6 Best Running Shoes for Overweight Runners

By Daniel Hampson 

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.....

Best Running Shoes for Heavy Runners

1. Asics Novablast 3 Running Shoes

Asics is the leading name in athletic shoes for, let’s say, “large human beings”. And their Novablast 3s 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:

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.

2. Saucony  Endorphin Speed 3

Feel the need for speed?

The Endorphin Speed 3s 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.

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 20 Sneaker 

The Triumph 20s run 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.

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 the 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 19

The Mizuno Men’s Wave Inspire 19s 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.

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.

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.

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 racing, athletics, or heavy training though.