Buying trainers seems simple until you have to choose between dozens of styles, fits and marketing claims. A pair may look appealing, yet still be too narrow, offer little grip or be unsuitable for running. Even familiar names such as Nike, Skechers, PUMA and adidas don’t automatically tell you how well a pair will fit your feet.
So focus on what you’ll use them for and on verifiable product details. Looking for women’s trainers, men’s trainers, children’s trainers, comfortable trainers or lightweight sports shoes? These factors matter more than colour or brand alone.
A lifestyle style is usually designed for walking, everyday wear or a sporty look. That doesn’t automatically make it suitable as a running shoe. For running, features such as a breathable upper, a suitable midsole, a secure fastening and grip on the ground are all relevant.
A style such as the adidas Supernova Ease is described in the product information as a running shoe for short to medium distances. The Nike Air Force 1 Shadow, on the other hand, is primarily a casual trainer with a striking design and raised sole. So start by deciding what you’ll use your trainers for.
Words such as ‘soft cushioning’ or ‘comfortable’ tell you very little without technical details. Instead, check whether the shoe has a fixed or removable insole, what material the sole is made from and how the shoe fastens.
For trainers with Memory Foam, this is a product feature listed in the description. According to Skechers’ product information, certain styles feature Memory Foam or Air-Cooled Memory Foam. That doesn’t mean the shoe will feel the same on every foot. Fit, foot width and walking style are still personal.
Sizing can vary between brands and styles. A standard fit doesn’t always mean that everyone will need the same size. Check the size guide, foot length in centimetres and sizing advice on the product page. Also pay attention to shoe width, such as D or G.
According to the product information, the Skechers Graceful is described as a large fit, while the Skechers Summits styles are listed as a standard fit. For the PUMA Pounce Lite, it’s recommended that you check the insole length. This kind of information can help you avoid returns.
Laces allow you to adjust the fit precisely. Hook-and-loop fastenings can be practical for children’s trainers, especially if a child needs to put their shoes on independently. Slip-ins with a heel design are handy if you want to put your shoes on quickly, but check that the heel fits securely.
Look out for:
For everyday wear, a rubber or synthetic outsole may provide enough grip and flexibility, depending on what you’re looking for. For running shoes, the midsole and tread are especially important. A mesh upper can feel more breathable, while leather or synthetic material offers a different look and requires different care.
According to the product description, the adidas Supernova Ease has a Dreamstrike midsole, a breathable mesh upper and a rubber outsole with studs. The PUMA Pounce Lite uses lightweight foam and a PROTREAD outsole, according to the listed specifications.
If you’re looking for vegan trainers, check for an explicit statement about the materials rather than relying on green marketing language. The Skechers BOBS Geo-New Aesthetics and Skechers Summits are described as vegan in the product information. The PUMA Smash 3.0, on the other hand, is listed as having an upper partly made from leather and may contain components of animal origin.
Care instructions vary by style. According to the product information, some shoes can be machine-washed, while others should only be cleaned with a damp cloth. For children’s shoes with built-in lights, such as the Skechers Meteor-Lights, cleaning with a damp cloth is recommended and machine-washing is not advised.
Why it suits this wearer: A simple black style for everyday wear, work, shopping and casual outfits. The standard fit and lace fastening make it easy to adjust.
The product information clearly sets out the fit, fastening and materials. Just bear in mind that the upper contains leather, so the shoe isn’t vegan.
Black design, lace fastening, standard fit and rubber outsole. According to the product information, some of the materials are recycled.
Why it suits this wearer: For anyone looking for a statement women’s style with a layered design, leather upper and raised sole for everyday wear.
The description makes clear that this is a casual trainer. So don’t use this style as a replacement for running shoes.
Leather upper, rubber outsole with pivot circles and a raised foam midsole. The style comes in its original Nike box.
Why it suits this wearer: Designed for runners looking for a style for short to medium distances, with features such as mesh, adjustable laces and a treaded outsole.
The intended use and relevant features are clearly listed. Still, check your foot length and the fit before ordering.
Breathable mesh upper, Dreamstrike foam in the midsole, rubber studs and a standard fit.
Why it suits this wearer: Children’s trainers with a high-top design, hook-and-loop fastening and built-in lights. Suitable for school, play and everyday wear when an easy fastening is important.
The size, standard fit, G width and fastening are listed. Because of the built-in lights, the product information advises against machine-washing.
Hook-and-loop fastening, rubber sole, synthetic upper and high-top design. The product information lists size 33 and a standard fit.
We’ve put together a complete, up-to-date list of products that meet these strict selection criteria and the applicable European safety regulations.
Measure your feet at the end of the day, ideally wearing the socks you normally wear. Compare the length in centimetres with the style’s size guide. Also check the sizing advice: some trainers fit true to size, while others come up large or small. If you’re unsure, check the returns information before ordering.
Their lifespan depends on how you use them, the surfaces you wear them on, the materials, how you care for them and your body weight. Everyday trainers wear differently from shoes used for running several times a week. Look out for a worn-smooth tread, seams coming loose, a misshapen sole or a persistently poor fit. Replace your shoes when their structure or grip has clearly deteriorated.
No. The price doesn’t automatically mean the fit will suit you or that the trainers are right for your needs. Compare the sole construction, shoe width, fastening, materials, size guide and care instructions. An affordable style that fits well may be more practical than a more expensive pair that’s too narrow or heavy.