Joybuy Insights

Buying trainers and sports shoes: how to choose the right pair for your needs

Buying trainers and sports shoes seems straightforward, until you have to choose from dozens of styles, fits and material combinations. A low price or eye-catching technology doesn’t automatically mean a shoe will suit your feet or daily routine. If you focus mainly on colour and brand, you could end up with a pair that feels too narrow, wears out quickly or isn’t suitable for the surface you’ll be using it on.

Joybuy’s Product Recommendation Officer filters the key product information and turns it into practical buying advice. This makes it easier to compare men’s trainers, women’s trainers, children’s trainers, running shoes and walking shoes using verifiable features.

Three common pitfalls when buying shoes

1. Mistaking a comfortable insole for the right fit

Shoes with Memory Foam or another soft insole can feel comfortable when you try them on. That doesn’t automatically mean the length, width or heel fit is right. A fixed insole may also be less suitable if you use your own insoles.

As well as cushioning, check:

  • the stated foot length in centimetres;
  • the shoe width, such as D or G;
  • whether the fit is regular, roomy or narrow;
  • whether the insole is fixed or removable.

2. Wearing running shoes for every activity

Running shoes are designed with features to suit a particular running surface and movement pattern. A style for asphalt isn’t necessarily suitable for muddy trails or long walks. On the other hand, a sturdy walking shoe can feel unnecessarily heavy for everyday wear.

Always check the stated use. According to the product information, Salomon running shoes such as the Aero Glide 2 W are designed for hard surfaces. The PELLIOT shoe is described as suitable for road-to-trail use and a variety of terrain. These shoes are designed with different needs in mind.

3. Ignoring care instructions

A textile mesh upper can feel breathable, but it often needs careful maintenance. Some shoes shouldn’t be put in the washing machine. For children’s shoes with built-in lights, water and machine washing can damage the components. Before buying and wearing a pair, check whether the care instructions recommend cleaning with a damp cloth, hand washing or machine washing.

Key specifications to check

Intended use and sole

For everyday commuting, shopping and casual outfits, a versatile trainer with a rubber outsole is often enough. For running, a lightweight upper, cushioned midsole and good grip are useful features. For walking on wet or uneven trails, tread and material choice matter more than a fashionable shape alone.

Look out for the difference between:

  • rubber outsole: described as offering grip and durability;
  • flat sole: often suitable for casual styles, but not specifically designed for running training;
  • treaded sole: can offer extra grip on varied surfaces;
  • EVA, IMEVA or Bounce midsole: material or technology terms that vary between brands. Don’t treat them as a guarantee of a personal fit.

Upper and breathability

Textile and mesh are often used in lightweight sports shoes. These materials can help with airflow, while synthetic leather and leather offer a more enclosed construction. According to the product information, the adidas Ultrarun 5 has a mesh upper and rubber outsole. The PUMA Speedcat OG has a leather upper, textile lining and rubber sole.

The right choice depends on how you’ll use the shoes:

  • choose mesh if low weight and breathability are important;
  • choose a more enclosed upper if you’re looking for a sturdier casual style;
  • check whether the material is machine washable before using that option.

Size, width and returns

Sizes vary between brands and styles. So check not only the EU size, but also the size chart and advice on the product page. The information can differ even within the same brand. For example, the Skechers Graceful - Get Connected is described as coming up large in size 37, while several other Skechers styles are described as fitting true to size.

Measure your feet at the end of the day, wearing the socks you’d normally use. Compare your measurements with the product chart and allow some room around your toes. For children, the fastening is particularly practical: hook-and-loop fastenings and elastic laces may be easier to manage independently than a full lace-up system.

Recommended styles for different users

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
Skechers Burns 52635 BBK 42

Skechers Burns 52635 BBK 42

Why it suits this profile: This style combines a regular fit, lace-up fastening and mesh inserts with a casual look for everyday wear.

How this product helps you avoid the pitfall

The product information specifies a D shoe width, a non-removable Memory Foam insole and ventilation inserts. This lets you check in advance whether these features suit your needs.

Key benefits and features

Synthetic leather upper, mesh inserts and rubber sole; size 42 is described as a regular fit in the product details.

Suitable for: Shoppers looking for premium quality
Adidas Ultrarun 5 LEGINK FTWWHT COREBLACK 44 2/3

Adidas Ultrarun 5 LEGINK/FTWWHT/COREBLACKIE8792 44 2/3

Why it suits this profile: An option for anyone looking for adidas running shoes with mesh, a Bounce 2.0 midsole and an Adiwear rubber outsole.

How this product helps you avoid the pitfall

Its intended use and components are clearly described: mesh upper, textile lining, Bounce 2.0 midsole and Adiwear rubber. Check that size 44 2/3 and the 285 mm foot length are right for you.

Key benefits and features

Lightweight mesh, a rubber outsole and a specifically described midsole; the product description says they’re suitable for running and casual wear.

Suitable for: Specialist use and intensive users
PELLIOT Running Shoes Unisex Lightweight Cushioning

PELLIOT Running Shoes Unisex Lightweight Cushioning

Why it suits this profile: This unisex style is designed for road-to-trail use and has a mesh and woven upper, EVA midsole and ROCKYTEC rubber outsole.

How this product helps you avoid the pitfall

The description mentions different fits and lists both a standard and a slim version. This helps you look beyond appearance if you have narrower or wider feet.

Key benefits and features

Lightweight sandwich mesh, EVA foam in the midsole and a ROCKYTEC rubber outsole; according to the size chart, size 37 corresponds to a foot length of 235 mm.

Suitable for: Urban runners
Salomon Aero Glide 2 W 474268

Salomon Aero Glide 2 W 474268 39 1/3

Why it suits this profile: According to the product information, this women’s style is designed for running on hard surfaces, such as asphalt and urban routes.

How this product helps you avoid the pitfall

The intended use is clearly defined. This isn’t just a casual trainer chosen at random for training; the surface and activity are specified upfront.

Key benefits and features

Synthetic textile upper, textile lining, rubber sole and lace-up fastening; size 39 1/3 is listed for this style.

Looking for more options?

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

Frequently asked questions about buying trainers and sports shoes

How do I find the right size when ordering online?

Measure both feet on a flat surface and use the longer measurement. Compare it with the size chart for the specific style. Also check the fit advice: “regular”, “comes up large” and “comes up small” all call for different choices when ordering. For children’s styles, it’s a good idea to measure their feet regularly as their size changes.

How long do trainers and sports shoes last?

How long they last depends on how often you wear them, your body weight, the surface, how well you care for them and how often you alternate them with other shoes. Check the soles for smooth patches, cracks and worn tread. With running shoes, appearance isn’t the only thing that matters: if the cushioning or stability noticeably changes, it may be time to replace them. There’s no fixed lifespan that applies to every style.

Can I wear running shoes every day?

You can if the product information says the style is suitable for both running and casual wear, as it does for certain adidas Ultrarun styles. For intensive training, it’s better to choose a shoe that suits your running surface and goals. A casual trainer with Memory Foam isn’t automatically a running shoe, even if it feels lightweight.