8 Best Running Shoes for Overweight Women in 2024
Different body types have different needs, which is why learning about the best running shoes for overweight women is so important.
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The HOKA ONE ONE Clifton 9 is a favored option among both recreational and professional heavyset runners seeking top performance from their footwear.
There’s a common misconception that we all run exactly the same way. In reality, this couldn’t be further from the truth. There are a lot of differences between people when it comes to running, including impact on joints, the support the arch needs, and even weight distribution. These factors are amplified for overweight women, so the choice of running shoes is more than just about comfort; it’s about long-term health.
When the feet strike the ground, the pressure exerted is much greater for those that carry a bit of extra weight. This is where good shoes come in. With the right shoes, feet are able to handle the extra force without compromising comfort or performance.
Top 8 Best Running Shoes for Overweight Women Reviewed
- HOKA ONE ONE 9 – Top pick
- Brooks Women’s Glyceryn StealthFit
- Saucony Peregrine 13
- Asics Women’s Gel-Contend – Best Budget
- Brooks Ariel GTS 23
- Adidas Solarglide 5
- Altra Paradigm 6
- Nike ZoomX Invincible 2
But how can you find such shoes? What are the best athletic shoes for overweight females? That’s where this article comes in. Read on, because we have incredible pairs of shoes to introduce you to!
In the hunt for the best running shoes for overweight women, our team of expert runners, athletes, and trainers tested 18 pairs of shoes, rating them on 7 key elements such as comfort and fit, breathability, material, flexibility, cushioning, support and stability, and value for money. We also kept an eye on what the online world had to say. Only 8 pairs of shoes passed our test and made it to this list. Total time spent on testing and analyzing them? 81 hours. We’re pretty confident you’ll land on something great here and find the shoes that will match you perfectly. If you feel like adding your two cents to this subject, feel free to share anything you have to say in the comments section!
| Product | Expert Score | Comfort and Fit | Breathability | Material | Flexibility | Cushioning | Support and Stability | Value for Money |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HOKA ONE ONE 9 | 4.9 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 4.9 |
| Brooks Glycerin StealthFit | 4.9 | 5.0 | 4.9 | 4.9 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Saucony Peregrine 13 | 4.8 | 4.9 | 4.7 | 4.8 | 4.8 | 4.9 | 4.8 | 4.7 |
| Asics Women’s Gel-Contend | 4.7 | 4.7 | 4.8 | 4.7 | 4.7 | 4.8 | 4.8 | 5.0 |
| Brooks Ariel GTS 23 | 4.6 | 4.7 | 4.6 | 4.7 | 4.6 | 4.8 | 4.7 | 4.5 |
| Adidas Solarglide 5 | 4.6 | 4.7 | 4.6 | 4.7 | 4.7 | 4.6 | 4.7 | 4.5 |
| Altra Paradigm 6 | 4.4 | 4.6 | 4.5 | 4.4 | 4.3 | 4.6 | 4.5 | 4.2 |
| Nike ZoomX Invincible 2 | 4.3 | 4.5 | 4.4 | 4.1 | 4.2 | 4.4 | 4.3 | 4.1 |
1. Vıolet HOKA ONE ONE Clifton 9
Top Pick
Running Shoes HOKA ONE ONE Clifton 9 delivers exceptional cushioning and stability, ensuring a comfortable run for all levels.
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The best running shoes for heavy women come from Hoka One One 9, which is a brand known for comfortable, quality running shoes that provide great support and shock absorption. If you want to feel like you have clouds under your feet while you’re running, these are the closest things you will find.
With 16 colors available, you’re sure to find a pair that fits your style. These sneakers have a rubber sole that is long-lasting and provides excellent traction. They also have a knit upper with seamless synthetic overlays. The upper is very breathable, so your foot won’t overheat during your run. The ventilation also prevents moisture buildup, which plays a big part in preventing odors and bacteria growth.
The inner has a breathable textile lining and is very comfortable. Meanwhile, the insole is removable and foam-padded, so there’s another layer of cushioning and support.
HOKAs are known for their shock absorption. The full-length EVA midsole is designed to effectively absorb shock and reduce the strain on your feet and joints during high-impact activities such as running. This combination will make your feet feel like they’re on clouds, which is rare to find if you’re overweight.
These shoes are designed with a wider fit and have neutral support, so if you have wide feet or like some extra room for your toes, you’ll appreciate the fit. The wider fit may not work for everyone, but it plays a huge part in making larger feet feel fully comfortable.
- Material: Rubber sole, knit upper, EVA foam midsole
- Cushioning: Foam padded
- Wide toe-boxes: Available
- Stability: Durabrasion rubber outsole with 4mm stepped rubber lugs for grip
- Size: 5-12
- Price/Quality: Expensive
- Recommended by athletes: Isabella Latuso, Nicole Jordan
The one major downfall of these shoes is the price. If budget is your priority, you may want to check out another option. Aside from that, these are the best running shoes for overweight women that we have reviewed.
Pros:
- Removable insole
- Excellent traction
- Comfortable inner lining
- 16 colors available
Cons:
- The most expensive pair on the list
- The padding feels a bit chunky
2. Women’s Shoes Brooks StealthFit Glyceryn
Brooks Women’s Glyceryn StealthFit
The Brooks for runners with overweight, Glycerin Stealthfit 20 offers a secure fit, ensuring ample support and control for runners of all levels.
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If you’ve worn the Glycerin before, you know how soft they are. This is an updated version that has maintained the softness that sets them apart from the competition, but with a new look and feel.
