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Best Running Shoes for Heavy Runners (August 2024)

Written on 28th August by Ruggero Loda Founder and Publisher, Running Shoes Guru
314 other reviews
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Most runners don't look (and weigh) like elite runners.

This guide is not only for overweight people: for the purpose of this article we consider heavy runners men that are heavier than 80kg/180 lbs and women heavier than 70kg/155 lbs.

You can be a 85kg man, tall, and be in an amazing shape. Not fat - but heavier in the context of buying running shoes.

While running, your joints will have to sustain anything between 3 and 5 times your bodyweight with each step. Good form and proper running shoes are important for all runners, but even more so for runners at a higher weight.

Since 2009 we buy, test and review more than 120 pairs of shoes per year. This is our selection of the best running shoes for heavier runners in 2024.

The 5 Best Running Shoes for Heavier Runners

Keep scrolling or click on a shoe to find out why we chose it and what other shoes you should consider.

Reebok FloatZig 1

Best for Daily Training
Weight: 9.8oz Drop: 6mm
Our Rating
9.0
Users Rating
0.0
The Reebok FloatZig 1 is a fantastic daily trainer that will let you push the pace, but with ample cushion for longer runs. With an incredibly soft ride, and lots of bounce, these shoes were a joy in...
MSRP $130 $129 Best price today this will redirect you to Zappos

Asics Gel Kayano 31

Best Supportive Daily Trainer
Weight: 11oz Drop: 10mm
Our Rating
9.0
Users Rating
8.5
Overall, the ASICS Gel-Kayano 31 is a solid choice for runners seeking stability and comfort without sacrificing performance. Its supportive midsole, adaptive upper, and durable outsole combine to...
MSRP $164.95 $164 Best price today this will redirect you to Zappos

Asics Superblast 2

Best Long Run Trainer
Weight: 9oz Drop: 8mm
Our Rating
8.0
Users Rating
0.0
The ASICS Superblast 2 is a great versatile daily trainer with a stable and max-cushioned ride. It's capable of a wide range of paces from recovery to marathon pace and is arguably one of the best...
MSRP $200 $199 Best price today this will redirect you to Zappos

New Balance FuelCell Rebel v4

Best for Fast Training
Weight: 7.5oz Drop: 6mm
Our Rating
9.0
Users Rating
10
The New Balance FuelCell Rebel v4 is an excellent lightweight speed trainer which is perfect for any run faster than easy pace. Its new midsole which is a blend of PEBA & EVA delivers an energetic,...
MSRP $139.95 $139 Best price today this will redirect you to RunningWarehouse.Com

The North Face Altamesa 500

Best for Trail Running
Weight: 10.4oz Drop: 6mm
Our Rating
8.0
Users Rating
0.0
The North Face Altamesa 500 is a max cushion trail shoe that can handle long distances, even ultramarathons. Comfort and durability are just two of the many attributes that you’ll love if you give...
MSRP $154.95 $154 Best price today this will redirect you to Zappos

Nike ZoomX Vaporfly 3

Best Marathon Racer
Weight: 6.5oz Drop: 8mm Carbon plate
Our Rating
8.0
Users Rating
0.0
The Nike ZoomX Vaporfly 3 is a soft, bouncy super shoe best suited to marathons. It doesn't offer as much speed assistance as other top tier carbon racers because of its gentle forefoot rocker but...
MSRP $250 $260 Best price today this will redirect you to Nike

Table of content

  Our Top 6 picks for all categories
 
 
What to consider
 
 
Best for Daily Training
 
 
Best Supportive Daily Trainer
 
 
Best Long Run Trainer
 
 
Best for Fast Training
 
 
Best for Trail Running
 
 
Best Marathon Racer
 
 
Quick questions you might have
 
 
Comments
 

What to consider

As for any other kind of running shoe, the first thing to consider is what will you be using these shoes for?

