When it comes to selecting trainers, women appear to have a wide range of options, whether they opt for fashionable ‘sneakers’ in various colors or choose technical shoes promising enhanced performance.
However, recent research suggests that many of these purportedly beneficial footwear choices are not specifically designed for women but are essentially smaller versions of men’s trainers.
This situation puts women at a higher risk of discomfort, potential injuries, and conditions like plantar fasciitis.
The study, published in BMJ Journals’ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine by Canadian researchers, highlights that the footwear industry has invested significantly in technology over the past five decades to enhance comfort, prevent injuries, and boost performance for runners.
However, the researchers pointed out that most of the research conducted to shape running footwear has been focused on men, with designs primarily based on male foot anatomy.
The process of creating running shoes involves using a male foot-shaped mold called a “last,” which is then adjusted in size to cater to both men and women, with minimal alterations made for women’s shoes beyond size reduction and color changes.
The study emphasizes the need for running footwear that addresses the distinct and evolving needs of women, which are currently not adequately met by the industry.
In response to this gap in the market, Nicolle and Martin Dean from St Albans, Hertfordshire, spent five years developing QLVR Running Slippers, a trainer specifically engineered for women’s feet and biomechanics.
The Deans’ innovative design, priced at £165, incorporates female-specific lasts and a unique “Wing Fit” system, inspired by bird wings, to provide comprehensive support and flexibility throughout the shoe.
Athletes like Dame Kelly Holmes and Davina McCall have endorsed the QLVR trainers for their performance benefits, reflecting a broader shift in the industry towards designing sports footwear tailored specifically for women.
Adidas, for instance, has introduced female-centric designs like the F50 Sparkfusion football boot and the RS15 Avaglide rugby boot, signaling a move towards prioritizing women’s anatomy and needs in athletic footwear.
Nicolle Dean also provides insights on how to identify ill-fitting footwear based on common issues like sliding in the shoe, blisters, toe injuries, numbness, and arch pain.
