Best Shoes to Buy Online in Kenya: A Complete Guide to Choosing the Right Pair
Looking for the best shoes to buy online in Kenya? Learn how to choose sneakers, formal shoes, running shoes, boots and sandals by size, fit, material and price.
Buying shoes online in Kenya can save time and give you access to a much wider selection than visiting a single physical shop. From everyday sneakers and formal shoes to running shoes, boots, sandals and children's footwear, Kenyan shoppers can now compare hundreds of options online.
However, choosing the right pair of shoes online requires more than looking at a photograph.
You need to consider shoe size, fit, material, comfort, purpose, durability, price and the seller's return policy before placing your order.
Whether you are looking for men's shoes, women's shoes, school shoes, running shoes or casual sneakers, this guide will help you understand what to look for when buying shoes online in Kenya.
Why Buy Shoes Online in Kenya?
Online shopping makes it easier to compare different shoe styles, prices and sizes without visiting several shops.
Major Kenyan e-commerce platforms such as Jumia Kenya currently offer large shoe catalogues covering sneakers, formal shoes, boots, sandals, loafers, sports shoes and other footwear.
Shopping online can also help you:
Compare prices from different sellers
See different shoe styles in one place
Check available sizes before ordering
Read customer reviews
Find shoes for specific occasions
Shop from home or work
Compare different materials and designs
The key is knowing how to evaluate a shoe before buying it.
Best Types of Shoes to Buy Online in Kenya
The right shoe depends on where you intend to wear it and how often you expect to use it.
1. Casual Sneakers
Casual sneakers are among the most versatile shoes you can own.
They can work with:
Jeans
Chinos
Shorts
T-shirts
Casual shirts
Everyday outfits
When choosing casual sneakers, look for a comfortable fit, breathable material and a sole suitable for the surfaces where you normally walk.
Sneakers can be particularly useful for everyday activities because they combine casual styling with comfort.
2. Running and Sports Shoes
Running shoes should be selected based on their intended activity rather than appearance alone.
If you are buying running shoes, consider:
Cushioning
Weight
Fit
Breathability
Grip
Sole construction
Intended running surface
A shoe designed for road running may have different characteristics from one designed for trails or other surfaces.
If you regularly run or exercise, comfort and fit should take priority over simply choosing the most fashionable design.
3. Formal Shoes
Formal shoes are useful for offices, interviews, weddings, business meetings and other occasions where casual footwear may not be appropriate.
Popular styles include:
Oxfords
Loafers
Derby shoes
Formal slip-ons
Dress shoes
For regular office use, look for a combination of comfortable fit, durable construction and a design that works with your usual formal clothing.
4. Boots
Boots can be useful for work, outdoor activities, travel and fashion.
When buying boots online, pay attention to:
Sole grip
Material
Ankle support
Waterproofing claims
Weight
Internal comfort
Intended use
A fashion boot and a work or outdoor boot may look similar but have very different construction.
5. Sandals
Sandals are suitable for casual wear, warm weather and everyday activities where an open shoe is more practical.
When choosing sandals, check:
Sole grip
Strap construction
Foot support
Material
Adjustability
Size
A good sandal should remain secure on your foot without creating uncomfortable pressure points.
6. School Shoes
School shoes need to withstand frequent use.
When buying school shoes, consider:
Durability
Sole construction
Material
Comfort
School requirements
Correct sizing
Ease of cleaning
For children, remember that feet grow, so choosing a size with adequate room while maintaining a secure fit is important.
How to Choose the Right Shoe Size When Shopping Online
One of the biggest challenges when buying shoes online is getting the correct size.
Shoe sizes can vary between brands, manufacturers and styles. This means that simply ordering the size you normally wear does not always guarantee the same fit.
Online shoe retailers often provide size charts to help shoppers compare sizes and foot measurements. Jumia Kenya, for example, provides shoe-size guidance and recommends using measurements and available size information when selecting footwear.
Measure Your Feet Before Ordering
A simple way to reduce sizing problems is to measure your feet.
You can:
Place your foot on a sheet of paper.
Mark the back of your heel and the end of your longest toe.
Measure the distance between the two points.
Repeat the process for the other foot.
Compare the measurement with the seller's size chart.
If one foot is slightly larger than the other, use the larger measurement when checking the size guide.
Check the Seller's Size Chart
Do not assume that every EU, UK or US shoe size will fit exactly the same way.
Before ordering, check the actual size chart provided with the product.
If measurements are available in centimetres, compare your foot measurement with those measurements.
What Shoe Material Should You Choose?
The material affects the shoe's appearance, comfort, maintenance and durability.
Leather Shoes
Leather shoes are commonly used for formal and business footwear.
They can offer a classic appearance and, when properly maintained, can last for a long time.
Synthetic Leather
Synthetic materials can provide a leather-like appearance at a different price point.
They are commonly used for formal shoes, casual footwear and fashion shoes.
Canvas Shoes
Canvas is commonly found in casual sneakers and lightweight footwear.
Canvas shoes can be practical for everyday casual use and are often relatively easy to maintain.
Mesh Shoes
Mesh is commonly used in sports and running footwear because it can provide ventilation.
If you want shoes for exercise or walking, breathable materials may be worth considering.
How Much Should You Spend on Shoes in Kenya?
There is no single price that applies to every type of shoe.
The price can depend on:
Brand
Material
Construction
Design
Intended use
Seller
Features
Availability
Warranty or after-sales support
When comparing prices online, do not compare the price alone.
For example, two sneakers may look similar in photographs but use different materials, soles and construction.
A more useful comparison is:
Price + material + construction + comfort + durability + seller + return policy
This gives you a better idea of what you are actually getting for your money.
How to Choose Comfortable Shoes
Comfort is one of the most important factors when buying footwear.
