Sneakers on your 11.11 list? What to check before you order

Sneakers are one of the most popular things to buy on 11.11, and one of the trickiest to buy online. You cannot try them on, sizes differ between brands, and two pairs that look almost the same can feel completely different after an hour of walking.

The good news is that most sneaker regrets come from a handful of causes, and each one can be checked before you order. This guide walks through them in order.

Measure your feet properly

Your shoe size is not one fixed number. It can shift over the years, and many people have one foot slightly longer than the other. Measuring takes two minutes and removes most of the guesswork.

Do it in the evening, when your feet are at their largest after a day of walking. Wear the type of socks you would wear with the sneakers. Stand on a sheet of paper against a wall, with your heel touching the wall. Mark the tip of your longest toe, then measure from the wall to the mark. Repeat for the other foot and use the longer measurement.

Many retailers list foot length in centimeters or inches next to each size. Matching that number is far more reliable than relying on the size you usually wear.

Understand size conversions

Sneaker sizes come in several systems: US, UK, EU and others. Men's and women's US sizes also differ, usually by about one and a half sizes. A conversion chart helps, but conversions vary slightly between brands.

If the retailer gives foot length in its chart, use that rather than converting from another system. If you are between two sizes, the retailer's notes sometimes say whether a style runs large or small. When there is no note, many people size up for sneakers they will wear with thicker socks.

Width matters as much as length

A shoe can be the right length and still feel tight across the widest part of your foot. Some styles are made in regular and wide fittings. Others are known for a narrow or roomy shape.

Look for width information on the listing or in the retailer's size guide. If you know you have wide feet, a style with a stretchy knit upper or a roomier toe box is often more comfortable than a stiff leather one.

Upper materials

The upper is the part of the shoe that wraps your foot. It affects comfort, breathability and how the shoe ages.

Canvas is light and breathable, easy to wear in warm weather, and casual in look. It can be washed, but it shows dirt quickly.

Leather is durable and molds to your foot over time. It needs a short breaking in period and occasional cleaning.

Suede looks soft and textured but marks easily and does not like rain. A protective spray helps.

Knit and mesh uppers are light, flexible and breathable. They suit long days on your feet and people with wider feet, but offer less structure.

On Selvane, the material line on each product page tells you which upper you are looking at. If it says "Not confirmed", check the retailer's listing.

Soles and cushioning

Flat rubber soles feel firm and stable and suit casual wear. Thicker foam soles add cushioning for long walks. Running shoes have their own cushioning and support systems and are usually best bought for running rather than for style.

Check whether the insole can be removed. A removable insole lets you use your own if you need extra support.

Think about how you will wear them

Before choosing, picture the outfits you will wear them with. White and cream sneakers go with almost everything. Black sneakers suit darker wardrobes and hide dirt. Bold colors work well when the rest of the outfit is simple.

Also think about where you will walk. City pavements, office floors and wet weather each favor different materials and soles.

Read the retailer page before you order

Selvane links you to the retailer's product page to complete your order, and that page sets the final price, delivery and returns. For shoes, read the returns and exchange policy carefully. A simple exchange makes buying a new style much less risky. Keep the box and avoid wearing the shoes outdoors until you are sure of the fit, since many retailers only accept unworn pairs.

Caring for new sneakers

A little care keeps sneakers looking good for much longer. Before the first wear, a protective spray helps canvas and suede resist stains and water. Rotate between two pairs if you can, so each pair has time to dry out fully between wears. Clean the soles with a damp cloth and mild soap, and clean uppers according to the material: a soft brush for suede, a damp cloth for leather, and a gentle hand wash for canvas.

Avoid putting sneakers in a hot dryer or on a radiator, since heat can weaken the glue and warp the shape. Stuffing them with paper while they dry helps them keep their form.

A quick comparison routine

When you have two or three pairs on your list, compare them like this:

1. Match your foot length to the retailer's size chart.
2. Check width notes and whether the style runs large or small.
3. Choose an upper material that suits your weather and routine.
4. Check the sole and whether the insole is removable.
5. Read the exchange policy before ordering.

You can see our current pick on the 11.11 edit, and compare every pair in Shoes & Sneakers, where the table at the bottom lines up type, material and price. For everything else on your list, our 11.11 fashion shopping guide has a routine that works for any piece.

A pair that fits from the first day is the pair you will wear every day. A few measurements and a careful look at the size chart are the best way to find it.