Joybuy Insights

How to choose trainers without regretting your purchase: find the right pair for everyday wear, sport and running

A pair of trainers can look great online and still disappoint when you wear them through a Dutch rain shower, over cobbles or during a long day at work. The biggest differences often aren’t about colour, but about fit, sole, materials and intended use.

As a Joybuy Product Recommendation Officer, I start by checking verifiable product specifications. That way, marketing terms such as “extra comfort” or “sporty” don’t take the place of specific information.

Three common pitfalls when choosing trainers

1. Using one pair for everything

Casual trainers are suitable for everyday wear, walking and commuting. Sports trainers and running shoes, on the other hand, are designed for movement, repeated impact and grip during training. A pair for shopping and getting around town doesn’t need the same features as a running shoe.

If you use a casual pair for intensive running, the fit, cushioning and stability may not be suited to your activity. Conversely, technical running shoes aren’t always practical with jeans or for standing for long periods.

2. Focusing only on Memory Foam

Trainers with Memory Foam can feel comfortable when you try them on. But the footbed isn’t the only thing that determines how a shoe fits. Pay attention to the width, toe shape, heel support and sole flexibility too.

Some models also have a non-removable footbed. This matters if you wear your own insoles or need extra room.

3. Not checking the fit of each model

An EU size isn’t exactly the same in every model. Product descriptions may say that a shoe runs large or true to size. For example, several Skechers models in this guide are described as running large, so you may need a smaller size. By contrast, the Skechers Meteor-Lights for children are described as true to size.

If you’re unsure, measure both feet at the end of the day and compare your foot length with the size guide. Check the shoe width too: D and G can feel different, even when the length is right.

Which specifications should you look out for?

Fit and fastening

Laces give you the most control over adjusting pressure across the instep. Hook-and-loop fastenings are practical for children’s trainers and make it easier for them to put their shoes on by themselves. Heel loops help you slip them on, but they don’t replace a good fit.

Look out for:

  • Regular or wide fit: check the stated shoe width, such as D or G.
  • Fixed or removable insole: a fixed footbed limits your adjustment options.
  • Product size advice: follow the guidance on the product page rather than relying only on your usual size.
  • Toe room: leave enough space without your heel lifting as you walk.

Sole and grip

For everyday use in the Netherlands, a rubber or synthetic sole with a visible tread is practical. A flat sole can work well on dry, even surfaces, but may offer less grip on wet tiles or uneven paths.

Check:

  • the outsole material;
  • the sole thickness;
  • whether it has rubber studs or tread;
  • flexibility at the forefoot;
  • the difference between a training sole and a casual sole.

A product description may promise trainers with good grip, but assess this based on the stated sole material and tread. A brand’s claim about grip isn’t a guarantee on every surface.

Upper material and care

Textile and mesh are often lightweight and breathable, but need careful cleaning when they get dirty. Synthetic materials are generally easy to wipe clean. Not every pair can go in the washing machine, so always follow the care instructions for the specific model.

For example:

  • use a soft brush or damp cloth on textile;
  • leave trainers to dry at room temperature;
  • avoid radiators and tumble dryers;
  • don’t treat models with built-in lights like ordinary sports shoes;
  • check whether machine washing is explicitly allowed.

Recommended trainers for different needs

The options below are based on the stated materials, size advice, fastenings and sole details. They’re not all designed for the same purpose.

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
Skechers Graceful - Get Connected 12615-BKRG 37

Skechers Graceful - Get Connected 12615-BKRG 37

Why it suits this profile: This black pair is designed for everyday wear and has a regular width. The laces and heel loops make it easy to put on and adjust.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product description specifies a textile upper, a Memory Foam footbed and a 2 cm PU sole. The size advice says this model runs large, so check the size guide.

Key benefit & features

Textile lining, lace fastening, heel loops and a non-removable Memory Foam footbed.

Suitable for: Shoppers looking for top quality
Skechers Arch Fit-Big Appeal 149057-BBK 38

Skechers Arch Fit-Big Appeal 149057-BBK 38

Why it suits this profile: A practical choice if you value a breathable upper, a G width and a sporty look for a long day on your feet.

How this product avoids the pitfall

Rather than making a general comfort claim, the product information specifies an Air-Cooled Memory Foam insole, a textile upper and a rubber sole. According to the size advice, this model runs large.

Key benefit & features

G width, breathable mesh, lace fastening and rubber outsole.

Suitable for: Specific needs & intensive users
Adidas Supernova Ease M CBLACK CBLACK CARBON 42 2/3

Adidas Supernova Ease M CBLACK/CBLACK/CARBON 42 2/3

Why it suits this profile: According to the product description, these running shoes are designed for short to middle-distance runs and regular running training.

How this product avoids the pitfall

This model is clearly designed for running rather than being a general casual trainer. The product details specify a mesh upper, a Dreamstrike midsole and rubber studs.

Key benefit & features

Breathable mesh, full-length Dreamstrike midsole, lace fastening and rubber tread outsole.

Women’s trainers, men’s trainers or children’s trainers?

For women’s trainers and men’s trainers, fit and intended use matter more than the gender label alone. Always check the stated width and size guide. A wide-fit model may feel more comfortable than a narrow one, even if both are described as “comfortable”.

With children’s trainers, easy fastening, flexibility and care are especially important. The Skechers Meteor-Lights have a hook-and-loop fastening, a regular fit and a rubber sole. The Skechers Go Run 400-Darvix also has a hook-and-loop fastening and a mesh upper, and is described as machine washable. Always check the specific cleaning instructions for children’s models with lights.

Black trainers are easy to style, but can show dust and rain marks more readily. Textile therefore needs more care than a smooth synthetic upper. For a classic casual look, Vans Authentic models with a textile upper and rubber sole are a good option; they’re designed mainly for everyday wear, not specifically for running training.

Looking for more options?

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

Frequently asked questions about trainers

How long do trainers last on average?

Their lifespan depends on how often you wear them, your body weight, the surface, how well you care for them and the type of shoe. Everyday trainers can wear out faster if you also use them for running. Replace a pair when the sole is visibly worn down unevenly, most of the tread has disappeared or the heel no longer offers good support.

Can you wash trainers in the washing machine?

Only if the product description or care label explicitly says you can. Some Skechers models are machine washable on a gentle, cold cycle, while Vans and children’s shoes with lights should be cleaned with a damp cloth. Always leave shoes to air-dry and don’t use a tumble dryer unless the manufacturer specifically allows it.

How do you find the right trainer size online?

Measure both feet, compare the longer foot with the size guide and read the size advice for each model. Check the width too. If a model runs large, a smaller size may fit; if it’s true to size, your usual size is a sensible starting point. Once your trainers arrive, check that you can move your toes and that your heel doesn’t slip out of the shoe.