Before we start with our review on the best running shoes for heavy runners, you should know everything about being a heavy runner. If you do not whether you are overweight or not, there’s no real difference when it comes to running and exercise. Running comes with several amazing benefits, apart from losing weight. It is a part of a healthy lifestyle for all.
Running and other exercises could help you in burning more calories and shaping up different body parts. Thus, it assists you to lose excess weight if you pair it with a healthy lifestyle and diet. Along with that, running is extremely beneficial for building up endurance, strength, stamina, and other things.
The other benefits include building a healthy mindset, adding up more positivity and confidence in people who start their weight loss journey. It is highly recommended to begin slowly and start running when you could after you have prepared correctly and sought the approval of your doctor.
However, there are certain things that you have to consider before you start running. Apart from starting off slowly and make your body get used to running, you need to consider the excess weight that can affect running. People who are not used to running and exercising, it might impact their bodies, especially their feet due to the excess weight as they land.
Having said that, that’s the reason you need to choose the best running shoes for heavy runners. These shoes will make your feet to stabilize and help you in running comfortably, irrespective of your body weight. Moreover, the proper diet, apparel, and a running routine could help you a lot.
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How Excess Weight Affects Running
Now, you must be wondering how the added weight impacts running for a heavy runner! So, here are several things that you have to watch out:
Joint Shock
While you run, your joints can withstand about three times your weight at every step. When you carry on extra mass, your joints have to go through even more shock. So, you can imagine, as a heavy runner, the added weight puts more shock on your feet than they can endure while you run. This leads to potential injuries stress, particularly when you opt for long distance runs, which continue to put prolonged stress.
Overpronation
This is very similar to flat feet, which usually occurs due to excessive weight. It happens when added weight puts more pressure on the muscles and ligaments of a heavy runner. Your muscles and ligaments are what help to shape up the arches of your feet. This added pressure could cause these ligaments and muscles to flatten, collapse, and cause more stress on your knees and ankles due to it. It might even lead to other problems if you do not treat it correctly. That’s the reason you require a perfect pair of shoes to prevent issues like these.
Benefits of Running Shoes for Heavy Runners
So, running is quite beneficial for a runner, irrespective of the body weight. However, running has its drawbacks if you do not use the right pair of shoes and also apparel to provide the support your body and feet require while running. Here, learn about what benefits there are for wearing the right kind of running shoes.
Great Stability for Over Weights
Many heavy runners need stability shoes or great support while they run. This is because of the added pressure they put on their feet. With a stability running shoe designed for your feet’s condition and size, it could help a heavy runner to maintain proper posture and keep them free from common running injuries.
Better Comfort While Running
A heavy runner needs more cushioning for helping lessen the impact while they run. That’s the reason you need to choose your running shoes with great care. Using well-cushioning shoes, your feet feel like you are running on high clouds, without feeling the discomfort or pain after or during your runs. Also, these shoes mold according to your feet’s shape and that’s what makes a perfect fit.
No Sweaty and Hot Feet
High-quality running shoes offer better breathability, which even helps your feet to remain at optimum temperature. So, during hot weather, you could run freely until your body could take the temperature. With the right shoes, you do not have to worry about stuffiness, which is what you have to deal with lower-quality running shoes.
Durability and Strength for Miles
Your running shoes are worth all the money if they have incredible build and construction. That’s what makes them last longer. Irrespective of how intensely and how long your run, the durable materials do not tear or split. So, you could run better and without thinking about replacing them soon.
Confidence While Running
With a perfect combination of comfort, support, and attractive design, your running shoes can give you more confidence and encouragement to keep on running. If you have the best running shoes, you would not feel pain and continue your exercise routine.
10 Best Running Shoes for Heavy Runners
There are lots of brands, models, and shoes available on the market. Thus, it turns out to be a daunting task to select one. To help you out, we have come up with a list of the best running shoes for heavy runners.
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This shoe from ASICS has been around for over two decades. ASICS GEL-Nimbus 21 is a favorite choice of heavy runners out there. This neutral shoe model is best suited for people who like plush rides, where it is designed for road conditions. These shoes look like other ASICS models, but have a lightweight chunky sole. They are jam-packed with advanced features for making you a better heavier runner.
