One of the most challenging and sometimes unspoken struggles of big men is finding a pair of running shoes. Heavy runners often experience their shoes wearing down more quickly. They could be a huge demotivator, especially for people trying to lose weight. When you have to spend a hundred bucks on a new pair of shoes every month, it becomes rather costly. Fortunately, that ends today. We’re here to let you in on a cost-effective way to continue your workout routines. We found the best running shoes for big guys that you can consider purchasing.
Comparison Chart
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Best Running Shoes for Big Guys: A Review
1. ALTRA Men’s AL0A7R6H Lone Peak 7
The ALTRA Men’s AL0A7R6H is tailored for the avid trail runner. This iteration seamlessly combines cutting-edge features with a sleek design. It promises an unparalleled running experience and a reliable companion on rugged terrains.
What key aspects define the Lone Peak 7?
REVIEW
Crafted with precision, the Lone Peak 7 boasts a durable and breathable construction that meets the demands of challenging trails. The navy color option adds a touch of style to its functional design. It’s certain to make a statement on the trail.
The FootShape toe box allows for natural toe play. It enhances stability and comfort, especially during runs.
The Lone Peak 7 is equipped with a MaxTrac rubber outsole. It features multidirectional lug patterns. This shoe provides exceptional traction on various surfaces.
The TrailClaw lugs strategically placed beneath the metatarsals ensure confident footing. These are ideal, especially during uphill and downhill maneuvers. This trail-specific design makes it a versatile choice for a range of trail conditions.
Delivering performance in the Lone Peak 7’s is the Altra EGO midsole technology. Delivering a balance between responsiveness and comfort. This proprietary foam provides cushioning without compromising on energy return. The Zero Drop platform also encourages a more natural and low-impact running form.
The shoe is reinforced with durable upper and sturdy materials. It is built to withstand the rigors of trail running. In addition, the StoneGuard rock plate shields the foot from trail hazards. It ensures a robust and protective experience without sacrificing flexibility.
PROS:
- Trail-Optimized Traction.
- FootShape Toe Box Comfort.
- Altra EGO Midsole Response.
- Durable Construction for Trails.
- Versatile for Various Terrains.
CONS:
- Has a tighter fit.
- Limited color options
2. Saucony Echelon 8
Saucony has been around since 1898. With over 100 years of experience in manufacturing shoes, clothing, and accessories, you just know you can never go wrong with this choice.
If you’re trying to challenge yourself and push past your limit, Saucony offers the Echelon 8.
This pair of running shoes is packed with the brand’s commitment to innovation and design.
Review
The Echelon 8 is the culmination of balance, stability, fit, and comfort. It’s actually not surprising to find that it comes from Saucony, given that the brand’s deep arsenal of shoes is always top-of-the-line.
Its stability is noteworthy, but it caters more to people with a neutral gait.
As a result, the Saucony Echelon 8 may not be the most comfortable shoes for runners who overpronate.
Nonetheless, the flexibility of the shoe’s panel right below the midfoot significantly enhances its foundation for stability.
The Echelon 8 even features modern technology. It includes a 3D-printed heel to counterbalance the shoe.
It also secures your feet while inside the shoe for added stability.
This pair of shoes has Saucony’s FORMFIT technology. It’s basically a mesh cover that embraces the top of your foot all the way to the toes.
The FORMFIT technology is essential to keeping your feet secure and well-supported but comfortable.
Unlike a lot of other running shoes out there, the Saucony Echelon 8 has flat laces to allow you to tie your shoes as tightly as you can.
Moreover, the flat laces cover a wider area over the shoe. They significantly reduce the play or movement of your foot while inside the shoe, which also reduces instability.
The midsole is made out of Saucony’s PWRRUN. It means it’s incredibly soft, and the cushion reduces the impact that your joints receive every time you step.
To further enhance the impact- or shock-absorbing qualities of the Echelon 8, Saucony equipped it with the TRI-FLEX crystal rubber outsole.
This feature plays a significant role in spreading the impact force over a wider area each time you land on your feet.
The TRI-FLEX crystal rubber outsole is arguably the most critical feature of the shoe for heavy runners.
That’s because of how it relieves your joints and muscle of the pressure.
PROS:
- Flexible midfoot panel
- 3D heel counterbalance
- checkable and comfortable
- Flat laces
- Impact dispersion technology (TRI-FLEX outsole)
- Wide toe box
CONS:
- Not the best option for heavy runners who overpronate
- Extra-wide sizes not available
3. Brooks Addiction GTS 15
You don’t always see Brooks in footwear lists, but this brand actually makes a lot of innovative shoes.
The company was founded in 1914, initially manufacturing ballet and bath shoes.
