A ny guy who’s ever carried a little extra weight on his frame knows that exercising is hard enough without having to worry about your sneakers.
But whether you’re walking, jogging, playing sports, or spending a long time on your feet each day, wearing the right pair of shoes is crucial to your comfort and health.
That’s because, compared to our less husky counterparts, heavyset dudes tend to put more pressure on our feet and joints when we’re active, which means we need shoes that deliver additional support and cushioning.
Not only that, but we’re also at a higher risk of injury due to overpronation, and are more likely to have flat feet that require extra arch support than fellas who weigh less.
Of course, you already know physical activity is a great way to drop a few extra pounds and improve overall health in general, but how do you know which are the right shoes for you and your body type?
Whether you’re an avid exerciser or just starting to make some lifestyle changes, we’ve done the (lame pun alert!) leg work (you were warned) for you, and rounded up the best shoes for overweight guys on the market.
Just keep in mind that I’m not a podiatrist or a doctor of any kind (besides my PhD in dad jokes), so while this article is educational, it’s definitely not a medical diagnosis.
And if you are planning to start an exercise or weight loss program, make sure to check with your doc first.
The (Absolute) Best Shoes for Overweight Men
Breaking Down the Best Shoes for Heavy Guys
Best Walking Shoes for Overweight Men ↓
Skechers Max Cushioning Premier
Rating:
- 4.6 Stars
- 3,310 Reviews
Advantages:
The Skechers Max Cushioning Premier earns our top spot because not only can these sneaks take a pounding, they’re comfy as hell, too.
The key feature is the responsive midsole cushioning system that bounces back with each step and gives you that walking-on-a-cloud feeling.
Additionally, they have Skechers’ patented moisture-wicking insole that provides shock absorption and comfort, as well as a bouncy rubber sole that acts as an extra cushion (a life saver if you stand for long hours).
Plus, they come in extra wide sizes so finding the perfect fit won’t be a problem.
Promising Review:
I have knee and foot issues that have been very debilitating at times. I found much of my discomfort is gone or lessened with these shoes and my steps per day have increased without fatigue.
Skechers Performance Go Walk 5 – Demitasse
Rating:
- 4.6 Stars
- 9,871 Reviews
Advantages:
A best seller from Skechers, the Go Walk 5 is similar to the previous model but with a sleeker design.
Like the Max Cushioning Premiere, this shoe has the same responsive cushioning technology that absorbs shock and bounces back when you step, making them ideal for heavy walkers.
Additionally, they have a dual-density outsole for serious traction and stability, regardless of the activity you may be doing.
Promising Review:
I am 6’8″ 280lbs and with multiple knee surgeries, walking and standing can be painful and searching for shoes that are supportive and comfortable has been a challenge, until now.
I wore these today for the first time and put in about 5000 steps and they were comfortable the entire time.
Brooks Addiction Walker 2
Rating:
- 4.5 Stars
- 2,600 Reviews
Advantages:
Perfect for overweight walkers and anyone with plantar fascia or foot problems, the Brooks Addiction Walker 2 lets you clock thousands of steps a day without putting stress on your joints.
They have Brooks’ trademark cushioning that adapts to your natural stride, weight, and speed and cushions the blow of each step.
Plus, the Extended Diagonal Rollbar positioned at the medial arch prevents overpronation (when the foot rolls inward) and provides proper support for flat feet.
Promising Review:
Very nice shoes, fitting perfectly and unbelievably comfortable, due to the revolutionary outsole responding to the force of your step. Strongly recommended
– Luca V
More Awesome Walking Shoes for Overweight Men ↓
New Balance Men 847V2 Walking Shoe
Rating:
- 4.3 Stars
- 643 Reviews
Promising Review:
These are the gold standard for walking. While they are not as stylish or weatherproof as my other shoes, they are sooooo comfortable.
I think the sole is also a lot tougher than other shoes as I have not worn them down with constant use. I have other shoes 2-3 times more expensive but they are nowhere as comfortable as these.
– x9345134
Hoka One One Bondi 7
Rating:
- 4.5 Stars
- 1,019 Reviews
Promising Review:
Great for Flat wide large (13) feet! highly recommend
New Balance 928V3
Rating:
- 4.6 Stars
- 3,665 Reviews
Promising Review:
Yes, ladies and gentlemen, these shoes are as advertised and are exactly as expected. They are comfortable and wear nicely. This is my second pair and obviously, I wouldn’t buy another if they weren’t up to snuff.
I’m fat and my knees hurt and I have crappy arches and these shoes are my go-to for comfort and support. I wear a pair to work every day.
