What’s the difference between men’s and women’s running shoes?

It’s really important to remember that men and women run differently, so we recommend you opt for a pair of running trainers that have been designed specifically with women in mind.

But the biggest difference? Foot shape, including the relationship between the heel and the ball of the foot. Women often have a narrower heel in comparison to the ball of their foot. This means that if a woman wears a size nine running shoe, she will likely have a wider ball, wider ball girth and narrower heel than a man with the same-sized foot. Yeah, running shoes are technical.

In terms of how we run, women tend to have wider hips, so our feet are more likely to strike the ground toward the outside of our soles. Women’s running shoes also tend to be lighter and softer than male offerings, because women typically have lower muscle mass.

Which brand is best for running?

A hotly debated topic — and a deeply personal one too. Because what you rank as ‘the best’ may be considered the most uncomfortable running shoe for others. Brands like Nike, Adidas, and Brooks consistently receive high marks for their innovative designs and technology.

That said, the most searched-for running shoes in the UK last year were the Nike Vaporfly. This is because the controversial shoe, first launched back in 2016, was almost banned from the Tokyo Olympics due to its advanced technology, with some claiming the combination of thick, energy-returning foam midsoles and embedded carbon fibre plates gave athletes an unfair advantage.

How to choose the best running shoes for you:

Not everyone is an elite athlete and needs a carbon-plated go-faster shoe. So, we suggest you consider the following when choosing a new pair of running shoes:

Gait

This is a speedy, low-stress study of how a person walks or runs, measuring various temporal, spatial, and kinematic parameters. This includes your pronation — does your foot roll inwards (AKA overpronation), outwards (supination) or not at all (neutral pronation) when you run? — and your arch height — high arches typically require more cushioning, while low arches favour stability. All of these will inform what sort of shoe you need to support your style of motion. FYI, there should be adequate room in the toe box, and your heels shouldn’t slip around.

Even if you’re a seasoned runner, we recommend getting a new gait analysis before buying a fresh pair of trainers, as there’s a good chance your gait has changed since your last result.

“It’s important to find out what kind of runner you are, says Senior Marketing Executive at SportsShoes.com, Ben Mounsey. “Once you understand how you run, you can find the shoe that is most suited to your running style.”

Terrain

Think about what kind of terrain you’ll be running on and how often you intend to train and race. For those used to running off-road, we suggest durable shoes with good traction. For road running, cushioning is key.

“If you’re a beginner runner or someone who runs infrequently, it doesn’t make sense to spend a fortune on your first pair of shoes or buy the latest and most expensive carbon-plated super shoes, which are designed for elite competition,” adds Mounsey. “Instead, choose a style that best suits both your needs and budget, for daily use, all-around performance and capable of handling a range of different surfaces.”

Comfort

We recommend you try your new trainers out on both a treadmill and on your usual running terrain, so you can get a feel for how comfortable and supportive they are. “Do your research and read the reviews before you purchase to make sure the shoe you’re considering is a good fit for your chosen preferences,” adds Mounsey.

“Our feet are as individual as we are, and they come in all different shapes and sizes. Running shoes have to be equally as diverse, and with hundreds of types to choose from, it can often prove difficult to find the right pair to match our requirements.”