In recent years, the rigid boundaries between traditionally “male” and “female” fashion have dissolved into a celebration of self-expression and individuality. The rise of gender-fluid, androgynous style has seen women confidently embracing boyfriend jeans, oversized blazers and even men’s shoes.
The latest trend of ladies rocking masculine footwear is more than just a passing fad. It’s a powerful statement of defying dated norms and redefining what it means to be feminine. But can women really pull off this look? The answer is a resounding “yes” – if you style it thoughtfully.
From boosting comfort to inspiring major outfit envy, there are myriad compelling reasons for letting your soles embrace their masculine side. Let’s dive into the fashionable possibilities of borrowing from the boys when it comes to shoes.
The Empowering Pros of Women Wearing Men’s Shoes
At the core of this trend is the allure of bucking expectations and constructing your own definition of stylish femininity. Beyond that defiant spirit, wearing men’s shoes as a woman offers plenty of practical perks too.
Enhanced Comfort
One of the primary draws is the roomier, more generous fit that men’s footwear often provides. For those with wider feet or a general preference for extra wiggle room around the toes, sizing up to a men’s style can be a comfortable game-changer. It offers a roomier, more generous fit that enhances comfort. No more squished piggies or pinched arches – just ample space to let your feet relax.
“My feet have never felt as good as when I finally tried men’s sneakers. The width is perfect for me and there’s no more cramped toebox!”
(Sara T., Portland)
In addition to the accommodating width, many men’s shoes feature extra cushioning and support tailored to their traditionally larger size and weight demands. This sturdy construction can provide superior impact absorption and stability for active lifestyles when you’re racking up miles on your daily step count.
Unbeatable Durability
Speaking of withstanding heavy wear, the premium materials and craftsmanship of quality men’s shoes also tend to offer impressive longevity. From rugged boots to leather dress shoes, these masculine picks are designed tough to handle long days at the office, outdoor adventures or just years of hard use. When you invest in the right pair, they’ll be a wearable piece of your wardrobe for years to come.
Exude Unparalleled Confidence
For many fashion-forward women, the biggest draw of rocking men’s footwear is the sheer sense of confidence it inspires. There’s an inherently cool, edgy vibe to a feminine figure striding in a pair of chic oxfords or chunky boots. It’s a refreshing take on femininity that feels equal parts laid-back, powerful, and utterly stylish.
By wearing what she wants without restriction, a confident woman instantly commands the respect and admiration of others – a desirable trait in any professional or social setting.
Make a Bold Personal Style Statement
And at the end of the day, embracing masculine shoes as a woman is an empowering way to construct and outwardly express your unique personal style. In an era of individuality and rejecting archaic fashion rules, styling men’s footwear with traditionally feminine pieces creates an unexpected, head-turning contrast few can pull off.
Whether you lean into an androgynous aesthetic or prefer a more overt feminine spin, the options are endless when it comes to mixing and matching these shoes into outfits that telegraph: “I march to the beat of my own uncompromising style drummer.”
How to Choose the Perfect Men’s Shoes for Women
So you’re officially intrigued by borrowing from the boys’ side of the footwear closet, but taking that first step can feel daunting if you’re unsure where to begin. Here are some expert tips on finding men’s shoes suited to your style preferences and lifestyle needs.
Decide on an Overall Style Vibe
Your very first consideration should be what type of look you want to cultivate. Are you hoping to channel classic menswear vibes through traditional silhouettes like oxfords, wingtips, or loafers? Or does your style skew more modern and streetwear-inspired, calling for sneakers, combat boots, or chunky lug soles?
Identifying that overarching style direction will immediately help narrow your shopping scope – from the styles and shapes you gravitate toward down to the appropriate materials, colors, and design details to target.
Factor in Your Lifestyle Needs
Next, think about your lifestyle and what you’ll primarily use these men’s shoes for. If you’ll be wearing them as everyday casual kicks, prioritize comfort through cushioned foot beds, breathable materials, and a lightweight yet supportive construction.
For those needing something dressier yet still comfortable enough for long hours on your feet, look for shoes in premium leathers or suedes with principled craftsmanship. And if these will serve as special occasion-only footwear, you can go all out on fancy fabrics, intricate detailing, and sky-high heels if that’s your style.
Get the Perfect Fit
Once you’ve honed in on styles and materials, finding the right size for women’s feet in men’s shoes is crucial. The general rule of thumb is to go down 1 to 1.5 sizes from your usual women’s size.
So if you’re typically a women’s 8, start by trying on men’s sizes 6.5 or 7. Refer to this quick fit guide:
| Women’s Size | Men’s Equivalent |
| 5 | 3.5 |
| 6 | 4.5 |
| 7 | 5.5 |
| 8 | 6.5 |
| 9 | 7.5 |
| 10 | 8.5 |
However, this is just a starting point as sizing can vary between brands and styles. The ideal men’s shoe should have a snug (but not overly tight) fit through the heel and midfoot, with just enough room to wiggle your toes. Don’t hesitate to try on multiple sizes until you find that perfect fit.
