Modern Athlete Magazine Issue 60, July 2014 | Page 37

women’s running

Ma

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While some women can simply wear a smaller version of a men’s
running shoe without any problems, for others, wearing the wrong
running shoes can slow them down, cause painful blisters, or worse, set
them up for injury. Here’s why women should choose women-specific
shoes, and do research into the brands they choose. – BY NICOLE FERREIRA

WOMEN VS MEN
Cape Town-based podiatrist Chris Delpier explains
that there are three fundamental differences in
the construction of men’s and women’s running
shoes, which need to be taken into account when
purchasing your next pair of trainers. “Firstly we
must look at the shape or design of the shoe:
Women’s shoes tend to be wider in the forefoot
with a narrower heel area. Secondly, women have

slightly less muscle than men, which makes them
lighter, and therefore the cushioning of the midsole
of women’s shoes will generally be softer than that
of a men’s shoe,” says Chris.

Female runners need to make sure
that a shoe is designed to suit the
female foot instead of just being a
smaller version and colour-change
of a men’s model.

“If you are suffering from any of these problems
then you need to take a good look at what
you are running in. All shoe brands these days
offer women-specific models, but you need to
do research into which brands a ɔ