Ever wondered, Can women wear men's shoes? You’re not alone. Many women prefer men’s styles for comfort and fit. Some have told us that they like men’s sneakers more than women’s.
The truth is, yes, women can wear men’s shoes, and in many cases, they might fit even better. Men's shoes are typically wider, so sizing down 1.5 sizes usually works.
The problem is that most people don’t know where to start. What size do you pick? Do men’s shoes feel different? And will they even look right on you? These are common questions.
The good news? We’ve tried it, tested it, and figured it out—so you don’t have to guess. Keep reading!
Key Takeaways
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Yes, women can wear men's shoes without any issues at all.
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Men’s shoes are wider, and that can mean more comfort for some women.
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Always size down by 1 to 1.5 for a better fit in men’s shoes.
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Popular brands like Nike, Adidas, and New Balance work great in men’s sizes.
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Use insoles or thick socks if the shoe feels a little roomy.
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Choose neutral or clean designs to make styling easier.
Can Women Wear Men's Shoes? (Everything to Know)
Yes, women can wear men's shoes. There’s nothing stopping anyone from wearing what feels right. Men’s shoes often have a wider fit, which works well for women with broad feet or who just want more room.
Just remember that the main thing to know is the size. Men’s shoes are about one and a half sizes bigger than women’s. So, if someone wears a women’s size 8, a men’s size 6.5 should fit. The shape might also feel a bit different, especially around the heel and toe.
Many women wear men’s shoes for walking, sports, and even daily wear. Some shoes in the men’s section are more comfortable or offer more support. What matters most is how the shoe feels, not which section it came from.
Can women wear men's Nike shoes?
Yes, women can wear men’s Nike shoes. Nike builds many of its shoes in a way that works well for both men and women. Some women even find the men’s styles more comfortable, especially for running or working out.
When buying a men’s Nike shoe, just go down 1.5 sizes from your usual women’s size. For example, a women’s 9 would be around a men’s 7.5. Nike shoes usually fit true to size once you make that adjustment.
Men’s Nike shoes also come in more color options and wider fits. That’s one reason many women pick them over the women’s version.
Can women wear men's Adidas shoes
Yes, women can wear men’s Adidas shoes. Adidas sizing is easy to follow, and once the size is right, the fit is usually comfortable. A lot of their men’s shoes have a wider base, which some women prefer.
The size difference is simple. Just go down 1 to 1.5 sizes from your women’s size. So if you usually wear a women’s 8, try a men’s 6.5 or 7. Once you find what fits, the rest is easy.
Can women wear men's running shoes?
Yes, women can wear men’s running shoes. Some women actually find them more supportive, especially if they have wider feet. Men’s running shoes tend to have more room and sometimes better padding. Plenty of women wear men’s shoes for walking, running, or training.
Can women wear men's Puma shoes?
Yes, women can wear men’s Puma shoes. The shape and build of Puma shoes work for anyone. Some women even prefer men’s styles because they offer more room, especially in the toe area.
Many women also like the clean look and feel of men’s Pumas. As long as the shoes feel good and support the foot properly, there’s no reason not to wear them.
Can women wear men's Hoka shoes
Yes, women can wear men’s Hoka shoes. In fact, some women find them more supportive and stable, especially for long walks or runs. Hoka designs focus on cushioning, and that benefit works for all foot types.
Can women wear men's New Balance shoes
Yes, women can wear men’s New Balance shoes. New Balance is a brand known for comfort, and their men’s shoes often fit wider, which some women find more natural and supportive.
Sizing down is the key. Men’s New Balance shoes run about 1.5 sizes larger than women’s. So if a woman usually wears a size 8, she should try a men’s 6.5. The brand also makes wide-fit options in both men’s and women’s models.
How to wear men's shoes as a woman
Women can wear men’s shoes easily by choosing the right size. The key is to focus on fit first, then match the shoes with outfits that feel balanced.
Here’s what to do step by step:
Find the right men’s size
The first step is getting the size right. As discussed above, men’s shoes are typically 1 to 1.5 sizes bigger than women’s. So, if a woman wears size 8 in women’s shoes, she should try a size 6.5 or 7 in men’s.
The best way to know for sure is to check the brand’s size chart, which usually shows the exact match in both men’s and women’s sizes.
It also helps to know if your feet are wide or narrow. Many women try men’s shoes because they offer more space in the toe box and midfoot area. If women’s shoes feel too tight or narrow, a men’s version can feel more natural.
