Best Running Shoes for Heavy Men

If you’re in a hurry and just want to find out what the best running shoes for heavy men are, then I recommend the ASICS Men’s Gel-Nimbus 19 Running Shoe as the best pair.

A good cardiovascular workout is key to achieving consistent weight loss and maintaining good health. The oldest cardiovascular workout, of course, is running, and it still holds up as an excellent form of exercise. It has well-documented benefits related to weight loss and chronic disease prevention.

If you’re on the heftier side, you’ll need excellent cushioning and support in a pair of running shoes.

The best running shoes for heavy men reviewed below include:

• ASICS Men’s Gel-Nimbus 19 Running Shoe
• Adidas Men’s Duramo 9 Running Shoe
• Brooks Men’s Adrenaline Gts 17 Running Shoe
• Saucony Men’s Guide 10 Running Shoes
• Mizuno Men’s Wave Sky 2 Running Shoe

How to Pick the Best Running Shoes for Heavy Men

If you want to pick the best running shoes to suit your needs, you should pay close attention to the following:

• Shock absorbance.
• Support.
• Width.

Shock Absorbance

Great running shoes for hefty men have great shock absorbance, period. This is one of the single most important factors when it comes to preserving your comfort levels in the long run.

Shoe cushioning tends to compress over time, and the heavier you are, the faster the rate of compression.

After each use, the cushioning returns back to its original form when the shoes aren’t worn. This retraction rate suffers when you throw in an extra few pounds into the equation. When the cushioning eventually goes flat, it becomes painfully obvious because you’ll start to feel sluggish in your strides, and it can lead to joint pain.

It’s important to note, however, that cushioning and shock absorbance isn’t the same thing. Don’t be fooled into buying a pair of running shoes that has a super-plush cushion without equally competent shock absorbance, because the compression will wear thin over time.

Make sure you look out for shoes with a slightly firm cushioning. The balance between comfort and utility is absolutely key here as it will dictate your long term form and comfort levels.

It also helps to understand the nature of your running stride. Some people tend to apply more pressure on their heels while running, while others apply more pressure on their toes. If you belong to the former, make sure you have plenty of support offered on your heels to prevent any injuries from developing.

Support

The stability offered by a well-designed shoe is priceless, and you can immediately tell the difference between a stable shoe and an unstable one when you go out for a run. 

A design that features good quality padding and cushioning around the midsole, with a stable and wide sole, will offer you the best kind of support.

Your comfort level also varies wildly based on your arch. People with flatter feet will need a more neutral shoe compared to those with a pronounced arch under their foot.

Width

Heavier runners tend to usually have wider feet, but most designs are built around average or narrow feet.

If a shoe is too tight, your feet are more likely to cramp, and the breathability of the shoe will reduce.

Opting for a wider sizing option, in general, is a good idea because it offers greater stability, space and comfort for your feet. Having enough room for your toes is as important, and a wider size provides improved toe splay.

Cushioning

For those of you with higher arches, you’ll require additional cushioning compared to people with low or neutral arches. Look for running shoes with layers of foam or gel around the midsole that supports your higher arches. This also provides relief if you experience painful feet after your runs.

Breathability

Although you require support, you’ll also need breathable shoes for running. Things to look out for a mesh upper and panels down the sides of the shoes to allow hot air to escape. This prevents odour from forming and prevents moisture from damaging the inside of the shoes.

Best Running Shoes for Heavy Men Reviews

After some extensive research, here are the best running shoes for heavy men.

1. ASICS Men’s Gel-Nimbus 19 Running Shoe

This is a 100 percent synthetic shoe that uses the FlyteFoam Midsole Technology to provide maximum comfort and durability during your running sessions. 

The ASICS FluitFit upper technology uses a multi-directional stretch mesh and combines it with stretch reinforcement to help adapt to your foot’s natural shape. This offers a seamless customized fit that will have you feeling comfortable when running.

A Fluid Ride midsole helps provide optimum bounce back on the cushion, allowing you to feel like you’re stepping into a brand new pair of shoes every time you wear these.

ASICS also uses a special forefoot and rearfoot gel cushioning system that helps absorb most of the shock during impact. It also provides maximum movement in your gait cycle, allowing your foot to move naturally while running.

Also, the use of heel clutching technology helps the exoskeleton heel counter provide increased support for your feet.

These shoes are available in sizes 6 to 10.5.

Pros

• FlyteFoam Midsole technology helps create a customized fit.
• Fluid Ride midsole for an improved bounce back.
• Forefoot and rearfoot gel cushioning systems.
• Heel clutching technology provides additional support.

Cons

• There have been some issues with the sizing as the shoes tend to run small.

2. Adidas Men’s Duramo 9 Running Shoe

This shoe is made out of textile and synthetic and is a perfect choice if you’re looking for a light and hardy model. It has a flexible rubber sole with excellent grip to help you take on a wide range of running surfaces.

It also uses a CloudFoam midsole to provide you with excellent comfort and support. The support system is increased with the help of a mesh upper layer that has a seamless overlay. 

The use of Adiwear outsole technology helps provide the ultimate in high-wear durability. Couple this with the incredible cushioning of the CloudFoam midsole, and you have yourself a pair of excellent running shoes.

You can find these in sizes 6.5 to 10.

Pros

• Textile and synthetic aids it being lightweight—10 ounces for a size 9.
• Rubber sole for flexibility, a sturdy grip and high durability.
• CloudFoam midsole for incredible cushioning.
• Mesh upper for added support and breathability.

Cons

• Users comment that the fit isn’t very snug.

