Footwear plays a very key role in our lives; not only do the right shoes keep our feet comfortable and safe from harsh weather conditions, but they also make our feet look good with the right choice of shoes or sandals.
Whether it is for men, women or children, there are various types and designs of shoes available which not only enhance their style but also keep their feet cozy all the times. It is very important to select the right type of shoe as well as the most appropriate shoe size in order to enjoy a comfortable walking experience. The length of a foot is the distance between two parallel lines that are perpendicular to the foot and in contact with the most prominent toe and the most prominent part of the heel, and the right shoe must fit it without hurting the foot.
Definitions
Men’s shoe size can be defined as the alphanumerical indication of the fitting size of a shoe for men in general. It is only with help of the right shoe size that men can buy the best shoes which fit their feet and enable them to walk comfortably.
Women’s shoe size can be explained as the alphanumerical indication of the fitting size of a shoe for women in general. It is only by knowing the right shoe size for themselves that each woman can purchase the right shoe which fits her and makes her feet comfortable.
Whether it is men or women, both need to be very careful when buying shoes for themselves so that their feet do not ache or hurt them when they walk and the shoes do not pinch their toes or heel.
Men’s Shoe Size vs Women’s Shoe Size
There are many people who believe that the only distinction is that of shoe length as well as the design of the footwear but these are just the most obvious ones. There are a few other underlying characteristics which distinguish female footwear from male footwear.
The main difference between men’s and women’s shoe sizes is the width of the shoe. It is necessary to understand that women’s shoes are built wider in the forefoot and toe area and narrower in the heel, which is reflective of the gender variations in foot shape. Along with this, men’s shoes are generally wider and sized larger than women’s shoes considering the build and body structure of the wearer.
Also men’s and women’s shoes are made with different midsole materials or heel support, affecting the fit, comfort and even weight of the shoe. Women have special requirements for heels, soles and weight of the shoe when it comes to comparing them with men’s sizes.
Getty Images/Science Photo Library/SEBASTIAN KAULITZKI/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
Q-angle is another thing which sets men and women’ shoe sizes apart. A Q-angle is the incidence of the quad muscle relative to the kneecap and as women generally have wider hips than men, they have wider Q-angles which require extra support in the shoe. The foot pushes off almost completely from the big toe and second toe and fails to spread the shock of walking evenly which can even lead to serious injuries over time. On the other hand, men do not have such wide hips or girth and they do not require extra support in shoes unless it is for some other reason.
Comparison Chart
| Men’s Shoe Size | Women’s Shoe Size |
| Men’s shoes have narrow Q-angles and do not require any extra support | Women’s shoes have wide Q-angles which requires extra support in the shoe |
| Men’s shoes are slim in width but larger in general | Women’s shows are wider in the forefoot and narrow in the heel but overall smaller in size |
| Men’s shoes have different midsole materials or heel support which depends on the type of shoe such as running shoe or dress shoe | Women’s shoes use other types of midsole materials or heel support depending on the design of the shoe such as a high heeled one or an open sandal |