Can a Woman Wear Men’s Running Shoes: 8 Differences

It’s no secret that running shoes can be quite pricey. And as a woman, it can be hard to decide when choosing footwear — and running shoes aren’t an exception. Personally, I take forever trying to pick something. I usually end up just choosing whatever, only to regret my choice shortly after.

While you’re at the shoe store, you’ve probably wondered about the Men’s section. Maybe an exclusive style, colorway, or model caught your eye. You start to think about getting a Men’s pair because there probably isn’t much of a difference anyway.

And you’re right!

But, there are also a couple of things to consider before going ahead with your purchase. One question that you may have is whether it’s okay to wear men’s running shoes. After all, men’s shoes may offer different features. But, honestly, there’s no need to limit yourself to only getting shoes labeled for women.

In this article, we’ll explore the pros and cons of wearing men’s running shoes as a woman. We’ll also dive into what to keep in mind if you decide to give them a try.

Can a Woman Wear Men’s Running Shoes?

Men’s running shoes are typically made to be wider as men have wider and longer feet than women. When it comes to designs, running shoes are made to be unisex anyway. Some of the most obvious differences between men’s and women’s shoes are the colors that they come in.

Athletic shoe companies have researched the differences between the needs of men’s and women’s feet. Such as foot width, ankle shape, calf size, and amount of support needed. But, studies have also found that the differences between men’s and women’s shoe designs are very minimal.

In the end, though, as long as you’re comfortable with the shoe, it’s completely okay for a woman to wear a pair of men’s running shoes — and vice versa!

the Impact on Running Performance When Women Wear Men’s Running Shoes

Now, the big question is, “Does wearing men’s running shoes affect your performance as a female runner?”

With your running goals in mind, let’s dive into the potential benefits or drawbacks of getting men’s running shoes as a woman.

Of course, possible benefits may differ on a case-to-case basis, but some advantages are:

Solid cushioning

Because men tend to be taller and heavier than women, it puts more stress on their knees and feet when they run. So, to accommodate that, men’s running shoes are designed with more dense cushioning to absorb shock and reduce pressure on their joints. This could boost your running performance as you’ll notice that your joints won’t ache as they normally would since the shoes do a better job of absorbing impact.

Great durability and traction

If you’re someone that prefers to run on rougher terrain, like on hiking trails or along hills, then this will be perfect for you. Men’s running shoes have a more durable outsole that has better traction. So, the shoes have a strong grip even on uneven surfaces. That also makes it so that your shoes will last longer and you won’t have to worry about wear and tear so soon.

Better fit for wider feet

Men naturally have wider feet than women, so it’s only natural that their shoes are designed to be broader, overall. Men’s shoes will have a wide toebox that’s almost the same width as the heel, making it way more comfortable if you have wide feet.

Technically, the differences between men’s and women’s shoes aren’t going to be life-changing. Many have found that either shoe works just fine for them, but there are always going to be some slight quality-of-life changes. But if you’re someone that’s very specific about your shoes and how they can impact your running performance then there are some things you should know. 

Let’s go through some possible disadvantages to be aware of:

Less arch support

Women’s shoes are usually designed with softer midsoles to accommodate your higher arches. They also prevent your feet from rolling inward while running due to your hips being naturally wider than men’s. Since you’ll be grabbing a pair of men’s shoes with tougher midsoles, in the long run, you may feel extra aches in your knees, ankles, and feet due to the lack of arch support.

Heavier shoe weight

Men’s shoes are made with more durable materials, but that also means that they’ll be way heavier than women’s shoes. This could potentially impact your running speed and endurance as your feet will have to carry a heavier weight. You might also take some time before you can adjust to the new weight of your shoes and get back to your previous running speed.

Flexibility

As mentioned earlier, men are heavier than women. Their shoes are designed to be stiffer to better absorb shock. That means you’ll have to apply more pressure with your feet when you run so you’ll be able to flex the soles better. That doesn’t mean that men’s shoes will be uncomfortable but if you’re switching from a woman’s shoe to a men’s shoe, you may feel a little weird at first. It could also tire you out faster as you’ll be exerting more effort to bend the shoe.

Again, an advantage for someone may be a disadvantage for you, so take the list with a grain of salt. Overall though, your running performance when wearing a women’s shoe, won’t differ too much from when wearing a men’s shoe since both shoes were made for running, anyway. 

How to Wear Men’s Shoes as a Woman

Now, if you’ve found that men’s shoes really are a better fit for you, then you’ll probably want some tips on how to ensure you get the best pair for you.

First, you’ll want to figure out what size you wear. There’s no doubt that you already know what size you wear, but men’s sizing differs from women’s. You’ll also have to know that men’s sizing doesn’t go down that much. If you’ve got smaller feet, then you might struggle with finding a pair that fits you. The same goes for someone with narrow feet. There’s gonna be a size conversion chart for your reference later on in the article.

