Frequently Asked Questions
Practical answers to the questions readers ask us most often about buying, fitting, and looking after shoes. For deeper answers, each question links to the full guide.
What size running shoe should I buy?
Most runners need a half size larger in running shoes than in everyday shoes, because feet swell during a run. Leave about a thumb's width between your longest toe and the end of the shoe, try shoes on in the afternoon, and wear your running socks. See our running shoe buying guide and our size conversion guide.
How do I convert US, UK, and EU shoe sizes?
As a rough rule, a US men's 9 is a UK 8 and about a EU 42.5, and a US women's 9 is a UK 7 and about a EU 41 — but brands round differently, so always check the brand's own chart and measure your feet in centimetres. See our size conversion guide for full charts.
How often should I replace my running shoes?
Most running shoes lose a noticeable amount of cushioning between 300 and 500 miles of use, depending on the foam, your weight, and the surfaces. Judge by mileage and by feel, not by how the upper looks. See our running shoe buying guide.
Can I walk in running shoes?
Yes, for most people. Running shoes are light, well cushioned, and widely available in many widths, which makes them excellent walking shoes. The main trade-off is that soft running foam can go flat sooner under constant walking. See our walking versus running shoes guide.
What shoes are best for flat feet?
Look for a firm midsole that resists twisting, a shoe that bends at the ball of the foot rather than in the middle, and a firm heel counter. A stability shoe or a neutral shoe with a structured insole usually works well. See our flat feet guide and our arch support guide.
How do I stop shoes giving me blisters?
Buy shoes that fit, wear moisture-wicking socks rather than cotton, break new shoes in gradually indoors, and treat a hot spot the moment you feel it with tape or a blister plaster. See our break-in guide.
Are expensive shoes worth it?
Sometimes. A more expensive shoe is worth it when it fits better, lasts longer, or has cushioning that suits your feet — and not when you are paying for a limited release or a fashion name. Last season's model of the right shoe is often the best value. See our running shoe buying guide.
How do I clean white sneakers without ruining them?
Remove the laces, brush off dry dirt, clean with mild soap and water and a soft brush, and dry them slowly at room temperature stuffed with newspaper. Never use a tumble dryer or direct heat. See our sneaker care guide.
What is the difference between waterproof and water-resistant?
Water-resistant means the shoe sheds light rain for a while; waterproof means it has a membrane, sealed seams, and a gusseted tongue that keep water out in rain and shallow puddles. Neither keeps water out over the top of the shoe. See our rain shoes guide.
How do I know when my child's shoes are too small?
Press the toe of the shoe: if the longest toe is less than about half a centimetre from the end, the shoe is outgrown. Check the fit monthly for toddlers and every two to three months for older children. See our kids' shoes guide.
What makes a shoe slip-resistant?
A soft rubber outsole with a deep tread pattern that channels water away. Smooth, hard, shiny soles are the most slippery, especially on wet tiles and polished floors. See our slip-resistant shoes guide.
Do you sell shoes or earn commission from links?
No. Sole & Stride does not sell shoes, and this site currently contains no affiliate links and no buy buttons. If that ever changes, it will be disclosed at the top of the relevant pages. See our Affiliate Disclosure.
How do I report an error in a guide?
Please use our contact page or email [email protected] with the page title and a short description of the error. We correct errors promptly. See our How We Research page for our corrections policy.