Saucony Echelon 3
Rating:
- 4.3 Stars
- 174 Reviews
Promising Review:
I’ve bought at least 4 pairs of these, which I use for fast long distance walking. Regular width is perfect fit or my feet which are wide across toes but narrow at heal. Very stable. I’ve had a problem in the past with my ankles rolling out. Not once with these shoes.
Merrell Moab 2 Hiking Shoe
Rating:
- 4.5 Stars
- 10,130 Reviews
Promising Review:
Finally found a Merrell shoe I like! Their designs and colors have always been a put off to me. But this pair in the dark gray, I really like a lot.
I wear these all the time and they have good arch support and are comfortable to walk around in. Plus they are waterproof and perfect to wear during winter in Chicago.
Mizuno Wave Inspire 16
Rating:
- 4.6 Stars
- 2,636 Reviews
Promising Review:
This is my third pair of these sneakers. They are high quality and fit my feet well. Will continue to buy this brand and style until they stop making them.
– Brian
Saucony Cohesion 13
Rating:
- 4.6 Stars
- 4,462 Reviews
Promising Review:
I started developing foot pain from walking and I suspected it was the shoes that I was wearing because they kind of started feeling uncomfortable.
When I got these, I did one of my weekly walks and it was really comfortable. After a couple of weeks, my pain has finally subsided and has not come back at all. My walks are finally painless once again. Would definitely recommend.
– Omnio
New Balance Fresh Foam More V3
Rating:
- 4.5 Stars
- 157 Reviews
Promising Review:
They are very comfortable for my wide feet. Wish the toe box was a little bit roomier vertically for my toes to wiggle, but overall totally worth the money.
I would recommend these, especially if you have wide feet or like wearing thicker socks and need more space.
Asics Gel-Nimbus 24
Rating:
- 4.5 Stars
- 1,002 Reviews
Promising Review:
Bought a pair more than a month ago to try and help with my plantar fasciitis with excellent results.
Rather than having to give up the gym and my five kilometer walks I am now doing that and more.
Even on sale they are expensive, but how do you put a price on something that works?
Hoka One One Arahi 6
Rating:
- 4.4 Stars
- 60 Reviews
Promising Review:
I don’t know what I’ve been waiting for. Hoka’s are legit. Won’t buy another athletic shoe.
Best Running Shoes for Overweight Men ↓
Hoka One One Gaviota 3
Rating:
- 4.3 Stars
- 111 Reviews
Advantages:
Described as “plushness on steroids,” this iteration of the Gaviota has 2mm more cushioning than its predecessor to keep your feet comfy on long runs.
The best option for bigger runners, it boasts maximum stability and support thanks to special patented technology specifically designed to prevent overpronation.
While they’re a little pricey, this brand is known for its premium materials and unique engineering, so it’s worth shelling out the extra cash if you’ve got it.
Promising Review:
Fantastic shoe for plantar fasciitis! Recommended by my marathon-winning PT and a great local running shoe store. Strongly recommend this shoe.
I am a woman with a wide toe box, and so the men’s sizing works great. Plan to get two more pairs for when these wear out.
Mizuno Wave Rider 25
Rating:
- 4.6 Stars
- 806 Reviews
Advantages:
Named for its unique technology, this shoe’s coolest feature is the proprietary Wave Plate that transfers the shock of each foot strike across the whole shoe for a smooth, comfortable ride that’s easy on the joints.
What’s more, both the breathable mesh upper (a bonus for big guys who overheat) and carbon rubber outsole are super durable, so you can clock hundreds of miles in these bad boys before replacing them.
And the materials are eco-friendly to boot!
Promising Review:
The Wave Rider’s are my go to shoe when it comes to running! The materials are top notch, as well as the assembly of the shoe itself. The Wave technology adds just enough extra support, but without it feeling unnatural.
I, a 235 LB runner, can get about 350 miles out of these shoes before the support starts to break down.
Brooks Dyad 11
Rating:
- 4.7 Stars
- 971 Reviews
Advantages:
Overweight runners will appreciate the stability and roomy forefoot of the Brooks Dyad 11, especially if their feet are slightly wide or tend to swell.
An excellent choice for anyone with knee problems, these shoes have an EVA midsole (aka memory foam) that adapts to your weight and stride, providing ultimate cushioning and support for your joints.
They also have removable insoles to accommodate orthotics.
Promising Review:
Dyad 11 is easy to slide on your feet without untying the laces.
I am 79 years old and walk 10,000 steps a day minimum so easy to remove shoe with arch support and stable ankle support is a must.The shoe is very lightweight and it breathes well your feet don’t sweat.
– Turbo
More Great Running Shoes for Overweight Men ↓
Nike Men’s Race Running Shoe
Rating:
- 4.5 Stars
- 3,088 Reviews
Promising Review:
Shoe has a lot of bounce when you put your heel to the ground, cushions nicely. You do NOT need shoe inserts for this shoe. It has its own under-foot support.
