If you’re a serious runner then you’ll know how crucial it is to have the right shoes for the job. There are a wide variety of models out there, so how can you possibly narrow it down to just one?

Well, you’re in the right place because we’ve researched and tested out the most well-reputed shoes to bring you the top selections on the market today.

No matter what your budget or needs may be, we have you covered. Let’s take a look at the top running shoes for heavy people on Amazon so you don’t waste any time!

Best Running Shoes For Overweight Women

	Brooks Women's Glycerin 17	Mizuno Women's Wave Rider 23	ASICS Women's GEL-Venture 5
Sizes:	6 - 11	5 - 12 W	6 - 12 W
Colors:	10	7	4
Uppers:	Synthetic	Textile	Synthetic
Sole:	Rubber	Rubber	Rubber

For more of my running gear recommendations, have a look through these popular Women’s Workout guide links: Running Leggings, Running Shorts, Running Sunglasses.

Quick Answer: The 7 Best Rated Running Shoes For Heavy Runners

1. Brooks Women’s Glycerin 17
2. Mizuno Women’s Wave Rider 23 Waveknit Running Shoe
3. Saucony Women’s Freedom Iso 2 Running Shoe
4. New Balance Women’s WT410v5 Cushioning Trail Running Shoe
5. ASICS Women’s GEL-Venture 5 Running Shoe
6. ASICS Women’s GEL-Nimbus 20 Running Shoe
7. Brooks Women’s Levitate 2

Our reviews to the top rated running shoes for overweight women with our comparison table and buyers guide will help you choose the right shoes for you.

Running Shoes For Heavy Runners Reviews

#1 Brooks Women’s Glycerin 17

Brooks is one of the most legendary running shoe brands on the planet, always working harder to create the most efficient, comfortable model possible.

Despite this, the Glycerin 17 still manages to stand out from the rest of the pack. Delivering the perfect balance between toughness and plushness, not only your feet, but your entire body will love them.

Just from looking at the pair, you can see they’re going to be comfy.

Coming in interesting, eye-catching colorways like Black/Fiery Coral/Purple, Ebony/Wild Aster/Fig, Feldspar/Aqua Foam/Grey and more, they’re sure to turn some heads and go well with any workout outfit you may sport.

Stuffed with DNA Loft Foam and wrapped in a precision-made mesh upper, it offers just the right amount of cushiness, making it feel like you’re running on little clouds.

Meanwhile, the mesh is snug yet stretches to work with a wide array of foot widths and shapes. An internal bootie works similarly, hugging the midfoot but never squeezing too tight nor causing discomfort. Instead, it offers added support and structure.

The heel collar really stood out to us, offering a dense and smooth feel to help eliminate hot spots and chafing. Despite being so full of foam, the shoe is surprisingly light, making it an excellent option for long runs.

#2 Mizuno Women’s Wave Rider 23 Waveknit Running Shoe

If you’re searching for some of the best running shoes for overweight women, then you’ll need something as responsive and springy as the Mizuno Wave Rider 23.

This one contrasts the prior product in many ways, with the most obvious difference being that this one is more streamlined and low-profile.

The looks are quite basic, however, and come in only 4 colors but they all look classy and go with just about anything.

Comprised of double-layered mesh, the upper looks clean and feels fresh, offering an excellent amount of breathability for longer runs.

Moreover, it provides stretch and structure that work well with an array of foot types and never restricts your feet, no matter the motion.

Due to the internal heel counter, you’ll always feel locked in, which will allow for a more efficient run with a lower risk of injury!

The U4ic foam found in the midsole works to reduce shock and add toughness while adding another level of comfort. The rubber sole/outsole is abrasion-resistant and also stays durable, even if you’re running over sharp objects like rocks and twigs.

The only complaint we had was that before being broken in, it did tend to compress on the toes a bit so keep this in mind. It does get better after a few wears, and you’ll be glad you were patient!

#3 Saucony Women’s Freedom Iso 2 Running Shoe

With the amount of Saucony loyalists out there, it’s no surprise that their Freedom ISO 2 is consistently rated as the best running shoes for heavy people.

It’s so well-performing, in fact, that we can’t think of a single thing we’d change about it. Good looks, luxurious feel, and amazing performance – what more could you want in a running shoe?