The most amazing thing about Gel-Nimbus 21 is its Jacquard mesh upper as it comes with a broad toe box. This toe box enables you to splay naturally and grip the land better prior to toe-off. This upper is highly breathable and slightly stretchy. It has printed overlays to provide stability and a soft, plush Ortholite collar sponge. It carries out an amazing work to protect your sensitive heel area.
When it comes to midsole, ASICS Gel-Nimbus employs two kinds of foam. The FlyteFoam sections help to keep your weight down while hugging the forefoot and rear foot GEL inserts. These Propel sections enable for incredible energy return, which is durable on longer runs. Here, the Guidance Line technology helps to offer structural integrity. The outsole of this shoe employs ASICS rubber, which is highly resistance to abrasion. This makes ASICS GEL-Nimbus 21 perfect for both wet and dry surfaces. So, if you are in search of perfect footwear to start, then GEL-Nimbus is ideal for beginner heavy runners.
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So, ASICS Gel-Nimbus 21 running shoes are also available for women. This shoe has been reinvented to become a perfect fit and to provide maximum comfort. It is designed for the ultimate stable, cushioned run experience. This shoe model from ASICS is a trainer for regular days, which provide resilient cushioning, sensation underfoot, and maximum shock absorption.
This GEL-Nimbus 21 features an engineered mesh upper, which provides added adaptable comfort, greater breathability, and more toe room. There are lightweight 3D printed overlays on the upper that provide irritant-free, seamless structure without sacrificing the foot’s natural flow and flexibility.
What makes this shoe model different is its Trusstic stability system, which is employed in the shoe’s medial side. This stability mechanism ensures a more neutral, flowy ride. This shoe is a perfect fit for a variety of foot sizes and shapes due to the enhanced hold and spacing in the heel counter and forefront. The shoe features a plush interior that supports your foot while providing long-wearing comfort.
ASICS Women’s Gel-Nimbus 21 features iconic GEL cushioning in its heel, whereas Flytefoam Propel in the shoe’s forefront. It has a quality Ortholite X-40 sock liner with great rebound properties, which provides amazing breathability and incredible moisture management. Thus, it provides a softly cushioned, bouncy, and energetic ride. This shoe model is perfect for women runners who appreciate a smooth ride, lasting durability, and comfortable fit.
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Women’s Walking Shoes – Modern Jazz Dance are something that every girl will like. They feature a unique and beautiful design. These shoes are best for walking and mild running on concrete. They are available in more than 20 different colors. This shoe is designed using a mesh fabric, which provides better sweat absorption.
The shoe has a width that works perfectly well for women who like to purchase wider shoes. It is extremely flexible and lightweight. One can wear this vibrant pair of walking shoes while running around on a day off or just walking around your house. It is even perfect for traveling. All can wear these women’s walking shoes sock sneakers for vigorous workout sessions.
Women’s Walking Shoes Modern Jazz Dance features an air cushion, which offers comfort for longer hours. The sole of this shoe is manufactured with premium-quality rubber. Thus, this shoe prevents slipping. Plus, the shoe is wear-resistant. Women who have to struggle with their sweaty feet, they are definitely going to like its perforated arch. This perforated arch offers the right kind of ventilation you need. The clear resin hole under its heel passing through the sole makes this shoe to stand out from the rest.
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Brooks Men’s Ghost 12 running shoes are reliable when it comes to running shoes for heavy runners. They deliver a smooth and plush ride after miles and miles of running. This shoe model from Brooks is similar to their Ghost 11 with a few advancements. The big difference is in terms of its aesthetics, where the upper of this shoe employs 3D printed overlays on the engineered mesh. This is to offer soft and secure fit, which is what the Brooks Ghost line is well-known for.
Brooks Men’s Ghost 12 shoes are heavily cushioned, while featuring a 12mm heel-to-toe offset. With these shoes, wearers enjoy the bouncy responsiveness and soft landing that came with each stride. The shoe model has the signature Brooks’ BioMoGo DNA and DNA Loft foam for its midsole. Its outsole is covered with extremely durable blown rubber to provide maximum grip.
