Buying sneakers: What you should pay attention to in order to find the perfect shoes
Shortly
-
Measure your fit and foot width correctly: Measuring is crucial to finding the right sneaker. Make sure there is a space the size of your thumb between your big toe and the tip of the shoe.
-
Choose sneakers that fit the shape of your foot. Some manufacturers have a special category for wide feet.
-
Find the perfect cushioning technology for you
-
Shoe materials are different and offer different benefits. Leather is durable and comfortable, synthetic is lightweight and fabric is breathable.
-
Break in your sneakers properly. Only wear new sneakers for a short time to avoid blisters.
Buying a new pair of sneakers is about more than just the look. Comfort, fit and the right material are crucial to ensure you enjoy your shoes for a long time. In this article, we explain what you should look out for when you want to buy new sneakers. We give you valuable tips on fit, cushioning and care - for a wonderful wearing experience and long-lasting sneakers.
Fit and foot width: How to find the ideal sneaker
One of the most common mistakes when buying shoes is the wrong fit. Whether you have wide or narrow feet plays a big role in choosing the perfect sneaker.
How to measure foot width and foot length correctly
To find the right shoe size, it is important to measure the length and width of your foot. Tape a piece of paper to the floor so that it does not slip. Place your foot on a piece of paper, outline it and measure the longest and widest part of your foot. Make sure that you are standing firmly. It is best to repeat the process with your other foot to determine if your feet are different sizes. To determine your shoe size, you should go by the larger foot. Find the size charts from manufacturers such as Nike or Adidas and compare your length with the respective sizes. If your foot length is between two sizes, choose the larger one.
Note: Different manufacturers have different size charts. You may need a 38.5 from Nike and a 38 from Adidas.
Do you already know our Fitting Room? With our little helper in the Asphaltgold app you can find the perfect size for your new sneakers: Simply enter the size of your favorite shoe and we will use this information to recommend the perfect size for your new models. This way you save time, money and stress - and wear the ideal fit.
How do you know if you have narrow or wide feet?
Shoe sizes always correspond to the length of the foot. The width of the foot is often neglected when it comes to choosing shoes, but it is crucial for comfort. The width of your feet also depends on your shoe size. For shoe size 42, the "normal" width is around 10 cm. If that is more for you, you have a wide foot and if it is significantly less, you have a narrow foot. You can find tables on Google that will give you information about this.
If you are unsure whether you have narrow or wide feet, you can have a foot analysis carried out in some specialist shops. There, your feet will be professionally measured and you will receive an individual recommendation.
When are shoes too small or too big?
If you know the length of your foot and therefore your size, you should make sure that there is about a thumb's width of space between your big toe and the tip of the shoe when buying sneakers. This ensures that your toes have enough freedom of movement and that you feel comfortable when walking.
You can tell that shoes are too small if your toes hit the front or if you feel pain when walking. Shoes that are too big slip on the heel and do not provide sufficient support. To avoid this, you should always measure both feet and try out different models.
Attention: Shoes that are too small or too large can lead to long-term health problems such as blisters, corns or even misalignments.
The best sneakers for wide and narrow feet
Shoe widths vary greatly, so you should try on a variety of models and find the best one for you. If you have narrow or wide feet, you should specifically look for sneakers that suit your foot shape.
Many manufacturers offer sneakers that are particularly well suited to narrower feet, including many Nike Air Max models or the Adidas Samba and the Ultraboost . If you have wide feet, brands like New Balance and Asics are ideal. You can filter directly for wide models in the respective online shops. Nike itself recommends the Nike Pegasus , the Zoom Vomero or the Monarch for wide feet.
We give you these tips for buying sneakers:
-
-
-
Buy/try on shoes later in the day
Feet expand throughout the day, so try on shoes later in the day to better judge the fit.
-
-
-
Wearing the right socks
Try on your shoes with the socks you wear most often, as different socks will affect the fit. -
Try shoe insoles
If you use insoles, you should take them with you when you buy shoes, as they can change the fit. -
Always try on both shoes
Always try on shoes on both feet, as one foot is often wider or longer than the other. -
try on shoes
Before buying, you should try on the shoes as much as possible. Especially if you want to buy running shoes, you should do a test run to make sure they are comfortable. You can often do this in special sports shops that specialize in running.
Use Asphalthold Fitting Room
In our Asphaltgold app you can enter the size of your favorite sneaker and from now on the Fitting Room will always suggest the perfect sizes for you.
