Most people assume that feet are just… feet. Two heels, ten toes, and hopefully not too much trouble. But did you know that men’s and women’s feet differ in more ways than just size?
At The Foot Room, we see thousands of feet each year — and it’s clear that biology, hormones, lifestyle, and footwear habits all play a role in shaping the foot health needs of men and women. Here’s what we’ve noticed over the years through our clinical experience:
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Structural Differences: Not Just Size
It’s true that men typically have larger and wider feet, but it goes deeper than that.
On average:
- Women tend to have a narrower heel, a higher arch, and less cartilage volume in the foot joints.
- Men often have a longer arch length and more robust joint structures, but may experience stiffer foot mobility as they age.
These differences affect how pressure is distributed during movement — meaning men and women can experience pain and wear in completely different ways, even doing the same activity.
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Footwear Habits: Fashion vs Function
Let’s talk shoes. One of the biggest contributors to foot issues we see in women is footwear.
- Heels, ballet pumps, and pointed shoes put excessive pressure on the forefoot and toes — contributing to bunions, neuromas, and causing corns to form.
- Many women also wear shoes that are too small due to vanity sizing or narrow fashion styles, which restricts toe movement and leads to deformities over time.
Meanwhile:
- Men’s footwear is generally more functional, but many neglect proper support altogether — wearing flat trainers or work boots without arch support for long hours.
- We also see a lot of heel pain and tendon injuries in men who suddenly return to sport without proper conditioning
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Common Issues by Gender
While both genders can suffer from all foot conditions, some trends stand out:
More common in women:
- Plantar fasciitis (especially during or after pregnancy)
- Bunions and hammer toes
- Morton’s neuroma
- Stress fractures (especially in runners)
- Circulatory issues and chilblains
- Foot pain related to hormonal changes (such as during menopause or pregnancy)
More common in men:
- Achilles tendinopathy
- Gout (often affecting the big toe)
- Heel pain from high-impact sports
- Fungal infections and thickened toenails
- Sports-related ligament injuries
- Poor flexibility due to tighter musculature
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Hormones Matter Too
Hormones affect everything — including feet!
- Estrogen plays a role in ligament laxity, which is why women may be more prone to foot instability or arch collapse, especially during pregnancy or menopause.
- Men, on the other hand, are more likely to have tighter tendons and muscles, leading to reduced flexibility and a higher risk of certain overuse injuries.
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Attitudes Towards Foot Health
We also notice a real difference in how men and women approach foot care.
- Women are more likely to seek help early and are often proactive about self-care, especially when it affects footwear or appearance.
- Men tend to wait longer — often only booking when pain interferes with sport or work.
Spoiler alert: waiting never helps! The earlier we catch a problem, the easier it is to manage or fix.
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So… Should Treatment Be Gender-Specific?
Not exactly — but being aware of anatomical and behavioural differences can help tailor a more effective plan.
At The Foot Room, we assess every patient individually, regardless of gender. But we do factor in:
- Lifestyle
- Foot structure
- Footwear
- Activity level
- Hormonal history (especially for women)
- Flexibility, strength, and alignment
This allows us to give you the best possible support for your unique feet — whether they’re built for ballet flats or rugby boots.
Final Thoughts
Men and women do experience foot health differently — and knowing that can help you make smarter choices for your own feet.
Whether it’s bunions from heels or Achilles pain from football, we’re here to help you stay active, comfortable, and confident.
Think your foot pain might be gender-linked? Book in for an assessment at The Foot Room — we’ll get to the bottom of it.
Disclaimer: This blog is based on clinical observation and professional opinion. We are not medical doctors, and this post is not a substitute for medical advice or diagnosis.