The forefoot outsole employs a segmented Crash-Pad system, which offers amazing shock absorption. The upper of Brooks Ghost 12 shoes delivers a flawless sock-like fit to secure your every step. Its seamless, premium-quality construction delivers a perfect balance of structure and stretch. So, it makes a perfect pair of running shoes for heavy runners at a good price.
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This is another amazing shoe for women from ASICS. The most amazing thing about this shoe model is its plush comfort, which is why this model made its place in this review. Here, lots of features has been added to enhance its plush comfort. It is perfect to run over trail terrain, gravel roads, or concur pavements.
ASICS Women’s Gel-Excite 6 offers heel to toe cushioning. The shoe combines the ASICS iconic GEL technology in the heel counter and Amplifoam around the midsole to provide complete foot cushioning. It is engineered to offer long-lasting foam cushioning, while it maintains control and lightweight cushioning throughout running. As you find this foam through the whole midsole, it is perfect to wear all-day long.
The Gel-Excite 6 shoe’s Gel technology absorbs impact on the heel. This enables you to stride smoothly to transition near push off. With the Amplifoam midsole, your heel-to-toe transition has been taken care of while you run on all kinds of surfaces. Also, it is a very lightweight model. The upper in this shoe does not come with unnecessary seams and overlays and thus, offer less restriction and allow your feet to breathe.
ASICS Women’s Gel-Excite 6 running shoes feature full-length midsole support and amazing heel-strike absorption. The shoe also has a mesh toe box. All of these features make it an affordable and fantastic option for women runners of all kinds.
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Nike Men’s Revolution 4 made its appearance in the shoe market back in 2017. The shoe offers a stable and more supportive upper, which wraps the arch to the midfoot. Thus, it ensures a gripped-in feel that does not come with much weight to it. Nike Men’s Revolution 4 running shoe is a neutral model with all the technologies of Nike that runners admire, such as great cushioning, breathable upper, flexible ride, and amazing moisture management.
The outsole of this Nike shoe is a bit different from what you have probably seen in other Nike shoes. It features big rubber pods in the heel areas and forefront. Thus, it makes sure incredible bounce back and traction that begin with the outsole. On the other hand, its flexible grooves make sure that the motion range could not be sacrificed.
The upper of Nike Revolution 4 is manufactured with an open knit material having great lock down and ample cushioning both around the collar and tongue. It makes an affordable pair of shoes and is perfect for heavy runners who are looking something on a budget for neutral road running. Plus, this shoe is not going to wear down even under some weight.
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Saucony Women’s Cohesion 10 running shoe is an affordable, day-to-day trainer for heavy or short mileage days. This neutral shoe from Saucony is extremely comfortable due to its moderate cushioning. It is perfect for entry-level heavy runners and recreational runners. Saucony shoes are also great for people who are looking for shoes to wear to the gym.
The outsole employs a blend of material for creating a flexible, durable platform for the shoe. It uses an iBR+ rubber for covering its midfoot and forefront. The shoe employs the Saucony’s own carbon rubber, XY-900 for the outsole’s high-wear surfaces. This material is highly durable and enable the shoe to deal with abrasive elements on roads. The shoe features Tri-Flex system, which is designed for allowing more shock absorption, improved traction, and better flexibility.
This Saucony shoe is a reliable model. The midsole of Cohesion 10 employs injection-molded EVA, whereas its upper is made up of a breathable mesh material. Thus, the shoe offers a great deal of breathability. With a heel GRIP, this shoe is very lightweight and supportive. With these shoes, wearers feel comfortable that they are receiving a well-constructed shoe designed for comfort, support, and stability. So, this shoe from Saucony makes a nice choice for going the distance.
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If youare looking for a shoe with nice arch support, then Salomon Men’s XA Pro 3D is what you need. This shoe from Salomon is a perfect pick as this brand holds a specialization in trail running shoes, which are designed for taking a beating. Salomon shoes feature a stable upper having traction that works fine on both dry and wet surfaces.
