The first step in buying shoes is to define your usage scenario – is it for daily commuting, exercise and fitness, or business occasions? Different types of shoes are completely different in terms of design concept and functional focus. For example, sports shoes pursue performance support, casual shoes focus on comfort and versatility, formal leather shoes focus on texture etiquette, and functional shoes focus on safety protection.
Sharing a real case: I was helping a marathon enthusiast choose shoes before, he initially struggled with “carbon plate running shoes” and “training shoes”, but later found that the former was suitable for racing (pace within 4 minutes and 30 seconds), and the latter was more suitable for daily LSD training.
2. Shoes selection according to the scene: 8 categories of core guidelines
1. Sneakers: Performance first, precisely matching the type of sport
The key to sneakers is “functional match”. Running shoes should focus on cushioning technology (EVA midsole is suitable for entry, Boost/Zoom Air is suitable for advanced), carbon plate running shoes are suitable for marathon racing, basketball shoes focus on anti-torsion TPU and ankle support, and football boots need to choose the nail type according to the venue.
Tips for choosing shoes for daily physical examination: Give preference to lightweight design + non-slip outsole styles, such as physical test shoes with reflective strips, which not only meet the requirements of the examination room but also improve safety. Daddy shoes are a choice that takes into account both trend and comfort, and the thick sole height design can also quietly optimize the proportions.
2. Casual shoes: comfort and good looks coexist
At its core, casual shoes are “versatile and practical”. Loafers and German training shoes are popular models in the spring of 2025, with the former having a platform sole design (3-4cm) and cropped pants making it 3cm taller, while the latter has a vulcanized sole that is wear-resistant and retro. Espadrilles and white shoes are suitable for student parties, and styles designed for pedaling and heel wear are suitable for rushing to commuting.
In terms of materials, the shoes with aged craftsmanship and color-blocking design have a retro millennial feel, Y2K-style biscuit shoes with short skirts are super eye-catching, and the couple model can also unlock the tacit understanding of dressing.
3. Dress leather shoes: Texture determines aura
The purchase of formal leather shoes focuses on craftsmanship and material. Goodyear shoes are durable and replaceable, making them more suitable for business scenarios than Blake craftsmanship, which is lighter but slightly less durable. The material is the first layer of cowhide or fetal cowhide, and the hand-rubbed style is more advanced than ordinary spray paint.
Scene adaptation: choose brogue carved oxfords for wedding suit shoes, three-joint derby shoes for business meetings, Italian last type is suitable for people with thin feet, and British style is more stable. If you need to increase the height, the height increase within 7cm is an invisible choice, and the leather outsole of the rubber patch is more non-slip than the pure leather bottom.
4. Women’s shoe trend: beauty and comfort do not conflict
Women’s shoe selection should balance “appearance + practicality”. Cat heel shoes (about 5cm) are the golden choice for elegance and comfort, with a shallow design that exposes the instep≥ 60% can elongate the leg shape; The strap position of Mary Jane shoes is 1cm above the most concave point on the instep, and the single strap is longer than the double strap.
In terms of materials, satin and velor are suitable for formal occasions, while cream-style and Morandi shoes are suitable for everyday life. Wedding shoes are pointed with rhinestones, bridesmaid shoes can consider flat ballet shoes, over-the-knee boots and sock boots are a must-have for autumn and winter, and platform muffins can also enhance the aura.
5. Functional and safety shoes: professional protection is not discounted
At its core, functional shoes are “safety compliant”. EN ISO 20345:2022 is the latest standard for safety footwear, and the S3 grade is designed with anti-smash steel tips, anti-static, and oil bottom resistance, making it suitable for builders and oilfield workers. Chef’s shoes should choose SRC-grade anti-slip + oil-resistant soles, while medical white shoes should focus on antibacterial lining and quick-drying insoles.
Special scenes: Cold chain workers choose the style of cold chain anti-slip + warm lining, mining boots need to have insulation 6kV and reflective warning strips, and Kevlar midsole shoes can be puncture-resistant, suitable for construction site scenarios.
