When it comes to athletic footwear, one size or shape does not fit all. And yet, for decades, most women’s sneakers have simply been smaller versions of men’s shoes. But here’s the thing: women are not just smaller men. Our bodies, and how we move, are different. And one of the most overlooked factors in this difference is something called the Q-angle.

What Is the Q-Angle, and Why Does It Matter?

The Q-angle, short for quadriceps angle, is the angle formed between the hip and the knee. Anatomically, it’s the intersection between a line drawn from the hip to the patella (kneecap) and another from the patella to the tibial tuberosity (just below the knee). In simple terms, it’s a biomechanical reflection of how your thighs and knees align.

Here’s where things get interesting: women generally have wider hips than men, and as a result, larger Q-angles. On average, a woman’s Q-angle ranges from 15–20 degrees, while a man’s is usually around 10–15 degrees.

So, what does this mean for movement?

A larger Q-angle can lead to increased stress on the knees and ankles, especially during weight-bearing activities like running, walking, or strength training. It also affects gait patterns, pronation, and how force travels through the foot and up the kinetic chain.

The Q-Angle and Injury Risk in Women

Here’s where the science gets real: A larger Q-angle is associated with a higher risk of several common sports-related injuries in women, including:

• Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (runner’s knee)

• ACL injuries

• Plantar fasciitis

• Shin splints

• IT band syndrome

It’s not just bad luck. It’s biomechanics.

When a sneaker doesn’t accommodate the structural reality of the female Q-angle, it can exacerbate these issues. Think of it like a car that’s slightly out of alignment. You can still drive it, but over time, you wear down the tires, and in this case, your joints.

Why Are Most Women’s Sneakers Just “Shrink It and Pink It”?

The athletic footwear industry has traditionally focused on male data - male athletes, male biomechanics, male injury patterns. Women’s sneakers have too often been treated as an afterthought: a smaller size, a narrower shape, maybe a splash of blush or lavender.

This approach is outdated. Worse, it’s negligent.

Women deserve footwear that supports their unique anatomy, encourages optimal performance, and reduces risk of injury. And that means engineering sneakers from the sole up - literally.

What Should Women’s Sneakers Actually Do Differently?

To account for the biomechanical differences, women’s performance trainers should incorporate:

1. Wider Forefoot Base
A broader platform helps stabilise the foot and reduce internal knee rotation (KIR). KIR is proven to be greater in women compared to men, specifically during running. This causes a high force to be applied to the lateral knee.

2. More Supportive Medial Structures
Women are more prone to overpronation. Arch support and reinforced medial midsoles can help control motion and protect the knees.

3. Adjusted Heel-to-Toe Drop
A more customised drop can help distribute pressure more evenly and reduce strain on the knees and Achilles.

4. Targeted Cushioning and Energy Return
Because the force path is different in female strides, cushioning should reflect these pressure points - particularly under the ball of the foot and lateral heel.

5. Tailored Lasts
The "last" (foot mold) of a shoe should reflect not just length and width, but also instep height, arch contour, and heel width - areas where women’s feet differ most from men’s.

The Future Is Female (Engineered)

Women are demanding more from their footwear. They want shoes that don’t just fit their style but fit their structure. They’re tired of compromising comfort or performance - or worse, dealing with preventable injuries. That’s why our Head of R&D, Dr Kim Lilley, engineered the FFRUNNER.

Sneakers Should Support How Women Actually Move

The Q-angle may seem like a small angle, but it’s a big deal. It affects alignment, comfort, and long-term joint health. Footwear designed with the female Q-angle in mind isn’t a luxury - it’s a necessity for anyone serious about performance, injury prevention, and biomechanics.

So next time you’re shopping for trainers, ask: were these made for women, or just marketed to them?