Skip to content 
Can Women Wear Men's Running Shoes? [The Complete Guide]
If you dislike the colors of women’s running shoes or have difficulty finding ideal sneakers, you may be wondering whether women can wear men’s running shoes. Then questions come to mind, Will they be suitable for you? Is it ok to wear them? Our complete guide has a solution that enables you to choose the right color, structure, the brand.
Yes, women can wear men’s running shoes if they are comfy and fully supportive of their feet. Men’s sneakers are wider, especially in the heel and forefoot, and have a thicker midsole for added comfort. Moreover, you must consider factors like fit, performance, and style while choosing.
In this blog, we will walk with you through the benefits, pros and cons, and potential pitfalls of women opting for men’s running shoes. We will also discuss the size of men’s shoes for women, and some major differences between men’s and women’s running shoes.
Whether you’re seeking enhanced comfort, specific features, or simply exploring new options, this guide will empower you to select the most suitable fit. Let’s find out together!
Women Wearing Men's Running Shoes
Sometimes during shopping women came across footwear with an “Only for men” tag. The question arises: Is it permissible for ladies to wear men’s shoes? Of course not, you can use man’s sneakers if you find them comfortable. However, the most crucial factor to keep in mind is the perfect fit according to your foot size.
When it comes to men’s shoes you find them a bit heavier with thick soles. Because they are designed for wider feet.
With improved traction and cushioning, you’ll find them best for running. So, for a woman planning to purchase kicks from the boy’s section, consider choosing a size of 1.5-2 less than your actual size.
Pros And Cons For Women Wearing Men's Shoes
Do you know that shoes have diverse categories for different games? Also, you cannot wear casual during marathons. The same goes for different genders. Men’s and women’s shoes are constructed according to their feet, size, and weight.
However, for women wearing men’s shoes has both advantages and drawbacks. Depending on your perspective, below mentioned are some advantages and drawbacks. Let’s explore them and make your search easy by selecting the most suitable pair of shoes to speed up your race!
| Pros Of Men’s Running Shoes | Cons Of Men’s Running Shoes |
|---|---|
| Breathable | Heavy |
| Best for Wide Feet | Fitting Problems |
| Unique Designs | Color Combination Issues |
| Thick Sole | Size Issues |
Pros For Women Wearing Men’s Running Shoes
There are multiple benefits of getting your favorite shoes in the men’s running shoes aisle of the store:
1. Comfort
Men’s shoes are highly comfortable with dynamic cushioning layers. The wider fit allows better ventilation. Particularly, during long practice sessions, you’ll find them ultimately breathable.
2. Durability
They are designed to carry more weight, so are durable. Even outdoor games like running cannot affect their strength. Men’s running sneakers provide adequate support and last longer.
3. Functionality
The men’s section has improved the design and functionality of boots and athletic sneakers. This proves an edge in performance for women wearing these kicks.
Related Article: “9 Best Shoes For Mud Runs (Tested By Experts)”
4. Flexibility and Better Traction
The shape of a man’s shoe provides better support traction. They are great for all the ladies having wide feet. It helps to enhance their performance and also boost their confidence level.
5. Style
When it comes to aesthetic style, nothing can beat men’s footwear. For women, it’s an amazing addition to their wardrobe giving an edgy look and a cool vibe.
Cons For Women Wearing Men’s Running Shoes
1. Size Issues
Manufacturers design a man’s shoe for a different foot shape compared to the narrow heels of a woman. The wideness and arch fit are also a problem. So, wearing such sneakers leads to discomfort and pain.
Related Article: “11 Best Running Shoes For Hip Pain (+ Buying Guide)”
2. Color Mismatch
Some females appreciate men’s shoe collections while most don’t like the color and design. They are mostly available in black, white, blue, or grey combos. So, it’s genuinely difficult to select for those having a girly taste.
Related Article: “Why Running Shoes Are So Ugly? (5 Interesting Reasons)”
3. Heavy
Sneakers for males are heavier because of enhanced durability. Also, they are made to withstand heavy people. It’s a drawback for women to wear men’s running shoes.
Can A Woman Wear Sizes of Men’s Shoes?
Well, most women don’t prefer men’s wear. But if you are willing to buy men’s running shoes, you should select wisely.
The most important element is size but finding the ideal one is a bit of a struggle. For this, durability and comfort compensate to keep your feet supportive.
- Before selection check your size and find the exact fit. Try it on and walk around a few steps to check flexibility.
- Check if your heels and the back of your feet are ok.
- Also, test the grip and comfort level of the arch and toes.
- Before selection understand the conversion of size.
- Subtract 2 points from your standard size, while choosing a pair from the male’s size
Regarding the price range available in the market, various gears have different price tags according to sizes.
According to a study conducted in 2022, female runners in Spain spent around 30 euros more on running gear than men. While the prices of other apparel are reasonably equal for both genders, however, shoes are often more costly.
6 Main Differences Between Men's And Women's Running Shoes
Key variances between both shoes depends on biomechanics, style, and anatomy. However, the distinctions are minor but important to remember while selecting. Let’s explore some general variances:
1. Size and Width
The feet of a man are wider and longer compared to a woman. So, men’s running shoes are generally broad and breathable.
