Best Running Shoes for Big & Heavier Men
Standout Picks
After testing and reviewing dozens of models, our 2021 pick is the Gaviota 3. The comfort, stability, and durability, outpaced the competitors. Peruse our full review of the Gaviota 3, as well as other highly rated running shoes below.
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Support
Without good support, it is hard to enjoy your runs and workout sessions, especially if you are carrying around a few extra pounds. The best shoes for big and tall men are those with proper support and that are designed to meet the unique needs of these runners!
You should know more about your feet and any issues if they exist. Understand how your feet pronate, what type of arch you have, whether or not you require more support or less.
The more weight coming down with the wrong kind of support underneath, well, that could lead to discomfort or even other problems. Let's face it, more weight requires more support.
Here at RunnerClick, we know how difficult it can be to find shoes that fit well and support your feet and we understand this struggle is all the more real for the big and tall runners out there.
That is why we wanted to make sure to address this dilemma and help you find the best running shoes for overweight men that offer the support you want and need!
Stability
When it comes to running shoes for big guys, stability comes down to the way the shoes are designed and how they can help you keep your balance and keep your footing while you run. Stability ensures you keep your footing and maintain good form while on your runs.
Stability can often become much more needed with heavier guys than it might be with smaller lighter people. This is especially the case if you're taller. The stability of a shoe would cover the overall balance and motion control.
Stability comes from a mix of decent support, sturdy construction, a proper outsole, midsole, and insole that allows the shoe to perform as intended.
We that stability is important for everyone but for some, the struggle to find shoes with good balance and stability is even harder.
Comfort
If your shoes are not comfortable, you are not going to wear them, that is a simple truth all runners will admit if they were asked. So, finding running shoes that are comfortable and that have the cushioning and fir you need is critical to getting the most out of your runs!
This probably goes without being said, but comfort is king. Why would you want to go on a run in a pair of shoes that is uncomfortable, or just plain hurts? You wouldn't.
Overall comfort is owed to all of the parts of a shoe coming together and working in unison. The cushioning, impact absorption, seamless upper, overall fit, insole, midsole, and even the outsole. We even researched customer feedback to see what everyone else is saying about their own experiences.
Our team of running enthusiasts and industry experts have researched many different shoes marketed to big and tall men and have focused on the comfort factor very closely.
Breathability
Another key feature to consider in your search for the best shoes is to check for breathability. Shoes without good air flow will leave your feet hot and sweaty and stinky. Shoes with good breathability will keep your feet cool and comfortable.
Materials and construction make or break a shoe, with regards to its ability to properly breathe. There are few things more annoying with a shoe other than when the heat and moisture stay locked inside. And with heavier guys, well, the sweat tends to build up a little more.
Look for models made of more technical materials, designed with breathability in mind. Well ventilated forefoot, mesh or knitted upper, only the necessary amount of overlay covering the upper material, etc. these are a few things to look for.
Durability
Shoes have to be durable or they are not worth much. Runners in general tend to be very rough with their shoes and they can wear down very quickly compared to non-runners. For big and tall men this can happen even faster so durability is a must!
Durability is something that matters, not only for comfort and safety but also for your wallet. It stinks when you pay out your hard-earned money to then be disappointed when those expensive running shoes fall apart shortly after you lace them up a few times.
The RunnerClick team focused on durability because we understand how much of an investment a good pair of shoes can be and we know no one likes to waste money on shoes that won’t last or hold up.
The shoes featured on our list are rated for their durability and will be a smart investment for any runner who values durability and reliability!
Best Running Shoes for Heavy Runners
1. Hoka One One Gaviota 3
If you carry a few extra pounds, this shoe is specifically designed to carry you.
Read morePacked with supportive features that protect your legs and knees throughout your gait cycle. The Gaviota 3 boasts a sleek frame and lightweight materials that keep you stable and light on your feet.
The design specialty for heavy runners lies in its midsole. This is one of the thickest midsoles on the market. The midsole is made with a dual-density RMAT. A blend of rubber and soft EVA foam gives good comfort. Hoka also includes their stabilizing J-frame technology in these soles for exceptional stability for heavy people. Lockdown for control is very good.
The mesh upper are synthetic seamless overlays and a textile lining for combined support and breathability. Weighing in at just under 12oz and made from durable materials, these shoes are all about carrying heavy runners.
