For too long now, overweight runners have been neglected and left behind by most of the shoe manufacturers. Big brand names have been focusing on the fit and firm athlete in almost all their designs. However, all this is quickly changing as more and more brands are beginning to make shoes designed especially for overweight men and women. For many, being overweight comes with an entire host of problems.

Our Top Picks for Men & Women
This includes overpronation, plantar fasciitis, supination, bad knees and back pains. Ill-fitting shoes only lead to acceleration and aggravation of these issues. That’s why brands like New Balance, ASICS, Saucony, Brooks, and Mizuno proudly present their best shoes that not only help alleviate most foot issues, but also provide support for plus sized men and women who need a little bit more out of their shoes. Here are the top 5 most popular running shoes for heavy runners.
Running Shoes for Heavy Runners
1. New Balance 940V4 Running Shoes
We all know the story of what started as a small time Boston Based company in the early 1900’s and went on to be one of the biggest shoe companies on the planet. New Balance started off making orthopedic shoes and arch supports that not only improved the lives of millions, but also showed everyone that the possibilities were limitless. As the company grew, so did their skill, experience, and technology. Today, New Balance stands tall as it diligently zones in on meeting all the specific needs that each individual athlete has to offer.
It doesn’t matter if you have plantar fasciitis, overpronation or just looking to lose your excess body weight; New Balance has the right shoe for each job. For the overweight runner that wants a little bit more from their shoes, New Balance gives you the 940V4 Running Shoe. This incredible shoe has a pair out for both men and women to enjoy a custom and highly personalized fit. Not only will the this shoe give you more room to wiggle your toes, but you also get superior support for your arches and joints to support the extra weight.
2. Mizuno Wave Rider 25 Running Shoe
Since their founding in the early 1900’s, Mizuno has literally dominated the exciting and ever growing world of sports. If you’re wondering why, it’s really quite easy to explain. Every single product these guys put out is guided by the strict code of the sportsman and all the ideals of real sportsmanship that come with it.
Couple all their years in the game with technological advancements and you have a recipe for footwear magic. This is precisely why all apparel by Mizuno not only allows athletes to achieve their full potential, but that they also remain in tip top shape to do it all over again the next day. But what about the big guys and gals who need more out of their running shoes? Not to worry, Mizuno has things covered with their latest Mizuno Wave Rider Running Shoe for all. This shoe has been aptly termed as the ideal, seamless blend of comfort and performance; all neatly wrapped into one good looking package. With these bad boys, it doesn’t matter where you tip the scales. Mizuno Wave Rider promises a consistent fit and improved support for all heavy runners.
3. ASICS Gel Nimbus 24 Running Shoe
If we are talking about experience and an insane amount of years in the game, ASICS definitely takes the cup, the plate, and all the silverware. While Mr. Kihachiro may have started the company with a different name back in 1949 (Onitsuka Co. Ltd), he had no idea that he was on the brink of a global footwear explosion. The founder later changed the name to ASICS in 1977 with the aim of rebranding his company to promote total health and fitness for a happier, healthier lifestyle.
Today, ASICS gives the modern athlete an exciting array of creative and performance-driven athletic shoes and apparel dedicated to creating harmony within the soul, body, and mind. Their most recent work of art comes in the form of the ASICS Gel Nimbus for men and women. After innumerable years of research and development, you didn’t think that ASICS would leave out the athletic, overweight men and women, did you? This incredible running shoe offers everyone modernized geometry of cushioning and more adaptability than ever before.
4. Brooks Ghost 14 Running Shoe
Like most men and women struggling with weight issues, you most likely have one type of foot issue or another. Whether it is flat feet, overpronation or knee pain, it’s never easy dealing with these things. Wearing the wrong shoe for years can quickly accelerate the development of any of the above issues, that’s why it is advisable to know your feet and give them exactly what they want. Fortunately, Brooks understands this all too well and works hard so that your feet don’t have to.
The Brooks Ghost 14 is a work of footwear art that solves an incredible number of problems. The first thing you immediately notice about this running shoe by Brooks is the insanely high levels of comfort. The padded tongue and insole make you feel as if you are walking on clouds. Thanks to the seamless construction, the shoe feels quite roomy, and you do not have to worry about that annoying, incessant and painful chaffing that quickly leads to the formation of blisters.
5. Saucony Cohesion 14 Running Shoe
Although not as seasoned as the other companies we have mentioned above; Saucony is among the most respected names in shoes made for the current athlete. The geniuses over at Saucony give the people an incredible array of walking and running shoes in all shapes and sizes. Their Saucony trademark fit and performance could be the reason why millions of people only trust them with their feet. No surprise here seeing as how Saucony has spent years just studying the natural biomechanics of the best athletes in their respective fields.
For too long now has the overweight athlete been left out. Finally, Saucony has put an end to this with their Cohesion 14 for heavy runners. This shoe boasts of the latest, state of the art technology that makes it stand out from the rest. One such innovation is the Heel grid system that is ingeniously embedded into a responsive midsole foam for the ultimate and more stable cushioning. Walking and running around all day can be really hot and messy. That’s why the Cohesion shoe by Saucony has a fully breathable mesh that lets you stay fresh and comfy throughout the day.
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