Different types of shoes for different purposes

  • Daily Trainer: if you only have one running shoe to do all your running in, this should be your daily trainer. These are neutral, comfortable, versatile and durable shoes that will take you through most (of all) of your training.
  • Supportive Daily Trainer: many runners, me included, have weak ankles that wobble while running. This is risky because at best you are not cushioning your stride properly and at worst (as it happened to me more than once) you might end up spraining your ankles. Choose a supportive daily trainer if you want one shoe for most of your running, and you want a shoe that will support and protect you.
  • Fast Trainer: fast trainers are running shoes that are either lighter or more responsive (usually both) than a daily trainer – but cheaper and more durable than a proper racing shoe.
  • Trail Running: this is self-explanatory, but if you run off-road you need shoes that focus on things like traction (you don’t want to slip on wet surface or rocks), protection (a protruding stick should not puncture your foot) and comfort.
  • Racing: Many people run their races (half and full marathons) in their daily trainers or fast trainers. It’s understandable: they are the shoes you know best and you don’t want surprises during your 26.2 mile race… But if you are an experienced runners and you are trying to beat your PB… these shoes can definitely help you do that.

2 More Things to Consider

  1. Comfort and Fit: Comfort is the absolute most important factor when choosing a pair of running shoes. Make sure they are nice and snug on your heel and mid-foot (based on preference) and that you have enough room for your toes. Remember your foot can swell up to a size higher when running.
  2. Responsive vs Plush Cushion: We rate cushion on a scale of “responsive to plush”, where responsive is a snappy feeling of energy return and plush is the softest feeling. Responsive is usually better for going fast, plush is better for going long. But overall, it’s a matter of preferences.

Best for Daily Training

Our daily trainer criteria stays the same: we are looking for good neutral shoes with great comfort and durability - but with the twist of adding extra cushioning.

Luckily in 2024 high-cushion shoes don't need to weigh a ton anymore!

Reebok FloatZig 1

merchant logo
$130.00
$129.00
See deal   >
In short
The Reebok FloatZig 1 is a fantastic daily trainer that will let you push the pace, but with ample cushion for longer runs. With an incredibly soft ride, and lots of bounce, these shoes were a joy in which to run.
Pros
  • Incredibly plush cushioning
  • Very light
  • Great traction on all surfaces
  • Fast, responsive
  • Lots of bounce
Cons
  • Cushion soft enough to make it feel unstable at times
  • Upper can feel a little loose.
  • Cushion starts breaking down quicker than some competitors
Who should buy it

Runners who are looking for a soft shoe, and don’t mind a “cloud-like’ feel where you feet sink into the cushion. The FloatZig is not a shoe for those who want to feel the ground under them.

Who should not buy it

People with weak ankles should avoid this shoe. The cushion is so soft that at times it can feel unstable and “splashy”. If you have ankle problems, I would steer clear.

Main Specs
Type
Cushioning
Weight
9.8 oz
Heel
31 mm
Carbon plate
No plate
Heel drop
6 mm
Toe
25 mm
Rating breakdown
Comfort
10
Build quality
8.0
Upper
7.0
Sole unit
8.0
Landing
9.0
Transition
9.0
Toe-off
9.0
Traction
10
Durability
7.0
Value / Price
9.0
Team review
Don't let the unconventional looks or the name "Reebok" cloud your judgement. The FloatZig are a comfortable, soft daily trainer that's ideal for heavier runners.
Read full review

Best Supportive Daily Trainer

Modern stability running shoes are not the clunky, rigid and heavy monsters that they used to be. Here's a selection of three stability running shoes with high cushion that are perfect for heavier runners who need some extra support in their stride.

