What Is The Difference Between Women's & Men's Running Shoes?

Among the many differences between the genders is the structure of feet. This difference is an important consideration when it comes to choosing and fitting the correct running shoe. Not only is the gender difference in foot structure important, but so are the different sizing standards and running shoe designs.

Foot Structure

According to a study done on foot structure by the Center for Locomotion Studies at Penn State University, there are significant differences between a man's and a woman's foot. Men generally have longer and wider feet. Gender differences are found in the arch, first toe, lateral side of the foot and the ball of the foot. There are also differences in the ankle and overall foot shape. When choosing the correct running shoe, take all of these factors into consideration.

Shoe Design

Because of these gender differences in foot structure, the last or shape of your running shoe needs to be designed for your foot and sex. The Department of Sports Medicine, University Clinics Tubingen, Germany, notes that women have a narrower heel and forefoot, plus a lower instep than men--consequently the running shoe cannot simply be a smaller version of the man's. The woman's running shoe needs to be designed to accommodate the inherent narrowness, while the man's version needs to be broader overall.

Men Are Larger

Besides differences in foot structure according to gender, a study from the University of Essen in Germany points out that men have generally more muscle and body mass. Because of this larger mass, when running, men strike significantly more on their heel and with greater impact, while women land more mid-foot with less impact. The study also states that women tend to have a greater tendency to overpronate or roll inwards, which can result in knee issues if not corrected by the right running shoe.

Running Shoe Design

While running shoes are generally designed to handle the impact of three to four times body weight in impact per foot strike, as noted by Joe Puleo and Patrick Milroy, MD, in "Running Anatomy," running shoe manufacturers are now responding to gender foot structure differences. A good example is the woman's Nike Air Structure Triax 13, which has a woman-specific crash pad for enhanced shock absorption and for a nice heel through toe-off transition. The woman's Asics 2150 employs a woman-specific Space Trussic System in the arch, which allows for increases flexibility.

Individual Fit

When trying on a new running shoe, account not only for your gender's foot needs, but also for your own one-of-a-kind foot. What works for one woman or man may not work for your feet. Take the time to find a running shoe that allows enough room for foot expansion caused by running mile after mile at three to four times your body weight in impact per foot strike.