Why?

Some models of shoes are designed with a specific gender in mind.

Male shoes typically tend to accomodate a higher volume foot. Some models will additionally have the 'HV' designation for 'High Volume'. Womens shoes are typically designed for lower volume and will sometimes have the designation 'LV' for 'Low Volume'.

Why?

A combination of the last shape, toe box shape, and shoe volume will affect the way a shoe fits for each foot shape.

There are five basic foot shapes: Egyptian, Roman, Greek, Germanic and Celtic.

Egyptian, Roman and Greek are by far the most popular foot shapes. If your feet are Germanic or Celtic shaped, we may have trouble recommending a shoe.

More information about foot shapes