Some brands even label their widths clearly, like D for standard men’s width and B for women’s.
Trying on the shoes in-store is the easiest way to get the size right. But if buying online, check the return policy. It’s always smart to order two sizes close to your usual and return the one that doesn’t fit.
Choose styles that match your look
Men’s shoes are often bulkier and built differently, but they can be styled well with the right outfits. Clean, low-top sneakers like Puma Suedes, Nike Dunks, or Adidas Gazelles look good with jeans, joggers, or even dresses. It’s all about balancing the bold look of the shoe with a softer or more fitted outfit.
Boots are another option. Men’s boots can be great for winter or outdoor wear. They look good with leggings, tights, or even skirts.
Tip: Stick with neutral colors if trying men’s shoes for the first time.
Use insoles or socks if needed
Sometimes men’s shoes feel a bit too roomy, especially around the heel or arch. If that happens, it’s easy to fix with thicker socks or cushioned insoles.
Insoles also help with arch support, especially for flat feet or high arches. Some women prefer adding gel insoles for extra comfort during long walks or standing all day. It helps avoid foot fatigue and adds to the support.
Crew socks can also help fill out any extra space without feeling bulky.
Break them in slowly
Men’s shoes may take a bit of time to feel right, especially if the materials are firm. Start by wearing them for short outings. Go for a walk around the block or wear them while running errands.
Avoid wearing brand-new shoes for a full day on your feet right away. Breaking them in slowly helps your feet adjust and prevents blisters. With each wear, the shoes soften a bit and mold better to your foot shape.
Is there a difference between men's and women's Nike shoes?
There is a clear difference between men’s and women’s Nike shoes, and it mostly comes down to fit, shape, weight, and sometimes design. Nike builds shoes specifically for the natural shape and support needs of each gender. These differences are not always obvious by just looking at the shoe, but they do affect how the shoe feels during wear.
The most noticeable difference is width. Men’s Nike shoes are generally wider than women’s. Women’s shoes tend to be narrower, especially in the heel and midfoot. This helps provide a more secure fit for women’s typically narrower feet.
Another difference is in sizing. Men's and women’s Nike shoes follow different size scales. A woman’s size 9 equals a man’s size 7.5 in Nike sizing.
Can a man wear women's Nike shoes?
Yes, a man can wear women’s Nike shoes. What matters most is whether the shoes fit well and feel good. Nike’s construction quality is the same in both men's and women's models. As long as the shoe supports the foot properly, there’s no issue with men wearing women’s shoes.
To get the right size, a man would need to go up about 1.5 sizes from his usual men’s size. So if he wears a size 9 in men’s, he’d look for a women’s size 10.5.
Many Nike shoes now have unisex styles, so the difference is often just in the size label.
How can you tell if shoes are men's or women's
To tell if shoes are men's or women's, check the size label inside the shoe. Most brands, including Nike and Adidas, list both the US men’s and women’s sizes. The shape, width, and design details also help tell them apart. Men’s shoes are usually wider and have more space around the toes, while women’s shoes are built narrower.
Check the size label
Most shoes have a label inside the tongue or near the heel area. It shows sizing for different regions like the US, UK, and EU. Brands usually label both men's (M) and women's (W) sizes. For example, if it says "M 8 / W 9.5," it means the shoe is a men’s size 8 and a women’s size 9.5.
If only one size is listed and it’s a number like “8” with no “M” or “W,” the box or product listing can help. Online stores often list both versions. Shoe boxes also usually print the gender or sizing guide on the side. Comparing the size with a known chart helps confirm it.
Look at the width and shape
Men’s shoes are generally wider than women’s. That’s especially clear in the forefoot and toe box areas. If a shoe feels wide and roomy in the front, it is a men’s shoe. Women’s shoes tend to curve more inward.
Another small difference is the arch support. Women’s shoes may have a slightly higher arch or more focused heel support. That’s not true for every pair, but it’s common in running shoes and athletic wear.
Notice the design details
Design doesn’t always show gender, but it can give clues. Men’s shoes usually come in neutral, dark, or bold colors. Women’s versions may use pastels, bright accents, or floral patterns. That said, many brands now make unisex styles, so this isn’t a hard rule.
Conclusion
Here’s a recap:
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Women can wear men's shoes by picking the right size and style
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Men’s shoes often feel more supportive and spacious
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Top brands like Nike and Adidas offer great unisex options
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Always check fit first, then focus on look and comfort
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Confidence matters more than the section of the store
So if a pair of men’s shoes catches your eye, go for it.
