Joybuy Insights

Choosing sneakers without regret: a practical guide to style, fit and use

Choosing a pair of sneakers online can seem quick and easy. But the wrong fit, a slippery sole or unsuitable material can leave you hardly wearing them at all. This applies to women’s sneakers, men’s sneakers, children’s shoes and sports shoes.

Joybuy’s Product Recommendation Officer helps you look beyond marketing language and focus on product details you can check. Before you pay, watch out for these three common pitfalls.

Three common pitfalls when buying sneakers

1. A well-known style isn’t automatically right for every activity

A casual sneaker with a flat sole is designed for everyday wear, walking around town and pairing with jeans or a dress. That doesn’t make it a suitable running shoe. For running, cushioning, weight, flexibility and grip are all important.

The Nike Dunk Low, for example, has a low-profile, basketball-inspired design. This tells you mainly about its style, not whether it’s suitable for long runs.

2. “Comfortable” doesn’t tell you much without technical details

Brands often use terms such as comfortable, lightweight or breathable. So check the specifications:

  • Is the insole removable?
  • What material is used for the upper?
  • Is the sole made from rubber, plastic or a combination of the two?
  • Is there a specific size guide?
  • Is the shoe suitable for a regular, narrow or wide foot?

According to Skechers’ product description, the Graceful - Get Connected has a Memory Foam footbed and a PU sole, for example. These are details you can check; how comfortable the shoe feels will still depend on your feet and how you use it.

3. The wrong size costs time and money

Sizing varies between brands and styles. A regular fit doesn’t mean every pair will fit well in your usual size. The Skechers Bobs Geo-New Aesthetics 117417-TAN in size 37 is described as a regular fit in the product information. The Skechers Graceful - Get Connected, on the other hand, is said to come up large, with a smaller size recommended.

Measure both feet at the end of the day and compare the longer foot with the size guide. Check the shoe width too. A width marking such as D appears on various styles in the range, but it won’t provide the same amount of room for every foot.

Which specifications matter?

Fit and fastening

For everyday wear, low-top sneakers with laces are versatile. Laces let you adjust the pressure around the instep. Children’s sneakers with elastic laces and a hook-and-loop fastening are practical for school and play, as they’re easier for children to put on themselves.

As well as length, check:

  • the width of the last;
  • the room around the toes;
  • a firm heel counter;
  • whether you can adjust the lace pressure;
  • whether the insole is fixed or removable.

Sole and where you’ll wear them

A rubber outsole can provide grip on different surfaces, but the tread and composition determine how the shoe performs. For everyday wear on pavements and shop floors, a versatile sole is usually enough. For road running, running shoes with a running-specific midsole and geometry make more sense.

According to the product description, the adidas Runfalcon 5 W has a mesh upper, a flexible outsole and responsive cushioning. The Salomon Aero Glide 2 W is described in the product information as suitable for paved surfaces and urban routes. For more intensive training, adidas lists features including a Lightstrike Pro midsole, ENERGYRODS and a Lighttraxion outsole with Continental Rubber for the Adizero Boston 13. These are product specifications, not a guarantee that every wearer will have the same running experience.

Material and care

Textile and mesh can feel airier than leather or synthetic materials. However, each material needs different care. Many styles aren’t machine washable, so always follow the care label or the instructions on the product page.

According to its description, the PUMA Anzarun Lite has an upper made mostly from textile, with some synthetic material. The product information also lists an EVA midsole and a synthetic outsole. Marks show up more quickly on white sneakers, so a damp cloth and mild cleaner are usually more practical than intensive washing.

Our recommendations for different types of wearer

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
PUMA Anzarun Lite White Unisex

PUMA Anzarun Lite White Unisex

Why it suits this profile: A versatile style for errands, commuting, light workouts and casual outfits.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product description lists specific materials, an EVA midsole and a rubber outsole, rather than relying on general claims about comfort.

Key benefit & features

Mesh upper, EVA midsole and SoftFoam+ sockliner, according to the product information.

Suitable for: Shoppers looking for premium quality
New Balance WL574YA137

New Balance WL574YA137

Why it suits this profile: For anyone after a distinctive retro silhouette that works with everyday and sportswear.

How this product avoids the pitfall

According to the product description, this style combines suede, mesh, an ENCAP midsole and rubber. Remember to check how to care for the suede.

Key benefit & features

574 profile, mesh lining, rubber sole and ENCAP midsole, according to the product information.

Suitable for: Specific needs & intensive use
Adidas Adizero Boston 13 M

Adidas Adizero Boston 13 M

Why it suits this profile: Designed for runners looking for a training shoe for more intensive sessions and race preparation.

How this product avoids the pitfall

Its purpose is clearly described as a running shoe for intensive training, so you won’t mistake it for a casual sneaker.

Key benefit & features

Lightstrike Pro, ENERGYRODS and a Lighttraxion outsole with Continental Rubber, according to adidas.

Suitable for: Families looking for children’s shoes
Skechers Microspec Texlor

Skechers Microspec Texlor 403770L

Why it suits this profile: A low-top style for school, play and everyday wear, with a fastening children can manage themselves.

How this product avoids the pitfall

Elastic laces and a hook-and-loop fastening make these shoes easy to put on. The product information also describes the fit as regular.

Key benefit & features

Textile upper, rubber outsole and size 31, according to the product details.

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

How long do sneakers last on average?

Their lifespan depends on how far you walk, your body weight, the surface, the material and how you care for them. Casual sneakers may last longer with light use, while running shoes wear down under repeated impact. Check the soles for smooth patches, cracks and distortion. According to the product information, various styles mentioned come with a statutory warranty of at least two years, but normal wear and tear isn’t automatically covered.

Are sneakers suitable for running?

Not always. For running, it’s best to choose running shoes with suitable cushioning, a flexible construction and grip for your running surface. Casual sneakers, low-top sneakers and styles such as the Nike Dunk Low are primarily designed for everyday wear. Don’t use a shoe for intensive training just because it looks sporty.

How do you care for white sneakers?

Remove dirt as soon as possible with a soft brush or damp cloth and mild cleaner. Leave your sneakers to air-dry, away from direct heat. Always check the specific care instructions: some styles aren’t machine washable and have a fixed insole. This helps prevent unnecessary distortion or discolouration.