When it comes to shoes, there’s some wiggle room in sizing. If a shoe fits your heel and instep securely, you can make a little extra room in the toe box work with cushions or alternate lacing techniques. – Frank R., Shoe Consultant
Those with particularly narrow feet may find some men’s styles too wide, even after sizing down. In those cases, opting for a sleeker women’s style may be best to avoid the dreaded heel slippage or sloppy fit that can quickly ruin any shoe. But overall, most ladies experience enhanced comfort and wiggle room from going the men’s shoe route.
As you’re trying options on, remember to take into account:
- Foot width and volume
- Arch height and support needs
- Any pronation or supination tendencies
- If you’ll wear thicker socks with some shoes
- Adequate toe box clearance for all-day wear
Having these personalized fit factors in mind while tapping, flexing, and walking around in potential new men’s kicks will ensure you don’t leave the store regretting your purchase later.
Read this blog:
Can Men Wear Women’s Shoes?
Masculine-Feminine: Styling Men’s Shoes into Feminine-Chic Outfits
Now that you’ve scored the perfect pair, it’s time for the truly fun part: fashioning those new men’s-inspired shoes into outfits that feel stylishly daring yet still aligned with your feminine flair. When done thoughtfully, the masculine edge and unexpected contrast of borrowing from the boys can electrify even the most pared-down looks with instant “it factor.”
A great tip is to anchor your outfit with one notably masculine piece like your men’s footwear, then build an otherwise ultra-feminine look around it through prints, silhouettes, fabrics, and styling. Think about balancing proportions, texture, and visual weight.
For instance, you could team a sleek pair of black leather oxfords with a floral print tea midi dress or gauzy maxi skirt. The structured menswear shoe grounds the floaty, romantic fabrics while adding a subtle counterpoint to all that blossomy, dainty femininity. Finish it off with some layered necklaces and a crossbody bag for the perfect high-low mix.
Similarly, a tailored menswear-inspired pantsuit in an elegant wide-leg cut could get a flirty spin when teamed with a pair of loafers or suede lace-ups. Undo an extra few buttons and add some sparkly jewels to keep that masculine suiting from looking too corporate or buttoned-up. The footwear maintains that borrowed-from-the-boys undertone while the details like subtle skin reveal and shiny accessories whisper “feminine.”
You can also have fun playing with opposites by spinning menswear classics like crisp oxfords or derbies in an unexpected romantic direction. For example, pair them with an uber-femme ensemble like a gauzy chiffon maxi dress or tulle skirt. The delicate, ethereal fabrics provide a dreamy, ultra-feminine foundation that allows the sturdy men’s shoes to really pop and add an edgy, cool-girl vibe.
When styled strategically with thoughtful menswear-feminine juxtaposition in mind, men’s shoes have a way of effortlessly lending any outfit an insouciant, borrowed-from-the-boys kind of cool.
Men’s Shoe + Feminine Style Outfit Inspiration
Still feeling stumped on how to actually build full looks around your new masculine-leaning footwear? Here are some trendsetting yet approachable outfit formulas to try:
- Floral print midi dress + chic black oxfords + fitted blazer
- Skinny jeans + crisp white sneakers + silk camisole + long kimono
- Ankle-cropped trousers + penny loafers + fitted white tank
- Tulle maxi skirt + chunky lace-up combat boots + fitted graphic tee
- Satin cowl-neck slip dress + monk strap loafers + long drapey cardigan
- Gauzy wide-leg pants + sleek low-top sneakers + shoulder-baring crop top
- Dark denim culottes + brogued wingtips + fitted turtleneck sweater
The key is to have fun and play with proportions while letting one masculine piece (your men’s shoes) bring a bold yet balancing contrast to the overall feminine look. Don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone – those unexpected, daring outfit combinations are often what elevates you to stylish trendsetter status.
Where to Find Men’s Shoes for Fashionable Feminine Feet
Speaking of on-trend style, you may be wondering: where exactly can women find cool, fashion-forward men’s footwear suited to their feminine feet? While plenty of quality men’s shoe departments exist, not all are created equal when it comes to paving new trendsetting paths. Here are some of the top retailers every style-savvy woman should have on her radar.
Trendy Men’s Unisex Shoe Brands Many of today’s buzziest footwear brands create sleek, unisex styles well-suited to confident women borrowing from the boys’ closet. Trend-favorite brands to check out include:
- Dr. Martens – From the iconic 8-eye boot to oxfords, loafers and sandals, the punk-rocker brand has endless rebellious yet versatile styles.
