Ask Takbo.ph: Can a Man Wear a Women’s Running Shoe?

While I tried walking on high heels and stilettos, I haven’t thought of wearing a women’s running shoes.  But I was asked via Facebook by a man if it is ok for him to wear a running shoes designed for women.

“I have small feet compared to most men. Is it OK for me to wear women’s running shoes, instead?

The difference between a men’s running shoe and a women’s running shoe is usually with the width. Men have wider foot compared to women. If a man wears a women’s running shoe, he would usually find it a bit narrow on the sides and on the heel.

Other factors like Q-factor, shoe last, and body mass, are also being considered when designing shoes for men and women.

I asked Joe Matias of A Runner’s Circle (ARC). He says that using a women’s running shoe for men is OK, and vise versa. But check the width of the shoe if it feels comfortable.

For example, a size 7 Men’s can wear an 8.5 Women’s with wide width (D width size).

The bottom line is the fit. If men or women feels comfortable and stays injury free wearing running shoes designed for the opposite sex, there’s nothing wrong with that.

Aside from having smaller feet size, men would enjoy buying women’s running shoe because they are typically cheaper, and the bigger sizes are often on sale. 😀

Keep on running!