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A new pair of trainers can seem easy to find online. But attractive photos and familiar brand names don’t tell you everything about fit, materials or everyday comfort. A shoe that looks great may feel too narrow, be difficult to clean or prove less suitable for long walks than you expected.
With this practical guide, you can compare women’s trainers, men’s trainers and unisex trainers based on features you can check. Find a pair for school, work, casual outfits, streetwear or light sporting activities without relying solely on advertising claims.
Vans Old Skool trainers, PUMA trainers, adidas Samba OG and Lacoste trainers each have their own design. A flat sole may work well with a casual outfit, but it feels different from a model with a softer midsole. So always check:
Going half a size up isn’t always the answer if a shoe feels narrow. A different last or a model with a wider toe box may be more suitable.
Words such as comfortable, lightweight and supportive often come from a product description. According to the brand’s or seller’s own product information, a shoe might have a padded tongue, EVA material or a SOFTFOAM+ insole, for example. These are features you can check, but they don’t guarantee that the shoe will feel the same on every foot.
Pay particular attention to the combination of:
White trainers are easy to pair with jeans, chinos and sportswear, but marks show up more quickly. Check the care instructions before buying. Some styles can only be cleaned with a damp cloth. Others must not be machine-washed or bleached, and should be left to dry away from direct heat.
Preventative protection can sometimes help with suede and textiles, but always follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Cleaning them incorrectly can cause discolouration or distortion.
Measure both feet at the end of the day, when they’re usually slightly larger. Use your longer foot as a guide and compare the measurement with the brand’s size chart. The adidas Samba OG, for example, is listed as a standard fit, with a foot length given for each EU size. The product information recommends going half a size down for a snugger fit or up for extra room if you’re unsure.
The fit can vary between PUMA ranges. The PUMA Pounce Lite is described as a performance fit in the product information, while the PUMA Court Lally has a regular width. This difference matters if you’re looking for trainers for everyday wear rather than a more active pursuit.
An upper made from textile, mesh, suede, leather or synthetic material partly determines how the shoe feels and how much care it needs. Check the lining, insole and outsole too. A rubber outsole can be practical for everyday walking, while a flat cupsole mainly gives the shoe a particular look and feel underfoot.
Look out for mixed materials too. According to the product information, the Vans UA Old Skool has a textile upper and lining, and a rubber sole. Some Vans styles also contain non-textile parts of animal origin. If vegan materials matter to you, it’s worth checking each product individually.
Not every trainer is a sports shoe. A lifestyle style for walking around town isn’t automatically suitable for running or intensive training. So check the tread, weight, fastening and product description. For school, commuting and casual wear, flexibility and a reliable fit are often more important than sporty marketing terms.
Why it suits this profile: This style has a distinctive casual look and, according to the product information, features a textile upper and lining, plus a rubber sole. That makes it a good match for everyday wear, school and streetwear.
The materials and care instructions are clearly listed. Machine-washing, bleach and high temperatures are not recommended, so you know what care is needed before you buy.
Textile upper, rubber sole and a low-cut fit with a soft collar around the ankle, according to the product description.
Why it suits this profile: According to the product information, the adidas Samba OG combines a leather upper with suede overlays and a gum rubber cupsole. It’s an appealing choice for fans of classic streetwear style.
The product information lists the materials, standard fit and foot lengths for each size. This makes it easier to weigh up style and sizing separately.
Full-grain leather, suede details, lace fastening and a rubber cupsole, according to the product description.
Why it suits this profile: According to the product information, this style has a performance fit, lightweight foam material and a PROTREAD rubber outsole. It could suit people looking for trainers for an active routine.
The shoe isn’t described as a casual style alone: the fit, cushioning and outsole are each listed separately. Do check that the stated performance fit works for your foot.
Lightweight foam, a PROTREAD rubber outsole and an upper made with textile and synthetic materials, according to the product information.
We’ve put together a complete, up-to-date list of products that meet these strict selection criteria and the applicable European safety regulations.
How long your trainers last depends on the materials, how you use them, the surfaces you walk on and how well you care for them. Ideally, alternate between pairs to give the materials time to air. Remove dirt with a soft brush or damp cloth, then let your trainers dry naturally. Don’t put them on a radiator or use harsh cleaning products unless the product information says it’s safe to do so.
Store trainers somewhere dry and well ventilated. A suitable care product can help with leather or suede, but test it on an inconspicuous area first. Check the soles, seams and laces regularly too. Wear on the outsole can affect grip and comfort when walking.
It depends on how far you walk, your work and the style you’re after. For casual wear, styles with adjustable laces, a rubber sole and a comfortable fit are often practical. Vans Old Skool trainers, Lacoste trainers and various PUMA styles are examples of lifestyle trainers; check the materials and fit of each pair.
Measure your foot in centimetres at the end of the day and compare the measurement with the brand’s size chart. Don’t rely on EU size alone, as a size 40 can fit differently between brands. Consider your socks, toe room and the stated fit too. If you’re unsure, check the returns policy before you buy trainers.
Follow the specific care instructions. Usually, you can use a soft, slightly damp cloth and leave the shoes to air-dry. Avoid the washing machine, bleach and direct heat if the manufacturer advises against them. Suede needs a separate brush; don’t treat it like smooth leather or textile.
