In this study, the 3D foot scanning data of 787 male participants were used to compare the foot shape of the recreational sprinters (n = 41) and non-habitual exercises (n = 746). Fourteen foot dimensions together with two foot type indicators were included in the comparison. The heel breadths of both feet of the recreational sprinters were significantly narrower than those of the non-habitual exercisers (p < 0.05), while the toe lengths of both feet of recreational sprinters were significantly longer than those of the non-habitual exercisers (p < 0.05). The participants' Arch Height Index (AHI) and Normalized Navicular Height Index (NNHI) suggested that on average the foot type for both groups fell into ‘normal arch foot’. Discriminant Analysis (DA) reached a hit ratio of 80.5%, which showed that the foot shapes of the recreational sprinters and non-habitual exercisers were distinguishable based on the foot dimensions. These findings could provide useful information for running shoe design and production. •3D foot scanning data of 41 male recreational-sprinters and 746 male non-habitual exercisers were compared.•Ball girth circumference, height of navicular, and hallux of the right foot were significantly different across the groups.•Heel breadth and toe length of both feet were significantly different across the groups.•The foot dimensions and the identified differences provide useful information for running shoe design.