Last Updated on March 6, 2021 by
The prime difference between men’s and women’s shoe sizes exists due to their different biological structures. Women’s shoes are generally built more comprehensive in the toe and forefoot region, while a little narrower towards the heel region but on the other hand, men’s shoes are enormous and comparatively wider than women’s shoes keeping the body structure of the person in mind.
What Are The Significant Differences In Men’s And Women’s Shoes?
Apart from the significant structural difference, men’s and women’s shoes differ in many other categories. They are made with different midsole materials and additional heel support, which plays a massive role in the fittings, comfort, and weight of the shoe.
In comparison to men, women have special requirements regarding shoes’ heels, soles, and weight. Q-angle is the primary factor that sets men’s and women’s shoe sizes apart. A Q-angle is the proportion of the quad muscle concerning the kneecap.
On the other hand, as men do not have such wide hips or girth, they do not look for extra support in shoes except for some particular reason.
Comparison Chart Of The Differences:
| Specifications | Men’s Shoes | Women’s Shoes |
| Standard Size | Two widths broader and 1.5 inches longer | 1.5 inches shorter and narrower by two widths. |
| Standard Width | Average width – “D.” | Average width – ” B”. |
| Q angles | Narrow Q angles and do not require extra support. | Wide Q angles and need extra support in the area of the shoe. |
| Overall appearance | Wider and longer. | Slimmer and narrower. |
| Style and Design | It has limited styles and designs. | It has a wide range of styles and designs. |
| Varieties | It includes varieties like Monk-straps, Derby, slip-on, and oxfords. | It includes varieties like Ballet flats, slingbacks, mules, pumps, and high-heeled. |
| Additions | Wingtips and caps. | It has an endless number of additions and combinations. |
What Are The Different Shoe Widths?
According to US standards, there exist nine widths, ranging from the narrowest AAA to the widest EEE. Typically, an average-sized man will go for D width, as it is considered a medium. On the other hand, an average-sized woman goes for her typical medium-size B. To find the correct shoe, you need to measure your width correctly.
The range of nine widths includes sizes AAA, AA, A, B, C, D, E, EE, and EEE. As the sizes A and E are near to the spectrum, they are further divided into subcategories by adding a letter. The extra letter at the narrower end indicates a narrower width while at the wider end indicates a broader width. The below mentioned three sizes are the most searched:
D Width:
This width is considered as a medium for men and a little wide for women. Depending on the shoe size, it measures somewhere near 3-5 inches across the bottom ball of the foot. For example, in men’s shoes, a size 10D is 4 inches, and a size 14D is 4.5 inches across.
E Width:
This width is considered a medium for men and extra comprehensive for women. Depending on the foot size, it stretches around 3.2-5.2 inches across the bottom ball of the foot. Typically, for men, size 10E is 4.2 inches while size 14E is 4.7 inches across.
EE Width:
This width is considered extra wide for both men and women. This width is not readily available in stores as there hasn’t been much demand for it. However, for the past few decades with changing gender variations, a lot of different options have been included from time to time. Their broad ranges between 3.4 -5.4 inches across the foot, depending on the size of the shoe.
How To Measure The Width Of The Shoe All By Yourself?
With this fast-paced life and the growing popularity of online shopping, we hardly visit stores for our shoe shopping. Now, everything gets delivered within a click. So, as a need to submit the measurements, we have to do it ourselves. But, you can easily measure your shoe width at home, by just following the below-mentioned steps:
1. You can use a measuring tape and wrap it around the widest part of your foot. Keep it a little loose and do not tighten it much. Now, you can put your foot on the ground and try and distribute your weight as you would typically do when you are standing.
2. Now, you can mark on the tape measure how wide your foot is in terms of millimeters.
3. After knowing your exact measurements, you can quickly look up your width on the shoe tables and get to know your actual size.
4. Do make sure that you measure the width of both feet as one can be wider than the other.
If any case, you do not have a measuring tape, you can use the length of the string. It is an easy process as you have to mark the line and then, with the help of a ruler, identify its width.
Conclusion:
With the difference in the biological structures of men and women, their shoe width also tends to vary. Men’s feet are broader and larger in comparison to women’s feet, and thus, there exist shoes of various widths in the market.
One needs to measure the width of his or her feet and buy shoes accordingly. The width of your feet might even change occasionally depending upon your weight, diseases and excessive water retention problems. Too narrow or too wide shoes can also cause spurs and blisters. It is essential to wear shoes, depending on one’s feet size.
FAQs:
1. Does The Width Of Foot Changes With Time?
Yes, the width of the foot changes even after your body stops growing. The main reasons include gaining weight, pregnancy, excess water retention, diabetes, etc.
2. Do All Shoe Brands Specify Width?
No. most European and American brands only specify standard widths or narrow-width shoes. But, for the last few decades, many brands have begun offering a wide range of options.
3. What Is The Ideal Width For Men’s And Women’s Shoe?
As men generally have wider feet, so, they usually go for a “D”. And, as women’s feet are usually smaller and wider, so, they typically go for a “B”.
4. What If My Shoes Are Too Narrow?
Wearing narrow shoes can cause a lot of issues like foot deformities, cramps, excessive sweating leading to fungal or bacterial infections, etc.
5. What If My Shoes Are Too Wide?
Wide shoes can cause a lot of troubles, including uncomfortable walk, bone spur, friction while walking leading to blisters and sores, nail problems as well as hammertoes.
