Let Our Guide Help You Find the Best Running Shoes for Big Guys

Finding the right running shoe can be tricky regardless of your size. But for heavier runners, it can be even more difficult to find a pair of shoes that will give you the support and durability you need without costing you an arm and a leg.

ASICS Men’s GEL Venture 5 Running Shoe	Our favorite for 2020
adidas Performance Men’s Galaxy Elite M Running Shoe	A great value option
ASICS Women’s Gel-Noosa Tri 9 Running Shoe	A great womans shoe

If you’re a little on the heavy side, there are some things that you want to keep in mind when comparing running shoes:

• Arch: Heavier runners typically need more arch support. Look for shoes that are more supportive, and avoid the barefoot-style shoes that many runners promote. If you can’t find a supportive shoe, an orthotic insert may be your best option.
• Pronation: Pronation refers to the way your foot rolls inward whenever you run or walk. Heavier runners need to pay particular attention to pronation because the wrong shoes can cause excess stress on your knees and joints. If your foot rolls to the outer edges, you have under pronation. If your foot rolls to the inside edges, you have over pronation.
• Durability: If running is a part of your daily routine, then you need a pair of runners that can withstand heavy use. Durability is even more important for larger runners as you’ll be putting additional stress on the shoe. A thick rubber sole and an upper made with rugged material can help ensure that your shoes last.

There are a lot of running shoes on the market, and unfortunately, none are really designed specifically for heavy runners. We used the criteria above to find five of the best running shoes for heavy runners, so you don’t have to spend hours comparing models yourself.

The Best Shoes for Heavy Runners – Reviews

ASICS GEL Venture 5 – With GEL cushioning in the rear-foot, the GEL Venture 5 from ASCIS is supportive and comfortable to wear. And with an AHAR rubber outsole in key high-wear areas, these are runners that will last you a long time.

The GEL Venture 5 was designed for outdoor use. It features mesh underlays and a rugged rubber sole. The outsole features reversed traction lugs for improved comfort and durability when running on trails.

Inside is a removable sockliner, so you can continue using medical orthotics if you have them. The rear GEL cushioning adds a little more support and comfort, which is something heavier runners need.

With a high level of support, comfort and durability, the GEL Venture 5 is one of the best running shoes for big men.

Adidas Performance Galaxy Elite – Designed for optimal support and comfort, the Galaxy Elite by Adidas is a great choice for overweight runners. The air mesh upper allows for maximum breathability to prevent excess sweating, while the rubber sole adds durability.

Adiprene+ is built into the forefoot of the shoe for added shock absorption, so your runs are more efficient and it’s easier to maintain propulsion. The ADIWEAR outsole provides maximum durability in high-wear areas.

Inside the shoe is a breathable mesh lining for added comfort and breathability. The three stripes on the upper allow for extra support when running, and SUPERCLOUD technology offers responsive and long-lasting cushioning.

ASICS GEL-Noosa Tri 9  – The GEL-Noosa Tri 9 offers two great things: extra support, and fantastic designs. Breathable, comfortable and easy to wear, these shoes are ideal for overweight runners.

The DuoMax support system offers the added support and stability larger runners need to prevent injuries and excess strain on the knees. The Impact Guidance System helps improve your foot’s natural gait, while the Propulsion Trusstic acts like the natural tissue in your foot by creating tension as you reach the propulsion stage.

The WET GRIP outsole enhances traction when running on wet surfaces, and the elastic laces make it easy to get the shoes on and off.

Available in a variety of unique designs that glow in the dark, the GEL Noose Tri 9 is one of the best running shoes for large runners.

Nike Women’s Flex 2014 – Supportive and comfortable, Nike’s Flex 2014 is ideal for large runners. The mesh upper allows for added breathability, while the rubber sole allows for added durability in high-wear areas.

A partial inner mesh sleeve wraps around the forefoot to allow for a comfortable and plush feel during use. A webbing system wraps up the midfoot from the midsole to the laces to allow for a more supportive fit.

The articulated flex grooves allow for natural range of motion and additional comfort.

The Flex 2014 by Nike provides the cushioning and support heavy runners need to enjoy a safe and efficient run.

Nike Men Flex 2014 – The male version of our previous pick, the Men’s Flex 2014 features a nearly identical design, but was engineered for men’s feet.

A molded EVA sockliner allows for added support and comfort, while a breathable mesh layer helps prevent excess moisture. The Pyhlon midsole is built with pressure mapping to allow for lightweight cushioning.

Like the female version, these shoes have flex grooves that allow for full range of motion when you run. Available in a host of different colors, the Flex allows you to show off your personality without compromising on comfort and support.

If you prefer a shoe that gives you more flexibility and mimics the movement of your natural feet, Nike’s Flex 2014 is the right choice for you.

Buyer’s Guide – How to Find the Best Shoe for Heavy Runners

We’ve provided you with reviews for some of the best shoes for larger runners, but which one do you pick? That depends on a variety of factors, including:

• Support: Do you need a shoe with extra support? If so, the Noosa Tri-9 from ASICS or the Adidas Galaxy Elite are great choices. If you have a normal arch and don’t need quite as much support, any one of the other shoes on our list will suffice.
• Traction: Will you be running indoors or outdoors? Outdoor runners don’t need quite as much traction as indoor runners, but do need soles that can accommodate slick or wet terrain (like the Noosa Tri-9). The majority of the shoes on our list can be used for indoor or outdoor use, with the exception of the first pick (ASICS Venture 5), which was designed for outdoor use.
• Comfort: An important factor that should not be overlooked. Your running shoes need to be comfortable – period. If they’re not, the discomfort may discourage you from keeping up your running routine. Look for shoes that have added cushioning and breathable linings that prevent sweat buildup. And if you wear orthotics, make sure that you choose a shoe with a removable sockliner, so you can continue wearing your orthotics as normal.
• Price: Your budget is an important factor when buying running shoes. Let’s be honest –high quality runners are expensive. But they’re a worthwhile investment if running is a part of your daily routine. Expect to spend at least the price of a meal for two on your shoes, and always opt for the highest quality you can afford.