One amazing thing about this shoe model is that it comes both in a Gore-Tex model for wet, colder days and a breathable mesh one. The shoe is designed especially for trails, where the Contagrip rubber comes with multi-directional lugs for gripping all surfaces. The added space among these lugs help in preventing clogging and even the pebble picking up. Thus, it takes less time to clean this shoe, while you can spend more time training hard.
Salomon Men’s XA Pro 3D shoes perform well at shock absorption due to its compressed and injected EVA, blending dual cell EVA foam, and great cushioning. However, the cushioning is less likely to flatten and pack with use. For heavy runners, this Salomon shoe turns out to be a durable one.
This shoe comes with protective features like the raised toe bumper, supportive overlays, and the Advanced Chassis System. It even has one of the most amazing trail outsoles present out there. Salomon shoes are perfect for heavy runners who are looking for a comfortable fit and stellar performance. Its innovative design with minute details like asymmetrical quicklace mechanism and supportive arch help in preventing overpronation.
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People who are in search for a combination of cushioned and supportive can go with ASICS Men’s GEL-Venture 6 running shoes. The shoe features amazing cushioning, which adds more comfort while you run. It even prevents pain and keeps you run longer without experiencing stuffiness.
ASICS Men’s Gel-Venture 6 running shoes come with the authentic GEL cushioning system. Its midsole Gel technology helps with walking or running fatigue, energy-return, particularly for heavy runners. This helps in absorbing stick and enhancing the transition, which make the running smoother for you. Moreover, the shoe features a removable sock liner for accommodating orthotics if you suffer from conditions or injuries.
The shoe is designed with the trail-based shoe technology. For adding great durability, the brand used the patent AHAR rubber technology or High Abrasion rubber. This durable, powerful material helps in handling the terrain and enhancing consumer control and comfort. ASICS shoes promote durability, good fit, and durability due to their synthetic mesh upper. It also provides great comfortability and breathability due to its mesh technology, coupled with a breathable upper fabric.
ASICS Men’s Gel-Venture 6is manufactured with great cushioning and traction. The shoe’s traction is imperative for a pain-free, successful running performance. This shoe can handle rough as well as smooth surfaces without fear of wear and tear. It comes in a wide range of sizes and colors.
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If you are looking for something extra solid with durability and robust feel, then New Balance Men’s 990v4 shoes are the perfect choice. The shoe comes in lots of different color options to select from. This shoe from New Balance features the conventional 990 design with incredible heel design and a complete stable look.
The forefront of New Balance 990v4 is manufactured with Blown Rubber and even the soles are enhanced. The shoe’s midsole is made from ABZORB and it has a dual-density collar. The shoes provide incredible support and stability, particularly for wearers who have a forefront strike style of running. They have flexible soles, which enable easy running downwards and up. Also, these soles are pretty solid for enduring running throughout uneven surfaces and big bumps.
New Balance Men’s 990v4 shoes features ENCAP midsoles, which add all the needed support and even improve acceleration while you run. The upper of this shoe is made of mesh and leather, which makes it breathable and lightweight too. Its toe box is comfortable and spacious. The shoes also feature comfortable ankle support.
New Balance shoes are made from a combination of textile and leather, which add to its good looks and durability. Not just the shoe’s looks, but its sturdy construction is something that wearers admire. It makes your runs more comfortable and provides enough confidence that it could last for more than 300 miles. This shoe from New Balance does not tear or show signs of damage, while giving you an expected performance.
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How to Select the Best Running Shoes for Heavy Runners
The perfect running shoes are highly beneficial for choosing the most suitable one, regardless of your weight. Every wearer has their own individual needs and they need to ensure the running shoes they are buying should meet them all. For helping you out, there are some factors that you need to consider while choosing a perfect pair of running shoes that will offer the best comfort and last longer. So, let’s begin!
Incredible Support and Stability
The support and stability of your shoes need to be the top priority, especially for heavy runners having overpronation or flat feet issues. Pronation is the shock absorber of your body, which you can determine by how the ankle and foot roll while the strike hits a floor. Being a heavy runner, this plays a significant role for your joints and knees.