Starting with looks, the ISO 2 comes in a good selection of colorways that look delicate and beautiful, such as Aqua, Grey/Teal, Lavender Quakemustard, and Peach/White.

The minimal design is smooth and lightweight, making it pleasant to use not only for running, but for running errands, hanging out downtown, and more.

The crystallized rubber outsole immediately makes it stand out from the rest looks-wise, but also offers a solid amount of traction and flexion for a natural push-off every time.

The grooves cut out in it also help to more evenly distribute weight and offer a certain snappiness that will keep you quick on your feet.

With a nice block of EVERUN foam built-in, the midsole is a perfect blend of cushy, soft and supportive. This absorbs shock quite nicely while also creating a smooth heel-to-toe motion.

The upper only made us bigger fans, comprised of their signature ISOknit, which is soft to the touch, breathable, and stretchy.

For consistent reliability, it’s difficult to find a better shoe.

#4 New Balance WT410v5 Cushioning Trail Running Shoe

While the previous models are great for most situations, if you’re looking for a model solely dedicated to trail running and rougher roads, then check out the New Balance Women’s WT410v5 Cushioning Trail Running Shoe.

This is a heavy-duty shoe made to take abrasions and bumps with ease, but will never weigh you down.

If you need one of the best pairs of running shoes for heavy women, you’ll need something with a lot of durability.

Appropriate for use in all types of running conditions, the uppers offer the perfect combination of breathability and protection from exterior moisture from coming inside.

Made of textile and synthetic materials, they’re tough against abrasion but move smoothly against the foot to eliminate the risk of blisters. The appearance of the shoes is a bit tougher, and can be used well for camping and other outdoor situations.

The rubber sole is ultra-tough, protecting against sharp objects and regular use while the deep treads give you a solid grip even on less stable surfaces frequently found on trails.

The Acteva midsole is lightweight and offers a great amount of support, though isn’t quite as soft and squishy as the others on our guide.

#5 ASICS Women’s GEL-Venture 5 Running Shoe

Staying on the theme of rugged running shoes, we have the ASICS GEL-Venture 5. Great for running on a variety of surfaces, it stands out due to its unmatched stability and excellent comfort.

If you wear orthotics, these let you seamlessly place them in with the removable sock liner as well.

Featuring aggressive lugs on the outsole, these are wonderful for use on an array of different surfaces. That means that if you’re going from trails to roads, they’ll transfer seamlessly.

The only downside we found was that they did slip a bit on flat, wet rocks.

Made of durable rubber, they can take a beating and still look and operate like the first month you had them. Speaking of looks, these do definitely have more of a hiking shoe appearance to them.

Color options aren’t all that exciting, though there are quite a few different options to choose from. Bright overlays help increase visibility, while also adding structure.

Inside the shoe, you’ll find a removable foam sock liner which adds an extra layer of comfort while allowing you the option to insert orthotics inside, if needed.

The GEL cushioning system is where the model gets its name, keeping your feet properly supported while kind of suspending them in the GEL.

#6 ASICS Women’s GEL-Nimbus 20 Running Shoe

We’re back again with another ASICS GEL model, but this time we’re going to take a look at the Nimbus 20.

This neutral running shoe is excellent for heel strikers, coming with a high amount of cushion and structure. If you need a daily trainer or a shoe for longer runs, this is a definite contender.

Not only does it impress in terms of performance, but in looks, as well.

You’ll get almost a whopping 30 colorways to choose from, including Neon Yellow/Yellow, Porcelain Blue/White/Asics Blue, Black/Frosted Rose, Bright Rose/Apricot Ice, and more.

This wide selection lets you really choose something that fits your personality best, while matching your workout outfits.

With FLYTEFOAM technology, you can expect great bounce and energy transfer while the rear/forefoot GEL technology helps to absorb shock upon impact.

The FLUIDFIT technology in the upper allows for adequately stretchy mesh in all directions to avoid any hot spots while keeping a snug fit.

The rubber outsole/sole is nice and tough so as to protect from abrasion but still remain lightweight so you’re not bogged down while running. Overall, it’s a very convenient and comfy while being made to last.

#7 Brooks Women’s Levitate 2

Brooks Levitate 2 is quite possibly the most visually aesthetic pair of running shoes for heavy runners.

Each color choice is made to turn heads, with options like Pink/Black/Aqua, Coral/Blue/Black, White/Blue Pink, and more. If you’re looking for an incredible amount of responsiveness and comfort (and who isn’t?) then keep on reading.

