Getting the best shoes for overweight men can be an uphill battle, especially when you don't know where to look. Unfortunately, no matter how noble your intentions may be when deciding to walk or run, you'll hurt yourself if you don't choose the right pair of shoes.
Instead of improving your life, the wrong pair of shoes can cause more harm. Some of the issues you can expect with the wrong shoes include knee, ankle, and overall discomfort. We don't want you to experience that.
This is why we created this guide. To save you the difficult trouble of having to do the research for yourself. Here we'll give you the best shoes for overweight men along with extra information you need to know when choosing these shoes.
Let's dive in.
How Can You Find The Most Comfortable Running Sneakers For Heavy & Tall Guys?
For big guys, life ain't always easy.
You have got to make a big effort to find clothing that fits you well.
More often than not, clothing will not properly fit. And even when it does fit, it will wear and tear too soon because it was never built to withstand the forces of an overweight guy's body, to begin with.
It can be pretty tricky to find the best running shoes for guys who are a tad bit on the obese side.
But if you are serious about helping yourself out and, dare I say it, maybe even improving your situation a bit... then you will have to find some good shoes that are going to give you good support and that will promote the health of your joints.
They will have to last a long time and naturally, you don't want to be taking out a second mortgage in order to pay for those shoes.
The way I look at it, there are two sides to the challenge that overweight walkers and runners are facing. First of all, you will have to find a pair of shoes that are going to give you sufficient support and resistance to shocks for your personal weight and size.
Second of all, you're going to need something that is not going to fall apart after a few times of use. It can be hard to find good shoes that fit the bill, but it's definitely not impossible.
In this post, I am going to have a look at my top 25 favorite running, jogging, and tennis shoes for overweight people. There are plenty of those available on the market and online as well. I am going to review every single pair and have a look at what sort of physique matches each pair.
I will also let you know for what kind of activity they are most suitable. I will also touch on the topic of which kind of problems a big guy trying to find good running shoes might be facing. Keep on reading because stuff is about to get real now! You're gonna learn all there is to learn about running and walking shoes.
Best Walking/Running Shoes For Overweight Men
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1. ASICS GEL-Venture 5 Running Sneaker
- Outdoor-ready runner with mesh and brushstroke-patterned underlays
- Rearfoot GEL cushioning
- Removable sockliner accommodates medical orthotics
- Trail-specific outsole with reversed traction lugs
- AHAR outsole rubber in critical high-wear areas
A running shoe, this 5th Asics Version features added support and enhanced cushioning, together with enhanced technologies, for comfortable daily wear. If you are looking for everyday training or running shoes, these are ideal.
They will give you reliable performance and durable protection, which is why they have become so popular with trail runners.
With a plush underfoot cushioning and trail-specific sole, together with an upper unit designed to protect and secure the foot fully when running or walking, these shoes will deliver a comfortable experience wherever you decide to have your outdoor adventure.
The upper features durable materials that help in foot protection, especially when walking or hiking in trail conditions. With these materials, they are not going to tear up or wear out easily. You will get many years of service out of them, assuming average use.
Their interior has been fitted with a comfortable and breathable lining. This keeps the foot dry and cool at all times, regardless of the weather.
Additionally, you will not get blisters or hot spots, since all the pressure points are sufficiently padded. The midsole features the proprietary EVA cushioning, which is comfortable, responsive, and durable.
They have a semi-curved shape, which conforms to the natural curvature of the foot. The outsole has been specifically crafted to handle various walking surfaces. It comes with multi-directional grip lugs, that give it dependable traction.
2. Saucony Cohesion 10 Running Shoe
The Saucony Cohesion 10 is a perfect pair of shoes for entry-level runners, recreational runners or anyone else looking for an affordable pair of lightweight walking shoes.
Its outsole uses a combination of various materials to deliver a flexible, yet durable platform. The forefront and midfoot areas of these shoes feature iBR+ rubber, which makes sure that the shoes are flexible, without sacrificing traction.
Saucony also utilizes its carbon rubber known as XT-900, especially on the high wear areas of the outsole to enhance the durability of these shoes. Furthermore, the carbon rubber allows these shoes to withstand the abrasive elements commonly found on roads.
Unlike the previous model, Saucony 10 features a Tri-Flex system, which provides superior flexibility, more shock absorption as well as improved traction.
Also, the addition of this system provides additional stability. With such a rich combination of features, Saucony will give you a comfortable ride every time you are wearing them.