Eventually, the brand turned its eyes to baseball cleats and roller skates during the 1920s.
It was only in 1974 that they began manufacturing running shoes and quickly rose to fame.
With years of expertise in innovative footwear, Brooks presents us with the Addiction GTS 15.
Review
To all the overpronators out there, don’t worry. We haven’t forgotten about you.
The Addiction GTS 15 is one of the best options for heavy runners who overpronate.
Brooks is popular for its attention to footwear cushioning, and the GTS 15 ensures that the shoe does not cause discomfort.
If you need more space for a better and more comfortable fit, the foam insole of the GTS 15 is removable.
It is also a useful feature for those who use a custom orthotic.
Brooks is also famous for its BioMoGo DNA technology, which is often used on the shoe’s midsole.
It’s an incredibly soft cushioning that molds to your feet and adapts to your stride.
Unfortunately, around 300 million pairs of shoes end up in landfills each year, worsening global land pollution.
Brooks prevents this by ensuring that the midsoles decompose 50 times quicker in dumps.
The Brooks Addiction GTS 15 also has the brand’s PDRB or Extended Progressive Diagonal Rollbar.
This feature prevents the foot from rolling, which is a common concern for heavy runners.
It also utilizes Brooks’s Segmented Crash Pad, which reduces the impact that your joints receive with each stride or step.
Another feature that makes the Addiction GTS 15 a pair of shoes is that you get a wide variety of fitting options, ranging from extra-wide to narrow.
PROS:
- Controls pronation
- Impressive cushioning
- Environmentally friendly
- Molds and adapts to your feet
- Impact-reduction
- Many fits available
CONS:
- May fall short when it comes to flexibility
4. ASICS GT-4000 2
ASICS has been around for over 50 years. It has a well-established development center in Japan and works closely with male and female athletes to understand what people need.
Over the decades, ASICS has used a scientific approach to develop innovative footwear with top-of-the-line technology.
One of the brand’s biggest breakthroughs is the GT-4000 2.
Review
Heavy runners who are flat-footed often experience their feet rolling into the shoe when they run. Sometimes, this may occur even while they’re walking.
To counter this, ASICS designed the GT-4000 2, which is perfect for keeping you stable while you walk or run.
The GT-4000 2 features superb arch support, which significantly aids flat-footed runners.
It also has two of ASICS’s most important technological innovations; DuoMax and SpEVA Foam 45.
The DuoMax is mainly responsible for improving your balance during movements while keeping the shoe as lightweight as possible.
The SpEVA Foam is a full-length cushion that’s easy on the foot. It’s quite firm, which is perfect if you need a supportive platform underneath you.
Aside from these two types of technology, the GT-4000 2 features ASICS’s Impact Guidance System and Guidance Trusstic System.
The main functions of these features are to keep your foot in the right position while increasing your stability.
For the midsole, this footwear utilizes the noteworthy FlyteFoam Lyte.
It’s made with organic nanofibers, making it soft and comfortable while making sure it doesn’t flatten despite frequent use.
Lastly, the GT-4000 2 has ASICS’s very own GEL cushioning technology found at the rear foot of the shoe. This is a very crucial aspect of shock absorption.
Furthermore, the GEL cushion helps your feet with heel-to-toe transition, making sure that you don’t strain your feet quickly because of the impact of every step.
PROS:
- Perfect for flat-footed heavy runners
- Improves balance
- Comfortable to wear
- Midsole doesn’t easily flatten
- Shock absorption technology
CONS:
- Toe box is rather narrow
5. New Balance mens Fresh Foam X More V4
Obviously, this list will not be complete without a pair of shoes from New Balance.
This brand has been around since 1906, and for over a century, it has empowered countless people through its craftsmanship.
New Balance is a popular brand for anyone who’s looking for something that caters to their needs.
This includes heavy runners, and the 1540 V3 is a testament to that.
Review
The New Balance 1540 V3 is a well-designed shoe for overpronators. It’s also a great choice for older people who require additional support.
It’s a combination of comfort and stability, and it can even address certain foot issues like heel spurs or plantar fasciitis.
The New Balance 1540 V3 features an extra-soft EVA cushion capable of reducing the impact that you may receive on the joints.
Moreover, it has a plush tongue and a soft lining made out of fabric to make it even more comfortable.
Don’t worry. It doesn’t fall short when it comes to a supportive foundation.
The New Balance 1540 V3 also has a dual-density foam collar to keep your feet stable and in the right position even when conducting intense physical activities.
It also has a removable foam footbed if you ever need to use custom orthotics. Further enhancing its stability, the EVA cushioning features an ENCAP TPU frame.