- Timberland – The Massachusetts workwear brand crafts rugged-chic boots, boat shoes, sneakers, and more to empower self-expression.
- Red Wing – For over a century, this U.S. label has designed well-made, hard-wearing men’s classics like boots, mocs and oxfords.
- Frye – Vintage Americana meets modern style in Frye’s bold boots, rugged captoes, casual loafers and more.
- Converse – The basketball court basic was adopted as a street style must-have offering endless options to skate, walk or rock out in.
Many of these iconic brands offer generous sizing options down to women’s sizes alongside the men’s range. But going the men’s shoe route can open up a whole new world of fits and looks for feminine feet.
Mainstream & Department Store Men’s Shoe Shopping
Of course, your local mainstream department stores remain a great resource for exploring the wider world of men’s footwear options too. Retailers like Nordstrom, Macy’s, Bloomingdale’s, and Lord & Taylor all have expansive men’s shoe departments to browse brick-and-mortar.
Not only can you try on various options, but having an associate measure your feet and offer sizing recommendations can ensure you find that perfect masculine shoe for feminine feet. They may even have insider tips on which brands run wider, narrower or offer special customization if needed.
For those who prefer to shop from home, e-commerce giants like Zappos, Amazon, ASOS, East Dane, and Bloomingdale’s online all offer convenient browsing and ordering of men’s shoes. Many have free shipping both ways to allow for hassle-free tries before you buy. They also typically provide ample customer reviews to see how other women have found the fit and style of certain men’s footwear choices.
As a personal shopper, I always advise clients who want to try out the men’s shoe trend to go somewhere they can get properly fitted and sized first. The right fit makes all the difference between a comfortable, stylish look or an outfit you’ll immediately regret. – Kate H., NYC
No matter where you ultimately end up scoring your first pair of masculine-inspired kicks, keeping an open mind is key. Be willing to experiment with new styles, shapes, and brands. Step outside your comfort zone and don’t get discouraged if the first few tries don’t yield a perfect pairing. With some trial and error (and these experts’ tips in mind), you’re bound to find the covetable men’s shoes to bring some borrowed-from-the-boys edge to your signature feminine style.
Also read:
What Color Shoes To Wear With Champagne Dress?
Embracing Gender-Fluid Fashion Fearlessly
From a confidence-boosting sense of empowerment to an instantly cooler aesthetic, there are numerous compelling draws motivating fashionable women to begin blurring gender norms by borrowing from the other side of the footwear aisle. And as we break through these traditional “rules” defining what women can and cannot wear, encouraging self-expression and individuality through personal style reigns supreme.
Sure, that first step into some masculine wingtips or combat boots may feel more than a little daring at first as a woman. But with strategic styling and the right mix of feminine-meets-masculine outfit elements, you can effortlessly channel that much-coveted borrowed-from-the-boyfriend insouciant cool while still celebrating your multifaceted femininity. It’s all about finding balance by thoughtfully playing with contrasts.
At the end of the day, fashion – like womanhood itself – is not a single, monolithic look that must rigidly conform to outdated expectations. It’s a living, evolving artform in which you get to daily redefine yourself through the empowering choices you make when getting dressed. What feels more powerfully feminine than that?
So don’t be afraid to borrow from the boys. Go ahead and slip into that unexpectedly chic pair of men’s oxfords, sleek sneakers, or tough-as-nails boots whenever your style muse calls for it. Have fun playing with opposites, mixing masculine edge with ultra-feminine flair, and embodying a no-apologies confidence wherever you step. Rules, dated norms, and expectations be damned – those kickass gender-neutral kicks are likely to become your new favorite outfit-making accessory.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a difference between male and female shoes?
Yes, there are differences between male and female shoes in terms of sizing, design, and fit to accommodate variations in foot anatomy.
Do men’s shoes fit women’s feet?
Men’s shoes can fit women’s feet, but typically require adjustments for size, such as subtracting 1.5 sizes from men’s to get women’s equivalent.
What size are men’s shoes to women’s?
Men’s shoes are generally larger than women’s; to convert men’s shoe size to women’s, subtract 1.5 sizes from men’s size to get the equivalent women’s size.
Is a men’s 7 equal to a women’s 9?
No, a men’s size 7 is not equal to a women’s size 9; typically, a men’s size 7 would convert to approximately a women’s size 8.5.
Conclusion
The trend of women wearing men’s shoes symbolizes a powerful shift in fashion towards gender-fluidity and self-expression. Beyond style, it offers practical benefits like enhanced comfort, durability, and a confidence boost. The content’s guidance reflects a broader message of embracing individuality. It also emphasizes breaking free from outdated norms.
By blurring traditional boundaries, women can confidently embrace their multifaceted femininity, creating unique and empowering fashion statements. Ultimately, fashion becomes a tool for self-definition and empowerment, celebrating diversity and personal style choices.
