From PEBA foam for cushioning to carbon plates for propulsion, running shoes have continued to improve, to the point of offering high-level technologies to athletes, even amateurs. In France, half (49%) of the 12.4 million people who run are women, according to the Running Observatory. And yet, the running shoes designed for them are far from being suitable, according to a study published in the British Medical Journal which calls on manufacturers to offer models adapted to the female morphology.
Not fair "a smaller man's foot"
Although there are two separate departments in the stores, the running shoes for women and men are essentially the same. “Most shoes are designed from a 3D mold, which is shaped like a foot. Historically, this last is based on the male foot, then simply reduced in size and recolored for the women's range. An approach called “shrink it and pink it” in English. (or “shrink and color in pink” in French, editor’s note)“ , says Dr. Christopher Napier, who specializes in biomedical physiology and kinesiology at Simon Fraser University in British Columbia, Canada.
The study's lead author insists: Women's feet are not just men's feet. smaller”. On average, women have a wider forefoot than men and a narrower heel. Their strides are also higher than men's. These are all important differences for a shoe to fit properly and support the foot. From a biomechanical perspective, women also run at a higher stride rate than men, with a shorter ground contact. Differences in kinematics—such as greater maximal hip adduction and contralateral pelvic drop—may also alter how loads are distributed in the lower limb and foot.. »
In this study, women aged 20 to 70, with 6 to 58 years of running experience, running 30 to 45 kilometers per week, and some who were competitive or non-competitive were surveyed to understand what features they prioritized when choosing shoes. Comfort, injury prevention, and performance were top of mind. Most said they wanted a wider toe box, a narrower heel, and better cushioning; competitive runners also wanted shoes that incorporated performance-enhancing features, such as a carbon plate, as long as it did not compromise comfort. The women also reported actively seeking out running shoes they believed would help prevent activity-related injuries.
Longer and wider feet after pregnancy
Pregnant and postpartum women also had specific needs. Indeed, during pregnancy and afterward, women's feet lengthen and widen. This change in morphology is due to a decrease in foot rigidity and a diminished arch. Many women report needing more room in the toes, heel adjustments, and better cushioning. With age and running experience, comfort and stability become a priority, particularly cushioning, without compromising on good heel and midfoot support.
Poorly fitting shoes—too narrow in the forefoot, too loose in the heel—can lead to slippage, pressure points, and blisters, but also subtle changes in movement patterns that can contribute to injuries over time. Overall, women appeared to be less likely than men to injure themselves while running, according to a recent analysis published in the journal PLOS OneYet, shoes cause more injuries in women than in men!
Hampered athletic performance
But beyond possible injuries, it is above all the performance limitations that the study points to. It's impossible to know the extent to which women are at a disadvantage because nearly all of the tests used to design and evaluate modern running shoes—cushioning foam formulations, carbon plate geometry, stack height, heel drop—were conducted on men. Some foams or plate configurations that optimize stiffness and energy return for a heavier male runner, for example, may not work as effectively for a lighter female runner." explains Dr. Napier. The researchers are calling on sports manufacturers to develop women-specific footwear that incorporates performance features specifically designed for them, without sacrificing comfort. " It is time to consider product lines suitable for all ages, especially for pregnant or postpartum women, for whom adapting support and fit is essential.. » In short, stop using designs intended for men for women. We must adapt to their anatomical and biomechanical needs in order to improve their athletic performance.
This study, conducted on 21 people, has the bias of having been conducted on a very small sample. Added to this, it is a so-called qualitative study, a method without numerical data, which seeks to understand a phenomenon through opinions or behaviors. However, running is not the only sport in which this problem has been highlighted by researchers. Women's football boots are just smaller men's boots, they're not designed specifically for them.", pointed out in our pages Dr. Craig Rosenbloom, high-level sports physician for the Football Association and Tottenham Hotspur Football Club women in 2024. Just like running shoes, cleated shoes would not have the shape and volume adapted to the feet of the players, according to a publication in Sports EngineeringIn June 2023, 82% of female players said they felt uncomfortable with their shoes, according to a study of 350 players coordinated by the European Club Association.
Read alsoShoes, equipment, injuries: women's football hampered by technology made for men
For runners—and athletes in general—who may have questions, researchers advise prioritizing comfort and support above all else. You need a shoe with enough room for the toes while still ensuring support for the rest of the foot. Cushioning should always be comfortable, regardless of running speed. “If you are pregnant or postpartum, or notice changes with age, your needs may change.. » If possible, an appointment with a trusted salesperson will allow you to test several types of shoes.
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