Sport Today

by **Linn Compt** » Fri, 27 Aug 1993 02:03:36

I am a woman with moderately wide feet. The last time I bought a pair of
everyday walking-around gym shoes, I bought a pair of men's Nike's because
it was easier to find in a wide size.

Recently I went into a women's running store to buy a new pair of running
shoes and, as usual, had trouble finding a pair that were wide enough. I commented
to the clerk that maybe I would go look at men's running shoes so I could
find a wider pair and she told me that women should not wear men's
running shoes because women needed a different kind of foot support.

Question: Is there any validity to this comment? Do women's feet REALLY
require a different type of support from men's feet? Doesn't sound too
logical to me, but I thought I'd see what other people think.

by **Noreen Cas** » Fri, 27 Aug 1993 21:43:18

Quote:

> Recently I went into a women's running store to buy a new pair of running
> shoes and, as usual, had trouble finding a pair that were wide enough. I commented
> to the clerk that maybe I would go look at men's running shoes so I could
> find a wider pair and she told me that women should not wear men's
> running shoes because women needed a different kind of foot support.

> Question: Is there any validity to this comment? Do women's feet REALLY
> require a different type of support from men's feet? Doesn't sound too
> logical to me, but I thought I'd see what other people think.

I doubt it. Most women's running shoes are just scaled-down versions of
men's running shoes. Also, You were in a *women's* running store - I bet
if the store sold men's shoes, she would gladly have sold you men's shoes.
I have the same problem you do (wide feet, narrow shoes) and I (well, my feet)
need a lot of support. After a stress fracture kept me from running for
six weeks, I finally broke down and went to a local running store and paid
the big bucks (i.e., shoes at full price) to have someone who knew what
they were doing help me select a pair of shoes. I ended up with a pair of
men's shoes on their recommendation. It's been three months (~25 miles/week)
so far, and they've worked out great. As an added bonus, the shoes last longer
because they're built for heavier people (I used to break down shoes at less
than 300 miles, and I don't weigh *that* much!). My advice - go for the men's
shoes.

Reenie Casey
Cambridge, MA

by **Cathy Smi** » Sat, 28 Aug 1993 01:17:20

Quote:

>I am a woman with moderately wide feet. The last time I bought a pair of
>everyday walking-around gym shoes, I bought a pair of men's Nike's because
>it was easier to find in a wide size.

>Recently I went into a women's running store to buy a new pair of running
>shoes and, as usual, had trouble finding a pair that were wide enough. I commented
>to the clerk that maybe I would go look at men's running shoes so I could
>find a wider pair and she told me that women should not wear men's
>running shoes because women needed a different kind of foot support.

>Question: Is there any validity to this comment? Do women's feet REALLY
>require a different type of support from men's feet? Doesn't sound too
>logical to me, but I thought I'd see what other people think.

The main difference between men's and women's feet is that often a
women's ankles will be narrower (with the same size and width shoe).
For some, a mens shoe will work fine. However, a shoe made
specifically for women (not just a scaled down men's version) may fit
better.

BTW, have you tried Brooks Chariot's? I also have wide feet and these
are about the only shoes that fit.

Cathy Smith

--

by **Allan_Rube%GateC..** » Sat, 28 Aug 1993 01:14:34

In response to Linn's question (which follows) on shoes for women, women's
shoes are narrower at the heel because, all other things being equal, women
have narrower heels. My wife must wear women's shoes to get a proper fit. Now,
if you are getting a good fit, wear the same shoes you have been wearing.
Remember, you know more about your feet than the salesperson. Our to use
another old cliche, which applies to running as in other things in life,
IF THE SHOE FITS WEAR IT!

Allan Rube
Gate City Striders
603-888-5477

Quote:

> Recently I went into a women's running store to buy a new pair of
> running
> shoes and, as usual, had trouble finding a pair that were wide enough. I
> commented
> to the clerk that maybe I would go look at men's running shoes so I
> could
> find a wider pair and she told me that women should not wear men's
> running shoes because women needed a different kind of foot support.

> Question: Is there any validity to this comment? Do women's feet REALLY
> require a different type of support from men's feet? Doesn't sound too
> logical to me, but I thought I'd see what other people think.

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The views expressed in this posting are those of the individual.
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Sport Today

shoes - men's vs. women's

shoes - men's vs. women's

shoes - men's vs. women's

shoes - men's vs. women's

shoes - men's vs. women's