Just like the outsole, the midsole delivers an equal amount of flexibility and cushioning. The company uses injection-molded EVA, which supplies excellent shock absorption and cushioning.
This material also helps to spread out your body weight evenly, thus alleviating pressure from your ankles, knee, back and other joints. Also, this cushioning delivers a comfortable running or walking experience.
For the upper, these shoes for overweight men feature a breathable mesh material, which ensures your feet remain cool and dry. It also protects your feet against various elements.
The tongue and collar are adequately padded to give your feet the ankle support they need while the removable insole supplies additional cushioning.
These shoes provide a great amount of support, starting from the outsole to the midsole, all the way to the upper. The support can be improved by removing the insole and removing them with, say, Tread Labs.
If you are looking for a versatile pair of shoes for walking, running, jogging or training, then the Saucony 10 is an affordable option.
3. Reebok Men's Nano 9 Cross Trainer
- Cushioned sole
- Comfort and performance
- Women Size Down 1.5 sizes for fit
The Reebok Nano 9 is a versatile training shoe that you can use for a wide range of training activities. While it’s primarily designed for CrossFit workouts, you can also use it for jogging, weight lifting, walking, and regular gym sessions.
And regardless of the workout, you are engaged in, these running shoes for overweight runners will always provide you with adequate support, comfort, stability, and seamless mobility.
Similar to the previous iteration, the upper unit of the Nano 9 features Reebok’s Flexweave technology. This upper unit comes with numerous perforations, which help to promote breathability within the foot chamber.
Also, the Flexweave construction helps to enhance the shoe’s sturdiness, especially when you are engaged in activities like box jumps, rope climbs, and such.
The sole unit is where the Nano 9 departures from other training shoes in its class. These running shoes for overweight overpronators are equipped with single-density injection-molded EVA foam throughout the midsole.
This EVA foam is more flexible and lighter than the harder foam that you will find in most CrossFit trainers. For the outsole, Reebok has incorporated two distinct types of rubber, which help to provide the necessary traction, whether you are training outdoors, on rubber mats, or on any surface.
4. New Balance M990v3 Jogging Shoe
- From the bright green color to the shamrock on the back, the Limited Edition Boston 990v3 shoe is hometown proud
- Dual-density Collar uses both a softer density foam against the foot for cushioning, and a firmer density foam for support
- Manufactured in the US for over 75 years and representing a limited portion of our US sales. New Balance Made is a premium collection that contains a domestic value of 70% or greater
- Pigskin/mesh upper
- Reflective detailing enhances your visibility
These New Balance overweight running shoes provide superb comfort with the help of several advanced features. Their weight has been significantly reduced, as compared to the predecessors in the 990 series. It comes with decent room in the forefoot and heel while giving the midfoot a comfortable snug.
They are available in different sizes, including those with wide feet. They have been designed with a nearly flat outsole, which is specifically suited for flat surfaces.
The always-reliable Ndurance rubber has been applied to cover the lateral and heel areas of these shoes, which are always the first to undergo wear and tear.
For added cushioning, the rearfoot and midfoot have blown rubber. It also provides responsiveness and traction. The midsole features two-way cushioning, in the form of ACTEVA LITE and ABZORB. Since the ABZORB is just immediately below the foot, you will get a very cushioned ride, whether you are running or walking, together with excellent shock absorption.
On the other hand, the ACTEVA LITE, which is significantly lighter than average foam, comes right above the outsole for providing improved responsiveness. Additional cushioning is offered by the Encap foam around the heel.
Stability is offered by the single-density TPU post under the arch. The upper features mesh, pigskin and Nubuck leather. With such a combination, you are assured of durability, excellent breathability, and reliable comfort all through.
5. Brooks Men's Beast '18
- FOOT SUPPORT: Ideal for runners with a flat to medium arch looking for support.
- MAXIMUM CUSHION AND SUPPORT: Super soft and protective, these shoes provide the maximum stability with a soft, cushioned feel.
- PLUSH CUSHIONING AND FULL-BODY ALIGNMENT: The Super DNA midsole provides 25% more adaptable cushioning than our standard DNA midsole while the Extended Progressive Diagonal Rollerbar guides your body back into its natural motion path with added support.
- ENHANCED FIT: The improved fit of the soft, engineered air mesh upper offers a spacious toe box, structured saddle, and an external heel counter for reinforced stability.
- GUARANTEE: With Brooks’ True Blue Guarantee, take your gear for a trial run and if you’re not 100% satisfied within 90 days, return it for free.
