7 Best Running Shoes For Heavy Men, 100+ Shoes Tested in 2023

Jens Jakob Andersen
Jens Jakob Andersen on
| Reviewed using methodology 1.5
7 Best Running Shoes For Heavy Men, 100+ Shoes Tested in 2023

Running shoes for big guys have loads of cushion to keep the feet protected. And more importantly, they're built durable. 

Whether you're running on pavement or on the trails, these shoes can take a beating. 

Choosing from more than 500 running shoes for heavy men can be a lot. To help you, this list trims it down to the best of the best from different categories.

Best overall
Mizuno Wave Horizon 6 Mizuno Wave Horizon 6
$170 $132 From Amazon
Best road
Adidas Ultraboost 5.0 DNA Adidas Ultraboost 5.0 DNA
$180 $73 From Amazon
Best trail
Altra Lone Peak 5.0 Altra Lone Peak 5.0
$130 $111 From Amazon
Best Nike
Nike Pegasus Trail 3 Nike Pegasus Trail 3
$130 $75 From Amazon
Best ASICS
ASICS Gel Kayano 28 ASICS Gel Kayano 28
$160 $80 From Running Warehouse
Best value
Brooks Glycerin GTS 19 Brooks Glycerin GTS 19
$150 $100 From Amazon
Most popular
Hoka Bondi 8 Hoka Bondi 8
$165 From Zappos
See all 550 running shoes for heavy men
Table of contents How we test running shoesBest overallBest roadBest trailBest NikeBest ASICSBest valueMost popularComparison
Overview

How we test running shoes

To keep everything as bias-free as possible, we buy all the shoes we examine with our own money. And to be objective, we have our own shoe testing lab for a more data-driven review. 

On top of these, we also: 

  • Run in each shoe for at least 30-50 miles
  • Cut them open to assess what's inside
  • Measure each part 
  • Calculate their CoreScore using thousands of expert and user reviews

Best running shoes for heavy men overall

Mizuno Wave Horizon 6
Mizuno Wave Horizon 6
$132
See deal  
$170
See deal  
$170
See deal  
$170
See deal  

CoreScore

93
Superb!
4.8 / 5 from 60 users
86 / 100 from 6 experts

Pros

  • Support that's not harsh
  • Impact-absorbing
  • Gives your stride a boost
  • Very comfy for recovery runs
  • Stable when cornering
  • Breathable
  • Keeps the foot in place
  • Grip that sticks

Cons

  • Long break-in period
  • Comes with a hefty tag

Verdict

The Wave Horizon 6 from Mizuno is a stability running shoe that's built ready for cruising long miles and giving your feet and legs the rest day they deserve during recovery sessions. Unlike other stability shoes, the Horizon 6 doesn't feel harsh. As a matter of fact, it's a very comfy shoe that will give you all the cushioning you crave.
Mizuno Wave Horizon 6 full review

Best road for big guys running shoes

Adidas Ultraboost 5.0 DNA
Adidas Ultraboost 5.0 DNA
$73
See deal  
$115
See deal  
$140
See deal  
$150
See deal  

CoreScore

90
Superb!
4.7 / 5 from 47,120 users
92 / 100 from 3 experts

Pros

  • True to size
  • Cushioned
  • Very comfortable
  • Nice fit
  • Superb grip even on wet surfaces
  • Versatile enough for casual walks
  • Eco-friendly

Cons

  • For short runs only
  • Needs to dial in lacing
  • Not propulsive in any way

Verdict

The Adidas Ultraboost 5.0 DNA shares the same design with the Adidas Ultraboost. It delivers all-day comfort, plush cushioning, and superb grip. With the design that is more casual, the Ultraboost 5.0 DNA performs well on slow, short runs, making it ideal for beginners and casual runners.
Adidas Ultraboost 5.0 DNA full review

Best trail for big guys running shoes

Altra Lone Peak 5.0
Altra Lone Peak 5.0
$111
See deal  
$120
See deal  
No stock  
No stock  

CoreScore

91
Superb!
4.6 / 5 from 9,453 users
89 / 100 from 19 experts

Pros

  • Great for wide feet
  • Superb grip (rocks, mud, ice, snow)
  • Stiff and durable
  • Sheds mud easily
  • Great water drainage
  • Balanced and stable ride
  • Removable Ortholite insole
  • Great for road-to-trail transitions
  • Extremely breathable
  • Rock plate for technical terrain
  • Gaiter-friendly
  • Easy to clean

