Women vs Men tennis shoes, is there diff other then color

[dainova]

Hi, this comes to me as I try to buy shoes for my girl and boy 13,15 years old. I see that Women and Men categories, but If this only for Colors ?
Thinking they interchange them sometime.
Sizing is same, in my case I need US 7, and this is universal, shoes advertised for man and women are same actual size.

 

[esgee48]

I buy shoes after trying them on which is what most everyone does. If it fits, does not chafe, and has adequate room for the toes and width, then I'm good to go. I suspect that the amount of padding is slightly different based on male vs female walking patterns. But again, if it is comfortable when you put it on, it should be fine. I can't answer about kids' shoes since I strongly suspect that they are not the same.

 

[David Le]

If you are a man, you would go a size and a half for a women shoe. For example: mens 10.5 = 12 in women’s.

 

[dainova]

thanks all,

 

[-Kap-]

This refers specifically to running shoes, but I wouldn't be surprised if the same holds true for tennis shoes as well. (Source)

The primary difference between men's and women's running shoes is the width of the shoe. Compared to the corresponding men's shoe, women's shoes are built wider in the forefoot and toe area and narrower in the heel, reflecting the gender differences in foot shape.

Furthermore, men's shoes are usually wider and sized larger than women's shoes. Some shoes, despite being branded as the same shoe for different genders, have different midsole materials or heel support, affecting the fit, comfort and even weight of the shoe.

 

[dr325i]

If you are a man, you would go a size and a half for a women shoe. For example: mens 10.5 = 12 in women’s.

I made that mistake with the FF2s. I liked the initial women's release colors and went with the maximum size, 12.
I have men's in 10.5 and 11 and both fit well, but the woman's 12 is way too tight and causing blisters every time I use them. Ive had them for about 3 months now and no improvement.

 

[-Kap-]

...but the woman's 12 is way too tight and causing blisters every time I use them...

The standard for men's shoes is a 'D' width, while for women's it's a 'B', which would be considered a narrow width for men. (Sorry about the blisters.)

 

[kimguroo]

Nike often release unisex tennis shoes. There will be 1.5 size differences.
I have several women vapor 9/9.5 for size 9 and I wear men’s 7.5.
Women’s Vapor 9/9.5 are slightly narrower than men’s but I don’t need wide fit so actually women’s vapors fit better for me. (Different story with Vapor X).
Unisex shoes might have same width but some women’s shoes might have slightly narrower fit than men’s shoes.

 

[dr325i]

The standard for men's shoes is a 'D' width, while for women's it's a 'B', which would be considered a narrow width for men. (Sorry about the blisters.)

That is definitely it! They feel narrower!

 

[jmacdaununder2]

So many complications - I'm so greatful that skirts are a universal fit.

 

[max]

Life's too short for cheep shoes.

 

[airchallenge2]

Proper brands like adi, nike, NB use W's specific last vs. M's specific last. Women's feet tend to be wider in the forefoot and narrower in the heel. Thus the need to have different lasts.

 

[frenchtennislover]

Most of men & women tennis shoes on the market do not have any difference regarding features. Regarding sizes, be careful because sometimes the internal length vary between men & women. For example, a Men 8 US = 260mm while a Women 8 US can = 250mm.
I know that Wilson added on all their women model a feature called "Women Specific Support" which is an asymmetrical heel counter that provide better arch support & comfort since women have narrower heel than men.

 

[TW Staff]

Hi, this comes to me as I try to buy shoes for my girl and boy 13,15 years old. I see that Women and Men categories, but If this only for Colors ?
Thinking they interchange them sometime.
Sizing is same, in my case I need US 7, and this is universal, shoes advertised for man and women are same actual size.

@dainova

As most have commented, men's and women's shoes sometimes differ a lot or not much at all. There are some brands, like adidas, who create shoes specifically for men and women -- the women's shoes are on what they would call a "women's last" which is often a bit more narrow than the men's model/men's last and then they will create the shoe specifically for women while their men's line will be made specifically for men. Of course men/women can cross over and still wear the other gender shoes!

Men's shoes are a size and a half bigger than women's normally so if you are a women's size 10, you would wear a men's size 8.5. Obviously there can be exceptions to this if a shoe fits big or small, wide or short, etc.

Asics seems to be a brand that is fairly interchangeable as I know many women who wear the men's asics and even some men who have worn women's if they prefer the color!

Let us know if we can help answer any further questions to help you out,

Michelle, TW