Before buying, consider:
Toe room
Width
Cushioning
Arch support
Heel stability
Weight
Breathability
Intended activity
Your feet should not feel squeezed at the toes or excessively loose inside the shoe.
If you intend to wear the shoes for many hours each day, comfort should be a major consideration.
How to Choose Shoes for Walking
If you need shoes for everyday walking, look for footwear that provides:
Comfortable cushioning
Good grip
Adequate toe room
Reasonable flexibility
Breathable construction
A secure fit
The best walking shoe for you will depend on your foot shape, walking habits and personal comfort preferences.
How to Choose Running Shoes
Running shoes require more careful consideration than ordinary casual sneakers.
Consider:
Where you run
How frequently you run
Fit
Cushioning
Weight
Grip
Breathability
If you mainly run on roads and pavements, look for shoes designed for road running.
If you run on trails or rougher terrain, consider footwear specifically designed for those surfaces.
Current 2026 running-shoe guides also distinguish footwear based on factors such as terrain, cushioning, stability and training purpose.
How to Choose Men's Shoes Online in Kenya
Men shopping for shoes online can choose from several categories depending on their lifestyle.
Common options include:
Sneakers
Loafers
Formal shoes
Boots
Sandals
Running shoes
Work shoes
Casual shoes
For office use, formal shoes or smart loafers may be appropriate.
For everyday wear, sneakers and casual shoes can provide more versatility.
For exercise, choose footwear designed specifically for the activity rather than using ordinary fashion sneakers.
How to Choose Women's Shoes Online in Kenya
Women's footwear includes a wide range of styles for different occasions.
Popular categories include:
Sneakers
Heels
Flats
Sandals
Boots
Loafers
Sports shoes
Casual shoes
When buying online, consider both appearance and comfort.
A shoe that looks good in a photograph may not necessarily be comfortable for extended use, so check the product description, available measurements and customer reviews before ordering.
What to Check Before Buying Shoes Online
Before clicking the order button, use this checklist:
1. Confirm the shoe type
Make sure the footwear is designed for the activity or occasion you have in mind.
2. Check your measurements
Use the seller's size chart rather than relying only on your usual shoe size.
3. Check the material
Understand whether the shoe is made from leather, synthetic material, canvas, mesh or another material.
4. Read customer reviews
Reviews can reveal useful information about sizing, comfort and product quality.
5. Check delivery information
Confirm that the seller delivers to your location and understand the expected delivery time.
6. Check the return or exchange policy
This is particularly important when buying footwear online.
7. Compare prices
Check similar products from different sellers before deciding.
How to Avoid Buying the Wrong Shoes Online
A common mistake is buying shoes based entirely on appearance.
Before ordering, ask yourself:
Does this shoe suit how I will use it?
Is the size correct?
Is the material suitable?
Is the sole appropriate?
Is the seller reliable?
Can I return or exchange it if the size is wrong?
Does the price make sense compared with similar products?
Taking a few minutes to answer these questions can prevent many common online-shopping mistakes.
Where Can You Buy Shoes Online in Kenya?
Kenyan shoppers have several options when looking for footwear online.
Large marketplaces such as Jumia Kenya have extensive footwear categories covering men's, women's and children's shoes.
Other online retailers and specialist shoe stores also serve Kenyan customers.
You can also browse Relacmall's shoe collection when comparing footwear online.
The important thing is to evaluate the individual product and seller rather than assuming that every shoe listed on a particular marketplace will have the same quality or fit.
Shop Shoes Online at Relacmall
Relacmall provides Kenyan shoppers with an online destination for browsing products across different categories, including shoes, clothing, electronics, computers, accessories, home and kitchen products and more.
When shopping for footwear on Relacmall, customers can browse available products and compare their options based on style, size, material and intended use.
Whether you need casual sneakers, formal shoes, sports footwear, sandals or another type of shoe, take time to check the product information before placing your order.
Browse shoes on Relacmall and find footwear for your everyday needs, work, sports and special occasions.
Frequently Asked Questions About Buying Shoes Online in Kenya
What are the best shoes to buy online in Kenya?
The best shoes depend on how you intend to use them. Sneakers are versatile for everyday wear, running shoes are designed for exercise, formal shoes suit offices and events, while sandals and boots are useful for different weather, activities and styles.
How can I know my shoe size when buying online?
Measure your foot in centimetres and compare the measurement with the seller's size chart. Avoid relying only on the shoe size you normally wear because sizing can vary between brands and styles.
Is it safe to buy shoes online in Kenya?
Buying from established online retailers and marketplaces can make the process easier, but shoppers should still check seller information, product descriptions, reviews, payment methods, delivery information and return policies.
**What should I look for when buying sneakers online?
Check the size, material, sole construction, cushioning, intended use and customer reviews. If you plan to use the sneakers for running or sports, choose a model designed for that activity.
**How do I choose comfortable shoes?
Look for a secure but comfortable fit, sufficient toe room, appropriate cushioning and a sole suited to the activity. Your foot shape and the amount of time you spend wearing the shoes should also influence your choice.
**Can I return shoes bought online if they do not fit?
Return and exchange policies vary between retailers and sellers. Always read the specific return policy before placing your order, particularly when purchasing shoes online.
Final Thoughts
Buying shoes online in Kenya gives shoppers access to more styles, prices and sellers than ever before.
But finding the right pair is not simply about choosing the most attractive design or the lowest price.
Before buying, consider size, fit, material, comfort, purpose, durability, seller information, delivery and the return policy.
Whether you are searching for men's shoes, women's shoes, sneakers, running shoes, formal shoes, boots, sandals or school shoes, comparing your options carefully can help you find footwear that fits both your needs and your budget.
Ready to shop? Browse shoes on Relacmall and compare the available footwear for your next purchase.