On the outsoles, you’ll find thin slabs of translucent/crystal rubber which also add quite a bit to the gorgeous design.

Coming in different shades, they help to add durability to the shoe, making them a great selection for road, treadmill, and light trail runs.

The Fit Knit upper is also a standout point, offering ultra-comfortable wear, no matter how long you have them on for. It’s perfectly stretchy, but never too loose, while also offering a great amount of breathability.

In addition, you’ll find a heel wrap and soft heel tab to help prevent any irritation on your Achilles.

The DNA AMP midsole is very light, offering a generous amount of cushion and control. Due to this and the flexible chevron pattern on the outsole, you’ll be able to transfer from the heel to toe quickly and with a snap!

Overall, it’s easy to see why they are on our list of the best running shoes for heavy women with their precision engineering, style, and comfort.

Running Shoes For Overweight Women Comparison

How to Choose the Best Running Shoes for Heavy Runners – Buying Guide

Even if you have a lot of experience with running, you may not know which shoes to select. As people come in a wide range of weights and sizes, it’s important to choose the shoe that works best with your individual body type.

If you’re not quite sure what you should be looking for or would just like some reassurance, then we’re here to guide you along the way.

We’ve decided to take it upon ourselves to create the user-friendly buying guide below. This guide will answer any questions you may have, leading you to select a good pair of running shoes is you are heavy.

Breathability

Running is one of the most incredible forms of exercise out there, but having sweaty feet can instantly make it uncomfortable. If you feel like your feet are muggy and sliding around, it’s not only going to be uncomfortable but can create a higher risk of forming blisters.

To ensure your feet stay dry, search for a model with an upper made of mesh so air can flow freely in and out. This will also help to prevent foul odors and the growth of bacteria.

Protection

While mesh is obviously a great option for the aforementioned reasoning among other things, there needs to be a balance between breathability and protection. If the shoes are pure mesh, they could increase the risk of injury due to your feet being relatively vulnerable.

This also depends, however, on the kind of running you’re doing. If you’re going to be running around the track or on roads, you can typically get away with just mesh. However, if you’re running on trails then you’ll want to look for more structure, such as overlays.

However, there are also varying kinds of mesh. Look for that which is more sturdy and more tightly knit. Ensure it’s snug on your feet so no pebbles, twigs, etc. get inside while offering more stability.

A running shoe with a reinforced toe will keep your toes safe from unsuspecting rocks or logs and if you’re likely to run through water in some way or another, it’s important you also look for those resistant to moisture.

Traction

Where are you planning on running? If you’ll just be running on the treadmill or on roads, then yes, you’ll need traction but not as much as you would on the trails.

With treadmills or ellipticals, all of the models above will work on them. However, for trails you’ll encounter an array of different types of terrain and potential obstacles that can make it harder to stay confident and stable.

Not only is having a good amount of traction important for a fast run, it’s necessary to stay safe and avoid injuries due to slips and falls. For the most traction, look for deep grooves in the bottom of the shoes that will grip more to slippery or unstable surfaces.

Midsole

The midsole should provide the bulk of the support the shoe offers, while still remaining lightweight so as to not bog you down.

The midsoles are almost always made of EVA foam. Why? Because it’s relatively inexpensive to keep shoe costs down, while also transferring energy well, offering a good amount of cushion and protection, and remaining durable.

There are a select few out there made of polyurethane instead, though when subjected to the sun and/or moisture they start to disintegrate so that’s not the ideal option for most outdoor runners.

Sole

The soles of the shoes that we’ve reviewed are all made of rubber, which is ideal for most runners, anyway. Rubber is very inexpensive so you won’t have to spend a lot of money. It’s also extremely durable, ensuring you have them for as long as you need them.

Rubber is resistant to scratches and can typically protect against sharp objects poking through, such as rocks, twigs and other things you may encounter along the way. Rubber offers a great amount of traction due to its naturally “sticky” properties which helps give you a better push off, too.

Foot Type

Everyone has different types of feet which can come with their own set of challenges if you’re not using the right shoe. If you are already experiencing some type of foot issues or discomfort, we recommend you to first speak with a podiatrist or general physician before you decide on a shoe.

Why? Because if you choose the wrong model for your foot type they can make your situation worse, even causing injury.