This feature increases the rigidity of the shoe, which is crucial for heavy runners.
A lot of the weight is on the foot, which means it’s at a high risk of incurring injuries.
The New Balance 1540 V3 also has a rollbar posting system, which is responsible for reinforcing vital areas of the shoe.
This feature completes the solid feel of the footwear and ensures that your foot does not roll to either side while you run.
If you’ve ever tried a New Balance shoe before, you know that it’s extremely durable.
This pair of shoes will last for years. It can take a beating even if you use it daily, making it a great choice for heavy runners looking to invest in comfortable, stable, and long-lasting footwear.
PROS:
- Extra soft midsole
- Perfect for runners suffering from heel spur and plantar fasciitis
- Comfortable
- Keeps feet stable
- Rigid and durable
- Reinforced in vital areas
- Prevents foot from rolling
CONS:
- Shoelaces are rather short
Which Among the Running Shoes for Big Guys Should You Choose?
Upon careful consideration of all the features of each shoe we have on this list, we’ve finally reached a verdict.
We believe that the best running shoes for big guys are the Saucony Echelon 8. It’s a neutral shoe, lightweight, and offers tremendous support for heavy runners.
It also has the best types of technology that Saucony has to offer.
On the other hand, if you overpronate, be sure to check out the Brooks Addiction GTS 15.
Its ability to mold and adapt to your feet is surely something you ought to experience. Besides, you’d be helping the environment as well!
Nonetheless, it’s important to remember that we all have different needs.
It means the best shoes for you solely depend on your personal preferences.
Great choices for running shoes.
I can definitely recommend the Saucony brand name of shoe, as I’ve had my wife utilize those types of running shoes for her work. They were the only one out there that was a high-impact running shoe.
That said, me being a bigger guy, I wouldn’t know of which one to go for, but would more than likely utilize the same name brand, as my wife did, and as you recommended being the neutral shoe.
My only question would be, which company/brand makes them for bigger feet – Size 14s…?
Hi, Jeremy, and thank you.
Thank you for your kind words.
Size 14 is available for all of them. But the ones with the biggest selection in that size are Brooks and New Balance.
Because you mentioned neutral shoes, you would like to see this article about the difference between neutral shoes and stability.
Don’t hesitate to contact me to help you with anything else or if you have any questions.
I’m a big guy. Tall and heavy. And I have to say, the shoe-breaking troubles are real.
I always envy my light friends or girlfriends they still have shoes from high school and they still look good, I usually destroy the shoes in a year 😀
Thanks for the review, it’s finally something to be guided by.
Ivo
Hi, Ivo, and thank you.
Thank you for your kind words.
After your funny talk about shoe-breaking, you could have been interested in this article.
It is an article about how you break into running shoes!
Don’t hesitate to contact me to help you with anything else or if you have any questions.
Hi
This is a very useful article.
I have a few questions if that’s ok:
What inspired you to write about the challenges that big men face when finding running shoes?
How did you go about choosing the five shoe options that you included in the review?
Do you have any recommendations for big guys who may have specific foot problems, such as overpronation?
Thanks!!
Regenerate response
Hi, Julia Kossowska, and thank you.
Thank you for your kind words.
What challenge us to help big men in their challenge is the same as for all groups we write and help her in Sportssend.com. Step by step, this site will benefit all kinds of people (men, women, and children), whether they are in sports, thinking about their health, or just having fun!
That is our goal, to help people!
You ask how we choose these five shoes. We always use the same methods, extensive research, and all helpful tools. Some are tested, reading many reviews and articles, getting personal experience from people we trust, etc.
For example, this article has some great running shoes for overpronation problems.
Don’t hesitate to contact me to help you with anything else or if you have any questions.
This article about running shoes for “big guys” caught my eye because, although I’m not a guy, I do have to often go for shoes that are fit for wide feet.
Personally, I prefer “New Balance” running shoes. They’re comfortable and long-lasting. I was glad to see that the only item in the “Cons” section within the New Balance running shoe was that the “shoelaces were rather short”. No problem, I am happy to buy longer shoelaces separately if that shoe is what I am looking for.
Are you planning on writing a similar article aimed at women?
Hi, Maria2023, and thank you.
Thank you for your kind words.
New Balance has been very popular, and it is a reason for it. Outstanding brand and shoes.
I just thought when I read your comments. Have you thought about which running socks is the best one for you? That is a thing too many need to focus on.
As an excellent running sock, special compression made good shoes better. Here is a good article about it if you like.
Yes, I have the plan to write a similar article for women. Let´s hope it will be sooner than later.
Don’t hesitate to contact me to help you with anything else or if you have any questions.