Trainers are made for work, walking, school, sport and casual outfits. But an attractive design isn’t automatically right for how you plan to wear them. A flat sole can work well with an everyday outfit, but may be less suitable for running. A lightweight upper can feel comfortable, but may get dirty or damaged more quickly with intensive use.
Use these checkpoints to compare trainers by fit, material, sole and intended use. That way, you can find men’s trainers, women’s trainers, children’s trainers or sports shoes more easily, without choosing based only on the brand or appearance.
Casual trainers, lifestyle trainers and models such as Vans Old Skool, Nike Dunk Low and Lacoste trainers are mainly designed for everyday wear and style. That doesn’t automatically make them suitable as running shoes or indoor sports shoes.
For running, look for suitable cushioning, a stable fit and a sole designed for tarmac or a treadmill. For indoor football, you’ll need a non-marking rubber sole that provides grip on an indoor court without leaving obvious marks.
An EU size is a useful starting point, but fit varies from one model to another. Also check:
With children’s trainers, being quick and easy to put on and take off is often important. Trainers with hook-and-loop fastenings, such as some models from Skechers and New Balance, may be more practical than lace-ups. Still, check that the sole is flexible enough for everyday walking and play.
Leather trainers, suede trainers and canvas trainers all have different properties. Leather or synthetic leather is relatively easy to wipe clean, but still needs appropriate care. Suede can be more sensitive to moisture and stains. Canvas feels light and breathable, but dirt can work its way deeper into the fabric.
So always check the product’s care instructions. Not every pair is machine washable. Washing trainers with built-in lights, such as some children’s styles, can damage their components.
The upper largely determines how a trainer feels and how you’ll need to care for it. Mesh and textile can offer breathability; synthetic leather is often easy to wipe clean. A combination of suede and canvas looks different and needs different care from an all-textile design.
Check the lining too. A soft textile lining can feel comfortable for long periods, but on its own it doesn’t tell you whether the size or support is right for you.
Look at the sole’s material and shape:
Use trainers for their intended purpose. For example, the Joma Top Flex product information specifies indoor football and futsal. That’s a more specific indication than simply calling them “sports shoes”.
Laces let you adjust the fit precisely. Hook-and-loop fastenings are quick and handy for children. A regular fit doesn’t mean every foot will have the same amount of room, so check the size chart and any information about shoe width.
When buying online, it’s a good idea to measure both feet and use the longer foot as your guide. Take the style, your socks and the amount of room you want into account. A shoe that’s too short won’t become comfortable just by “breaking it in”.
Why it suits this profile: A recognisable everyday style for anyone looking for one pair to wear for walking, work and casual outfits. The combination of suede and canvas gives these trainers their distinctive look.
The product information clearly specifies a flat sole, low profile and casual style for everyday wear. So don’t expect this model to work as a running shoe.
Suede and canvas; textile insole; padded collar around the ankle; rubber sole.
Why it suits this profile: A neutral off-white trainer for anyone looking for a smart tennis-inspired style that works with a range of outfits.
The specifications list synthetic leather, a textile lining and a rubber outsole. Care is simple: wipe clean with a damp cloth.
Off-white design; cushioned sole; rubber outsole; listed in size 41.
Why it suits this profile: Designed for indoor football and futsal. This model is a better choice for players who care more about the playing surface and sole finish than a general lifestyle look.
The product description specifically mentions indoor use and a non-marking rubber sole. This makes its intended use clearer than that of general sports shoes.
EVA insole; reinforced toe; flexible construction; non-marking rubber sole for indoor surfaces.
Why it suits this profile: Children’s trainers with hook-and-loop fastenings for school, play and everyday wear. The combination of suede, synthetic material and mesh does need appropriate care.
The fastening is clearly specified and the sole has a tread for grip. Be sure to check the size before buying, as size 28.5 is a specific children’s size.
Hook-and-loop fastening; EVA midsole; rubber sole with tread; mesh for breathability, according to the product description.
We’ve put together a complete, up-to-date list of products that meet these strict selection criteria and comply with current European safety regulations.
How long your trainers last depends on the material, how often you wear them, the surface you walk on and how well you care for them. If you wear trainers every day, alternate between pairs and let any moisture evaporate completely before putting them away. Use a soft brush and a mild cleaner on textile or mesh. For suede, a suitable brush is a better choice than using lots of water.
Look out for wear on the sole, seams coming undone and a misshapen heel. If the grip has noticeably worn down or the fit has changed, it’s time to reassess the pair. A minimum two-year legal guarantee may apply to certain products; check the product page and your statutory rights for details.
Not all trainers are running shoes. For running, choose a model whose product information specifically mentions this activity, and check the cushioning, fit, breathability and sole. Lifestyle trainers are generally designed for everyday wear.
First, brush off any loose dirt with a soft brush. Wipe the surface with a slightly damp cloth and a mild cleaner that’s suitable for the material. Don’t automatically put leather trainers, suede trainers or shoes with electronic components in the washing machine.
It depends on how often you wear them and how much they’ve worn. Regularly check the sole, seams, insole and heel. Intensive sports use can lead to faster wear than occasional everyday use. Replace a pair when the grip, structure or fit has noticeably deteriorated.