Joybuy Insights

Choosing sports shoes: how to find the right pair for sport and everyday wear

Sports shoes may seem easy to compare at first glance. However, a pair that looks comfortable may not be right for your sport, foot shape or how often you wear it. This applies to men’s trainers, running shoes, black trainers and sports shoes for everyday wear.

The Joybuy Product Recommendation Officer helps you cut through marketing claims and focus on features you can check. Look out for these three common pitfalls:

  1. Mistaking a soft sole for suitable cushioning
    A soft insole may feel comfortable when you try a shoe on, but that doesn’t automatically tell you anything about its stability, grip or suitability for running. Memory Foam can feel comfortable, but it doesn’t turn a trainer into a running shoe.

  2. Wearing the same pair for every sport
    Gym trainers, road-running shoes and trail-running shoes have different sole profiles and constructions. Basketball shoes, for example, are made for side-to-side movements and quick stops. Wrestling shoes, on the other hand, are designed for use on the mat.

  3. Choosing your size based only on the EU number
    A size 42 can fit differently depending on the brand or model. Check the stated fit, shoe width and any sizing advice. A model with a regular fit won’t necessarily suit a wide forefoot.

Which features should you check?

1. Sole and grip

Look at the material and tread pattern of the outsole. Rubber is often used for grip and durability, but the tread pattern also helps determine what the shoe is suitable for.

  • A flatter tread is usually better suited to fitness, walking and everyday wear.
  • A deeper tread is more practical on woodland paths and uneven ground.
  • For indoor sports, you need a sole that provides enough grip without being unnecessarily heavy.
  • For trail-running shoes, tread, toe protection and stability matter more than a casual look.

A grippy tread doesn’t automatically make a shoe suitable for wet rocks or mud. Always check the intended use in the product description.

2. Fit, width and fastening

Laces give you more control over the fit than a slip-on design. Pull tabs can make shoes easier to put on, while a bungee lace system is handy for everyday wear.

Look out for these points:

  • Shoe width D indicates a regular width on several models.
  • A wide toe box may be more comfortable if your forefoot needs extra room.
  • A secure heel and adjustable fastening help keep your foot in place.
  • A non-removable insole limits your ability to use your own insoles.

The product description for the LI-NING Yueying 6 states that it has a roomier toe area. It also suggests considering a half-size up if you have wider feet. Always check this against your own foot length and the size chart.

3. Material and care

A mesh or textile upper can be lightweight and breathable. Synthetic leather is generally easier to wipe clean, but may feel different from textile. A waterproof membrane, as listed for the Salomon XA Pro 3D v9 GTX, is useful in wet conditions, but it doesn’t mean the shoe will stay completely dry in every situation.

Also check the care instructions:

  • According to the product information, some models can be machine-washed.
  • Other sports shoes should only be cleaned with a damp cloth and mild soap.
  • Leave shoes to dry at room temperature and avoid direct heat.
  • A fixed insole can’t be replaced or removed for separate cleaning.

Our recommendations for different uses

The options below are based on listed specifications such as material, fastening, sole, fit and intended use.

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
Skechers Track-Ripkent 232399-BKCC 42

Skechers Track-Ripkent 232399-BKCC 42

Why it suits this profile: This model combines a lace-up fastening with a textile upper, rubber sole and fixed Memory Foam insole. It’s a practical choice for walking, light training and everyday wear.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information lists a regular fit, pull tabs and a treaded sole. So you don’t have to rely on looks or a soft insole alone.

Key benefit & features

Textile upper, rubber outsole, lace-up fastening and a fixed Memory Foam insole.

Suitable for: Shoppers looking for premium quality
Salomon XA Pro 3D v9 GTX 472701 41 1/3

Salomon XA Pro 3D v9 GTX 472701 41 1/3

Why it suits this profile: For walkers and trail runners who regularly tackle wet or technical paths. The product description lists a GORE-TEX membrane, Quicklace system, 3D Advanced Chassis and Contagrip rubber outsole.

How this product avoids the pitfall

This shoe is clearly designed for trail use, unlike an everyday black trainer. The listed membrane and sole technologies tell you more than simply claiming that it’s ‘waterproof’.

Key benefit & features

GORE-TEX according to the product information, Quicklace fastening, reinforced toe and heel, and a Contagrip rubber sole.

Suitable for: Specific activities & intensive use
Nike Inflict 3 325256 005 44.5

Nike Inflict 3 325256 005 44.5

Why it suits this profile: According to the product information, this model is specifically designed for wrestling and use on wrestling mats. The mesh, laces, ankle strap and rubber sole work together to provide a secure, enclosed fit.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The intended use is clearly stated: wrestling mats only, not outdoor sports or rough terrain. This helps you avoid buying a sports shoe for the wrong surface.

Key benefit & features

Mesh upper, rubber outsole, lace-up fastening and adjustable ankle strap, according to the product description.

Looking for more options?

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

Frequently asked questions about sports shoes

How long do sports shoes last?

Their lifespan depends on how you use them, the surface, your body weight, how well you care for them and the quality of their construction. Don’t just look for a worn outsole. A misshapen heel, loose seams or reduced support can also be signs that it’s time to replace your pair. If you run often, you may put more wear on your sports shoes than someone who only wears them as men’s trainers.

Can I wear running shoes every day?

You can wear them for light everyday activities, but each model is still designed with a particular use in mind. Running shoes often have a flexible construction and cushioning for forward movement. Basketball, trail running and wrestling require different features. So check the tread pattern, fit and usage advice before relying on one pair for everything.

How do I choose the right size sports shoes online?

Measure both feet at the end of the day, wearing the socks you usually wear. Compare your longer foot with the brand’s size chart and check the stated width. Read the sizing advice too: some models fit true to size, while the Skechers Bobs Sport Sparrow 2.0 is listed as a large fit in the product information, which recommends going down a size.