Running shoes are specifically designed to support sporting activities like running. The market for running shoes has been criticized in the past for focusing a lot on men’s shoes and selling the same shoes to women. At the time, it made sense because men dominated the sports and athletics world and most designers were also men. However, in the past few years, women have benefited a lot from the keen focus on running shoes for women. This happened after women started showing interest in the market and took matters into their own hands to create products that suit them.
Nowadays, there are feminized designs of running shoes including feminine color pallets and innovations. Women no longer want to compromise when it comes to purchasing products, including running shoes. This has led to the need for more focus on designing running shoes specifically for women and coming up with feminine innovations. Let us look at some of the latest innovations in running shoes for women.
Women’s middle sole
One of the innovations that leading companies have come up with regarding running shoes for women is the altered Trusstic System. A Trusstic System is a lightweight, thermoplastic component that is normally placed strategically in the midfoot area of shoes to support the midfoot and avoid extreme twisting or rotation during the gait cycle. This is particularly applied in women’s shoes. The midsoles of most women’s shoes come with a honeycomb patten embossed on the heel and forefoot. This is done so to absorb shock as it has been proven that more shock absorption is necessary for women than men. This is an innovation for women’s running shoes because the honeycomb pattern on the front of the foot area is not common in men’s running shoes. This innovation was introduced for the first time by the ASICS brand of running shoes.
Innovations of better materials
Running shoes manufacturers have also come up with better and more innovative materials for women’s shoes. For instance, there is the Flyknit material design. This is a design that was introduced by Nike. It is a technology that combines the benefits of tight and loose-weave fabric. This combination ensures that the shoes are flexible and supportive where necessary. There are also VaporWeave and Atomknit designs. The VaporWeave design is a waterproof alternative of Flyknit, while AtomKnit is a lighter version. The innovative materials result in better fit and more comfort.
Personalization
Technology has made it possible for shoe designers to tailor running shoes to the runner’s feet. Personalization is the ability to tailor the fit, cushioning, and support of the running shoes. Thanks to innovations like 3D technology, designers can make shoes to fit a woman’s foot shape and gait, enhancing performance and reducing the risks of injuries while running.
Sustainability in running shoe designs
Sustainability is also a leading innovation in the running shoe design world. There is more to sustainability than eco-friendliness. It is a commitment that parties make to the future. Nowadays, there are women’s designs that emphasize on sustainability. This is achieved by using recyclable materials designs to reduce the carbon footprint for running shoes. There are several designs and brands that design their women’s running shoes with innovation in mind.
Are women’s feet different from men’s?
The answer to this question explains why the innovations above are necessary. Yes, women’s feet are not similar to men’s. A lot of people do not recognize is that there is a significant difference between men’s feet and women’s feet. Studies show that women have a wider forefoot and narrower heel compared to men. This is because a woman’s weight is naturally distributed more towards the front of the body, according to medical professionals. Therefore, when a woman wears a shoe made for men, it is likely to feel tighter in the front and looser in the heel. This can result in many issues like blisters, bunions, and more severe problems like metatarsalgia and more.
Additionally, women’s feet are more triangular as men’s are more rectangular. This is a significant difference that has to be taken into account when designing shoes for men and women. Studies also show that women are more likely to experience injuries when running than men. This results in the need for better attention into details to avoid possible injuries. For instance, women have five and a half degree more peak aversion than men. This results in over-pronation which results in increased ground reaction forces and higher ground reaction, resulting in higher risks of injuries.
Final words
The designs for women’s running shoes keep changing as newer designers and more women join the sector. This has resulted in better designs for women’s shoes for better comfort and improved performance. With every new design and release, a new innovation is unleashed that you can look out for. Runners Need features some of the latest designs of women’s running shoes.