They come with a label D showing wider width, ensuring ventilation and traction. But if we talk about women’s sneakers, they are narrower and have less space.
Related Article: “7 Significant Differences Between Sneakers And Running Shoes”
2- Design
People do not perceive design and color as major differences. They do not influence the functioning of sneakers or the performance of players. Still, some trainers are conscious of them.
Footwear for females comes in vibrant colors and cute designs. For males, the color range is quite limited however the designs are aesthetic and unique
3- Outsole
The outsole of men’s running shoes provides improved traction and grip. Also, they are thicker to endure more weight.
4- Heel-to-Toe Drop
Differences in the height of the heel-to-toe vary in women’s and men’s feet. Kicks for females have lower heel-to-toe drop. Also, ladies have narrow heels, thus even slightly loose shoes fail to provide enough support to the heel area.
So. if they have normal foot size and wear men’s sneakers, they are more likely to slip and fall.
5- Weight
In addition to size and width, it is also important to consider the weight of running shoes. Because runners ultimately need lightweight footwear to run faster. But in the case of men’s sneakers, they are a bit heavier. This is due to the improved durability and thick soles to carry heavy the heavy weight.
Moreover, flexibility is an important factor to practice during long training sessions. Men’s shoes are a bit less flexible to provide a firmer grip and support.
Related Article: “7 Best Carbon-Plated Running Shoes (Tested By Runners)”
Research shows the cost of energy for women walking and running in athletic shoes versus heavier military boots.
The study found that wearing heavier boots causes the body to use more oxygen. This leads to a 1.0% increase in energy cost for every 100 grams added. These results align with similar trends observed in men.
6- Cushioning and Support
Shoes for both genders have dynamic and multiple cushioning features. Enhanced cushioning layers of EVA foam are available in men’s shoe models. These kicks are not compatible with female runners as the male players’ ground grip and force are greater than females.
For female running shoes, better cushioning is provided around the heel area to provide enhanced pressure distribution.
Potential Problems For Women Opting For Men’s Running Sneakers
1. Discomfort
The first thing to consider for selecting the perfect running shoe is comfort and fit. The best hack for getting comfortable kicks is to select those having accurate sizes according to your feet.
Choosing too wide or narrow footwear results in discomfort, which affects performance and running speed.
Related Article: ”9 Best Running Shoes For Narrow Feet (+ Factors To Consider)”
2. Risk of Injury
Running is all about appropriate foot movement for better speed. But wearing loose or fit sneakers can cause pain leading to injury.
It can also affect gait and overall running mechanics. Additionally, wearing another gender’s shoes can cause splints, foot stress, or a risk of falls.
Related Article: “7 Best Running Shoes For Morton’s Neuroma (Podiatrist’s Opinion)”
3. Possibility of Blisters
Apart from injuries and pain, men’s shoes have different cushioning and absorption manufacturing.
Also, wearing incorrect size of footwear directly influences the ventilation of your feet. It results in an increased risk of blisters leading to skin problems.
4. Less Foot Support
The shape of males’ feet is different than that of the females. So, a pair of shoes is designed accordingly. They provide diverse support for different parts like the arch and toes. Women trainers prefer high arches and cushioned heels for better agility.
But if you are wearing men’s sneakers it may lead to irritation and less support for better run.
Are Men Running Sneakers Broader Than Women's Sneakers?
The main difference between running sneakers for a man and a woman is the size and width. Also, the shapes of shoes for both genders are different. Men’s shoes are broad and have larger sizes due to their wider feet.
This extra width in the toe-box area provides more support and grip. They protect your feet from injuries, fractures, and pain. While for female runners, the fit is narrow due to their small feet size. So, a narrower fit provides a good grip for lightweight people.
Related Article: “Can You Run With A Broken Toe (Research And Evidence-Based)”
Conclusion
This article covered the complete guide on the burning question of runners, Can women wear men’s running shoes? And exploring some important factors while selecting the ideal footwear such as fit, performance, and style.
Remember to buy the ideal footwear, “9 Best Running Shoes For Forefoot Strikers (Road-Tested)” and enhance your performance in running endeavors
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes, women can easily utilize men’s running shoes. They are extremely comfortable and breathable which can boost your court’s performance. All they need is a perfect fit according to their size.
Male footwear is wider. If you want to buy men’s footwear for yourself, select those having 1.5-2 fewer points than your actual size.
As long as they fit, it doesn’t negatively affect their functioning. But remember to refer to size conversion chart before selection.
No, they are not the same. The fit and size of men’s sneakers are different. If you are a female runner, don’t run with a male’s footwear if they are loose.
Yes, if the size is the same for both genders. It’s ok for women to wear Asics Men’s Running Shoes if they are fit and comfortable. Also, check the heel and cushioning for better court performance.
Both males and females can wear them as multiple specific running shoes have the same foot size and foot shape. Otherwise, consider buying a small size for the best fit and support.
