Choosing sneakers without regret: consider fit, materials and how you’ll use them

A pair of sneakers may look appealing online, yet disappoint as soon as you wear them to school, the office, the gym or outdoors. The biggest differences often aren’t in the colour, but in the fit, sole, fastening and materials.

Three common pitfalls are worth watching out for:

1. Mistaking a popular style for comfortable footwear. Retro and casual sneakers go well with lots of outfits, but they aren’t automatically suitable for long walks or vigorous exercise.
2. Looking only at the upper material. Mesh can be breathable, while suede and leather offer more structure. None of these materials is automatically the right choice for every situation.
3. Not checking your size against the size chart. A style may come up true to size, large or have a narrower fit. Ordering your usual shoe size without checking can therefore be risky.

Which features should you check?

1. Fit and fastening

First, check whether the sneaker suits the shape of your foot. Consider the available width, the room around the toes and how the shoe fastens.

• Laces let you adjust the fit precisely.
• Hook-and-loop fastenings are practical for children and anyone who wants to put shoes on and take them off quickly.
• A regular fit is not the same as a wide fit.
• If in doubt, measure your foot length in millimetres and compare it with the product chart.

A secure fastening is especially practical for children’s sneakers. For example, the New Balance PC574EVN has a hook-and-loop fastening and a rubber outsole with tread. This makes this style of children’s sneaker suitable for school and everyday wear, as long as the size matches the child’s foot length.

2. Sole and cushioning

The sole plays a big part in how a sneaker feels when you’re walking or standing. Look at how it’s constructed:

• EVA is often used for a lightweight, cushioned midsole.
• A rubber outsole can provide grip and durability.
• A deeper tread is useful on uneven ground, but it won’t always feel the same as a flat lifestyle sole.
• For running shoes, check whether the style is designed for road running, trail running or both.

Brands sometimes use their own names for midsole technologies. So don’t judge a shoe by its marketing name alone: check the listed materials, sole construction and usage advice too. For example, the New Balance U574GWH product description lists an ENCAP midsole and a rubber outsole. These are verifiable product specifications; how the shoe feels on your foot will depend on its fit and your gait.

3. Breathability and care

A mesh upper can feel comfortable on warm days, during your commute and on longer walks. Mesh sneakers generally let more air through than fully closed materials, but they can be harder to clean.

Leather sneakers and styles with suede often have a more structured feel, but need specific care. Always check the care instructions:

• Only machine-wash sneakers if the product information explicitly says you can.
• Let shoes air-dry, away from radiators and direct sunlight.
• Use a suitable brush on suede and a mild cleaning product on textiles.
• Take extra care with light-up children’s shoes: according to the product information, the Skechers Meteor-Lights must not be machine-washed.

Our recommendations for different uses

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners

New Balance U574GWH42

Why it suits this profile: This retro sneaker pairs a versatile shape with suede and mesh. It works well with casual outfits, for everyday wear and for light sporting activities.

How this product helps you avoid the pitfall

The product information lists both the ENCAP midsole and a rubber outsole. That means you can base your choice on specific features, rather than just the retro look.

Key benefits and features

Suede and mesh upper, ENCAP midsole and grippy rubber outsole.

Suitable for: Shoppers looking for premium quality

LACOSTE L003 2K24 224 7 SMA WHT/GRY 45

Why it suits this profile: This style is designed for everyday wear and has a mesh and suede upper, a padded tongue and an OrthoLite insole, according to the product description.

How this product helps you avoid the pitfall

Your choice isn’t based on the brand or appearance alone: the description covers the upper, midsole, insole and outsole tread.

Key benefits and features

Mesh and suede, EVA midsole with TPU finish, OrthoLite insole and rubber outsole.

Suitable for: Specific uses and frequent wearers

PELLIOT Running Shoes Unisex Lightweight Cushioning – Stable & Durable, Obsidian Black (EU 43)

Why it suits this profile: According to the product information, this style is designed for road-to-trail use and a range of surfaces. It’s suited to people looking for running shoes for walks, off-road paths and sporting activities.

How this product helps you avoid the pitfall

The specifications list a sandwich mesh upper, EVA midsole and ROCKYTEC rubber outsole. Do check that your size and preferred fit match the size chart.

Key benefits and features

Lightweight mesh and woven fabric, flexible EVA midsole and treaded rubber outsole for different surfaces.

Suitable for: Parents looking for practical children’s shoes

New Balance PC574EVN28.5

Why it suits this profile: This low-cut children’s sneaker has a hook-and-loop fastening, a lightweight EVA midsole and a rubber outsole with tread, making it suitable for school, play and everyday wear.

How this product helps you avoid the pitfall

The fastening is easy to use, and the product specifications list the materials and care instructions. Check the child’s foot length before ordering size 28.5.

Key benefits and features

Suede, synthetic material and mesh, EVA midsole, rubber tread outsole and hook-and-loop fastening.

Frequently asked questions about sneakers

How do I find the right sneaker size?

Measure both feet at the end of the day and use the longer foot as your guide. Compare the measurement with the size chart for the specific style. Check the fit advice too: some styles come up true to size, while others come up large or narrow. With lace-up shoes, allow a little room around the toes.

How long do sneakers last?

Their lifespan depends on how often you wear them, the surfaces you walk on, your body weight, how well you care for them and how the sole is made. Sneakers worn for everyday walks will wear differently from running shoes used frequently on tarmac. Replace a pair when the outsole becomes visibly smooth, the midsole stays deformed or the fit no longer feels stable.

Can I machine-wash sneakers?

Only if the product information says you can. Mesh and textile shoes can sometimes be washed carefully, but leather sneakers, suede styles and shoes with light-up components usually need to be cleaned by hand. Use cold or lukewarm water and a mild cleaning product, then let the shoes air-dry.