Second, once you’ve got your eye on a pair of shoes, make sure to test them out first. As a tip: I’d recommend bringing your usual pair of running socks too, so you’ll be able to get a better feel for how the shoe will fit while on a run. After putting them on and lacing them up properly, take them for a quick walk around the store. Maybe jog a little in place to test the flexibility of the shoe and your overall comfort while in action. If you’re worried about weird looks, don’t be!

Lastly, take them out on a run as soon as you can. It’ll be better to test them out while on a treadmill so you don’t compromise the soles of the shoe. They might not take them back if you try to return them with signs of wear. Going for a run with your new shoes will be the ultimate test to find out if they’re the right pair for you. If you feel any discomfort and don’t feel like DIYing a solution, returning the shoes and getting different pair will be your best bet.

If you’re sure that a pair of men’s running shoes are what you want, and you’re willing to DIY some solutions to make them more comfortable for wear, keep reading! Later, we’ll be sharing more tips, tricks, and solutions to common problems you may face as a woman wearing men’s running shoes.

8 Differences Between Men’s and Women’s Running Shoes

1. Sizing and Width options.

This may not be important for everyone, but men’s shoes go up to larger sizes than women’s. Men naturally have broader feet than women, so it’s pretty normal that their sizes are bigger and wider. 

If you’re a woman with smaller feet, then you may struggle with finding your size as men’s shoes usually only go down to a Women’s size 7. But, if you have the opposite problem and find it hard to find your size in women’s shoes, then the men’s section has got your back.

There are also size differences to consider as a Women’s 8 does not equal a Men’s 8. So, be careful when selecting your size. The general rule of thumb when converting men’s to women’s sizing is that men’s shoes are 1.5 sizes bigger than women’s. For example, if you’re a Women’s size 9.5, then you’ll be a size 8 in Men’s.

Here’s a simple size conversion chart to make things easier for you!

Women’s Shoe Size	Men’s Shoe Size
7	5.5
7.5	6
8	6.5
8.5	7
9	7.5
9.5	8
10	8.5
10.5	9
11	9.5
12	10

2. Arch support

As mentioned earlier, women naturally have higher arches on their feet because of genetics. So, most women’s shoes have higher midsoles to offer better support while running. But, that may be uncomfortable for someone with flat feet. If that sounds like you, then you may find that men’s running shoes are actually more supportive and comfortable.

3. Heel width and height.

Women’s shoes are built to have narrower heels because that’s just how women’s feet genetics work. So, even though your foot may fit in the shoe, length-wise, there’s a chance that your heels are naturally too small to fill in the male shoe. This could cause some safety hazards or discomfort as your feet may slide around while running.

4. Shoe Weight

Another big difference between men’s and women’s running shoes are the materials used to create each one. Men’s running shoes were made to support their size and weight, which is about 15% more. 

Because they need to support a larger weight, the midsoles for men’s running shoes are denser so they can absorb more impact. In turn, that makes the shoe heavier, as there’s more dense material on the soles. That also makes men’s shoes more durable in the long run as they’re able to withstand more weight and force.

However, your running shoe’s weight can also impact your performance. A heavier shoe could slow you down, especially if you’re already used to wearing lighter women’s shoes.

5. Collar and Ankle support

When it comes to running shoes, ankle support is really important. It affects your balance and overall stability, which is good for injury prevention. Genetically, women have softer, more flexible ankles. Women are also more reliant on the flexibility of their ankles and knees because of their stature. That also means that they’re more prone to ankle injuries though. 

Typically, women’s running shoes will have smaller collars in order to support their ankles properly and avoid injury. So, when selecting a men’s shoe, it’s good to be aware of this and take precautions to make the ankle collar fit you better. 

6. Pronation Control

Pronation sounds like a complicated term, it refers to the way your foot rolls to absorb shock when it hits the ground. Women have wider hips, making it so their Q-angle, which is the angle of your quad muscles relative to your kneecaps, is wider. You’ll notice that the inner parts of your shoe will wear faster than the outer parts, and that’s because of pronation.

Most shoe designers take that into account and will use softer, lighter, and more supportive materials for the midsole and outsole of a women’s shoe. Though, this doesn’t mean that men’s shoes won’t be supportive. It just means that wear can appear faster on the inner parts of the shoe since men’s shoes aren’t made for women’s knee flexion.

7. Flexibility

You might have noticed that women’s shoes have deeper grooves on their soles. Well, it’s not just for aesthetics and there’s actually a reason behind it. It makes the shoe flex way easier. The grooves on the soles of women’s running shoes are bigger and deeper so that the shoe can flex without needing much weight. This ties into the fact that women are generally lighter than men. 

Why does that matter though?

Since men and women have different weight distributions when running, a more flexible shoe will make it easier for you to push off the ground. You might find it a little harder to flex a man’s running shoes since they’re stiffer, but it’s nothing that would cause discomfort. Again, it may slow you down or impact your performance slightly, but you’ll definitely get used to it.

8. Cushioning

Men’s running shoes have more cushioning as they’re made to support heavier weights, but this doesn’t necessarily mean they’re softer — it means they’re denser. Women’s shoes are still softer since they’re made to support lighter weights and can flex easier, making it easier on your ankles.