For determining your pronation, have a look at your current shoes. If they wear on the outsides, you have under pronation and if on the insides, then you have overpronation. If you do not come across any, you have a normal level. Heavy runners need to get a pair of nice running shoes with great shock absorption as compared to the average ones, especially for people with overpronation.
If you do not have an issue with stability, you still need shoes that provide incredible support for preventing injuries and foot pain after and during running.
Amazing Shock Absorption
The shoe’s shock absorption is directly linked to how much cushioning there is in your shoes. Some runners select the one having very little cushioning, while experts advise to go for more cushioning to overweight runners. Some studies have even shown that a heavy runner might be more susceptible to injury if their running shoes do not have enough cushioning or shock absorption.
Fit
Choosing a perfectly-fitting shoe could be overwhelming as there are lots of styles, models, and brands out there. It becomes more difficult to choose one when you shop online. In this review, we have ranked every product for their fit and true-to-size design for helping you find the perfect match.
Here, you need to consider than a running shoe, coming with a synthetic sole and thicker midsole, may fit a bit differently than flat shoes, with their leather sole and thinner midsole. So, before you buy a shoe, you need to consider for what purpose or what type of shoe you want. This will help you in taking a nice decision.
Better Strength and Durability
If you like to get the worth of your money with the right shoes, then you have to make sure that your running shoes should be manufactured with the durable materials. A well-constructed shoe can withstand any running ground and make them last for miles and miles regardless of the intensity put on them.
Lightweight and Breathability Properties
Another important think that you need to look into your shoes is the ventilation around the foot and also the weight of your shoes. It is advisable to go with lightweight shoes, in this way, you do not add excess weight for further burdening your feet. Moreover, you need to buy shoes with better breathable mesh and moisture control for ensuring better comfort while running.
Hot sweaty feet are susceptible to bacterial growth, which leads to health problems and also bad odors. Selecting a shoe having a good level of breathability could help the feet to stay cooler. In that way, heavy runners could run fast and in all weather conditions without worrying about overheating and sweating in your feet.
Tips for Heavy Runners to Run Better
Now, you know how to choose the best running shoes if you are a heavy runner. The next thing that comes is how to start off. Of course, running entails more than wearing a perfect pair of running shoes. You require routines and proper posture as well. Having said that, here are several helpful tips runners can follow when they just started running!
- Heavy runners who have just started running need to ensure that they begin slowly and also gradually. Do not aim for tiring yourself out or running as fast as you can during the very first run. This is because it could wind you out and even discourage you from runs in future. It is best to set a routine and doable schedule, where increase your distance or speed by just 5% a week.
- You need to follow a pattern of running and walking than just running straight. This is important if you like to build up endurance. Firstly, know your limits and then, run for one minute, and then walk for two minutes. Repeat this procedure until you can run straight without facing any problems.
- Apart from your running shoes, you need to ensure that you own proper breathable apparel of your size. The apparel needs to be comfortable, which helps you to feel great when running for preventing physical and mental limitations.
- Also, running, particularly in high humidity or summer, will cause sweating. Here, sweating is not just water but the salts that keep your body balanced so that the muscles do not cramp. So, ensure to drink water and also electrolyte drinks (better it be sugar-free) for keep going.
- Lastly, you have to stay consistent and continue your running routine. Do not be discouraged when the scale does not show any modification and also, do not be frightened of judgment. You can take support from friends and close family and can even join groups. The most important thing is to believe in yourself while you follow exercise programs and a proper diet.
If you like to learn about how to breathe while running as a heavy runner, this is a video to help you get started.
Frequently Asked Questions for the Best Running Shoes for Heavy Runners
Here are some frequently asked questions that most heavy runners ask to get a perfect pair of running shoes for themselves. Have a look at things that you’d like to know regarding this topic!
Q1: Do you require to replace your shoes when you lose weight?
A: There is no requirement of replacing your shoes if you lose your weight. The shoes will provide the same comfort and support, while conforming to your weight and size. So, use the same running shoes as it is perfectly fine and would not affect your running.
