7 Best Running Shoes For Heavy Men in 2023

Jens Jakob Andersen
Jens Jakob Andersen on
7 Best Running Shoes For Heavy Men in 2023
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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 300 running shoes for heavy men can be a lot. To help you, we put them under the microscope (figuratively and literally) and tested each of them rigorously. Then we filtered them and only selected the optimum ones, resulting in our list that's trimmed down to the best of the best from different categories.

Best running shoes for heavy men overall

Hoka Bondi 8
84
Good!

What makes it the best?

The 8th iteration of the Bondi series keeps its charming massive look and solidifies its appeal to heavier running enthusiasts. It runs ultra-comfy and feels utterly enjoyable, all while boasting an otherworldly stable ride that propelled this kick to the pinnacle of this list.

Our feet melt into the lofty midsole right from the very first step, with its foamy texture emerging as 26.8% softer than average in our durometer. This rather balanced density offers a downy feel without losing its composure or risking to bottom out. A generous amount of this foam stands underfoot, with our caliper measuring a stack of 36.2 mm at the heel and 30.0 mm at the forefoot - wildly beyond the average of 33.2 mm and 24.3 mm, respectively.

The footprints we left on dirty roads looked monstrous, and that’s where its stunning stability game comes from. While the norm would be a 112.8 mm reading, our caliper revealed a 126.5 mm midsole width at the forefoot - this is gigantic! A wider platform for the feet to land offers a more supported and safe stride, and the Bondi 8 masterfully translated into the running world.

It’s in the toebox department that this Hoka stumbles. Wide-footers might experience a snug fit, as the widest part of the toebox measures 91.6 mm, a substantial 6.3 mm narrower than the average running shoe.

Pros

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

Cons

  • Tight midfoot
  • Narrow toebox
  • It's still heavy
Full review of Hoka Bondi 8

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Men
Women
Any color
Anthracite/Castlerock (1123202112)
Red Alert/Flame (RAFL)
Blue (GBMS)
White (1123202WWH)
Black/White (BWHT)
Black (BBLC)
Sharkskin/Harbor Mist (SHMS)
Outer Space/All Aboard (OSAAU)
More colors

Running shoes with best cushioning for heavy men

What makes it the best?

When it comes to indulgent comfort, the Invincible Run 3 is the real deal. Big guys seeking a homey-feeling shoe to gobble landing impact might find solace in the ZoomX foam, with the upper padding sealing the deal.

The midsole’s score in our durometer left us with water in our mouths. A delightful 14.5 HA softness threw the Invincible 3 to the top 10% plushest shoes we ever put our feet in. In practical terms, this translated into a velvety sea where our feet gladly immersed with each step. Surprisingly, the widened base managed to keep our strides impressibly stable, with our caliper measuring a midsole width at the heel 12.2 mm above average.

Sweetening this cocoon of comfort, the upper is greatly padded as observed in the 7.4 mm thick tongue. No nefarious effects on the divine Flyknit though! Smoke pumped into the shoe could easily pass through the entire length of the fabric, earning the Invincible a notable 4 out of 5 in our breathability test.

In traction matters, the Invincible left us utterly disappointed. The shoe struggled to maintain its composure on wet surfaces, so beware the wintry season.

Pros

  • Way more stable than previous versions
  • Tall stack of impact-absorbing cushioning
  • Good energy return
  • Comfort for the entire foot
  • Thicker, more durable outsole
  • A solid ride that works for more runners
  • Breathable
  • Great for recovery days and long easy runs

Cons

  • Poor grip on wet roads
  • Heel slippage
  • Heel clip can be irritating when cornering
Full review of Nike ZoomX Invincible Run Flyknit 3

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Men
Women
Any color
Noise Aqua/Green Abyss (Dr2615-401) (DR2615001)
White (FN6821100)
Blue (DR2615400)
White/University Red/Photo Blue/Black (FJ3889100)
White/Obsidian-Sail-Oatmeal-Bright Crimson (DR2615101)
White (FJ1046100)
Black (DR2660001)

Best comfortable running shoes for heavy men

What makes it the best?

The Fresh Foam X More v4 from New Balance is a maxed-out daily trainer that's best suited for recovery days and anything easy. Whether it's a short walk or a long-distance run, this mammoth of a shoe will keep your feet comfy and well-protected at all times. And what's more awesome is it costs less than its precursor!

Pros

  • An armor from fatigue
  • REALLY cushy for long days
  • Puts life in your run
  • A stable ride
  • True to size
  • Superb heel clutch
  • Markdown price
  • Long-lasting
  • Reflective

Cons

  • Easily feels hot
  • Chunky and clunky
  • Low energy return
Full review of New Balance Fresh Foam X More v4

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Men
Women
Any color
Electric Red (MMORLR4)
Blue (MMORBB4)
White (MMORCW4)
Quartz Grey/Thirty Watt/Brick Red (MMORCR4)
Black (MMORGG4)
Grey (MMORCO4)
Arctic Grey/Natural Indigo (MMORAG4)
Navy Blue (MMORCN4)
More colors

Best stability running shoes for heavy men

What makes it the best?

With the ASICS Gel Kayano 30, the renowned stability line takes a spirited leap forward. With increased foam but without the added weight, it's a win-win for almost everyone. Navigating the balance between plush comfort and stability, the FF Blast+ with 4D Guidance System midsole excels. While it might be on the pricier side and has lighter competitors, it's hard to find fault with this shoe.