Asics Gel Kayano 31

merchant logo
$165.00
$164.00
See deal   >
merchant logo
$165.00
$164.00
See deal   >
In short
Overall, the ASICS Gel-Kayano 31 is a solid choice for runners seeking stability and comfort without sacrificing performance. Its supportive midsole, adaptive upper, and durable outsole combine to offer a reliable platform for long-distance training.
Pros
  • 4D Guidance System
  • Comfort
  • New Engineered Mesh
Cons
  • Can feel big and bulky at times
Who should buy it

This is ideal for a runner who is looking for a premium stability trainer that is tried and true,while built for miles

Who should not buy it

The Kayano would not be for someone who is looking for a lighter weight stability trainer

Main Specs
Type
Stability
Weight
11 oz
Heel
40 mm
Carbon plate
No plate
Heel drop
10 mm
Toe
30 mm
Rating breakdown
Comfort
10
Build quality
9.0
Upper
9.0
Sole unit
9.0
Landing
9.0
Transition
8.0
Toe-off
8.0
Traction
9.0
Durability
9.0
Value / Price
9.0
Team review
The Kayano continues the change it went through in edition 30, to become a soft, stable and comfortable running shoe.
Read full review

Best Long Run Trainer

What shoe would we recommend for a heavier runner, to do their long runs? Or maybe even a 3 to 4 hour marathon? Here it is!

Asics Superblast 2

merchant logo
$200.00
$199.00
See deal   >
merchant logo
$200.00
$199.00
See deal   >
In short
The ASICS Superblast 2 is a great versatile daily trainer with a stable and max-cushioned ride. It's capable of a wide range of paces from recovery to marathon pace and is arguably one of the best long run trainers on the market. Version 2 has a more comfortable, more breathable upper and better outsole traction than v1. It has an almost identical ride to its predecessor and has also picked up some weight.
Pros
  • Excels at most runs slower than threshold pace
  • Stones no longer get suck in the outsole
  • Very stable ride for such a tall sole
  • Improved outsole traction
  • The fit has improved
Cons
  • Heavier than the previous version
  • Only available in a single width
  • Slower than v1
Who should buy it

If you find the Novablast not cushioned enough or too heavy, the Superblast 2 is a good option.
If you’re looking for a shoe that feels like a super shoe but doesn’t have a stiff plate in it, the Superblast 2 is the perfect shoe.

Who should not buy it

If you like flexible trainers with lots of ground feel, the Superblast 2 is not the shoe for you.
If you have really wide feet, the Superblast 2 will be too narrow for you.

Main Specs
Type
Cushioning
Weight
9 oz
Heel
46 mm
Carbon plate
No plate
Heel drop
8 mm
Toe
38 mm
Rating breakdown
Comfort
8.0
Build quality
8.0
Upper
8.0
Sole unit
8.0
Landing
8.0
Transition
8.0
Toe-off
8.0
Traction
8.0
Durability
8.0
Value / Price
8.0
Team review
The original Superblast was one of the most successful shoes of last year. The second version picked up a little weight, but it also comes with a vastly improved upper with better breathability and fit.
Read full review

Best for Fast Training

These shoes are best for your fast training efforts or maybe for a sub-3 marathon.

New Balance FuelCell Rebel v4

merchant logo
$140.00
$139.00
See deal   >
In short
The New Balance FuelCell Rebel v4 is an excellent lightweight speed trainer which is perfect for any run faster than easy pace. Its new midsole which is a blend of PEBA & EVA delivers an energetic, engaging ride which makes it want to pick up the pace. Version 4 feels more like a speed trainer than version 3 which was slower and felt more like a daily trainer. V4 is firmer and more enjoyable for uptempo running.
Pros
  • Firmer, faster ride with significantly more energy return
  • Feels more like a speed trainer
  • Great value for money
  • Excellent breathability
Cons
  • Upper is too voluminous
  • Price increase of $10
Who should buy it

If you enjoy doing speedwork in trainers without a plate, the Rebel v4 is a great choice. If you want a similar ride to the SuperComp Elite v4 but with natural transitions and more ground feel, the Rebel v4 is also a great choice.

Who should not buy it

If you’re looking for a workhorse daily trainer for mostly easy runs, the Rebel v4 is not the shoe for you. If you want a stiff, plated speed trainer for long runs, the Rebel v4 is also not for you.

