The shape of the shoe: Women tend to have feet that are wider in the forefoot, so often, their shoes are built to reflect this. Men tend to have wider heels, while women have more narrow heels, so again, this is built into the shoes for optimal fit.
Weight’s effect on the shoe: Generally speaking, women tend to have less muscle weight than men based on body make-up. So when it comes to a runner for a man, the absorption system needs to be a bit more heavy duty to withstand the extra weight.
Fit and personal preference: While the above factors tend to be generally true, they are not always the case. Some women tend to feel more comfortable in a shoe that has been designed with men in mind because they prefer the shock absorption. When it comes to finding the exact shoe for your needs, no perfect rule exists; it’s always about what works best for you.