Normal: This is what most runners are going to have, so you can expect almost every shoe to suit your arches without issue. thus most shoes are going to suit you well. The arches are of medium height, and require very little arch support.

Flat Feet: There are also a good number of runners with flat feet. In fact, if you’re heavier than “average” there’s a good chance you have them, too! The term “flat feet” essentially refers to someone who has either a very small or no arch at all.

If your shoes aren’t providing you with the support you need, this can cause you some serious issues, not to mention notable discomfort.  This can also cause overpronation frequently, which is when your feet roll inwards while walking or running. If that’s your case, look for a model that offers extra support and cushioning to help prevent this.

High Arches: High arches probably demand the most support out of everyone, as high arches that don’t have enough support can start to “fall”. In addition, look for a pair with extra arch support, cushion to absorb the majority of impact, and high flexibility.

Price

How much are you willing to pay for one of the best running shoes for heavy runners? While there are great selections of shoes no matter what your budget is, oftentimes if you’re going up in price it will also be a boost in quality.

You can expect the materials used to be softer in the upper and more lightweight and durable in the soles. This isn’t 100% the case, but we can assure you that no matter what your budget is, we have at least one great selection that will suit your circumstances.

FAQs About Running Shoes for Heavy Runners

Q: What are the best running shoes for heavy runners?

A: The best ones are going to be lightweight while offering an excellent amount of support, flexibility and energy transfer. This will keep you feeling light on your feet, making it easier to move smoothly through each stride and lower the amount of fatigue you feel.

Q: How long do running shoes last for heavy runners?

A: Usually, you can expect them to require replacing around every 300 miles. This can vary a bit, depending on the surfaces you’re running on, how much you weigh, among other factors.

Q: Is it normal for my feet and other parts of my body to feel sore after switching over to my new running shoes?

A: Yes, this is actually an extremely common situation, to the point that you can probably expect it to happen for at least the first couple of weeks. To make things easier on yourself, you can start out by slowly acclimating your body to these new shoes by starting out wearing them around your house, then moving to walking a mile or so, and graduating to jogging and running after your body and stride are used to them.

Q: How much should my new running shoes weigh?

A: You should get them as light as possible while still offering protection and support. Usually somewhere around 7-8 ounces is the sweet spot, but this also depends on your own personal tastes. If you’re going to be running on the trails quite a bit, then you may opt for heavier, more structured shoes as opposed to if you’re using them on a treadmill or roads.

Tips For Choosing Running Shoes for Heavy Runners

#1: Remember that a new shoe isn’t going to magically improve your fitness or running skill level.

This can only be done through practice, proper training, nutrition while avoiding injury. However, having the right shoes for your environment and body will make it easier of improve your form, lower the risk of injury and aid in maintaining a correct stride and posture. They can also help to provide smoother movement which will also keep you from exerting unnecessary energy and keeping your feet and legs feeling refreshed.

#2: Make sure you don’t get shoes that are too small.

You want to make sure that there’s a little wiggle room. You should have about a thumb’s width of room between the tip of your longest toe and the end of the inside of the shoe. In addition, many people are going to encounter their feet swelling a bit while running, which will require some extra space.

#3: If you have wider feet, then make sure you specifically go with a Wide sizing.

If it’s too narrow for you, this can cause discomfort, injury, and even keep you imbalanced as you won’t have a properly flat foundation to push off from and land on.

Summary

Now that you’re practically an expert on running shoes for heavy runners, which pair is the one for you and your athletic goals? No matter which model you select, know that you’re getting one of the top selections currently available.

However, what’s most important is that you select the perfect pair for your individual requirements and your body. We hope that our guide has helped you do exactly that. Thanks for tuning in, and we’ll see you again shortly. Happy running!

How We Researched

To come up with the top running shoes for heavier runners, we researched a variety of sources for reviews such as REI, Walmart, Target and Dick’s Sporting Goods along with our own personal experience.

The authors consulted sources such as online magazines for research and reviews unbiased information.

By using Fakespot.com we tried to eliminate fake reviews and use only genuine ones.

With so many options available, the authors narrowed down the selections by using products they felt were the best value for the money.

The staff authors have a wide and varied background as fitness trainers, yoga instructors and runners. The authors have decades of experience and are eager to share their knowledge with readers.

In order to narrow down the options, we used personal experiences plus recommendations from other trainers and instructors.

Sources