Main Specs
Type
Lightweight
Weight
7.5 oz
Heel
999 mm
Carbon plate
No plate
Heel drop
6 mm
Toe
999 mm
Rating breakdown
Comfort
9.0
Build quality
9.0
Upper
6.0
Sole unit
9.0
Landing
9.0
Transition
9.0
Toe-off
9.0
Traction
9.0
Durability
7.0
Value / Price
10
Team review
Not only an incredible speed trainer, a great deal too at the retail price!
Read full review

Best for Trail Running

Running on trails is usually softer than running on concrete. For this reason you don't have to focus on cushioning as much as you would do for a road shoe.
Here are our three favorites:

The North Face Altamesa 500

merchant logo
$155.00
$154.00
See deal   >
merchant logo
$155.00
$154.00
See deal   >
In short
The North Face Altamesa 500 is a max cushion trail shoe that can handle long distances, even ultramarathons. Comfort and durability are just two of the many attributes that you’ll love if you give these shoes a try.
Pros
  • All day comfort
  • Lots of cushion
  • Premium quality
  • Above average durability
  • Adequate on pavement
Cons
  • Heavy
  • Timid tread pattern
Who should buy it

This shoe is for anyone looking for a road-to-trail option that performs well on both. They should also be in consideration for ultra marathon type distances.

Who should not buy it

They are not light weight by any means and won’t provide runners with a close to the ground feel. If you’re looking for either of these things, steer clear.

Main Specs
Type
Trail
Weight
10.4 oz
Heel
38 mm
Carbon plate
No plate
Heel drop
6 mm
Toe
32 mm
Rating breakdown
Comfort
9.0
Build quality
8.0
Upper
8.0
Sole unit
8.0
Landing
7.0
Transition
9.0
Toe-off
8.0
Traction
7.0
Durability
8.0
Value / Price
8.0
Team review
Read full review

Best Marathon Racer

These are the so-called "super shoes": carbon-plated, ultra light and cushioned just the right amount, their purpose is not to last you a long time, but simply to run your race as fast as you can (and also a little faster).

Nike ZoomX Vaporfly 3

merchant logo
$250.00
$260.00
See deal   >
In short
The Nike ZoomX Vaporfly 3 is a soft, bouncy super shoe best suited to marathons. It doesn't offer as much speed assistance as other top tier carbon racers because of its gentle forefoot rocker but it's incredibly lightweight and extremely comfortable. Version 3 has been improved in a number of areas including stability, cushioning and weight. The forefoot is softer so it doesn't feel as fast as the Vaporfly 2 but its ride is plusher and it has more long-distance comfort.
Pros
  • Increase in cushioning
  • Stability improvement
  • More comfortable fit
  • Better breathability
  • Lighter weight
Cons
  • Less aggressive toe spring than competitors
  • Low durability
Who should buy it

If you’re looking for a super shoe with an accommodating fit and a super lightweight build, the Vaporfly 3 is an excellent choice. It has good stability and a soft, propulsive ride.

Who should not buy it

If you want a really durable super shoe that you can use for training as well as racing, the Vaporfly 3 is not for you- its ZoomX foam is extremely soft and delicate.

Main Specs
Type
Racing
Weight
6.5 oz
Heel
40 mm
Carbon plate
Full length carbon plate
Heel drop
8 mm
Toe
32 mm
Rating breakdown
Comfort
9.0
Build quality
9.0
Upper
9.0
Sole unit
8.0
Landing
8.0
Transition
8.0
Toe-off
7.0
Traction
9.0
Durability
5.0
Value / Price
7.0
Team review
Third version of the original super-shoe, the Vaporfly has the most comfortable cushion of them all.
Read full review

Quick Questions you might have

How do I know if I am fat?

Even though it has exceptions, calculating your BMI is an easy way to see if you are under or over weight. BMI takes your weight and compares it to your height - the resulting number will indicate where you sit on a scale from seriously underweight to obese.

Can running help me lose weight?

Running can definitely help you with your weight loss goals - but no amount of running (especially in the beginning) will out-do a bad diet. It's easier to not eat 100 kcal than it is to burn them through running.

How many calories do I burn while running?

A rule of thumb is 100 kcal for each mile run (whatever the speed). Take this with a grain of salt, but it's a decent indication.