2. Nike ZoomX Invincible Run
Exceptionally cushioned daily running shoe for those long runs, at a slower pace.
Read moreFor good support and stability, This is not a quick shoe. The amount of bounce is about supporting a heavy runner comfortably. For stability, give the uppers enough time to stretch and FIT your foot shape for consistent stability.
These have a padded ankle collar, wide laces, gusseted tongue, firm upper material, Supportive overlays for the mid-foot. Lock-down is very good for heavy runners. The grip is very good due to the well-studded rubber outsole.
These are even good for runners who have wider feet. At 9.65 ounces (278g) you won't feel weighed down. For breathability, the shoes have FlyKnit and this means lightweight breathable, durable uppers. A rubber sole and synthetic materials for making the shoe, does ensure good durability.
3. Brooks Beast 20
For heavy workouts and extra body weight, this shoe will work with you.
Read moreThe most notable feature of the Beast 20 is a Guide Rail system in the midsole. This stability and support feature helps to alleviate pain from overpronation. Your gait gets corrected as your foot strikes the ground.
Brooks also utilizes its DNA LOFT material in the midsole. This style of foam cushioning adds extra cushioned spring to your step.
It’s slightly stiffer than some other cushioning designs, but it really performs when running on hard surfaces. The uppers are synthetic mesh for ventilation and the use of synthetic materials with a rubber sole does give good durability. Available at an upper mid-level price.
4. Brooks Adrenaline GTS 21
It's is a perfect blend of flexibility and support and won’t weigh down those runners.
Read moreThe Adrenaline GTS 21 features a stability guide rail system and its midsoles are reinforced with a DNA LOFT Crash Pad. This is great if you're carrying a little bit of extra weight. These crash pads provide extra support and stability just where heavier runners need it most.
The 3D print mesh uppers cradle the feet and promote lockdown while wicking away moisture to keep your feet cool and dry. If you want a lightweight alternative giving good support the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 21 will not disappoint.
It is the perfect marriage between support and freedom, making it great not only for running, but cross-training as well. Durable materials and a strong structure, giving good stability, while springy and fast.
5. ASICS Gel-Kayano 28
A tried-and-true winner for heavier runners. This shoe performs for runners who carry a few extra pounds,
Read moreThe Gel Kayano 28 makes its mark on our list by offering one of the most stable heels in the running shoe market. ASICS stuffed almost all of its technologies into this one shoe, and it performs beautifully.
Heavier runners will appreciate ASICS's Dynamic Duomax™, gender-specific Trusstic system, and external “heel clutch," all of which combined together make a better foundation. In addition to that, Add the FlyteFoam and gel and you have a recipe for stable comfort!
The engineered upper starts out more rigid in the back and becomes more flexible and stretchy as you move toward the toes. This results in a balanced amount of breathability and flexibility for the uppers. The shoe gives good support both at the initial lace-up and after you've put in a good amount of running.
The ASICS Gel-Kayano 28 is a strong choice for heavier runners seeking stable, comfortable, and durable running shoes.
6. ASICS Gel-Nimbus 23
This is a light shoe built to carry extra weight. This shoe gets the job done!
Read moreAs a slightly lighter weight option within the ASICS family of shoes for heavier men. Featuring ASICS' Trusstic System technology. This shoe utilizes lightweight materials and reinforced padding on high-impact areas to provide excellent support
ASICS also added some gel in the heel to double down on support for heavy strikers. The uppers are a little on the bulky side and offer less breathability than other models,
The tongue and the heel are engineered to promote lockdown for foot stability and prevent movement which can cause blisters. Durable synthetic materials and a choice of color schemes to choose from.
7. New Balance Fresh Foam More v3 - Bonus
Plenty of shock absorption and cushion for relief from overpronation.
Read moreWith the New Balance Fresh Foam More v3, you will absolutely get more of what you need when it comes to a sole cushion. For support and stability, a 34mm heel stack. Bigger people will get plenty of shock absorption and cushion out of these shoes.
If there's any slight downside to these shoes, the uppers aren't the most comfortable we've tried. The heel cup performs well and keeps the foot nice and snug for stability. The heel collar includes added padding.
Breathability is standard as expected from Engineered mesh uppers. The blending of foam, synthetic uppers, and a rubber sole give a good amount of durability. With a weight of only 9.6 oz, you will feel quite light on your feet.
