Joybuy Insights

Choosing sports shoes and trainers: how to find the right pair for you

A pair of sports shoes or trainers can look great online and still turn out to be the wrong choice. The biggest differences often aren’t in the colour, but in the sole, fit and intended use. If you want to run, walk and go to the office in the same shoes, you’re more likely to encounter wear or insufficient grip.

Three common pitfalls when shopping online

1. Mistaking a sporty look for a sports shoe

A casual trainer with a running-inspired design isn’t automatically suitable for running. For everyday use, a rubber sole and padded collar can feel comfortable. But for a longer training session, cushioning, stability, breathability and the sole tread also matter.

2. Looking only at the size

An EU size doesn’t fit the same way in every model. The shape of the toe, the width of the forefoot and the height of the instep all affect the fit. So always check the size chart and, if possible, compare it with the length of your foot in millimetres or centimetres. A shoe that presses against your toes when you try it on usually won’t become roomier with wear.

3. Not matching grip claims to the surface

A sole designed for asphalt is different from one made for mud, artificial grass or a sports hall. Football boots with AG studs are intended for artificial grass; they’re not automatically suitable for natural grass or indoor use. Futsal shoes and other indoor sports shoes generally have a non-marking rubber sole for flat sports floors.

The key features to check

1. Choose the right category first

  • Running shoes: look for cushioning, a breathable upper and a sole designed for asphalt or mixed routes.
  • Trail running shoes: check the tread, durability and stability on loose or wet surfaces.
  • Football boots: choose the stud configuration to suit the type of pitch.
  • Futsal shoes: look for a flat, non-marking rubber sole and a reinforced toe.
  • Basketball shoes: look for grip, a secure fit and support for side-to-side movement.
  • Casual trainers: focus on everyday comfort, material, care and how they work with your clothes.

2. Check the sole and tread

The outsole largely determines where you can wear the shoe. Rubber generally provides grip on everyday surfaces, but the tread and rubber hardness make a difference. A smoother tread is often better suited to indoor floors, while a more pronounced tread is more practical on paths.

Also check the manufacturer’s instructions. According to the product information, the Joma Super Copa 2402 AG is intended for artificial grass. The Joma Top Flex 2531 IN, on the other hand, is designed for indoor football and has a non-marking rubber sole. Use shoes on the recommended surface to avoid unnecessary wear and reduced grip.

3. Consider fit, materials and care

A mesh upper can help with ventilation, while synthetic materials or reinforcements can provide extra structure. Leather and suede generally need more careful maintenance than textiles. Don’t put sports shoes in the washing machine without checking first: several product descriptions recommend cleaning with a damp cloth and air-drying away from direct heat.

If you have wider feet, look for models with a roomier toe box or a wide last. According to the product information, some PELLIOT models are available in both standard and narrow fits. The LI-NING YUEYING 6 is described as having a wider toe box. Always check the product page, as features can vary by version and size.

Recommended models for different uses

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
Adidas Runfalcon 5 BETSCA/FTWWHT/CBLACKJH6246 size 44 2/3

Adidas Runfalcon 5 BETSCA/FTWWHT/CBLACKJH6246 size 44 2/3

Why it suits this profile: A practical choice for short road runs, walking and everyday wear. The combination of mesh, a Cloudfoam midsole and an Adiwear outsole makes it suitable for a range of everyday activities.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information specifically mentions road training and distances of 0–10 km, making its intended use clearer than that of a general-purpose trainer.

Key benefits and features

Mesh upper, Cloudfoam midsole and lace-up fastening; clean with a damp cloth, according to the product care instructions.

Suitable for: Buyers looking for top quality
LI-NING Wade 808 5 Ultra V2 basketball shoes

LI-NING Wade 808 5 Ultra V2 basketball shoes

Why it suits this profile: Designed for basketball players who accelerate, stop and change direction frequently on indoor courts.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product description specifies that they’re designed for quick starts, pivots and multidirectional grip. That’s more useful than relying on a sporty look alone.

Key benefits and features

GCU and TUFF RB rubber, according to the product information; a supportive fit, with a possible half-size increase recommended for a wide forefoot.

Suitable for: Specific activities and intensive use
Joma Top Flex 2531 IN futsal shoes

Joma Top Flex 2531 IN futsal shoes

Why it suits this profile: For futsal players and team-sport athletes looking for shoes for indoor training and matches.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The sole is explicitly described as non-marking and suitable for indoor surfaces, so the choice is matched to the playing surface.

Key benefits and features

Flexible construction, reinforced toe and EVA insole, according to the product information; this version is size 42.

Suitable for: Casual trainer fans
LACOSTE L003 2K24 224 7 SMA trainers

LACOSTE L003 2K24 224 7 SMA trainers

Why it suits this profile: A men’s style for everyday wear, work, walking and outfits that call for a sporty look without a specific training purpose.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The shoe is described as a lifestyle trainer for everyday wear. So don’t expect it to function as a dedicated running or indoor sports shoe.

Key benefits and features

Mesh, suede and synthetic overlays; OrthoLite insole and rubber sole with an anti-slip tread, according to the product description.

Looking for more options?

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

Frequently asked questions about sports shoes and trainers

How long do sports shoes usually last?

Their lifespan depends on use, body weight, surface and care. Regularly check the tread for wear, the upper for tears and the midsole for deformation. If you run frequently, signs of wear may appear sooner than with everyday use. A casual trainer and a running shoe used intensively won’t need replacing at the same rate.

Can you machine-wash sports shoes?

This isn’t recommended for many models. Adidas product information, for example, advises cleaning with a damp cloth and air-drying. For some models, PELLIOT recommends hand-washing with mild soap and cold water. Always check the care label and avoid direct heat, bleach and tumble-drying.

Which sports shoes are suitable for wide feet?

Check the width of the last, the shape of the toe box and the available fit options. Some PELLIOT models come in both standard and narrow fits. The LI-NING YUEYING 6 is described as having a wider toe box. Measure your foot at the end of the day and compare it with the size chart for the specific model.