Joybuy Insights

Choosing sports shoes and trainers: a practical guide to comfort, grip and fit

A pair of sports shoes or trainers can look convincing online, but an attractive photo says little about comfort, grip or suitability for your activity. Shoes for everyday use have different requirements from running shoes, trail running shoes or basketball shoes.

The most common poor purchases result from three pitfalls:

  1. Mistaking a soft sole for good cushioning. A comfortable insole may feel pleasant when trying shoes on, but that does not automatically indicate how well they will support you during longer walks or runs.
  2. Judging grip solely by the appearance of the sole. A flat rubber tread may be perfectly suitable for the city, but it will not provide the same traction on mud, grass or loose ground.
  3. Ignoring size and fit. The same EU size can fit differently depending on the brand or model. Particularly with running shoes, children’s trainers and shoes with a narrow last, checking foot length in centimetres provides a useful extra safeguard.

What should you look for in sports shoes and trainers?

1. Choose the sole according to the surface

For everyday use, school and leisure activities, a rubber outsole with a relatively flat tread is usually sufficient. Lifestyle trainers such as Vans Old Skool, women’s trainers or men’s trainers are mainly designed for appearance and everyday walking.

For running on tarmac, look instead for:

  • a lightweight construction;
  • an EVA, React or similar foam midsole;
  • sufficient flexibility around the forefoot;
  • an outsole with grip for wet pavements and cycle paths.

For trail running, deeper, multidirectional lugs are more important. These can help on sand, woodland trails and mud. A model such as the Nike Pegasus Trail 3 DA8698-300 38.5 features, according to the product description, a React midsole, a rubber outsole with multidirectional lugs and reinforcement around the toe and heel. On paper, that makes the shoe more versatile for urban routes and unpaved paths. However, check that the tread suits your terrain; no sole is designed for every surface.

2. Check the material and ventilation

A mesh upper generally allows more air through than fully synthetic leather. This can feel comfortable when running or in warmer weather. However, open mesh offers less protection against rain and splashes of dirt.

Also consider the construction:

  • Mesh and textile: often lightweight and breathable.
  • Synthetic leather: easier to wipe clean and more resistant to losing its shape.
  • Suede: gives a casual look but requires more maintenance.
  • GORE-TEX: according to Salomon’s product description, designed to combine water resistance and breathability. The actual level of protection also depends on the seams, tongue and conditions of use.

Do not routinely wash sports shoes in the washing machine. Many models should be cleaned with a damp cloth or soft brush and left to dry naturally. Heat can damage glue, foam and upper materials.

3. Measure your feet and consider the fastening

Measure both feet at the end of the day, when feet often take up slightly more room. Use the longer foot as your reference and compare it with the product’s size chart. For running, a small amount of extra room around the toes is practical, while children’s shoes should not be excessively large.

Lace-up fastening allows for precise adjustment. Hook-and-loop fastening is convenient for young children who want to put on their own children’s trainers. A Quicklace system, as listed for the Salomon Speedcross 5 GTX W, can be adjusted quickly, but feels different from traditional laces.

Also pay attention to the width. Some models have a standard fit; others are available in a narrower version or have a wider toe box. If you have wide feet, it is better to check the product measurements and feedback about the fit than to order your usual size without checking.

Recommendations by user type

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
adidas Runfalcon 5 BETSCA/FTWWHT/CBLACKJH6246 Size 42 2/3

adidas Runfalcon 5 BETSCA/FTWWHT/CBLACKJH6246 Size 42 2/3

Why it suits this profile: A versatile choice for beginner runners and everyday use on roads, with a familiar sizing system and practical materials.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product description specifies the size, a foot length of 26.7 cm and use for road running and short runs. This means you do not have to rely solely on the photo or marketing name.

Key benefit & highlights

Cloudfoam midsole, mesh upper, Ortholite insole and Adiwear rubber outsole according to the product information.

Suitable for: Buyers looking for premium quality
New Balance U1906ROA 36

New Balance U1906ROA 36

Why it suits this profile: For anyone looking for a trainer that sits between sporty details and lifestyle wear.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The specifications mention mesh, synthetic material, rubber and ABZORB cushioning. This allows you to assess the choice based on its construction rather than its retro appearance alone.

Key benefit & highlights

ABZORB midsole, Stability Web technology and a breathable mesh and synthetic upper according to the product description.

Suitable for: Specific uses & intensive users
Nike Pegasus Trail 3 DA8698-300 38.5

Nike Pegasus Trail 3 DA8698-300 38.5

Why it suits this profile: Designed for users who switch between paved routes, urban roads and unpaved paths.

How this product avoids the pitfall

According to the product information, the outsole has multidirectional lugs. This is more specific than a general claim about “grip on every terrain”.

Key benefit & highlights

React foam in the midsole, mesh upper and reinforced toe and heel according to the product description.

Suitable for: Specific uses & intensive users
Li-Ning Men's Way of Wade 12 basketball shoes

Li-Ning Men's Way of Wade 12 basketball shoes

Why it suits this profile: For basketball players who specifically prioritise cushioning, stability and grip during quick changes of direction.

How this product avoids the pitfall

This is not a general trainer with merely a sporty look: the product information lists a GCU rubber outsole, a carbon plate and a dual SUPER BOOM midsole. However, check that the fit suits your foot.

Key benefit & highlights

Dual SUPER BOOM midsole, carbon plate and GCU rubber outsole 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.

Frequently asked questions about sports shoes and trainers

How long do sports shoes typically last?

Lifespan depends on use, surface, body weight, care and materials. With running shoes, wear to the tread or compressed foam is a reason to start comparing replacements. With lifestyle trainers, wear is usually most noticeable around the heel, sole edge and laces. Store shoes in a dry place, consider alternating between several pairs and allow wet shoes to air-dry naturally.

Are expensive trainers automatically more comfortable?

No. Price and comfort are not the same thing. Look at the midsole, fit, insole, fastening and the purpose for which the shoe was designed. A simple shoe with a good fit can feel more comfortable than an expensive model that is too narrow or too stiff. Compare verifiable specifications rather than focusing solely on the brand name or design.

Can I wear running shoes every day?

You can, but it depends on the design and how you use them. A running shoe may be lightweight and comfortable for commuting, while a trail running shoe can feel less natural on smooth shop floors because of its lugs. For basketball, lacrosse and other court sports, it is best to choose a model with a sole designed for the relevant surface.