7 Best Running Shoes For Heavy Men in 2023

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.