Cons

  • No ground feel
  • Too cold for winter days

Verdict

The Altra Lone Peak 5.0 is a trail shoe that will make you run with confidence! It's sturdy underfoot, supportive, and it's got the right blend of comfort and responsiveness. Throw in any terrain, and this shoe will bite its way through them!
Altra Lone Peak 5.0 full review

Best Nike for big guys running shoes

Nike Pegasus Trail 3
Nike Pegasus Trail 3
$75
See deal  
$98
See deal  
$100
See deal  
$110
See deal  

CoreScore

88
Great!
4.4 / 5 from 1,008 users
88 / 100 from 16 experts

Pros

  • Soft, bouncy ride
  • Very comfortable
  • True to size
  • Wide for a Nike
  • Wide loop on heel
  • Built to last
  • Reflective swoosh
  • Killer grip on dry trails

Cons

  • Not grippy in wet
  • Runs warm

Verdict

The Pegasus road series just holds a special place in many runners' hearts (feet?), and now it is ready for some trail action too. The Nike Pegasus Trail 3 has won many people over with its uber-plush landings as well as the cloud-like comfort and stability. As long as you stay away from slick surfaces, it is an excellent option.
Nike Pegasus Trail 3 full review

Best ASICS for big guys running shoes

ASICS Gel Kayano 28
ASICS Gel Kayano 28
$80
See deal  
$89
See deal  
$95
See deal  
$110
See deal  

CoreScore

89
Great!
4.5 / 5 from 24,314 users
89 / 100 from 17 experts

Pros

  • Familiar Kayano fit
  • Roomier toebox
  • No lace bite
  • Added pep
  • No medial post
  • Lost weight
  • Kayano durability

Cons

  • Heel slipping
  • Overly plush
  • Runs warm

Verdict

Still staying true to its Kayano roots, the Kayano 28 retains its hallmark of stability and support while seeing some updates to amp up comfort and flexibility. And with better flex, the shoe was just overall fun! Although designed as a daily trainer, runners also find it fitting as a standalone shoe that you can take out of the closet during race day and on long, slow miles.
ASICS Gel Kayano 28 full review

Best value running shoes for heavy men

Brooks Glycerin GTS 19
Brooks Glycerin GTS 19
$100
See deal  
$110
See deal  
$120
See deal  
$120
See deal  

CoreScore

91
Superb!
4.5 / 5 from 14,238 users
91 / 100 from 13 experts

Pros

  • True to size
  • Good cushioning
  • Breathable
  • Smooth transition
  • Durable

Cons

  • Not very versatile
  • Slight heel slipping

Verdict

The Brooks Glycerin GTS 19 is a great every-day runner’s shoe that offers good cushioning on a stable platform and will go the distance. The Glycerin GTS 19 doesn’t offer anything that is mind-bending or earth-shattering. It’s simply consistent.
Brooks Glycerin GTS 19 full review

Most popular running shoes for heavy men

Hoka Bondi 8
Hoka Bondi 8
$165
See deal  
$165
See deal  
$165
See deal  
$165
See deal  

CoreScore

86
Great!
4.4 / 5 from 16,860 users
83 / 100 from 18 experts

Pros

  • Oozing with comfort
  • Gliding ride
  • A touch springy
  • Feels stable
  • Breathable
  • Upper is soft as hell
  • Highly durable

Cons

  • Tight midfoot
  • It's still heavy

Verdict

The eighth iteration of the Hoka Bondi remains as runners' beloved plush and cushy daily trainer that excels on easy days and recovery sessions. With its humongous foam, your foot will find itself in a very comfy position. On top of this, it will allow you to move with precision, thanks to its highly stable ride.
Hoka Bondi 8 full review
Author
Jens Jakob Andersen
Jens Jakob Andersen

Jens Jakob is a fan of short distances with a 5K PR at 15:58 minutes. Based on 35 million race results, he's among the fastest 0.2% runners. Jens Jakob previously owned a running store, when he was also a competitive runner. His work is regularly featured in The New York Times, Washington Post, BBC and the likes as well as peer-reviewed journals. Finally, he has been a guest on +30 podcasts on running.

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