By Stephen Beech

Sports footwear makers should ditch their "shrink it and pink it" approach to women’s running shoes, according to a new study.

Researchers say there is a "critical gap" in the design of running footwear as manufacturers are not taking into account the "distinct" anatomical and biomechanical needs of women compared to men.

The findings, published in the journal BMJ Open Sports & Exercise Medicine , suggest that specifically female-based designs would not only boost women runners’ comfort, but also enhance injury prevention and their performances.

Manufacturers have invested billions of pounds on the development of running shoes that can prevent injury, maximize comfort, and improve times.

But researchers who conducted the new study say both industry and academic st

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