When your local running store is out of your size, you might have been tempted to compare men’s vs. women’s running shoes. If you are a woman with a larger foot, or a man with a smaller foot, you just may have luck venturing across the shoe display to find the perfect fit.
Size Comparison
Traditionally, there is a one to one and a half size difference between standard men’s and women’s shoes. I wear a 10.5 B in women’s, but a 9.5 D in men’s. Since a women’s 10.5 can be harder for me to find in stock, but a men’s 9.5 more standard, sometimes it’s easier just to snag a pair of men’s. The same can be true for men with a smaller size foot: it is harder to find a selection of men’s 8s in stock, but not too difficult to score a women’s 9 or 9.5.
Shape Comparison
I don’t notice much of a difference between the shape of my men’s and women’s Adrenaline’s. There MAY be a little more snugness in the instep of the women’s version, but it’s not incredibly noticeable. Once my orthotic inserts are in place, the two feel just about identical (and yes, the same size inserts fit snugly in each pair).
Color Comparison
Should you purchase shoes based on color? Technically, not really…
But I prefer fun and bold colors for my shoes, so I will happily switch between men’s and women’s styles to get the colorway I want. Right now, my men’s Adrenalines are on the more drab side, but they were what was available and I needed new shoes stat. However, if a neon yellow, electric blue, or bright red shows up on the men’s side of things, I’ll be happy to snag a pair. Sometimes, I just want want a change.
Length, Width + Weight Comparison
Again, there really doesn’t feel like there is too much difference between the men’s and women’s styles of my chosen shoe. The heft is the same, or close enough to the same to be negligible. I don’t notice any extra space in the toe box, or in the height of the upper, either. The men’s version of the Adrenaline fits me just as neatly as the women’s.
If The Shoe Fits…
At the end of the day, what matters most in a pair of running shoes is the fit. Knowing that I can easily switch between the men’s and women’s Adrenaline’s makes my life so much easier. It also doubles my options and selections when I shop for shoes. More choices are never a bad thing.
While other styles and brands may vary, if the shoe fits, run in it. A comfortable, well-fitting shoe is, after all, a comfortable, well-fitting shoe, regardless of the man or woman designation.
Do you ever choose shoes that are different from your designated style?
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What a great idea!
Unfortunately, my feet are too small for men’s sizes, but I would certainly wear men’s shoes if I could.
Right now, there’s a supply bottleneck for running shoes in South Africa. As long as they have my size, I’m happy, regardless of the colour.
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I can usually find my size in women’s shoes, but I’ve looked at mens before when they were on sale. I haven’t tried them so I am not sure exactly what size I would be.
I do wonder about the difference between men’s and women’s running shoes. And yes, sometimes there are colors in the men’s shoes that I would rather have. Thanks for the review. Glad that this has worked out for you!
That is interesting. I never thought about purchasing men’s shoes instead. I assumed there was a difference in weight or fit. It is great that they work for you! Thanks for the info
I’ve never considered trying a men’s shoe but I have a friend who wears them regularly and it seems to work really well for her! This is a great hack!
My narrow feet can’t do anything wider than a B width, so the men’s aren’t a great option for me. It seems a lot of running shoes are making the toe boxes wider these days, and that’s not working great for me either, LOL The last few pairs of Adrenalines, though, I have gone with a half-size smaller than usual due to the wide toe box, and they have actually felt like a better fit (I’m a 9.5 in street shoes – so, “usually” a 10.5 in running shoes- but the size 10 Adrenalines have been working). Knock wood.
I bought the mens version of one of my shoes once. It worked out just fine. I have a surprisingly big foot for a short person!
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LOL! Nothing wrong with that! I’m glad it worked.
I usually buy the women’s version, since my feet do tend to be narrower (although long). Although it is something to keep in mind as the running shoe shortage will hit soon!
You and I wear the same size in women’s so this is so helpful – especially since Adrenaline’s are my go-to shoe too! I never thought about buying men’s shoes but love the idea of having the flexibility when choosing a shoe.
Glad I could help! It is definitely an option!