Trainers are made for commuting, school, walking, casual outfits and sporting activities. But buying online can sometimes be disappointing. A style may look great but not offer enough support for long days. A popular fit may also be narrower than expected, or lightweight fabric may be less practical in the rainy Dutch weather.
Use these checks to compare men’s trainers, women’s trainers, children’s trainers and sports shoes based on features you can actually assess.
Lifestyle trainers such as the Vans Old Skool, adidas Samba and some Puma trainers are designed mainly for casual style and everyday wear. That doesn’t automatically make them suitable for running or long walks. A flat sole and low profile can work well with a casual outfit, but they don’t offer the same features as specialist running shoes.
So, start by thinking about how you’ll use them. White or black trainers are often a practical choice for everyday outfits. For running, look for cushioning, flexibility, breathability and grip.
A familiar brand name tells you little about the exact fit of a particular style. For example, a white Lacoste trainer may have a synthetic upper, while another style combines mesh and suede. These materials feel different and need different care.
Always check:
EU sizes don’t correspond to exactly the same foot length across every brand. Some product pages include a size chart in centimetres, as they do for the adidas Run 70s 2.0 and adidas Samba OG. If possible, measure your feet at the end of the day, when they may take up a little more room. Compare your longer foot with the size chart for the specific style.
It’s particularly important to check the fit for children. Children’s trainers should leave enough room for movement, but shouldn’t be loose around the foot. Also check that your child can use the fastening independently.
A rubber outsole generally offers grip on everyday surfaces, but the tread varies by style. A flat sole, as found on some Vans Old Skool trainers, suits casual wear and streetwear. Running shoes usually have a sole designed for repeated foot roll-through and grip.
Look out for the difference between:
Don’t assume a style is suitable for an activity unless it’s described that way.
Mesh and textile can feel more breathable than fully synthetic leather. This matters in warm weather or if you wear your trainers for several hours. Suede and synthetic overlays can add structure and create a different look, but they usually need more care when cleaning.
The product description for the Lacoste L003 2K24 224 7 SMA mentions a combination of mesh, suede and synthetic overlays. According to the specifications, the Lacoste L003 2K24 125 9 SMA has a textile upper with synthetic overlays. Compare details like these rather than judging by the photo alone.
A padded tongue, soft collar and cushioned insole can all help create a comfortable fit. However, they’re not guaranteed to suit every foot. Pay particular attention to the available sizes, the width and how the laces can be adjusted.
If you have a wider forefoot, a style with a roomier last may be worth considering. The LI-NING Red Hare 9 Pro is described in the product information as having a wider last. According to the size information provided, PELLIOT shoes are available in standard and narrower versions. Check which version and size you’re selecting when you order.
Why it suits this shopper: The grey suede and canvas combination is easy to pair with jeans, joggers and streetwear. The low profile and flat sole make it a good choice for casual wear.
The product information lists specific materials, a soft ankle collar and a breathable textile insole. This makes it easier to assess the style than by appearance alone.
Suede and canvas upper; flat rubber sole; distinctive grey colourway.
Why it suits this shopper: According to the product details, these adidas Samba trainers combine a leather upper with suede overlays and a gum-rubber cupsole. They’re a good fit for shoppers who value quality materials and a classic look.
The size chart lists foot lengths in centimetres and specifies a standard fit. This helps you choose based on more than just the trend or colour.
Leather upper; suede details; gum-rubber cupsole; extensive EU size chart.
Why it suits this shopper: The product description says this style is designed for road-to-trail use and a range of terrains. It’s a good option for anyone looking for more than a trainer for casual outfits.
The product information describes the upper, EVA midsole, outsole and different fit options. This makes it clearer what the style is designed for.
Sandwich mesh and woven upper; EVA midsole; ROCKYTEC rubber outsole; standard and narrower versions.
We’ve put together a complete, up-to-date list of products that meet these strict selection criteria and current 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. A pair worn every day will wear out faster if you also use it for sport or long-distance walks. Alternating between two pairs gives the materials time to dry and helps reduce wear from daily use.
Practical care tips:
Stains show up more quickly on white trainers. Styles made from synthetic leather are often easy to wipe clean, while textile and suede need a different approach.
Look for a fit you find comfortable, a sole with enough grip and materials that suit your routine. Lifestyle trainers, casual trainers and styles with a cushioned insole are all options for work, school and leisure. For running, choose a style whose product information specifically mentions features for sport.
Measure both feet in centimetres and use the size chart for the style you’ve chosen. Use your larger foot as your guide. Also consider the width, the shape of the toe and whether you prefer a close or roomier fit.
It depends on the style and how you use it. Daily walking, intensive training, damp conditions and rough surfaces all speed up wear. Replace a pair when the sole becomes visibly smooth, the heel no longer provides stability or the upper starts to split. At that point, the trainers may no longer work as they were originally designed to.