Difference Between Men and Women Shoe Sizes

When we go to the shoe store to buy shoes, we often have no idea which shoe size fits us the best. We have very different body shapes from one person to another and our foot sizes are also not the same.

Summary Table

For example, tall people with long legs and narrow feet have to buy shoes that are made for them. When we wear the wrong size, it will be uncomfortable for us and our feet will hurt after a while.

When we wear shoes that are too small for our feet, we may feel very awkward and uncomfortable in these shoes. This is why we should buy shoes that fit our feet perfectly.

Genders have different shoe size requirements. In the past, women were used to wearing high heels and men wore wide shoes.

However, as we progress in time and become more educated, we have seen a big change in our styles of clothes and footwear. But how do men’s shoe size and women’s shoe size differ?

There are some differences between men’s and women’s shoe sizes. We will compare the sizes of men and women’s shoes in this article.

What Is Men’s Shoe Size?

Physically, Men have bigger feet than women. It is affected by the difference in their anatomies, muscle strength, and bone structure. Not all men have wide feet. Some men with narrow feet are also common.

The average foot size for men is between 11 and 13 inches (28 to 33 cm). Although it varies from one person to another, the average foot size of men in different countries is relatively the same.

Men’s foot size can be classified into four types: narrow, medium, wide and extra-wide. Narrow feet are feet with a width between 9.5 and 10 inches (24 and 25 cm). Medium feet are feet with a width between 11.5 and 12 inches (29 to 30 cm).

Wide feet have a width over 12 inches (30 cm) which is the widest type of foot. Extra-wide feet have a width of over 13 inches (33 cm).

Even though men’s size is not always the same from one person to another, you can still find the right shoe size for you.

What Is Women’s Shoe Size?

Women have smaller feet than men do. It is affected by the difference in their body curves, bone structure, and muscle strength. Different women also have different foot sizes.

There are also some differences in the sizes of women’s feet between different countries. However, the average foot size for women is between 8 and 9 inches (20 to 22 cm).

Each woman might have different foot sizes. Women’s shoe size can be classified also into four types: narrow, medium, wide and extra-wide. Narrow feet are feet with a width between 7.5 and 8 inches (19 and 20 cm).

Medium feet are feet with a width between 9 and 10 inches (23 to 25 cm). Wide feet have a width over 10 inches (25 cm). Whether it is narrow feet, medium feet, wide feet or extra-wide feet, the size of women’s feet is smaller than men’s.

How Are They Related?

Men’s shoe size has a direct relationship with women’s shoe size. Both of them are closely related to each other. They are very important for identifying the size of different shoes in stores.

However, we can also use women’s shoe sizes to find out our own men’s shoe size. If you are not sure about the size of different shoes, you can use women’s shoe sizes to choose your favorite.

Moreover, the relationship between men’s shoe size and women’s shoe size is not only a physical one. If you wear the wrong size of shoes, it will be very uncomfortable for your feet. So you should pay attention to your feet when buying shoes.

What Are the Differences?

As we know, men have bigger feet than women. The reason for that is because the size difference between men and women’s feet is greater than the difference in their shoe sizes.

For example, if we wear women’s shoes to measure our foot size, we can be sure that our feet will not fit into them. Other differences between men’s and women’s shoe sizes are as follows:

Design

When women wear men’s shoes, they often have to adjust the size of their shoes. This is because most women’s shoes are designed for small feet. So it is hard for them to wear men’s shoe sizes.

However, there are some designers who design women’s shoes with an extra space for small feet and they make it possible for women to wear men’s shoe sizes.

Style

Women’s shoes are usually with heels. They are popular, especially in the fashion scene. Most women wear heels because they like to expose their legs and make them look attractive while wearing heels.

However, if you have small feet, it will be hard for you to wear heels because your toes will feel uncomfortable when you wear heels. Women’s shoes are also available in different styles, colors and designs.

They can be combined with suits, dresses or skirts as well as formal shoes.

On the other hand, men’s shoes are usually flat. The styles of men’s shoes are very limited. Furthermore, men’s shoes are usually available in black and brown. Men often wear their shoes to work, so they can be used as formal shoes.

Heel Height

The heel height of women’s shoes usually is higher than that of men’s. Women like to wear high heels. It makes them look more beautiful and sexy.

But it also means that their feet are exposed in the air when they wear high heels and will make them feel uncomfortable when they walk around.

On the other hand, men usually prefer to wear low heels. With low or non-heels, men can keep their feet comfortable and hidden when they walk.

Sole Thickness

Men’s shoes usually have a thicker sole than that of women’s shoes. It is for the sake of stability and comfortability, especially when you wear them to work or at home.

Women usually prefer to wear flat soles because they are more sensitive to the ground. So women’s shoes with a thin sole can make their feet feel very uncomfortable when they walk.

Not only that, women’s shoes with thick soles can be too heavy for them to wear. In this case, women will have to buy new shoes once their old ones are worn out because they cannot get rid of the weight of their heels.