WMNS vs MEN Sneakers – Size, Shape and Fit Compared

Are women’s sneakers really just for women?

We hear it all the time: “Oh, is this release only for women?!”

It’s a women’s release, so that must be the case, right? You’d think so. But that’s not how it works in the sneaker world. In fact, most women’s sneakers are more sought after by male sneakerheads than the average men’s pairs. As far as we’re concerned, all sneakers are unisex.

What sizing types are there?

Adult sneakers come in MEN (men’s) and WMNS (women’s) sizing. If you have smaller feet, you might also fit into GS (Grade School) or even Y (Youth) sizes. There are also versions for babies and toddlers (like PS, TD, and BC).

Sometimes, a release drops in both WMNS or MEN sizes and in smaller GS or Y versions. These smaller versions usually have slight visual differences and are generally cheaper in stores. However, they don’t gain value as quickly as WMNS and MEN releases.

What’s the deal with WMNS vs. MEN?

The differences between WMNS and MEN sizing are subtle. A sneaker rarely drops in both MEN and WMNS formats. They usually look exactly the same. However, there are some sizing differences. For Nike, a WMNS release runs 0.5 cm longer on paper. The heel might also be slightly narrower. These differences are minimal, but WMNS pairs do fit a bit larger.

Keep in mind that the CM size, like other metrics, is just a sizing system. Actual measurements may differ slightly. That’s why we always advise using your EU size. If you’re unsure between sizes, WMNS sizing can be worth a try.

There’s also a difference in value. Sneakers above size EU 41 typically have a higher resale value. A WMNS release in a larger size is often even more valuable since those sizes are produced in smaller numbers.

Left: WMNS Nike Air Max 1 Aloha Pack Navy (US 10 | UK 7.5 | EU 42 | CM 27) and right: MEN Nike Air Max 1 Black Venom Pack (US 8.5 | UK 7.5 | EU 42 | CM 26.5).

How can you tell if your sneakers are WMNS or MEN?

You can’t tell from the outside of the shoe whether it’s a WMNS or MEN release. But inside the shoe, you can. You’ll see it in the sizing label on the tongue or inner lining-specifically the ratio between the US size and other sizes.

For Nike Air Max, a women’s US size is typically 1.5 sizes higher than the men’s equivalent. So WMNS US 10 = MEN US 8.5. That’s why we always advise checking the UK or EU size. These are always consistent. At Outsole, we base our sizing on MEN sizes.

So WMNS is really just for women?

Nope! A WMNS release isn’t exclusively for women, and MEN releases aren’t just for men. Nike actually promotes all their sneakers as unisex. However, WMNS releases are limited in bigger sizes-usually up to EU 44.5, sometimes only 42.5 or 40.5.

WMNS drops are often more popular among men than MEN releases. The colorways are usually on point-lots of soft tones like pink and mint, and some sick takes on OG classics. It’s no surprise guys with big feet get frustrated when a fire WMNS release drops in limited sizes. Got small feet? We’re jealous.

The WMNS Nike Air Max 1 Grape from 2003. One of the most sought-after pairs ever-a true holy grail for sneakerheads. In larger sizes, it’s worth a fortune.

Don’t let sizing labels define you

In short: don’t hesitate to buy a WMNS release if you’re a guy, or a MEN release if you’re a woman. Sneakers today are all unisex. Wear what you like-and what fits. Forget the label.

Did you know?

In 2004, Nike dropped an entire series with a major sizing label error.

The Nike Air Max 1 Sport Pink dropped in Asia in 2004 as a WMNS exclusive. But in the larger sizes, the tongue label lists MEN sizing-e.g. US 8.5 – EU 42, when it should’ve said US 8.5 – EU 40. To this day, collectors still overlook this detail when buying the pair.

Sizing charts

Medium | by Outsole | December 2019