By Rehan Iqbal
Welcome to our best running shoes for heavy folks - Shoes that can handle the weight.
I spent the last month researching, reviewing, and testing running shoes for big guys, athletes big and tall, and overweight people ready to start shedding weight safely and comfortably. Since I am of medium build, I made a team with some of my friends who would classify as 'heavy set guys' to do the testing.
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Running Shoes for Bigger Athletes
My team and I took the top 20 running shoes and tested them for stability, support, durability, and comfort. These 6 stood head and shoulders above the rest.
But before we get into the shoes, if you are obese, “fat”, or just feel like you are bigger than the normal person, you definitely need to learn about a major misconception the general public has about shoes for heavy men. Your safety could be at risk…
Lets talk about the Elephant in the room.....
......Cushioning
Ask anyone the #1 thing to consider in a running shoe for a bigger person, and they’ll say the cushioning.
There’s some truth to that, but it creates a massive issue when people follow this advice.
Too much cushion leads to instability, minimal impact protection, and lack of arch support.
This is a HUGE problem for bigger runners (or even just walking for that matter).
Think of it like running with soft pillows on your feet.
Comfortable? Yes. Safe? NO.
Too much cushion results in all the bad stuff about running that we hate: sprained ankles, heel pain, foot pains, and maybe even plantar fasciitis.
Sound fun? Not really.
So, resist the urge to get the softest shoe possible. The #1 complaint we found in Amazon reviews was shoes were actually too soft, and this led to injuries that stopped the runner from exercising.
With that in mind, we made sure to choose shoes that had the best mix of all the key ingredients:
OK, enough rambling. Here are our top 6 shoes:
Best Running Shoes for Heavy Runners
1. Asics Novablast 5 Running Shoes
Asics is the leading name in athletic shoes for, let’s say, “large human beings”. And their Novablast 5s are the bounciest, most supportive, and lightest racing shoes they’ve ever made. If you’re a big and tall athlete looking to shave time off your runs as comfortably and safely as possible, this shoe was made for you.
There’s no other way to put it. These shoes really blew us away. It all comes down to 3 things:
ASICS Novablast 5
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If you’re looking to compete at the highest level or just shave time off your runs and set personal records, these shoes are the running shoes for runners. Unrivaled comfort, extra support, great traction, and a literal mini-trampoline on your shoe will propel you forward even when you’re running low on energy.
Brooks PDAC A5500 Diabetic Shoe, with APMA Seal of Acceptance, for Heavy Runners
2. Saucony Endorphin Speed 4
Feel the need for speed?
The Endorphin Speed 4s are unreal springy and give you that “always forward” feel you need to go extra fast over short bursts. The elevated cushioning combined with the stiff forefoot make it ultra responsive, leveling up your speed for interval workouts, short races, and intense cardio sessions no matter how big you are.
Saucony Endorphin Speed 4
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They’re perfect for races, HIIT training, sports like basketball or football (or “soccer”), and any other type of “everyday” intense running. These are your daily workout, sport, gym, street, or track shoes. Period.
The secret is in the nylon plate, which is superior to the typical carbon-plated shoes you see most race runners wearing.
Nylon is less stiff and gives a softer, more comfortable ride at a lighter weight. Now, Saucony has combined that with PWRRUN PB, a responsive, low-density material designed for intense running while still maintaining durability and comfort.
Every single company has one of these giant acronym lightweight foams, but what sets Saucony’s apart is that it’s super responsive so you get that “snap back” when it hits the ground (propelling you forward faster), and it’s long lasting - even if you’re 200+ lbs and beating them up every day.
Another reason these shoes are great for bigger runners is the form-fit design. This extra, “3D” comfort (as they put it) fits perfectly to your foot shape, and gives a super snug fit, keeping your heels, ankles, and knees safe from all that pounding.
Long story short, if you’re looking for an intense running shoe, there’s no better shoe on the market than this.
3. Saucony Triumph 22 Sneaker
The Triumph 22 runs like a dream, and are the only shoe on the list certified by the American Podiatric Medical Association for foot care and daily improvement of foot health.
Saucony Triumph 22
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After hours and hours of testing, it’s clear: these are an “easy day” type of shoe. The slower you go, the better it feels. You still get that Saucony “spring” that everyone loves, but this Triumph model is a softer, more comfortable shoe meant for light days at the track or jogs around the block.
After testing, we definitely could feel the difference. No heel or arch pain, no knee pain, and no sore back plus we felt that the shoe actually made running at a light pace easier.
It ticks all the boxes you want in a “cruiser” like great fit, solid “pop”, a good ride, and a great outsole.
The comfort, fit, and decent level of pop make it great for cruising at a nice, consistent pace rather than blinding speeds.
It’s lacking the durability, fit, and grip you’d want in a racing or intense training shoe, but that’s not why you’d buy a shoe like this.
The bottom line: if you want to cruise around the block, the Triumphs will -
If you’re just starting your weight loss journey, these shoes will get you where you want to go quickly and comfortably.
4. Mizuno Men's Wave Inspire 21
The Mizuno Men’s Wave Inspire 21s are perfect for anyone looking for a comfortable, supportive, and stable run over long distances. It’s ideal for larger runners, because the wave design fits true to the form of your foot, reducing impact and keeping your ankle and foot stable while running for long periods of time.
Mizuno Wave Inspire 21
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They’re especially good for big runners who suffer from overpronation because the reinforced midsole keeps your foot exactly where it’s supposed to be throughout the entire run. If you’re used to gasping every time your foot shifts, this shoe will solve that issue immediately.