You should replace your running shoes depending on the mileage they could bring and on their construction. Some running shoes could last for about 500 miles, depending on the ground you use them for and the intensity as well.
Q2: Do heavy runners absolutely need stability shoes?
A: No, stability shoes are not a must-have for a heavy runner. However, it actually depends on how their feet are like. As stated earlier, overweight people tend to be more prone to issues like flat feet or overpronation, compared to others. However, all runners require the support regardless of our weight to keep away the feet from any injuries. So, examine if you need special running shoes or stability before considering the kind you require.
Q3: How to know if you are a heavy runner?
A: People will know if they are heavy runners when they are considered overweight. It is recommended to have your overall health and weight checked by a physician or doctor to know about what changes in lifestyle you have to make, apart from running.
Also, you can find out whether you are overweight or not by measuring your weight, height, gender, and then calculate your BMI (Body Mass Index). If it goes over 27, you are likely to be a heavy runner.
Q4: Is it normal to feel your feet badly hurt after running?
A: It is normal if your feet hurt after running, but to an extent only. All of us suffered from a workout burn, which affects the most our lower body. However, if your feet start to ache badly, where you cannot walk properly, then it is a sign of an injury or stress. You have to address it immediately.
If you are feeling extreme pain around the feet after running, it is advised to elevate and apply a compress. If it does not stop, you need to consult medical professionals.
Q5: What else could you do for losing weight besides running?
A: Apart from running, another great way to lose weight is by following a great diet program. It is effective to lose weight when it starts from your kitchen. So, you have to start eating whole foods, cutting down sweets and other foods with high calories that feature no nutritional benefits. Along with that, heavy runners can even opt for cross-training. This is because cardio runs burn calories and strength training assists in building the muscles.
Q6: Should you go with firmer or softer shoes if you are a heavy runner?
A: Some wearers go for a maximalist running shoe that is highly cushioned, while others opt for a firmer feel that lasts for long and remains the same. If you do not have a preference already, then it is best to choose a well-cushioned shoe model that does not flatten and pack too easily.
Q7: How much flexibility should be there in the best running shoes for heavy runners?
A: If you are a heavy runner, the flexibility of your running shoes should enable your toes to naturally bend backward with each stride you make. When you run, the toes bend more back as compared to walking. Thus, you want the shoes to not to rub on your toes in order to make your run comfortable and natural.
Q8: How often should you replace your gear?
A: It is important for you to ensure that your shoes are in good condition all the time. As you know, worn-out shoes will expose you to ankle and knee injuries. So, you have to check your shoes regularly for wear. If you find that the traction pattern on the shoe’s outsole is worn out, you need to replace the shoes so that you do not slip.
Q9: How often should you replace your midsole?
A: The same rule stated above applies here too. If the shoe’s midsole does not offer you the right kind of cushioning, you need to replace it. A great way to prolong the life of your running shoes is to change their insoles every 3 months. This is going to ensure great foot health. Also, this will add a bit more cushioning. Thus, replacing your midsoles is going to make your shoe feels like new.
Conclusion
So, this is all about the best running shoes for heavy runners. Now, you have to decide if you like a running shoe with a bounce and cushion or a firm variety. In the end, it all boils down to your preferences and you. If you are still confused with which shoe to choose, then select one from our list of the best runner shoes for heavy runners.
It is best to go with ASICS Men’s Gel-Nimbus 21 running shoes if you are looking for the best running shoes for heavy runners. It comes with GEL shock absorption. This shoe features Jacquard mesh upper and Ortholite collar sponge. It has a FlyteFoam midsole and AHAR outsole. ASICS Gel-Nimbus 21 running shoes are also available for women, coupled with similar advanced features.
If you are looking for something affordable, then you can go with Women’s Walking Shoes Sock Sneakers – Modern Jazz Dance. This shoe comes in various colors and perfect for multiple uses. It has a sleek, futuristic design and comes with nice arch support. It has an air cushion insole and is pretty breathable. Check other shoe models listed in this review to get a perfect pair of running shoes. Also, take help from the FAQ section. Now, choose the shoe model in which you feel comfortable in!
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