Nike Men’s Free RN Flyknit
Rating:
- 4.6 Stars
- 2,973 Reviews
Promising Review:
These shoes are absolutely fantastic. Lightweight, breathable, supportive, responsive — they literally embody all the best qualities one could hope for in a sneaker.
I’ve been wearing them for over a year now as go-to running shoes and also as my daily sneakers, and they have held up wonderfully.
Brooks Beast 20
Rating:
- 4.6 Stars
- 4,463 Reviews
Promising Review:
Great for support, especially recommended for bigger men/women needing better support, is also highly recommended by Podiatrist for helping relieve Plantar Fasciitis
I use them for walking, running and at times for just kicking around….great support
Asics Men’s GT-2000 9
Rating:
- 4.6 Stars
- 3,465 Reviews
Promising Review:
I’ve only had the shoes for a week but after the first day of wearing them I ordered a second pair. The support seems really good and very comfortable walking around.
I usually wear a size 10 but after reading several reviews of these running small I went with a 10.5. Glad I did because the 10.5 fits perfectly.
– Steve
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 21
Rating:
- 4.7 Stars
- 11,194 Reviews
Promising Review:
This is my 3rd pair of Brooks Adrenaline 21 shoes. They are my “go-to” for running and I get 350 – 400 miles per pair. The toe box is big which is how I like it (13 miles with my toes squished is no fun).
I can tell these have guide rails which keep me stable and my form proper. Additionally the tread is just slightly aggressive which is useful for when I’m on a trail or running through the random ditch.
More Great Men’s Shoe Styles for Overweight Men ↓
Best Cross Training Shoes for Overweight Men ↓
Nike Reax 8 TR
Rating:
- 4.3 Stars
- 1,804 Reviews
Advantages:
Designed for versatility, the Nike Reax 8 TR’s incredibly responsive cushioning reacts to every step, for a bouncy, lightweight feel whether you’re hitting the gym or the grocery store.
While they’ve earned mostly great reviews, some customers warned that the toe box is a bit narrow, so you may want to size up.
Promising Review:
Feels like you’re not even wearing a shoe at all. Very comfortable and light. Buy these! Your feet will thank you.
– Darryl
Best Lifestyle Shoes for Overweight Men ↓
Wolf and Shepherd SwiftKnit Derby
Rating:
- 4.8 Stars
- 1,618 Reviews
Advantages:
If you want a shoe that feels like a sneaker but looks snazzier, the Wolf and Shepherd SwiftKnit Derby is the perfect choice.
With a mesh upper made from recycled materials and removable memory foam insole, they’re incredibly lightweight, breathable, and comfortable.
(Our founder liked them so much, he did an in-depth review of them!)
A quick note about fit: Like most dress shoe styles they have a refined toe box, so you may need to go up a size to find the right size for you.
Promising Review:
It has been great. These shoes have been great for travel and being on my feet all day. I feel fashion confident when I wear them.
– Naji S.
Best Tennis Shoes for Overweight Men ↓
Adidas Adizero Ubersonic 3
Rating:
- 4.4 Stars
- 51 Reviews
Advantages:
This generation of the Adidas Adizero Ubersonic is designed with a roomier toe box to accommodate larger athletes.
Offering excellent cushioning and lateral support, the full-length midsole delivers the bounce and energy return you’d want from a good tennis shoe, while the molded sock liner provides a snug fit in all the right places.
Promising Review:
I love the Ubersonic 3’s because the are light and comfortable. The soles wear out a bit quickly, that is a trade off with light shoes.
– Mike
Best Dress Shoes for Overweight Men ↓
Amberjack Originals
Rating:
- 4.8 Stars
- 1,160 Reviews
Advantages:
Admittedly, these are very different shoes from the rest of our list, but big dudes need comfortable dress shoes as much as the next guy, am I right?
Built for comfort as much as style, these leather shoes have heat-activated foam that forms to the arches of your feet, along with dual-density outsoles that are both flexible and strong.
Plus, the material is made from grade-A hides — not synthetic leather.
Promising Review:
I love the way these shoes feel and look. I was looking for something in between a formal dress shoe and sneakers, and these shoes fit the bill perfectly!
– Paul DeVeau
FAQ
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Geoff Hayes
Geoff Hayes is a Toronto-based writer, baseball fan and craft beer aficionado (though not always in that order).
The Recap ↓
Summary
The Skechers Max Cushioning Premier offers a responsive midsole cushioning system, a moisture-wicking insole that provides shock absorption, and a bouncy rubber outsole that acts as an extra cushion.