Cushioning and comfort: What you should look for in sneaker quality
In addition to the fit, the quality of your sneakers also plays a decisive role. A high-quality sneaker impresses with good workmanship, durable materials and offers you the necessary cushioning. But also pay attention to well-made seams and stable soles. You can recognize good seams by the fact that they are straight and do not curl when pulled apart. They should also not be frayed. Last but not least, the price-performance ratio also plays a role. High-quality sneakers are often more durable and offer more comfort in everyday life.
What cushioning technologies do the big brands offer?
Each brand has different cushioning technologies, some are more well-known, others less so, but each has its right to exist.
-
Nike : The Air technology (e.g. in the Air Max 1 ) offers air cushion cushioning that is ideal for everyday wear and light sporting activities.
-
Adidas : With the Boost technology (e.g. in the Adidas Ultraboost ), Adidas offers excellent energy recovery with every step. This technology consists of small capsules that return energy with every step. Perfect if you are walking a lot on hard surfaces or standing for long periods.
-
New Balance : The ENCAP system of the 990 models or the Fresh Foam system (e.g. in the Fresh Foam 1080) offers soft cushioning for comfortable walking on longer distances.
-
Asics : Asics relies primarily on gel cushioning (e.g. in the Asics Gel-Kayano ), which offers particularly good shock absorption and is ideal for longer running distances.
However, the wearing comfort is and remains individual, so try out different cushioning technologies and find the right one for you.
Shoe materials and their differences
The choice of material influences the comfort, durability and care of the sneakers:
-
Leather: This material is durable and conforms well to the foot and is easy to clean. Leather is often considered the most comfortable material because it molds to the shape of your foot over time. It also offers good support and is very durable. However, the material can also be a bit harder and is sometimes less comfortable than synthetic.
-
Synthetic: Synthetic materials are light, easy to care for and inexpensive. Fabrics like mesh hug your feet and make sneakers particularly comfortable.
-
Fabric: Breathable sneakers made of fabric, such as the Converse Chuck, are particularly comfortable to wear in summer, but are more susceptible to stains and dirt.
Here you can find guides on how to clean your shoes properly :
How to break in sneakers properly
How to properly break in sneakers to avoid blisters
Breaking in new sneakers is an important step to prevent blisters. Always wear your new sneakers for a short time, about an hour a day. This allows the material to slowly adapt to your feet. You can also wear thicker socks to speed up the process. Be sure to avoid breaking in new shoes right away at a party or after a long day, as this increases the likelihood of blisters.
Is it normal for new shoes to be tight?
Yes, it is completely normal for new shoes to feel a little tight at first. The material is still stiff and needs to adjust to your foot. However, after a few days the shoe should feel comfortable. If the pressure persists for longer, it could be that the shoe is not the right size or fit.
Conclusion: With these tips you will find the perfect sneaker
You shouldn't compromise when buying sneakers. Whether it's the fit, the quality or the right material - take the time to find the ideal shoes for your feet. Your comfort and foot health will thank you. By measuring your foot width and length, choosing the right model for your foot shape and paying attention to the right cushioning technology, you can ensure that you are healthy on the go. The icing on the cake is that your sneakers also match your look. But there is a perfect pair of sneakers for everyone and you will find yours too.
Sneaker buying FAQ briefly summarized
-
How much space should there be in the front of the shoe?
There should be about a thumb's width between your toe and the tip of your shoe. -
Which sneakers are healthiest for your feet?
Models with good cushioning and a perfect fit. -
When are sneakers too small?
If your toes hit the front or you have pain when walking. -
Where can you have your feet measured professionally?
In many sports shops or specialty stores for orthopedic shoes. You can also measure your feet on a piece of paper. -
From what width is a foot considered wide?
For shoe size 42, the normal width is about 10 cm. If that is more for you, you have a wide foot and if it is significantly less, you have a narrow foot. -
What is the difference between men's and women's shoe sizes?
As a rule, men's and women's shoes differ by about 1.5 sizes. This means that a women's shoe size 8 corresponds to a men's shoe size 6.5. However, there are also many models in unisex sizes. Therefore, it is always worth taking a look at the manufacturer's size chart before buying to make sure you choose the right size. -
How do I know if I am wearing the wrong shoe size?
Signs that you are probably wearing the wrong shoe size are: -
Your heel slips out when you run. If the shoe is too big, this can happen even if the laces are tied tightly.
-
The toe area is too small and you get pressure points.
-
Your heels or ankles hurt. If a shoe collar is too high or tight, redness or blisters can appear on your ankles
Author: Asphaltgold |