If you are looking for walking shoes that fit great and provide a great amount of support, then the Brooks Beast 18 is just what you need. These walking and running shoes for overweight pronators are designed for people who need extra arch support and stability.
If you have flat feet and struggle to find a pair of shoes that keeps your feet comfortable while alleviating pain, you now have a solution to your problems.
These motion control shoes will always deliver an exquisite performance, whether you are walking on paved roads or rugged terrains.
Both the forefoot and rear sections of these walking shoes for overweight men are made of perforated engineered mesh, which is not only durable but also extremely breathable.
Also, the engineered mesh increases the overall flexibility of these walking shoes for overweight men. On the other hand, the 3D Printed Support Saddle, which has been integrated into the mid-foot area works with the engineered mesh to give you a snug and firm fit.
The heel area and the toe box are further reinforced with sturdy overlays, which stabilize the feet while helping you to maintain the right posture when you are walking with these shoes.
Without a doubt, the Brooks Beast 18 is one of the best running shoes for flat feet. It provides smooth, heel-to-toe transitions thanks to the Super DNA compound.
Apart from underfoot cushioning and support, the Super DNA material, conforms to your feet while giving you a bouncy ride. Brooks has further equipped these shoes with an extended Progressive Diagonal Rollbar or PDRB, designed to stabilize the arch while correcting severe pronation.
You can walk with these shoes on pavements, roads, gym floors, loose gravel, and wet or dry surfaces, thanks to their fantastic traction.
What Do You Need To Look For?
Naturally, you will always have to be looking for the right size in a shoe. It's easier when you are buying them locally in a brick & mortar store. But if you order them online, then you stand the risk of getting them a size too small or too large.
However, retailers such as Amazon have a 'fit as expected' rating for every shoe. So you simply have to look at that to estimate your chances of receiving the right size right away. Otherwise, you will simply have to exchange the shoes. Amazon never gives you any trouble with that.
With some insights into how to go about it, you too can find the best running, jogging, workout, crosstraining, or tennis shoes for overweight guys, no matter how heavy-set you may be. Whichever sport is your game, you'll be better at it in no time with good footwear.
1. Arch Support
When you are a tad bit on the heavy side, then odds are that you do not have as much arch to your foot as you need to. The direct result of this is that you will have to compensate for this with good support in your shoes.
If you do not do this, then you are going to have to have lots of pain in your feet, ankles, knees and all the way up to your legs. You can expect lots of joint problems down the road if you are not already taking it seriously.
Always be on the lookout for shoes that advertise themselves as having great support for your soles. Barefoot shoes might look tempting, but they do not give you any support whatsoever. I would simply ignore this whole fad and simply go with a decent pair of shoes.
2. Pronation
You will always need to be paying close attention to your pronation. Pronation isn't correct for everybody, since some people overpronate (legs tilt inward) and others under pronate (legs tilt outward). Mother nature has certainly dropped the ball on this when it comes to people with flat feet (of which I am one, thank you mother nature!).
So when mother nature has not been kind enough to give you a decent shock absorber, then you need support from your shoes. Your foot and ankle need to be rolling the exact right amount with every stride you take when hitting the ground.
Since fat guys have the tendency to overpronate, it becomes more important to get good support the heavier you are. Being overweight causes your feet to flatten out and this causes over-pronation in turn.
Good running shoes will give you the proper amount of shock absorption, or cushioning. They will help stabilize your gait. This in turn does a great job at keeping your knees healthy.
For people who overpronate, the shoes wear and tear on the inside. For people with under pronation, it is on the outside of the shoe. For people who have good pronation, the wear will form the shape of an S from heel to toes.
Fat guys who suffer from overpronation, are going to have got a shoe that gives extra support and stabilization. When you are a fat under pronator, then you are going to need some extra shock absorption.
Since most fat guys suffer from overpronation rather than under, most overweight running shoes will cater to the flat-footed overpronators.
3. Stability
Stability is exceedingly important to consider when choosing the shoes you want whether you're overweight or not. Even the best walking shoes allow you to walk comfortably without feeling like you're wobbling.
After all, you want to always feel confident as you're walking around. If you're not comfortable or stable, you won't take on the world with ease. This can affect your relations with people and even how you go about your activities.
4. Traction
In addition to stability, you need traction to protect you from slipping and falling. Therefore, as you consider the best shoes for walking and running, ensure that they will offer you the amazing traction you need to handle any surface.
