Shoes: What's the difference?

kristy_n0831

I need new shoes that support my big, flat feet. I usually wear a men's 13, but thought maybe that was part of the problem, that I'm wearing men's instead of women's. The shoes I have now are Under Armour and they don't usually bother me unless I'm walking pretty quick on the treadmill, or doing lots of heavy leg work. It was suggested to me that I go to a New Balance store to have them fit me for the right shoe. After looking online, New Balance has women's shoes that are in a 13+, but they're also $140+. I'm a student and can't possibly spend $150 on shoes. Anyone know if wearing men's shoes are really that different? Thanks for the help!

BarackMeLikeAHurricane

Different shoes are needed for different activities. For example, I would never run in my lifting shoes. What kind of shoes are you looking for?

concordancia

Men's shoes actually tend to fit me better - I do not have dainty toes. At your size, this may well be the case.

The important thing is to choose shoes for your feet and intended exercise. You can sometimes find comparisons online.

kristy_n0831

I usually wear running shoes. My boyfriend has a pair of Chuck Taylor's that he doesn't wear, was thinking of using those for lifting since it seems to be a popular lifting shoe. I plan to eventually run a 5k, so I want shoes that'll go the distance. I'm 6'1, 271 lbs, so I'm not a small girl, and my toes are far from dainty. If I do jumping jacks or anything of the sort, the shoes I have hurt in my arches ( or lack of). I'm thinking I just need a good stabilizing running shoe.

littlebudgie

Some women can wear men's shoes and vice versa. Personally, I can wear either.

I think you really just need a good pair of running shoes meant for flat-footed people. Unfortunately, the only ones I can think of are New Balance. I suppose you could try orthotics, though.

imakimm

I was running in New Balance's for a while and my feet hurt like crazy! I went and got fitted at a running store and got an awesome pair of running shoes. My feet no longer hurt!

CristinaL1983

I always spring for good shoes. I might be broke but after having a couple ankle surgeries, I will never wear bad shoes again. I buy New Balance or Brooks. I have bought both Men's and Women's shoes and have never noticed a difference between the two.

With flat feet, you want to make sure that the arch support doesn't cut away. Basically, that the arch support is good and goes straight down to the ground. Sketchers has really improved their athletic shoes and I got a pair that have great support and help with my issues.

New Balance men's shoes on amazon are as low as $45. Women's shoes are closer to $70 but the 574s (in men's or women's designs) are worth every penny, IMO.

kristy_n0831

I haven't looked at the men's New Balance shoes since I usually wear Nike. I know with women's, once you get past the standard sizes they offer in the store, the prices double, if not triple.