BONUS: if you’ve got wide toes, the wide toe box tapers off to a narrow heel, giving you extra room where you need it most while still keeping your foot stable no matter how long you run.
One more thing, most reviews online kept raving about how the rigid feel added extra stability and better grip on the running surface (street, track, and treadmills were mentioned). All of that mixed with the midsole creates a great blend of support, comfort, and impact protection over long distances.
5. Hoka Carbon X3
If you’re training for a race and looking for the most breathable, convenient, and “grippy” shoe money can buy, the Hoka Carbon X3 is exactly what you have in mind.
The X3s are propulsive, responsive, and designed for endurance racers looking to beat their best times over long distances.
HOKA Carbon X3
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The X3s are a major upgrade in every way on other endurance racers:
The best part? They pull right off and slip on while still somehow maintaining an ultra snug fit.
Bonus Mention!
6. Nike Invincible 3
We aren’t the biggest fans of Nike here, but the Invincible 3 was so good we had to give it its due. They fixed a lot of issues that we normally have with Nike shoes.
For one, they gave it a wider base for way more stability. If you’re a big runner, you want that extra surface area on the bottom of your foot to evenly spread the weight around and keep you upright.
Nike Invincible 3
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Plus they even added a new heel clip in the back for even more stability. Think of it almost like a rudder that balances your foot and stops you from keeling over when running at high speeds.
The heel to toe drop is only about 9mm, and the heel flows nicely into the cushioned midsole, making it feel like a natural, smooth stride every time you step. There’s even a waffle design on the bottom for smooth traction and extra grip.
It’s missing the spring and pop of the better racing shoes up top, but if you’re a very big runner who needs extra stability when jogging, this is the most stabilizing shoe we’ve ever reviewed. Not recommended for marathons, athletics, or heavy training though.
Did you consider any Hoka brand shoes? I am overweight and they are fabulous! I can wear them all day and have no foot or leg pain. They are amazing!
I tried Hoka brand, the overcushioning makes me have to exert more energy to run.It’s good for walking but I like to run for the most part.
Which Hoka shoe do you wear? I underpronate & my podiatrist recommended Hoka, but I’m not sure which style I should look at. Thanks!
Check out the Hoka Clifton 3. Might be a good fit for your situation.
I totally agree. I got a pair and my nerve problem has left and my knees feel greats
Which ones? There are several different Hoka styles. Thanks.
I bought a pair, VERY comfortable except the sole is a rocker (Clifton 8). I feel and look like I am drunk when I walk. Would NEVER wear them somewhere there isn’t a rail or wall to support me. These are my first and LAST pair of Hoka shoes
What about new balance 1080v7.
New Balance 1340 is a good shoe.
I have the Mizuno’s and they are great for walking not so much for running. They almost feel as though they bottom out when running. Actually light jogging. Sprints? Forget about it, you might as well run barefoot. I’m 5’10 236 looking for a well “heavy weight” shoe. These light weight shoes weighing in at ounces don’t stand a chance at keeping us heavier guys afoot.
Switching gears and am looking for a shoe that’s literally heavy, well constructed and “dense” . To give you a comparison something like my Ecco walking shoe. I can walk for miles in those and my knees never hurt.
There was a weighty new balance that when I picked it up was not lite weight. Wish I remembered the model.
Hello .. my weight is 101kg (girl) I am searching a working shoe .. when I am at work my toes pain so badly I take medicine quickly within 1 n half hours so I request you to suggest me a shoe which I can comfortably with in my working time .. n I hope your reply will come soon.. thank you
I work concert i am 4″6 in height 220 in weight i need shoe to stand and walk long distance i have knee problems and bottom of my feet burn and hurt
What shoes should i get in depserate need to find one
Wow, a lot of presumption going on in this article. Not all fat people have knee or arch issues or pain (except from rolling their eyes at articles like this). And I highly discourage people from attempting to change their gait with running shoes. There is firm science indicating that if you ‘overpronate’ that it is perfectly normal and changing it with medial posts and guiderails can actually cause injury.
To those who asked about Hokas- many people of all sizes and ability love the Clifton for running, if you like rocking while you walk you may also enjoy them, personally I don’t like feeling like I am going to break my ankle while walking or running so all Hokas are a hard pass for me (I am not a fan of the low drop either). Also be careful wearing them for other types of workouts. You’ll see what I mean when you try them on.
If you want shoes that are designed for your specific needs look into not only the cushion but the drop. And if you are like me and training for your 10th half marathon as an ‘overweight’ person, you might not want a heavy shoe designed for ‘supporting the weight of fat people’, you might want something lighter and more responsive. Your best bet is to do some research, read lots of reviews then try them out at your local running shop.
I am 6 feet and 205lbs and have run many half marathons in Brooks Ghost shoes. I still run in them but decided to pick up a pair of Clifton 7s because a friend swore by them. When I run in the Clintons, I feel my Achilles tendon and calf muscles begin to strain after the second mile. I noticed that when I run, my heel drop is much lower than Ghost. I switched to Ghost again and it was smooth all the way with no strain. I love the Cliftons walking – so soft – but running just requires more work for me.
I am looking for competitive race times for runners who are in the heavyweight + category!!
For me (males 226 pounds+ PRs: 2.5KM 11:39 3KM 13:56 5KM 22:58 8KM 39:15 and 10 KM 45:53).
Let me know ASAP!
THANX