Buying a new pair of trainers seems simple, until a few weeks later you realise they don’t fit properly, the material gets dirty quickly or the sole doesn’t offer enough grip. Shoppers often run into the same pitfalls with popular styles such as women’s trainers, men’s trainers, adidas trainers, Puma trainers and Vans Old Skool.
So don’t focus only on the colour or brand name. Check the fit, sole construction, upper material and care instructions too. That way, you can find trainers that suit your daily routine and personal style.
White trainers, retro trainers and slim-profile styles are easy to pair with different outfits. However, a narrow toe or flat sole may be less suitable if you walk a lot or prefer more room for your toes. A style that looks comfortable in photos won’t necessarily fit like your current shoes.
Brands use terms such as cushioned, responsive and softfoam to describe a shoe’s construction. How these features feel can vary from person to person and depending on how you use the shoes. Check which specific components are listed, such as a padded insole, IMEVA material, a rubber cupsole or a flexible outsole.
Leather trainers may react differently to rain and dirt than trainers made from mesh, canvas or synthetic materials. Textile and mesh are often lightweight and breathable, but need different care from leather or suede. Machine washing is discouraged for many styles and can damage the glue, shape or colour.
If possible, measure your foot at the end of the day, when your feet take up slightly more room. Measure from the tip of your longest toe to the back of your heel, then compare the measurement with the size guide for the specific style.
Also look out for:
The product information for the adidas Samba OG lists a standard fit. Its size guide gives foot lengths in centimetres. If you’re between sizes, the product information suggests going half a size down for a snug fit or half a size up for more room. Always check the details for the product you’re considering.
A rubber outsole can provide grip on different surfaces, but that doesn’t mean every pair of trainers is suitable for running, long walks or slippery floors. Consider what the style is designed for:
The adidas Runfalcon 5 W is described on its product page as having a mesh upper, cushioning and a flexible outsole. This makes it worth considering if you’re looking for a lightweight design to suit an active lifestyle and casual outfits. By contrast, the adidas Samba OG has a leather upper, suede overlays and a gum rubber cupsole, giving it a distinctive retro look.
The material helps determine how you should care for your trainers:
According to the product information, the Puma Team Royal White has a leather upper, textile lining and rubber sole components. The manufacturer lists IMEVA as a material that helps keep the shoe lightweight. This is a product specification from the brand, not a guarantee that every wearer will have the same experience.
Why it suits this profile: The grey suede and canvas combination is easy to pair with jeans, chinos and casual clothes. Its low-profile shape suits anyone looking for a recognisable retro trainer in a subtle colour.
The product information clearly identifies the materials: a combination of suede and canvas. So you’ll know in advance that this isn’t a completely smooth, low-maintenance upper.
A flat sole, low-profile fit, soft collar around the ankle and breathable textile insole, according to the product description.
Why it suits this profile: This style is a good match for anyone who loves a polished retro look and leather trainers with recognisable details. The white base with black accents works with a wide range of casual outfits.
The size guide gives foot lengths in centimetres, and the product page specifies a standard fit. This makes it easier to compare sizes than relying on your usual EU size alone.
Full-grain leather upper, suede overlays and a gum rubber cupsole, according to the product specifications.
Why it suits this profile: A practical choice if you’re looking for lightweight white trainers for exercise, commuting and a sporty everyday style.
The upper is specified as engineered mesh, and the care instructions recommend wiping it with a damp cloth. This helps set clear expectations and avoids assumptions about machine washing or intensive cleaning.
Mesh upper, flexible outsole and a style description that highlights cushioning for an active lifestyle.
We’ve put together a complete, up-to-date list of products that meet these strict selection criteria and the applicable European safety requirements.
Measure both feet in centimetres and use the size guide for the specific style. Don’t rely only on your usual EU size, as sizing can vary between brands and styles. Also check whether the shoe has a standard width, a narrow toe or extra room around the toes.
Start with a soft, damp cloth. Don’t use bleach or machine-wash your trainers unless the manufacturer explicitly says it’s safe to do so. Leave shoes to dry naturally, away from radiators and direct sunlight. Leather, suede, canvas and mesh each need a different approach to care.
Their lifespan depends on how often you wear them, your body weight, the surfaces you walk on, the materials and how well you care for them. If possible, alternate between pairs and allow any moisture to dry out fully. Check the soles, seams and lining regularly. A statutory guarantee of at least two years may apply to products that don’t conform to the contract; this is not a fixed lifespan or a guarantee against wear and tear.