Sports Shoes Buying Guide

Today, when the pace of everyday life is very fast and at the same time you need absolute comfort and athletic performance, it is important to choose your sports shoes carefully. The choice should be made according to the type of athletic activity you are involved in and the needs of your feet, so that you can avoid injuries and improve your performance. There are shoes for many different athletic activities, such as running, football, basketball, tennis, gym training, trail running and more.

The important thing is to cover distance, anywhere and at whatever pace you prefer. Using an activity tracker or smartwatch that records steps helps you monitor your progress and gradually increase the time you walk or run.

But what are the ideal sports shoes for you? Below you will find the detailed guide that will help you choose!

Type

Walking: You may wonder... do I need walking shoes? What’s different about them from the regular everyday shoes I have for all uses? The truth is that for a short stroll around the neighborhood, any comfortable shoes are enough.

However, if you walk often or for long periods of time on asphalt, it would be a good idea to invest in sports shoes that are lighter, ensure the protection of your feet from possible injuries, and offer comfortable walking during your outing.

Running: Designed for running or walking, with a breathable upper and technologies for shock absorption.

Trail: For walking in the mountains or on rough terrain.

Training: Designed for training, they provide better grip and traction for lateral movements, but with less shock absorption compared to running shoes.

Crossfit: Designed to support the different activities of a crossfit program.

Spikes: Track shoes with spikes, for use on specific surfaces.

Running
Trail
Training
Crossfit
Volleyball
Sprikes
Golf

Shock Absorption

The cushioning technology is located in the shoe's midsole and is directly related to the feeling of comfort it provides while walking.

Choose walking shoes with an enhanced midsole made of: gel, foam or air, materials that reduce impact and help absorb shocks as you walk.

For high shock absorption and comfort, you can try shoes such as Hoka Arahi and Nike React Infinity Run Flyknit.

Stability: Shoe feel while walking

Walking shoes are divided into 3 categories, depending on the sensation they offer to the foot:

Neutral: allow for a natural walking motion and do not have components to correct your step. Recommended for feet with a normal arch and with more cushioning (high cushion) for high arches.
Support: For feet with low arches/overpronation, they support the foot's arch, offering a greater sense of stability while walking.
Motion Control: Usually heavier and less flexible shoes to keep the foot in the correct position, for feet with very low arches.

Fit: the right size and more

Buying a shoe that fits your foot well is the best way to end up with a shoe that will keep you and your feet happy for many kilometers.

Shoes fit well when they are comfortable and not tight, allowing your toes to move freely.

The front part of the shoe should have enough empty space in front of your toes, about equal to the thickness of your thumb.

When shopping online, consult the size chart of your chosen manufacturer and select by measuring the length of your foot in centimeters to find the right size.

If you know your size in one brand, with the Skroutz size chart, you can easily find your size in other brands.

Size chart for Men / Unisex
Adidas	-	-	36	36.5	37	38	38.5	39	40	40.5	41	42	42.5	43	44	44.5	45	46	46.5	47	48	48.5	49
Nike	35	35.5	36	36.5	37.5	38	38.5	39	40	40.5	41	42	42.5	43	44	44.5	45	45.5	46	47	47.5	48	48.5
New Balance	36	37	37.5	-	38	-	38.5	39.5	40	40.5	41.5	42	42.5	43	44	44.5	45	45.5	46.5	47	47.5	-	49
Asics	-	36	37	-	37.5	-	38	39	39.5	40.5	41.5	42	42.5	43.5	44	44.5	45	46	46.5	47	48	-	49
Reebok	-	34	34.5	35	36	36.5	37.5	38.5	39	40	40.5	41	42	42.5	43	44	44.5	45	45.5	46	47	48	48.5
Puma	35.5	36	37	-	37.5	-	38	38.5	39	40	40.5	41	42	42.5	43	44	44.5	45	46	46.5	47	48.5	49.5
Foot length (cm)	21.2	21.6	22	22.4	22.9	23.3	23.7	24.1	24.5	25	25.4	25.8	26.2	26.7	27.1	27.5	27.9	28.3	28.8	29.2	29.6	30	30.5

Women's Size Chart
Adidas	36	36.5	-	37	38	38.5	39	40	40.5	41	42	42.5	43	44	44.5	45	46	46.5
Nike	35.5	36	-	36.5	37.5	38	38.5	39	40	40.5	41	42	42.5	43	44	44.5	-	-
New Balance	35	36	-	36.5	37	37.5	38	39	40	40.5	41	41.5	42.5	43	43.5	44	45	45.5
Asics	-	35.5	36	37	37.5	38	39	39.5	40	40.5	41.5	42	42.5	43.5	44	45	46	46.5
Reebok	35	35.5	-	36	37	37.5	38	38.5	39	40	40.5	41	42	42.5	-	44	-	-
Puma	35.5	36	-	37	37.5	38	38.5	39	40	40.5	41	42	42.5	43	44	44.5	45	46
Foot (cm)	22	22.4	-	22.9	23.3	23.7	24.1	24.5	25	25.4	25.8	26.2	26.7	27.1	27.5	27.9	28.3	28.7

Properties/Extra features

For Standing: Designed to provide comfort and support for people who spend many hours standing, either at work or during other activities.

Gore-Tex Membrane: Lightweight and waterproof membrane that wicks away moisture and allows the foot to breathe.

Water-Repellent Upper: Upper lining that repels light rain.

Memory Foam: Midsole that distributes weight evenly with every step for comfort throughout the foot.

Replacement: when to change shoes

Don’t forget to replace your shoes after 500-800 km or after 6-8 months. Just like car tires, walking shoes wear out after so many kilometers of use and need to be replaced.

Many injuries (e.g. pain in both knees) result from using old, worn-out shoes. Over time, the midsole wears down, causing shocks to be felt by the body instead of being absorbed by the shoe.