Experts Call for Women-Specific Designs in Running Shoes

Sports footwear manufacturers are being urged to abandon the “shrink it and pink it” approach in the design of women’s running shoes. Experts emphasize that despite decades of investment in developing trainers aimed at preventing injuries and enhancing performance, the majority of this research has been predominantly focused on male athletes.

Traditionally, running shoes are created using a three-dimensional foot-shaped mould known as a last, which is typically based on male foot anatomy. Many sports footwear retailers apply the same last across their entire product range, meaning that modifications for women’s shoes often only include size reductions and color changes. According to a small study published in an open-access journal, this approach fails to address the unique anatomical and biomechanical needs of women, particularly as these needs evolve throughout their lives.

Research Highlights Design Gaps

The researchers, led by Simon Fraser University in Canada, conducted interviews with 21 women in Vancouver to better understand the challenges they face regarding running footwear. The participants included a diverse range of ages and running experiences, with eleven being recreational runners averaging 19 miles (30 km) weekly and ten being competitive runners averaging 28 miles. Notably, nine of the women were either pregnant or had recently given birth.

Participants ranked their preferences for running shoes, revealing that comfort and injury prevention were their top priorities. Most women expressed a desire for a wider toe box, a narrower heel, and increased cushioning. Competitive runners also sought shoes with performance-enhancing features, such as a carbon plate, provided that these did not compromise comfort.

The study found that women actively sought shoes that could help prevent running injuries, underscoring the importance of purchasing from trusted sources. Participants highlighted the necessity for different shoe designs tailored to specific running contexts, such as racing, training, or running with an injury. Mothers reported needing larger shoe sizes and wider fits during and after pregnancy, along with additional support and cushioning.

Recommendations for the Footwear Industry

The researchers identified a significant gap in the design of running footwear, which has largely been based on male anatomy and biomechanics. They noted that while participants did not always struggle to find suitable footwear, their experiences often involved trial-and-error adaptation without clear guidance or targeted solutions.

The study concluded with a clear call to action for the footwear industry: “We strongly recommend that the footwear industry should move beyond simply scaling down men’s shoes to fit women’s feet. Instead, there is a need for sex- and gender-specific designs that accommodate the distinct foot morphology of women and their social constructs and preferences, all of which evolve across the lifespan.”

By addressing these gaps, brands could significantly enhance the comfort, performance, and injury prevention of women’s running shoes, ultimately leading to a better running experience for female athletes.