What an outsole photo can tell you

Turn the shoe over

A side profile can hide most of the tread. Look for an underside photo and follow the pattern from heel to toe. Note where the surface is solid and where grooves separate it into sections.

Think about your route

Pavement, dirt paths and loose gravel present different surfaces. Match your route to the intended use in the product description. A pronounced tread is visible in a photo. Wet grip and wear over time require performance evidence.

Look beyond the sole

If your route includes wet ground, also check how the retailer describes the upper. An aggressive tread pattern alone tells you little about how much water a shoe will keep out.