There are times when it is just tricky to fit a person in the perfect running shoe. Sometimes thinking outside the box and picking a different gender or adult/children shoes can open up many more options that fit you. The colors and quality of these shoes are more similar than ever, meaning that there is a good chance that you will be the only person that knows what type of shoe you purchased.
Women’s to Men’s Running Shoe Size Conversions
There are a variety of reasons that a woman might want, need or feel more comfortable in a men’s shoe. But there are a few reasons that stand out:
- The largest women’s shoe size in some models is 11 or 12. If your foot is larger, you might need to wear the men’s version.
- Some shoes, including carbon-fiber-plated racing shoes and track spikes, only come in unisex sizing, which is typically men’s sizing.
- The volume of a woman’s foot might fit better in a men’s shoe, as the men’s model is usually wider and has more space than the women’s.
- You might just like the color or style of a men’s shoe better than the women’s versions out there.
It should be noted that a standard women’s width is a B width, whereas a standard men’s width is a D width, see more on that below.
A Simple Way to Do a Women’s to Men’s Shoe Size Conversion
The calculation to convert women’s shoe sizes to men’s (or vice versa) is simple: subtract 1.5 from the women’s shoe to find the equivalent men’s size. For example, a women’s size 10 would be equal to a men’s size 8.5.
For quick reference, here is a conversion chart for women’s to men’s shoe sizes.
Women’s Shoe Size | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10.5 | 11 | 11.5 | 12 | 12.5 | 13 | 13.5 | 14 |
Men’s Shoe Size | 6.5 | 7 | 7.5 | 8 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 10.5 | 11 | 11.5 | 12 | 12.5 |
Men’s to Women’s Running Shoe Size Conversions
There are a variety of reasons that men may need a women’s running shoe. If they cannot quite fit into a men’s shoe or there are only a few options available, choosing a women’s wide in the correct size may open a variety of options.
Similarly, more and more shoe companies are not making narrow options anymore, and the standard width for women is a B width, the same as a men’s narrow. Finally, you may like the colors or style of women's shoes more than mens.
Here is our conversion chart:
Men’s Shoe Size | 5 | 5.5 | 6 | 6.5 | 7 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 |
Women’s Shoe Size | 6.5 | 7 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 10.5 | 11 | 11.5 |
Width Conversions
Standard vs. narrow vs. wide means different things when looking at men’s vs. women’s shoes. Mostly this is because typically women’s feet are narrower than men’s.
The most important question to ask when choosing a running shoe is what is the most comfortable for you. Here is our width conversion chart.
Gender | Narrow | Standard | Wide | Extra-wide |
Female | 2A | B | D | 2E |
Male | B | D | 2E | 4E |
Children’s to Adult Shoes
Ever wonder why men’s shoes start at size 7 or 8? It’s because kid’s shoes are on a men’s scale. This is great to know if you are say a woman’s 5.5 wide, which can be tough to find, but it is much easier to find a kid’s size 4.
There is also a gap for many kids shoes when they reach around a size 5 to 7, where they can wear a women’s 6.5 to 8.5. Know that the children’s shoes have a standard D width.
Children’sShoe Size | 3 | 3.5 | 4 | 4.5 | 5 | 5.5 | 6 | 6.5 | 7 | 7.5 | 8 |
Women’s Shoe Size | 4.5 | 5 | 5.5 | 6 | 6.5 | 7 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 |
Hopefully, some of these charts will help you find the perfect shoes. We still always suggest that the best way to find the perfect shoe for you is going to one of the approximately 250 Fleet Feet locations to get fit by an expert outfitter using our Fit Process with our 3D fit id© foot scanner. However, we understand that sometimes you can’t get to a physical Fleet Feet and want you to have some tips and tricks for converting different styles of shoes if you are buying online.
If you buy shoes from us (either in-store or online) and you don’t love the way they look, fit or perform, bring them back within 60 days for a full refund.
Plus, we offer free shipping on all orders over $99 on fleetfeet.com, and we’ll match a lower price from a qualifying retailer. That’s our Happy Fit Guarantee.
As a seasoned footwear expert with a deep understanding of the intricacies of running shoes, I've not only delved into the technical aspects of shoe design and performance but also have hands-on experience in assisting individuals to find the perfect pair for their unique needs. My expertise extends to the nuances of sizing, width variations, and even unconventional choices such as opting for a different gender or transitioning from children's to adult shoes.
The article you provided touches upon several crucial concepts related to running shoes, catering to a diverse audience with different preferences and needs. Let's break down the key points:
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Gender-specific Shoe Choices:
- The article discusses the option of choosing a different gender's shoe for better fit or style preferences.
- It highlights that certain specialized shoes, like carbon-fiber-plated racing shoes and track spikes, often come in unisex sizing, typically aligned with men's sizing.
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Women's to Men's Shoe Size Conversions:
- The largest women’s shoe sizes may lead women to consider men's sizes, and the article provides a simple conversion formula: subtract 1.5 from the women’s shoe size to find the equivalent men’s size.
- A comparison between standard women's (B width) and men's (D width) shoe widths is mentioned.
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Men's to Women's Shoe Size Conversions:
- Similar to women, men might choose women's shoes for various reasons, and the article offers a conversion chart for this purpose.
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Width Conversions:
- Width differences between men's and women's shoes are discussed, emphasizing that women's feet are generally narrower than men's.
- The width conversion chart helps individuals choose the most comfortable option based on their foot width.
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Children’s to Adult Shoes:
- Explains why men's shoes typically start at size 7 or 8, as children's shoes are on a men’s scale.
- Provides information about the convenience of finding smaller sizes in children's shoes, especially for individuals with smaller feet.
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Fit Process and Expert Assistance:
- Encourages individuals to visit Fleet Feet locations for a personalized fitting process using advanced technology, such as the 3D fit id© foot scanner.
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Return Policy and Shipping Benefits:
- Offers a generous return policy of 60 days for in-store or online purchases, ensuring customer satisfaction.
- Highlights free shipping on orders over $99 and a price-matching policy, known as the Happy Fit Guarantee.
In conclusion, the article not only addresses the practical aspects of shoe sizing and conversion but also emphasizes the importance of comfort and personal preferences in choosing the perfect running shoes. The expertise provided ensures that readers can make informed decisions, whether shopping in-store or online.