3. Brooks Men’s Adrenaline Gts 17 Running Shoe

This is a well-designed running shoe with great features to support heavy men. 

It has a sturdy outsole that uses HPR Plus technology to provide increased durability and maximum support to tackle a wide range of terrains, reducing stress on ankles and joints. In addition, the use of BioMoGo technology helps make the cushioning extremely comfortable and inviting, thereby offering greater energy levels while you run.

The design relies on a mesh on the upper layer of the shoe to increase the overall flexibility and improve the airflow during your runs.

It’s also well-suited for those who have flat arches as they’re designed to reduce the stress on the ankle joints. The use of reflective materials to improve your visibility while you run is also a great touch.

These are available in sizes 7 to 9.

Pros

• Sturdy outsole.
• BioMoGo technology provides brilliant cushioning
• Mesh upper layer improves airflow and flexibility.
• Reflective materials for enhanced safety.

Cons

• Some users mention that the bottom sole peels away fairly quickly.

4. Saucony Men’s Guide 10 Running Shoes

These Saucony shoes are perfect for heavy runners due to a wide range of specially designed features. The rubber soles, for example, utilize IBR+ technology to improve your traction while you run.

Saucony has placed XT-900 carbon rubber strategically across the shoe to stabilize areas that are prone to wearing out quickly. These shoes also have a highly supportive midsole that greatly improves the responsiveness of the EVA foam.

This pair also has mesh to improve its airflow and overall flexibility. The overall design has been known to be especially helpful for individuals with weak knees.

You can find these shoes in sizes 7.5 to 14.

Pros

• Rubber outsole for greater traction.
• XT-900 carbon rubber to improve durability.
• Mesh to improve flexibility and airflow.
• Especially helpful for individuals with weak knees.

Cons

• Users report that the toe box can be a bit narrow.

5. Mizuno Men’s Wave Sky 2 Running Shoe

This Mizuno pair is known for its superior weight distribution system with the use of a cushioned wave plate. This helps reduce the strain on your knees and joints and allows you to enjoy your runs with greater freedom, making them highly suited for heavy dudes.

An upper mesh helps improve the overall ventilation of the shoes, and it has a U4icX midsole that offers extra padding for the heel. This combines well with the consistent cushioning across the entire shoe, which is thanks to Mizuno’s Cloudwave technology.

The use of carbon rubber soles makes this a highly durable model. It’s also economically priced and is a great selection for heavy men who intend to run regularly.

You can find these in sizes 7.5 to 15.

Pros

• Cushioned wave plates help with even weight distribution.
• Upper mesh for ventilation.
• U4icX midsole offers ample heel cushioning.
• Cloudwave technology for excellent padding.

Cons

• Size tends to run tight.

6. Salomon Speedcross 5 Trail Running Shoe

The Salomon Speedcross 5 Trail Running shoes feature an aggressive grip with a precise foothold and are ideal for runners who want to tackle those soft, technical trails.

The Speedcross 5 uses what is known as Contagrip® TA, a rubber compound that protects the rest of the underfoot platform from wear-and-tear. The design of this layer provides additional surface traction, an essential element to running.

The speedcross comes with significant amounts of cushioning, which is provided by the EnergyCell+. This is not only a highly durable piece of foam, but it also gives you that extra protection that your feet need, especially in the heels.

The upper part of the shoe is a nylon mesh that is stretchy but not too loose or constricting. Breathability is provided by the minute pores that are in the fabric. The padded tongue and collar are designed to cushion the upper dimensions of the foot. These cushioned portions of the shoe are also tasked with preventing in-shoe wobbling and accidental shoe removals.

Overall an excellent shoe, but it is on the pricey side.

Pros

• Extremely comfortable
• Very well cushioned
• Can be used on multiple terrains

Cons

• Expensive.

7. Asics Gel Venture 5 Running Shoe

The ASICS Gel Venture 7 comes with ASICS patented GEL technology and an EVA midsole. This shoe is predominantly for those who love the great outdoors. It is designed for both seasoned runners and beginners. The Venture 7 delivers a suite of improvements compared to previous versions. Primarily the comfort of the shoe, which means you can log a serious number of miles in these. These shoes also provided that extra bit of comfort that those of us on the heavier side need.

GEL technology in the rear of the shoe provides shock absorption where you need it most, whilst the ORTHOLITE sockliner provides an additional layer of cushioning underfoot.

Like all previous versions, the Venture 7 is true to size, so you don’t have to worry about buying a size too big or small to fit. ASICS even claim that it moulds to the shape of your feet over time.

The outsole is constructed out of Asics High Abrasion Rubber—or AHAR for short— which is a rubber compound made from durable and long-lasting components. Compared to the conventional rubber, AHAR is twice as tough, therefore ensuring the abrasion-resistance and grip that a runner needs.

Overall the shoe’s comfort level, affordability, and structure are its strongest features. However, the durability, particularly of some upper elements, has been called into question.

Pros

• Extremely affordable
• Comfortable
• Good all-rounder

Cons

• The upper part of the shoe is not as durable

Feel the Burn

There’s nothing like a good run to get the heart pumping, the blood flowing and the fat burning. Running is not the most alluring activity for a heavy man, but it can be hugely beneficial in the long run, not just to lose weight, but also to sustain a healthy lifestyle.

The shoes maketh the man, and this is doubly true when picking out running shoes. In my opinion, the ASICS Men’s Gel-Nimbus 19 Running Shoe is the best running shoe for heavy men. It uses state-of-the-art technology to create a customized fit for your feet, increases the bounce back on its cushions and provides unparalleled support and comfort on your runs.