If you can get walking shoes for overweight men with a roomy toe box and a slip-resistant sole, the better. This will allow you to use your walking shoes for overweight men anywhere and in any weather.
5. Cushioning
What is a walking shoe without comfort? Proper cushioning will give you the best experience that will make you forget that you're walking or even running. Whether you're wearing rubber walking shoes or any other type of walking shoes, you want to feel comfortable.
Therefore, ensure that the walking shoe you choose has the right amount of cushioning you need.
6. Breathability
Breathability is essential for walking shoes for overweight men. You don't want to get home and remove your shoes only to be hit with smelly air.
Breathability is essential because overweight people tend to sweat more profusely than the average person. This means that lots of heat and swat will be generated in your feet. The heat can be a problem on its own because it can cause your feet to swell.
Why? Because your veins will expand in an attempt to cool your body. Therefore, if your shoes are not breathable or are too tight, they can cause a lot of discomfort.
Ensure you choose shoes that have cooling properties and will keep your feet dry as you walk or run. We chose the best walking shoes for overweight men above, so we considered this factor in great detail.
Breathability will also keep other foot problems at bay including fungus, bacteria, and even athlete's foot.
7. Material
When we talk about the material, we mean the outsole, insole, and the upper part of your shoe. You need to consider the material you want for these parts because they can affect comfort, durability, stability, and even confidence.
Let's look at some shoe materials so that you can choose the best one for you.
a). Rubber Walking Shoes
A rubber sole is great for tracking and slip resistance. Therefore, if you intend to walk on the slippery ground while taking your walks, it's better to have some rubber walking shoes for overweight men.
When you're walking, your foot usually rolls from heel to toe. Therefore, having a sole that can handle this with grace will be a great idea.
b). Leather Walking Shoes
To be honest, leather doesn't actually sound like the most comfortable material when it comes to walking shoes. However, you may be surprised once you find a high-quality leather shoe that is actually comfortable.
The advantage of having a leather walking shoe is that it's durable and tends to last longer than most shoe materials. Nonetheless, keep in mind that it can be heavier than other shoe materials.
c). EVA Walking Shoes
EVA stands for Ethylene Vinyl Acetate. This is a lightweight material that has amazing shock absorption properties.
If you get a shoe that has EVA and rubber combines, you'll get to enjoy shock absorption and slip-resistance in an awesome way.
Therefore, to sum it up, if you are considering the material of the shoe to get remember that rubber is great for being non-slip, leather for durability, and EVA for shock absorption.
8. Padding
Outdoor walking shoes need to be extra comfy whether you have flat feet or have put on some extra weight. You want to be very and even super comfortable as you walk about the streets listening to music.
Because you are overweight, you need shoes that have enough padding to take on the extra weight. Cushioned shoes will ensure that you're always comfortable. You also get to protect your feet from any issues such as joint pain and foot pain.
What Foot Problems Should You Be On the Lookout for When Overweight?
At Foot Wearly, we care about more than your footwear. We also care very greatly about the health of your feet. This is why we are providing you with this information. We want you to choose the right shoes for your feet to prevent these foot problems.
And although choosing the right shoes is crucial, it's only half of the equation. The other half is being aware and thus preventing, any foot problems that may come as a result of being obese.
Here are a few to be on the lookout for.
1. Flat Feet
Why is flat feet dangerous? It is very dangerous as it can cause you pain as you stand or walk. This can make taking those favorite walks quite uncomfortable. The average person's foot is arched at its inner midpoint.
This arch is important because it provides you with balance and a reflective spring. So, how does being overweight affect this arch?
The extra weight weakens the ligaments and tendons on your ankles and feet. When your arches collapse, you get flat feet. This can cause pain when walking or even standing. If you feel like you've gotten to this stage, you can either wear orthotics or lose the extra weight.
2. Ankle Arthritis and Ankle Pain
Arthritis can easily affect you if you are overweight. Ankle arthritis comes as a result of the breakdown of cartilage. This is the connective tissue that covers your bones where they meet at joints.
When this cartilage wears out, you get ankle arthritis. Therefore, even as you go out on walks with these best walking shoes, ensure that you're not straining your feet. If you start to suspect or feel any pains or discomforts you can't explain, reach out to your doctor.
3. Plantar Fasciitis and Heel Pain
Plantar Fasciitis is the inflammation of your ligaments. These are the ligaments that run from your heel bone to your metatarsal bones. The metatarsal bones are found at the arch of your foot and are connected to your toes.