Pros

  • Exceptionally cushioned
  • Impressively stable with 4D Guidance System
  • Lighter than it seems
  • Top-notch breathability
  • Effective maximalist design
  • Superior durability and comfort
  • Ideal for high-mileage runners
  • Ultra-plush FF Blast+ foam
  • Amazing build quality

Cons

  • Actual drop exceeds stated measurement
  • Midsole might require a break-in period
Full review of ASICS Gel Kayano 30

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Men
Women
Any color
Deep Ocean White (1011B548402)
Black Glow Yellow (1011B548003)
Foggy Teal Bright Orange (1011B548401)
French Blue Neon Lime (1011B548403)
Antique Red Ocean Haze (1011B548600)
White/Ocean Haze (1011B548100)
Black Sheet Rock (1011B548002)
Carrier Grey/Piedmont Grey (1011B548020)
More colors

Best running shoes for heavy men for wide feet

What makes it the best?

Its stable and smooth ride granted the Altra VIA Olympus a spot in this list, but it’s the roomy toebox that demands the spotlight. Heavy wide-footers, we present to you the epitome of easy running for any distance.

Fatty digits are delightfully welcomed in the VIA Olympus experience. We could certainly splay out our toes in the front, inviting us to dig deeper into precise data. Putting our caliper into action, we measured a marvelous 101.4 mm toebox width, 3.5 mm beyond average. These numbers’ effect is enhanced by the squared shape of the forefoot, adding to the sensation of boundless room.

Tailor-made for big guys, the stability system of this Altra was phenomenal throughout our long strolls. The midsole’s broad foundation ensured steadfast landings, exceeding the average by 2.1 mm at the heel and 4.0 mm at the forefoot. Moreover, we locked the shoe by its tip to assess its resistance to being bent 90 degrees. Our force gauge unveiled a titanic 72.1N force, marking the shoe as an astonishing 135% stiffer than average! This attribute grants a composed and structured feel to the shoe, and that didn’t go unnoticed in our runs.

However, the VIA Olympus finds its niche, as its minimal 1.6 mm drop may prove rather awkward for extreme heel strikers.

Pros

  • Comfortable and premium-feeling upper
  • Roomy, unmistakably-Altra fit
  • Secure lockdown even for narrow feet
  • Smooth and responsive ride
  • Good for any distance at an easy pace
  • Effective, but not obtrusive, rocker
  • Copious amount of padding
  • Breathable
  • Absorbs impact well

Cons

  • Cushioning on the firm side, but a toss-up on how firm
  • Doesn’t feel like a zero-drop shoe
  • Substantial break-in period
  • On the heavier side
Full review of Altra VIA Olympus

Today's best price

Men
Women
Any color
Mineral Blue (AL0A82BW419)
Grey (AL0A82BW270)
Orange (AL0A82BW013)
Beige (AL0A82BW140)
Black (AL0A82BW000)
Neon Blue (AL0A82BW740)

Best trail running shoes for heavy men

Altra Olympus 5
82
Good!

What makes it the best?

Big guys seeking a muscled trail shoe for a day in the woods might hit the jackpot with the Olympus 5. It boasts cushioning to give and sell, confidently gliding over both wet and dry trails.

A protective foam kept our feet shielded and far from the rough terrain as we ventured into the wilderness. Back in our lab, we dissected this Altra and studied its midsole with our caliper. The heel stack already stands a fair 1.4 mm above average, but it’s in the forefoot that the trick is unveiled - a stack of 31.0 mm sends this shoe far deep into the max-cushioned range, topping our database average of 24.2 mm.

While towering, the Olympus is nowhere near unstable. Its widened heel platform ensured steady landings even on uneven grounds, emerging as 11.6 mm wider than usual. As it couldn’t be otherwise, the traction of the Olympus is top-notch, with the sharp 3.0 mm lugs taking care of mud or unforeseen roots.

However, durability is a big NO! For $180, it doesn’t offer much value with the outsole showing serious signs of wear before hitting the 50 miles mark.

Pros

  • Grippy on wet and dry trails
  • Protective muscles
  • Comfort is a 10/10
  • Toe box welcomes wide feet
  • Gives out energy
  • Breathable
  • Stable ride
  • Heel lockdown is terrific!
  • Easy on and off

Cons

  • Durability couldn't be worse
  • Annoying lace bites
  • It's a splurge
Full review of Altra Olympus 5

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Men
Women
Any color
Navy (AL0A7R6P445)
Grey (AL0A7R6P233)
Orange (AL0A7R6P880)
Black (AL0A7R6P020)
Beige (AL0A7R6P922)
Brown (AL0A7R6P990)
Blue (AL0A7R6P440)
Beige (AL0A7R6P921)
Burnt Orange (AL0A7R6P802)

Best budget running shoes for heavy men

What makes it the best?

The Alphabounce+ is a daily trainer cunningly disguised as a stylish sneaker. Its ace-in-the-hole is the Bounce midsole foam found at the heel that delivers a premium feeling ride with at a bargain-bin price. Despite being on the heavier side, this shoe is a workhorse that delivers stability and comfort wheter on casual runs, days at the gym, or just moseying around town.

Pros

  • Great impact protection
  • Bounce midsole foam at the heel provides a premium feeling ride
  • Good for walking, gym days, as well as easy runs
  • Remarkably stable underfoot
  • Grippy and durable outsole
  • Budget friendly
  • Stylish and sustainable design

Cons

  • Very heavy for a road shoe
  • Breathability could be better
  • Not for long distances or tempo sessions
  • Lacking in upper durability
Full review of Adidas Alphabounce+

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Unisex
Any color
Gray (EF1229)
Cloud White/Core Black/Grey Two (EF8061)
White (G28585)
Black (G28571)

Comparison of the 7 best running shoes for heavy men

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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. We get the big guys among us testers to run the show to really provide an authentic review from their POV.
  • Cut them open to assess what's inside. We evaluate every little detail that we encounter.
  • Measure each part and parameter. We analogize the results we obtain to our experiences while trying on and testing the shoes.

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.