Why running shoes still don’t fit women right

October 16, 2025

After decades of marketing progress and footwear innovation, most women runners are still wearing shoes modeled on male feet. Researchers from Simon Fraser University in B.C. argue it’s time for the industry to start from scratch. The study, published in BMJ Open Sports & Exercise Medicine, found that the majority of women’s running shoes are simply smaller versions of men’s models, using changes that ignore biological and biomechanical differences as well as the realities of pregnancy, aging and performance demands.

The study’s authors conducted focus groups with women runners in Vancouver, including both competitive and recreational athletes, ranging in age from 20 to 70. They ran between roughly 30 and 50 kilometres per week, with nearly half having trained through pregnancy or postpartum.

When asked what mattered most, comfort led the list, followed by injury prevention and performance. Many participants said they look for wider toe boxes, narrower heels and more cushioning—details often missing from standard designs. Competitive runners valued lightweight, performance-oriented features, but made clear they shouldn’t come at the expense of comfort. Several runners also said their needs shift with life stage and wanted more room and support during pregnancy, and favoured stability and extra cushioning as they got older. Running Magazine