Choosing women's trainers: how to find comfort, grip and the right fit

Women's trainers can seem easy to compare, but product pages often use broad terms such as “comfortable”, “lightweight” and “suitable for any activity”. That tells you little if it’s not clear what materials, sole and fit you’re getting. So if you’re buying women's trainers for everyday wear, walking or sport, it’s worth looking beyond the colour and brand.

Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for:

• A sporty look is mistaken for sports performance. Casual women's trainers can be ideal for shopping and commuting, but they’re not automatically suitable for running.
• “Water-repellent” doesn’t mean waterproof. A water-repellent outer layer can help keep light rain at bay, but it won’t necessarily protect you in puddles or prolonged rain.
• Cushioning is presented as a one-size-fits-all solution. A soft insole can feel comfortable, but fit, stability and grip are just as important.
• The size is ordered without checking. An EU size 38 or 39 can fit differently from one model to another. Some models also explicitly recommend choosing a size smaller.

What should you look for in comfortable women's shoes?

1. Choose your shoes based on how you’ll use them

For everyday wear and gentle walks, low-top trainers with a treaded sole are often practical. Consider the terrain you’ll be walking on:

• City wear: a flexible sole and breathable fabric are usually more important than a deep tread.
• Walking on easy terrain: look for a rubber sole with tread and a supportive heel construction. According to the product information, the Skechers Hillcrest - Pure Escapade is designed for walking on easy terrain.
• Road running: women's running shoes are designed for repeated running movements. According to the product description, a model such as the Salomon Aero Glide 2 W is intended for hard surfaces.
• Gravel, woodland paths and mixed terrain: choose women's sports shoes with grip specifically described as suitable for mixed surfaces. According to the product information, the Salomon DRX DEFY GRVL W features an All Terrain Contagrip rubber sole.

So a women's walking shoe isn’t automatically suitable for running. Use the category and technical description as your guide, not just the design.

2. Check the sole, cushioning and grip

The sole affects how stable and comfortable you feel when walking. So check the following:

• Outsole: rubber generally offers grip and durability; a tread can help on uneven ground.
• Midsole: materials such as EVA or foam constructions can contribute to cushioning, but the feel will vary depending on your feet and how you use the shoes.
• Insole: Memory Foam can mould to your foot and feel soft. That doesn’t automatically mean the shoe provides enough support for long walks or intensive training.
• Flexibility: a flexible model is comfortable for everyday wear; on trails and gravel, extra stability may be more important.

According to the product information, the Skechers Summits - Leopard Spot features a Memory Foam insole, mesh upper and waffle-tread sole. Air-Cooled Memory Foam is listed for the Skechers Relaxed Fit: D'Lux Walker, along with a rubber outsole.

3. Consider the material and fit

A mesh upper can help promote airflow and is useful in warmer weather or when you’re active. Leather and synthetic leather are often easier to wipe clean, but may feel less breathable. Check the width description too. A regular fit or width D isn’t the same as a roomier last.

When trying on trainers, make sure to:

1. Leave about a finger’s width of space around your toes.
2. Check that your heel doesn’t slip as you walk.
3. Try on trainers with the socks you’d normally wear.
4. Measure both feet; one may be slightly longer than the other.
5. Check the model-specific size advice before ordering size 38 or size 39 trainers.

For some versions of the Skechers Graceful - Get Connected, the product information says the model comes up large and recommends choosing a size smaller. The Skechers Summits Leopard Spot, on the other hand, is listed as a regular fit. This shows why your usual size isn’t always enough to go on.

Our recommendations for different needs

Suitable for: Beginners on a budget

Skechers Hillcrest - Pure Escapade 149821-BKMT 38

Why it suits this profile: This black model is designed for everyday wear and walking on easy terrain, rather than intensive running training.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information lists a regular fit, treaded sole and water-repellent properties. This gives you a clearer idea of what it’s for than a general sports claim; water-repellent doesn’t mean waterproof.

Key benefit & features

Leather upper, textile lining, rubber sole and lace-up fastening.

Suitable for: Buyers looking for top quality

Salomon Aero Glide 2 W 474268 39 1/3

Why it suits this profile: According to the product description, this model is designed for running on hard surfaces such as tarmac and urban routes.

How this product avoids the pitfall

Its intended use is clearly described as running on hard surfaces. That way, you won’t end up using casual trainers for a purpose they weren’t designed for.

Key benefit & features

Textile and synthetic upper, soft textile lining and a rubber sole with stated grip and cushioning.

Suitable for: Specialist use & intensive users

Salomon DRX DEFY GRVL W L47564300 41 1/3

Why it suits this profile: For gravel, trails and walks on mixed terrain, the stated terrain-specific features matter more than a fashionable look.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The description specifically mentions gravel and mixed terrain, as well as an All Terrain Contagrip sole. Check that it’s suitable for your routes and pace, though.

Key benefit & features

Engineered mesh, EnergyFOAM midsole, SensiFit fit and a rubber sole for mixed terrain.

Frequently asked questions about women's trainers

Which women's trainers are suitable for everyday walking?

Choose a model with a regular or suitable width, a rubber sole with enough tread and an upper that suits the weather. Casual women's trainers may be enough for short walks around town. For longer distances, walking comfort, heel stability and cushioning matter more than looks alone.

How long do women's trainers last?

Their lifespan depends on how far you walk, the surface, your body weight, how well you care for them and whether you alternate them with other shoes. Replace your trainers when the sole shows uneven wear, the grip starts to fade or the upper and heel construction lose their shape. There’s no set lifespan that applies to every model.

Are Memory Foam trainers suitable for running?

Not automatically. Trainers with Memory Foam may feel extra soft, according to the product description, but you should also check whether the shoes are specifically designed for running. For intensive use, their intended purpose, sole construction, fit and grip all matter. A lifestyle model with a soft insole isn’t automatically a running shoe.