: a round toe often provides more room than a narrow, streamlined design.

Our recommendations by user profile

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
Adidas Galaxy 7 M running shoes size 42

Adidas Galaxy 7 M ROYBLU/FTWWHT/DKBLUE ID8756 42

Why it suits this profile: This model combines a regular fit with a textile upper, Cloudfoam midsole and TPU outsole. That makes it a practical option for beginner runners and everyday sporting activities.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information clearly lists the fit, size 42, foot length of 270 mm, Cloudfoam midsole and TPU sole. You therefore do not have to judge the shoes by their appearance alone.

Key benefit & advantages

Regular fit, Cloudfoam cushioning and a lightweight textile upper according to the product specifications.

Suitable for: Buyers looking for top quality
Salomon XA Pro 3D v9 GTX trail running shoes

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

Why it suits this profile: For walking, trail running and changeable weather, a GORE-TEX membrane, 3D Advanced Chassis, Quicklace and Contagrip outsole are all relevant features.

How this product avoids the pitfall

Suitability for wet and uneven terrain is linked to named components: GORE-TEX, a stabilising chassis and a treaded sole. Still, check the size and fit before buying.

Key benefit & advantages

Waterproof membrane according to the product description, Quicklace fastening and Contagrip rubber for grip on different types of terrain.

Suitable for: Specific uses & intensive users
Joma TR-6000 Men trail running shoes size 44

Joma TR-6000 Men 2517 TKTR6S2517 44

Why it suits this profile: According to the product information, this model is designed for trail running and daily training, with a breathable mesh upper, EVA midsole, reinforced toe and heel, and a high-profile sole.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product details mention not only comfort, but also reinforced sections and grip. This makes it easier to compare the model with ordinary trainers featuring a flat sole.

Key benefit & advantages

Mesh for ventilation, EVA shock absorption, and a reinforced toe and heel according to the stated product specifications.

Looking for more options?

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

Choosing trainers, sports shoes or walking shoes

For everyday use, you can compare models such as the Vans Old Skool, Puma Speedcat or Nike Dunk Low based on their upper, sole and fit. According to the product information, Nike Wmns Dunk Low models feature a leather or leather-textile upper, a padded collar and a rubber sole with a pivot point. That makes them suitable for casual wear, but does not automatically make them suitable as running shoes.

For children, the Skechers Meteor-Lights and Skechers Go Run 400-Darvix are examples where fastening, size and cleaning require extra attention. The Meteor-Lights has a hook-and-loop fastening and built-in lights; machine washing is therefore not suitable according to the care instructions. With children’s shoes, regularly check that there is still enough room for the toes.

If you are looking for one pair for both roads and off-road terrain, you could also consider Pelliot models featuring mesh, EVA and ROCKYTEC rubber. Pay close attention to the available regular or narrow fit and compare the foot length with the size chart.

Care and statutory guarantee

Allow wet shoes to dry at room temperature, not on a radiator or in direct sunlight. Remove mud with a soft brush or damp cloth and follow the washing label. Leather trainers and suede shoes may benefit from a suitable protective product; textile shoes generally require a different approach.

For consumers in the Netherlands, online purchases are covered by the statutory guarantee of conformity. The product information for several of the models mentioned states that they have a statutory guarantee of at least two years under EU consumer rules. This does not replace your obligation to use the product normally and follow the care instructions.

Frequently asked questions about shoes

How do I know which shoe size to order online?

Measure both feet in millimetres and use the size chart for the specific model. Use the measurement of the longer foot as your starting point. Also consider width, fastening and feedback about the fit. A regular fit is not the same as a wide fit.

How long do shoes last?

Their lifespan depends on use, body weight, terrain, material and care. Everyday trainers wear differently from trail running shoes. Replace shoes when the sole becomes visibly smooth, the upper tears or the fit no longer feels stable. There is no fixed lifespan that applies to every pair.

Are expensive shoes automatically more comfortable?

Not necessarily. Price may be linked to materials, construction and brand positioning, but comfort is personal. Compare measurable features such as sole material, foot width, insole, weight, fastening and intended use. Search the range for shoes that suit how you will use them rather than focusing only on the price tag or brand name.