6. Children’s shoes: healthy growth is key
The purchase of children’s shoes follows the “three principles”: 1/3 scientific bending (forefoot can be bent, mid and rear foot rigidity), arch support, and heel reinforcement. Toddler shoes choose TPR outsole + Velcro design, which is easy to put on and take off and non-slip; Functional shoes are suitable for babies aged 3-6 years old, and the anti-fleece microfiber material is breathable and odor-free.
In terms of safety, it must meet the Class A standard, and the Class 1 leather shoes are more breathable. Campus black leather shoes choose a style with an anti-kick toe, winter models with wool to keep warm, summer models with mesh for breathability, and cartoon co-branded models can improve children’s acceptance.
7. Materials and technology: understand the core competitiveness of shoes
The comfort and durability of shoes are all supported by material technology. The upper is preferred by fly-weave upper (breathable fit for wide feet) or 3D printed TPU (strong support), eco-friendly options can be made of recycled PET yarn or bio-based eco-friendly materials, and some brands also offer carbon footprint certification.
Comparison of midsole technology:
Technology name | advantage | Adapt to the scenario |
Popcorn ETPU | The cushioning rebound is good | Running, daily commuting |
Technology | Lightweight + highly resilient | Racing sports |
Nitrogen technology midsole | Strong attenuation resistance | Prolonged exercise |
Seaweed foam | Eco-friendly + breathable | Leisure, short walks |
In terms of outsole, the Vibram gold outsole is suitable for outdoor use, the Continental sole is highly anti-slip, and the GORE-TEX Invisible Fit is the gold standard for waterproofing and breathability.
8. Scenes and crowds: Accurately match special needs
Shoes for special groups should be “prescribed the right medicine”: diabetic foot patients need to choose soft, breathable, and non-oppressive shoes, and replace them regularly every 3-6 months; For flat feet, choose corrective shoes with arch support, and wide last 2E/4E is suitable for people with wide feet.
Scenario Adaptation Checklist:
- Commuter Runaway / Citywalk: Choose casual shoes with a feeling + breathable mesh
- Light Outdoor/Hiking: Hiking GTX+ Hiking boots with non-slip outsoles
- Nurse Station 12 Hours: Medical shoes with antibacterial lining + shock-absorbing midsole
- Pregnant women / seniors: flat shoes with non-slip outsoles + wide last design
- Large / Small: Choose a brand that supports customization, large 48+, small 31 – you can find a match
3. Buying pitfalls: 3 professional tips
- Try-on time: Afternoon or evening (slightly swollen feet, more accurate fitting)
- Size judgment: Leave a 1cm gap between the toe and the toe box, and press the upper horizontally without tightness
- Quality inspection: check whether the stitching is even, there is no glue at the bond between the sole and the upper, and there is no pungent smell (environmentally friendly materials basically have no peculiar smell)
4. FAQ
- Is the more expensive the cushioning technology of sneakers, the better?
A: Not necessarily. Beginner runners can choose EVA midsoles, and advanced runners can upgrade to Boost/Zoom Air, the key is to match body weight and exercise intensity (thick-soled cushioning models are preferred for weights above 80kg).
- Is it really necessary to buy children’s functional shoes?
Answer: 3-6 years old is the critical period of arch development, the 1/3 bend design of functional shoes can protect the arch, and the heel reinforcement can prevent inner eight/outer eight, it is recommended to give priority to professional brands that meet the A standard.
- What are the changes in the EN ISO 20345:2022 standard for safety shoes?
A: The new standard has added customized insole testing and metatarsal protection requirements, and the labels are divided into SB, S1-S7 grades, and it is necessary to confirm that the label matches the usage scenario (such as the S3 grade is suitable for heavy industry).
- Do leather outsoles need rubber patches?
Answer: It is recommended to post. The leather outsole has weak slip resistance, and the wear resistance is increased by 50% after applying a rubber patch, which does not affect the appearance and is suitable for daily commuting.
- What is the difference between a fly knit upper and a regular mesh?
Answer: The fly knitted upper is a one-piece weave, which fits the foot shape and has good shape retention, with more hollow holes and more breathability, suitable for people with wide feet and high instep, and is more than 3 times more durable than ordinary mesh.