Can Women Wear Men's Walking Shoes?

At a glance, there seems to be little difference between walking shoes for men and women. Men have a wider range of shoe sizes to select from because their feet are generally larger. Even if a woman finds a man's shoe that fits size-wise, there are several reasons why it is not advisable for a woman to wear a shoe designed specifically for men. Wearing a man's shoe can cause a woman to suffer injuries over time.

  1. Support

    • Male and female bodies are constructed differently. Not only are male bodies generally larger, but there are differences in the pelvic structure of men and women. The varying widths of the pelvis cause men and women to perform normal operations such as running, jumping or walking differently. Because of this, the areas of the foot that need proper support are not the same. A shoe designed specifically for women provides support in the areas where women need it most according to their gait.

    Toes

    • The structure of the toes differs between men and women as well. Men generally feature a more straight and square toe box. Women's toes tend to round off in an oval shape. To accommodate this difference, men's and women's shoes are constructed to provide adequate room for the toes while still having a snug fit. While a woman may be able to fit her toes into a man's shoe easily, she will not get the proper traction and comfort level that she would from a true woman's shoe.

    Soles

    • Men and women do not run or walk the same. Men tend to hit the ground with much more force than women. They also use their heels more prominently. Men's shoes are designed to give extra support to the soles in the heel area, while women's shoes focus support more on the middle and front parts of the shoe. They are designed this way to not only provide maximum comfort but to give the support that helps prevent injury and wear on the feet and knees.

    Choosing the Right Shoe

    • While slipping on a man's shoe for a quick trip to the mailbox is probably not going to result in long-term injuries, a woman should look into choosing the correct shoe for her for day-to-day wear as well as exercise. Using a man's shoe probably won't be as comfortable and could result in injury over time as the body is not supported correctly. It may seem fine at first, but as the shoe is worn longer, the effects will slowly reveal themselves. Visit your local quality footwear retailer and talk to an expert to find the perfect shoe for your situation.