Do I need gender specific shoes?

[GoogleMe]

My normal shoes are round about size 41/42 which is at the upper limit of women's. Do I really need to stick to the limited choice available for women (especially as I have a pathological dislike of pink) or will men's be fine?

[sfb350 Graduate]

My first thought was that I couldn't see why there would be a difference but a quick Google found this article which suggests there might be:

livestrong.com/article/2699...

Having said that, if you go to a shop that offers gait analysis they may be able to assist you in finding a suitable shoe from the men's range - they all vary so there may be some that suit. You will need to have half a size bigger than normal too, to allow for your foot expanding when you've been running. This will avoid bruised and battered toes (I speak from experience here - going up that half a size has solved the problem !)

Good luck with your search

[happierswimming Graduate]

unless you're planning to spend hours at a time in the shoes, it won't make any difference what you use. Just find some that are comfortable. It doesn't really matter what you pay, either, in spite of manufacturers' and advertisers' claims!

[tantrumbean Graduate]

I think it depends very much on your feet - For example, I've got very narrow heels, so I find that the shoes tend to slip at the back unless I go for women's specific ones.

[totalbeginner Graduate]

hi - i was told no difference at all. i went to a specialist running shop to get my shoes and after getting gait analysis done tried on lots of pairs. he pair i liked best i bought and at the till i asked about mens/womens specific shoes. he told me the pair i had picked were actually 'mens' ones and it didnt make any difference. i have been wearing them since week 2 (now just finished week 8) and they have been fantastic. no problems at all.

i needed mild support shoe and my usual shoe size is womens 7, but occasionally if getting shoes from clarks or somewhere i have got size 6.5 . my feet have a high arch but are not that broad. the shoes i bought were size 7 and brand saucony

hth

[Anniemurph Graduate]

Hi GoogleMe - I normally take a size 8 womens' as I have very broad, flat feet. I went for gait analysis and tried about 6 pairs of shoes. I found the mens' were too wide at the heel and therefore my foot was slipping. Ended up with Brooks Adrenaline GTS in Nightshade (dark blue with not a hint of pink!)

I think the best advice is to just go for what fits. And if that turns out to be pink, a few muddy puddles will soon solve that problem

[ElsieJoy]

after watching the television programme

'The Truth About SportsProducts'...bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b...

I have come to the conclusion that running is just a big con, hyped to the max and you defin itely don't need fancy shoes or gear.