When these ligaments get inflamed, you will experience some serious heel pain and stiffness. You might usually feel this heel pain in the morning or when you get up after sitting for a while. Climbing stairs might also start to feel like a chore.
If you start to feel this pain, it's time to get these best flip-flops for Plantar Fasciitis. If you go to work often and want better shoes, you can get these work boots for Plantar Fasciitis. Ensure that you speak with your doctor before changing your shoes for the best advice.
4. Tendinitis
Tendinitis is somehow similar to Plantar Fasciitis above and involves inflammation of your foot tendons. The tendons of your feet and ankles can get inflamed due to the extra weight on them.
In addition to being similar to Plantar Fasciitis, tendonitis can also occur as a result of flat feet. This is because you will be putting g extra pressure and strain on the tendons causing them to inflame.
5. Bone Spurs
What is a bone spur? A bone spur refers to an outgrowth from a bone. This comes as a result of your body's effort to lessen friction between two bones that are grinding against each other.
Why are you likely to get these bone spurs if you are overweight? Because of the extra strain on your joints. Some of the very basic or common symptoms that can alert you that you need to get your feet checked include numbness, localized pain, tingling, and stiffness.
6. Diabetes
It's no surprise that diabetes has found its way into our list today. But, how does it relate to your feet?
Diabetes can compress and damage the nerves in your feet and the rest of your leg. It can also cause reduced blood flow to your feet. If you have any sores on your feet, they can easily become ulcerated and unable to heal on their own.
This can cause more complications. If you begin to feel numbness on your feet, it's time o see your physician.
You can also read up on some ways to treat diabetic nerve pain to gain some insight into the condition.
7. Peripheral Artery Disease
This condition refers to the accumulation of fatty deposits in your arteries. Unfortunately, this foot condition can have some dire consequences. Some of these include reduced blood flow to your brain and heart, and legs and feet.
Some symptoms to be check for include coldness, numbness, and sores that won't heal. If you suspect that you have this foot condition, it's time to get another walking shoe and book an appointment with your doctor.
8. Gout
If you eat lots of red meat or shellfish, it's time to rethink your diet. Gout is caused by an accumulation of uric acid crystals right in the joints of your feet.
Your big toe is unfortunately the one most likely to be affected by this condition. If not caught early or treated immediately, the pain can be extremely excruciating.
Fortunately, you don't have to immediately lose all the extra weight if you gave this condition. Starting with less red meat in your diet can make a great difference.
We don't tell you about these foot problems to scare you. We'd like you to be aware so that even as you choose the best walking shoe for you, you can be on the lookout for them. After all, we care about your foot health just as we care about your footwear.
Frequently Asked Questions About Shoes for Overweight Men
1. Do overweight men wear out their shoes faster?
Yes. Overweight men wear out their shoes faster because they exert more pressure on their shoes than the average person.
This is why you can find that the shoe of an overweight man is worn in more areas than others. This is especially true for their best walking shoes if they wear them a lot.
This is partly why we selected very many options of the best walking shoes so that you have plenty of good and great options to choose from.
2. Can you use running shoes for walking?
Yes. Running shoes are actually lighter than walking shoes. Therefore, you won't have a problem using your running shoes to take a walk.
Another reason why they are comfortable for walking is that they are more cushioned around the heel area than walking shoes. This design is meant to avoid your shoe rubbing your heel as you run.
Therefore, whether your running shoe has a roomy toe box or not, you can wear them on your next walk around the neighborhood with ease.
3. Is Skechers a good shoe for overweight men?
Yes. Skechers are great shoes when it comes to the best walking shoes for men. Whether you're overweight or not, you can agree that Skechers are amazing shoes.
The amazing brand has made its good name by offering the best shoes for people worldwide. The uppers of these shoes are soft, breathable, and flexible. The amazing and lightweight construction of these shoes makes them some of the best walking shoes you'll come across.
Final Thoughts
Every person is different. So every person will therefore have different needs when it comes to their walking and/or running shoes. You can be either a guy or a gal. Young, old, or middle-aged. You can be chubby or obese.
You can be an overpronator, underpronator or a neutral walker. You can have low arches or high arches. And then I haven't even mentioned your intended use yet. Are you going to take them for walks around the block, or are you training for a marathon?
Make sure to take all of it into account when shopping for the right shoes!
If you came to this page, odds are high you're a guy. If you're interested in buying walking shoes for your girlfriend or wife, then follow the link!
You'll be walking and jogging together like a couple before you know it. Losing weight is so much easier when you've got each other to keep each other accountable!
