Joybuy Insights

Choosing sneakers and accessories: practical buying tips for every day

Searching online for sneakers and accessories seems easy, until you have to choose from hundreds of styles. A low price tells you little about fit, materials or care. Even well-known names such as Lacoste, Vans, Puma, Geox, New Balance and Levi’s use different lasts and materials.

This guide helps you compare shoes and accessories using verifiable product information. That way, you can find a pair for school, work, sport or everyday wear without paying for features you don’t need.

Three common pitfalls when shopping online

1. Mistaking a brand name for a good fit

A well-known brand doesn’t automatically mean a style will suit your feet. A narrow last, stiff edge or limited room around the toes can make a shoe uncomfortable for everyday wear. So check the stated fit, insole, fastening and size chart.

This is especially important with children’s sneakers. Measure the foot in centimetres and check that there’s enough room to move. Geox’s product information generally recommends allowing around 0.5 to 1 cm of extra length for children and choosing the larger size if in doubt.

2. “Comfort” without a technical explanation

Words such as comfortable, lightweight and supportive are only useful when it’s clear what makes a shoe that way. Check whether the description mentions an EVA midsole, padded insole, textile upper or rubber outsole.

According to the product information for various styles, these materials can contribute to cushioning, flexibility or grip. That doesn’t guarantee the same experience for every wearer: foot shape, use and size all play a part.

3. Overlooking care requirements

White synthetic sneakers, suede Vans sneakers and children’s nubuck shoes all need different care. Putting a pair in the washing machine when the manufacturer advises against it can cause them to fade or lose their shape more quickly.

Before you buy, check:

  • whether they can be cleaned with a damp cloth;
  • whether the shoes should be left to air-dry;
  • whether suede or nubuck needs a special brush;
  • whether socks, caps and other accessories should be cared for according to the wash label.

Important specifications for sneakers and accessories

Material and sole

For everyday shoes, the combination of upper and sole matters more than a striking logo. Textile and mesh can feel more breathable, while synthetic leather is easy to wipe clean. Suede and nubuck have a distinctive look, but need more care and protection from moisture.

Product descriptions often highlight a rubber outsole for its grip and durability. The midsole also matters in sports shoes and styles designed for lots of walking. According to the product information, the New Balance U1906WFD uses mesh, synthetic overlays and a rubber outsole. This makes it a style designed to combine breathability, support and everyday wear.

Fit, size and fastening

Don’t choose based on EU size alone. Compare the brand’s size chart, stated foot length and fastening, too. Laces offer an adjustable fit, while elastic laces and hook-and-loop fastenings are practical for children.

Unisex sneakers may fit differently from women’s or men’s styles. Always check the specific product page. For children’s sneakers, measuring foot length is more reliable than going by their previous shoe size, as children’s feet grow quickly.

How you’ll use them

A casual shoe for the office or a walk needs different features from a sports shoe for intensive activity. Look for:

  • School and everyday wear: a sturdy outsole, easy care and a secure fastening.
  • Sport and long walks: cushioning, breathability and grip.
  • Casual outfits: colour, material and how easily they pair with jeans or casual clothes.
  • Indoors and outdoors: sliders with a suitable footbed and a treaded sole.
  • Finishing touches: socks in the right size, a wallet with enough compartments, caps to fit your head circumference and earrings with clear material information.

Our recommendations for different needs

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
Vans UA Old Skool VN0A38G15U71 Port Royale/True White 38.5

Vans UA Old Skool VN0A38G15U71 Port Royale/True White 38.5

Why it suits this profile: Its classic shape pairs well with plenty of everyday outfits. According to the product information, it’s suitable for walks, work or leisure.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product page specifies the materials: a textile upper, textile lining and rubber sole. Care restrictions are also clearly stated.

Key benefit & highlights

Textile construction, rubber sole and a recognisable low-top design for casual wear.

Suitable for: Shoppers looking for premium quality
Lacoste L003 2K24 125 9 SMA Off Wht/Off Wht 46

Lacoste L003 2K24 125 9 SMA Off Wht/Off Wht 46

Why it suits this profile: This style is aimed at shoppers looking to pair a sporty look with materials suited to everyday wear.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The description specifically lists a textile upper with synthetic overlays, an EVA midsole, a TPU stabiliser and a rubber outsole.

Key benefit & highlights

Regular fit, lace-up fastening, lightweight EVA midsole and rubber sole, according to the product specifications.

Suitable for: Specific needs & intensive use
New Balance U1906WFD47.5

New Balance U1906WFD47.5

Why it suits this profile: The combination of mesh, synthetic panels and a rubber sole suits people who walk a lot or want a sporty everyday shoe.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information covers breathability, cushioning and grip separately, helping you weigh up the features against how you plan to use the shoes.

Key benefit & highlights

Mesh for breathability, synthetic overlays for structure and a grippy rubber outsole, according to the product description.

Accessories to complete your purchase

Socks affect how your sneakers feel. Levi’s children’s socks are sold as a set of six pairs and, according to the product information, contain cotton, polyester and elastane. For adults, Lee Drew socks are available in size 40-42 and are made from a blend of cotton, polyester and spandex.

For a casual outfit, you can pair your sneakers with a cap, such as the Urban Classics Flexfit Wooly Combed Cap. Check the head circumference: the size chart covers 53 to 65 cm. According to its specifications, the PUMA Phase AOP Wallet has a banknote compartment, three card slots and a zipped coin pocket. For earrings, it’s a good idea to check the materials, dimensions and information about the origin of the components.

Looking for more options?

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

Frequently asked questions about sneakers and accessories

How do I find the right sneaker size?

Measure both feet at the end of the day and use the longer measurement. Compare it with the brand’s size chart. For children, also check the recommended extra room and the fastening to make sure the shoe stays securely in place.

How long do everyday shoes last?

That depends on how often you wear them, the surface you walk on, the materials and how well you care for them. Check the outsole, seams and insole regularly for signs of wear. Alternating between two pairs can give your shoes time to air, but won’t automatically make them last longer.

Are sliders suitable for outdoor wear?

It depends on the style. Check the sole tread, materials and information about indoor and outdoor use. According to the product information, EVA sliders such as the PUXI Soft Cake Slide are designed for both. However, cleaning, prolonged exposure to sunlight and wet conditions can affect their shape and appearance.