But, since men’s shoes are denser, they can better support your body weight while running. You’ll also notice that the denser cushioning lessens the impact on your ankles and knees, making high-impact activities more comfortable. If you’re a heavier woman, then we’d definitely recommend trying out men’s running shoes as you’ll feel better supported with the extra cushioning. 

Should I Consider Purchasing Men’s Shoes if I Have Wide/Narrow Feet?

If you have wider feet, then you’ll find that men’s shoes will fit you better. Since men’s shoes are built to be wider all around, it’ll be better for you to consider these shoes rather than trying to force your feet into women’s shoes that don’t fit well. When it comes to a strenuous activity like running, it’s better to wear something that can properly support you. After all the fit of your shoes can greatly impact your performance. A better fit will also ensure a lesser chance of injury. 

If you’ve got narrow feet, then you might have slight difficulty in finding men’s shoes that will fit you properly. Remember that it could be dangerous to wear running shoes that don’t hug your feet well. Though, if you’re really set on getting men’s shoes, you could always try out some techniques to make wide shoes fit your narrow feet, like wearing thick socks or adding insoles in your shoe. 

Recommendations for Women Wearing Men’s Running Shoes

Now, you might be deadset on getting running shoes from the men’s section for a multitude of reasons. Maybe they’re cheaper, or there’s just a specific colorway or style that you can’t find in the women’s section. Well, whatever it is, here are some extra tips and tricks to make your new running shoes absolutely perfect.

• Add band-aids wherever you need extra cushioning. Band-aids may not seem like a lot, but trust me, the little extra padding that they can provide can do wonders. This is especially useful if you find that the heels of your running shoe are causing blisters because they’re too loose.
• Wear thick socks. Not only are thick socks more comfortable to wear, but they can also make your shoes a little tighter. And you definitely want a tight, but well-fitting, running shoe. They’ll also add extra cushioning so your feet won’t feel fatigued easily, allowing you to go on longer runs.
• Customize your shoe with insoles. Insoles come in a multitude of different materials, each serving its own purpose. If you’re looking to lessen excess space inside your shoe, get even more cushioning, or want to add extra arch support, then insoles are something that you should look into.

Expert Opinions: Perspectives from Female Runners

Many women have started to adopt the “if it fits, it fits” mentality. After all, most gendered running shoes are only made that way because of marketing. Many agree that gendered shoes shouldn’t be a thing and you shouldn’t feel ashamed of buying men’s shoes. 

There are also women that don’t pronate and prefer the stronger cushions of men’s running shoes. Not to mention, some women that have bigger feet, like size 13’s, face a lot of difficulty in finding women’s running shoes. So, why make things harder for yourself?

Female runners that wear men’s running shoes have also stated that they just feel better when running in men’s styles, so they keep getting it. Additionally, a lot of women’s styles have just gotten too flashy for them, and they’d prefer a more neutral design. Some have also added that the men’s shoes seem to last longer and handle intense running better. 

Lastly, if you’re looking for a recommendation, many female runners recommend the Hoka men’s collection. They’re absolutely amazing for women that have slightly wider feet and the models come in amazing colorways, there’s no doubt that you’ll find something that suits your taste.

FAQs:

Can a Woman Wear Men’s Adidas Shoes?

Absolutely! While Adidas shoes may be gendered, there’s nothing that can stop a woman from purchasing a pair of men’s shoes. Men’s Adidas also come in a wide range of sizes and styles, so you’ll definitely be able to find something that fits you. 

Most Adidas shoe styles are unisex, even if it says that it’s a pair of men’s shoes. You’ll often find the same shoe style available in men’s and women’s sizes, but if you prefer the fit of the men’s version, then you should go for that.

Are Nike Shoes Unisex?

If you look past the colorways and marketing ads, then every Nike shoe is unisex — anyone can wear them. But, you’ll find that the difference mostly lies in sizing. The only thing that separates one shoe from the other is that they’ll be available in either Men’s or Women’s sizing. In some cases where a style is gendered for women, then you’ll find that they are typically more narrow and come in a smaller size range.

Ultimately though, yes. There’s no doubt that you can wear any pair of Nikes and find that they’ll suit you no matter what. Just remember that if the shoe is listed as Unisex, then the sizing is going to be in Men’s.

What Size Is 8 Women’s in Men’s?

Though sizing does differ from brand to brand, it’s good to keep in mind that Men’s shoes are typically 1.5 – 2 sizes smaller. 

If you wear a size 8 in Women’s then in Men’s you’ll probably need to wear a 6.5.

What Size Is 8.5 Women’s in Men’s?

A size 8.5 in Women’s means that you’ll probably fit into a Men’s size 7.

Different brands may have different sizing though, depending on where the shoe company is from. They may follow a US or UK sizing, both of which are different. A general rule of thumb though is to take your Women’s size and subtract 1.5.

Conclusion

In conclusion, shoes are for everyone, regardless of what the shoebox says. No one’s going to know if your shoes are from the men’s or women’s section anyway. As long as your shoes fit you well and you feel happy and confident while wearing them, then you should stick to that. After all, your comfort should always be your number 1 priority.