Joybuy Insights

Choosing women’s trainers: how to find a pair for everyday wear, walking and sport

A pair of women’s trainers needs to do more than look good. In the Netherlands, trainers are often worn for cycling, shopping, walking, travelling or a day at work when you’re on your feet a lot. However, not every style is right for every situation. A soft sole, for example, isn’t automatically a good choice for running, and a popular brand name tells you little about the fit of a particular model.

With this practical guide, you can focus on features you can actually check: intended use, material, sole, width and sizing advice.

Three common pitfalls when choosing women’s trainers

1. Mistaking a soft insole for full support

Many styles are sold as trainers with Memory Foam or with a cushioned insole. This can feel comfortable for everyday wear, but it doesn’t automatically tell you anything about stability, arch support or suitability for running. So check the sole construction, fit and intended use too.

2. Choosing based on colour and brand alone

Black women’s trainers, white women’s trainers and beige women’s trainers are easy to style with your clothes. However, two styles in the same colour can be very different. A white trainer with a leather or synthetic upper, for example, needs different care from a breathable textile style. So look beyond appearance.

3. Skipping the sizing advice

If a style is true to size, you can usually order your usual size. According to the product information, other women’s trainers run large. This applies to several Skechers styles in this selection. As well as checking the EU size, look at the shoe width, especially if you’re choosing between size 37 trainers, size 38 trainers or size 39 trainers.

The key features to compare

Intended use: everyday wear, walking or running?

For everyday trainers, a low-cut design, lace-up fastening and rubber or synthetic sole are often practical. If you mainly walk, you may value grip, a firm heel and plenty of cushioning. Ordinary lifestyle trainers aren’t necessarily suitable for running. Women’s running shoes are designed for a specific running surface and movement pattern.

The Salomon Aero Glide 2 W is specifically intended for running on hard surfaces such as tarmac, according to the product information. This makes this type of style a more suitable choice for running sessions than a casual trainer.

Upper material and care

  • Textile or mesh: often lightweight and breathable, but more prone to dirt and moisture.
  • Synthetic leather: easy to wipe clean and gives a neat, minimalist look.
  • Leather: can feel sturdy, but needs to be cared for according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
  • CROSLITE: the Crocs style in this selection is listed as 100% CROSLITE and has a slip-on design; it’s a clog, not a classic low-cut trainer.

Always check the care advice. According to the product information, some styles can be cleaned on a delicate wash programme, while others should only be treated with a damp cloth and mild soap.

Fit, width and sole

A standard fit is often listed as D. A style with G width offers more room on paper than a D-width style, but how it actually feels also depends on the shape of the toe box, the material and the lace fastening.

Also look out for:

  • whether the insole is fixed or removable;
  • the thickness and material of the outsole;
  • tread and grip;
  • a lace-up fastening for adjustability;
  • whether there’s a pull tab;
  • the specific sizing advice on the product page.

When it comes to claims about comfort or cushioning, it’s best to use the product specifications as your guide. A brand’s own research may support additional comfort claims, but these won’t necessarily apply to every foot or situation.

Our recommendations for different types of wearer

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
Skechers Bobs Geo-New Aesthetics 117417-TAN size 37

Skechers Bobs Geo-New Aesthetics 117417-TAN 37

Why it suits this profile: This low-cut beige trainer has a standard fit, lace-up fastening and textile upper. The colour is easy to pair with jeans, chinos and light casualwear.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information clearly lists size 37, a standard fit, D width and a rubber sole. So you don’t have to rely on colour or brand name alone.

Key benefit & highlights

Textile upper, rubber sole, low-cut design and, according to the product information, a 100% vegan construction.

Suitable for: Shoppers looking for premium quality
Lacoste Aceline 96 124 SFA Off White 39.5

Lacoste Aceline 96 124 SFA Off Wht/Off Wht 39.5

Why it suits this profile: This low-cut white trainer has a neat, minimalist look. The padded insole and rubber outsole make it a good choice for everyday wear and casual office outfits.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The description lists the material, sole and size 39.5 separately. White is a versatile colour, but the advice to clean with a damp cloth helps you avoid using the wrong care method.

Key benefit & highlights

Synthetic leather upper, soft textile lining, padded insole and rubber outsole.

Suitable for: Specific activities & intensive use
Salomon Aero Glide 2 W 474268 size 39 1/3

Salomon Aero Glide 2 W 474268 39 1/3

Why it suits this profile: The product information says this style is suitable for running on hard surfaces such as tarmac. The lace-up fastening, thick rubber sole and textile-synthetic upper are designed for a specific purpose.

How this product avoids the pitfall

Its intended use is described more specifically than that of a general lifestyle trainer. Do check that size 39 1/3 and the shape of the shoe suit your feet.

Key benefit & highlights

Designed for hard surfaces, with a thick rubber sole, lace-up fastening and textile lining.

Suitable for: Everyday walkers
Skechers Arch Fit Big Appeal 149057-BBK size 38

Skechers Arch Fit-Big Appeal 149057-BBK 38

Why it suits this profile: This black style has a textile upper, lace-up fastening and G width. The product information lists an Air-Cooled Memory Foam insole and a standard fit.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The wider G width and specific sizing advice tell you more than a general claim of “comfort”. The product page says the style runs large, so check the recommended size.

Key benefit & highlights

G width, textile upper, rubber sole and Air-Cooled Memory Foam insole, according to the product information.

Looking for more options?

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

How to check the size before ordering

  1. Measure both feet at the end of the day, wearing the socks you usually wear.
  2. Compare the length of your longer foot with the size chart for your chosen style.
  3. Check whether the size shown is EU, UK or another sizing standard.
  4. Check the fit: standard, runs large or a specific width such as D or G.
  5. Check the returns policy before ordering multiple sizes.

A size 37 in one brand may feel different from a size 37 in another. Even within the same brand, lifestyle trainers and running shoes can have different shapes.

Frequently asked questions about women’s trainers

Which women’s trainers are suitable for everyday wear?

Choose a low-cut trainer that doesn’t pinch, with a grippy sole and a material that suits your care routine. Textile is often lightweight, while synthetic leather is easier to wipe clean. For long walks, it’s worth paying extra attention to the sole construction and fastening.

Do Skechers women’s trainers run large or true to size?

It depends on the style. The Skechers Bobs Geo-New Aesthetics is listed as a standard fit. For the Skechers Graceful, Arch Fit and D’Lux Walker, the supplied product information says the styles run large and you may need to go down a size. Always check the size note on the specific product page.

Can I use ordinary women’s trainers for running?

Not necessarily. Casual trainers are generally designed for everyday wear and light activities. For running, choose a style whose intended use, sole and fit are designed for running, such as a running shoe for tarmac. Also check the sole for wear regularly and replace your shoes when the grip or cushioning noticeably deteriorates.