Joybuy Insights

Choosing women's trainers: how to find a pair that suits your everyday needs

Women's trainers may seem easy to compare at first glance. But differences in fit, materials and soles can have a big impact on comfort. A pair that looks appealing online may turn out to be too narrow, offer little grip or get dirty quickly.

Look out for these common pitfalls:

  • Assuming a soft insole means a good fit. A cushioned insole can't make up for the wrong length or width.
  • Assuming leather is waterproof. Leather women's trainers may stand up better to everyday wear, but leather isn't automatically waterproof. Check the care instructions.
  • Assuming a sporty look means the shoe is suitable for sport. Many casual women's trainers are designed for walking, shopping and getting around town, not for running or intensive training.
  • Assuming sizes are the same across brands and models. That's not always the case. The Skechers Graceful - Get Connected is recommended in the product information as a larger fit, while the Skechers Bobs Geo-New Aesthetics is listed as a regular fit.

What should you look for in women's trainers?

1. Fit, width and sizing information

If possible, measure your feet at the end of the day, when they may need a little more room. Measure both feet and use the larger one as your guide. Then check:

  • the insole length or recommended foot length;
  • the shoe width, such as D on various Skechers models;
  • the shape of the toe box;
  • the advice on whether to size up or down.

If you're between sizes, the construction can make a difference. A leather upper moulds differently from textile, but it won't stretch indefinitely. So don't buy women's low-top trainers that are too small in the hope they'll loosen up on their own.

2. Materials and breathability

The upper has a big influence on how a trainer feels and how much care it needs.

  • Textile and mesh: often lightweight and breathable, making them suitable for everyday wear in dry weather.
  • Leather: hard-wearing and easy to wipe clean, but it needs care and protection from moisture.
  • Canvas: lightweight and a familiar feature of Converse women's trainers, but more prone to staining.
  • Synthetic materials: can be practical, but check that there are enough ventilation openings.

A combination of suede and mesh, as used in New Balance 574 models, can offer a balance of style and breathability. According to New Balance's product information, the WL574YA1 is made from suede, mesh and textile, with an EVA midsole and ENCAP construction. Treat these as product specifications, not as a guarantee that the shoe will be equally comfortable for every foot.

3. Sole, grip and intended use

For cycling, shopping and walking along Dutch city streets, a rubber outsole with enough tread is practical. Also consider the sole's flexibility and the weight of the shoe.

For light sporting activities, women's sports shoes with a lightweight upper and rubber sole may be suitable. For running, indoor sports or long walks, you'll generally need a model designed specifically for that activity.

A low-top trainer with a flat sole often works well with jeans, dresses and casual clothes. A model with a thicker sole can give you a little extra height, but it won't automatically feel more stable.

Our recommendations for different needs

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

Skechers Bobs Geo-New Aesthetics 117417-TAN 37

Why it suits this profile: The beige colour, low-top shape and regular fit make this an easy pair to style for shopping, work and casual outfits.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information lists a regular fit and recommends choosing your usual size. Even so, check this against your foot length before ordering.

Key benefits and features

Textile upper, rubber sole, lace-up fastening and a regular fit. The sole is suitable for everyday wear.

Suitable for: Shoppers looking for premium quality
New Balance WL574YA137

New Balance WL574YA137

Why it suits this profile: The retro shape and neutral shades work well with jeans, dresses and sporty outfits. This model is designed for everyday wear and getting around town.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The materials are clearly listed: suede, mesh, textile, an EVA midsole and a rubber outsole. This lets you assess the model by its components rather than just its appearance.

Key benefits and features

ENCAP midsole according to the product description, breathable mesh and a grippy rubber outsole. Suede does need regular care.

Suitable for: Specific needs and intensive use
Skechers Slip-Ins Go Walk 6 Fabulous View 124569-BKLV 37

Skechers Slip-Ins: Go Walk 6 - Fabulous View 124569-BKLV 37

Why it suits this profile: This black model is designed for everyday walking. According to the product information, it has a regular fit, a synthetic upper and a rubber sole.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The specifications explicitly describe it as a low-top trainer with a rubber sole. Don't use this model as a substitute for technical sports shoes during intensive training.

Key benefits and features

Regular fit, D width, synthetic upper and rubber sole. The product information recommends choosing your usual size.

Suitable for: Classic casual style
CONVERSE Women's Shoes A12474C STAR PLAYER 76 OX 44.5

CONVERSE Women's Shoes A12474C STAR PLAYER 76 OX 44.5

Why it suits this profile: The low-top navy shape with white details works well with jeans, shorts and simple outfits for the city.

How this product avoids the pitfall

Canvas is lightweight and breathable, but less practical in the rain. The product information clearly states the material, so you can wear the shoes in weather they're suited to.

Key benefits and features

Canvas upper, textile lining, curved rubber sole and a low-top fit. Check the available size carefully.

Looking for more options?

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

Frequently asked questions about women's trainers

Which women's trainers are suitable for everyday wear?

Choose a model with the right width, secure lace-up fastening and a rubber sole. Textile and mesh are practical in dry weather; leather is easy to wipe clean but needs care. For everyday wear in town, low-top women's trainers are often more versatile than technical sports shoes.

How long do comfortable women's trainers last?

Their lifespan depends on how far you walk, the surfaces you walk on, your body weight, how well you care for them and how often you alternate them with other shoes. Check the sole, seams and heel lining regularly. Worn tread or an uneven sole may mean it's time to replace the pair, even if the upper still looks tidy.

Are Skechers women's trainers suitable for sport?

It depends on the model. According to the product information, many of the Skechers women's trainers in this selection are intended for everyday wear and light activities. For running, intensive fitness or indoor sports, it's better to choose women's sports shoes designed specifically for that level of activity. The brand name alone doesn't tell you what a shoe is designed for.