If you like running on different surfaces, then the grippy rubber sole on these shoes is a great feature. But what stands out the most is the nitrogen-infused cushioning. This is an innovative technology that offers a lot of plush comfort, but still remains lightweight, responsive, and durable. Overweight runners need a bit of extra support, but they need ti without the added weight the cushioning usually has, so this innovative type of shock absorption is exceptional.
The construction of the latest model has been updated, making this the best Glyceryn thus far. Brooks recently introduced StealthFit, which provides an adaptable, closer fit with a Fit Knit upper. This structure is seamless, breathable, and adapts to the movements of your feet. The downside is that the shoes are a bit of a pain to put on because the elastic is quite tight. Still, the extra few seconds are worth it, because once you get them on, you won’t want to take them off.
- Material: Rubber sole, knit upper
- Cushioning: Nitrogen-infused DNA LOFT v3, level 3/3
- Wide toe-boxes: No
- Stability: -
- Heel drop: -
- Weight: 238.1 g
- Size: 5-12
- Price/Quality: Good value for money
- Recommended by athletes: Nicole (Brooks running team)
The midsole and outsole have been redesigned and now offer a wider platform, which makes the transitions during your run smoother and it makes the shoes suitable for larger feet. It doesn’t matter if you’re an experienced runner or if you’re just starting out: These plus size running shoes are stable and comfortable enough for any kind of run.
Pros:
- Very soft cushioning
- Adaptable fit
- Smooth transitions
Cons:
- Difficult to put on
- A bit stiff before you break them in
3. Peregrine 13 Saucony Shoes
Saucony Peregrine 13 tailored for heavier runners, offers stability and support. Designed for all levels, this shoe ensures a comfortable and controlled run.
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Saucony has over a century of experience in the world of running. It’s a global brand dedicated to performance, health, and community, and known for delivering top-notch running shoes.
The Peregrine 13 is inspired by the boulders of Saucony Creek and is designed to be a guiding force for anyone wanting a good run.
The rubber sole is durable and has excellent traction, so if you like rugged terrain, these shoes will be good for you. This feature is very important for trail runners, because a solid grip can make all the difference when it comes to stability on uneven surfaces.
The cushioning is lightweight and responsive, and offers great performance. Meanwhile, the shoes’ lightweight feel delivers a speed boost for those who like fast-paced trail runs. If you’re overweight, you want cushioning and comfort without compromising on responsiveness, and that’s exactly what you’re getting here. The cushioning will help you maintain agility and reduce the pressure on your knees and ankles on uneven terrain.
To further enhance your trail running experience, the outsole has a rock guard. This may sound like a gimmick, but it’s actually a very convenient feature. It maximizes traction and grip and can prevent injuries caused by uneven terrain.
- Material: Rubber sole, foam midsole
- Cushioning: PWRRUN
- Wide toe-boxes: Available
- Heel drop: 4 mm
- Weight: 230 g
- Size: 5-12
- Price/Quality: Good value for money
- Recommended by athletes: Johanna Håland, Kate Shephard
Overall, these shoes for overweight ladies provide excellent value and come in quite a few colors. If you get them in yellow, though, be prepared for some sweat stains, because the light color doesn’t do much to mask stains. If that’s something that bothers you, you’ll be happy to know that none of the other colors have this issue.
Pros:
- Ideal for trail running
- Vegan and made of recycled materials
- Rock guard on the outsole
Cons:
- The yellow color shows sweat stains
- The back of the sneaker may rub against your heel
4. Asics Gel-Contend Women’s Running Shoes
Best Budget
Designed for heavyset runners, Asics Women’s Gel-Contend offers robust support and comfort. Ideal for all levels, this shoe ensures a secure and cushioned run.
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Not everyone wants to spend a lot of money on running shoes, and with an option as good as these Asics, why would you? These shoes for overweight runners are proof that you don’t always get what you pay for–sometimes, you get a lot more.
These sneakers offer everything you could want from a pair of running shoes–support, cushioning, and durability, all at a very affordable price.
The gel technology is the best feature, as the cushioning is amazing. It’s great at absorbing impact, lightweight, and soft. Good shock absorption is one of the most important features shoes can have when you’re overweight, and this technology makes the cushioning effective, but without adding too much weight to the shoes. The upper is made of jacquard mesh, which makes the sneakers breathable and keeps your feet cool. The OrthoLite sockliner is another great feature that provides an excellent step-in feel, so your feet land on a nice, cushioned surface with each step.
- Material: Rubber sole, jacquard mesh upper, OrthoLite sockliner
- Cushioning: GEL technology cushioning
- Wide toe-boxes: Available
- Stability: Synthetic stitching for improved support and stability, Gel-Contend technology for improved support
- Size: 5-12
- Price/Quality: Affordable
Another great thing about the gel technology is the flex grooves on the outsole. They enhance the shoes’ flexibility and allow for a more natural range of motion. In addition, the synthetic stitching on the overlays is very even and neat and does a great job at enhancing support.
The fit is a bit off, however, and these running shoes for overweight females run small. Keep that in mind before choosing your size, so you don’t risk buying shoes that you won’t be able to use.
Pros:
- Jacquard mesh upper for breathability
- Comfortable sockliner
- Flex grooves
Cons:
- They run small
- The tongue is too short
5. Brooks Ariel Running Shoes GTS 23
This shoes crafted with the needs of heavier runners in mind and offers superior support and cushioning. Suitable for all levels, this shoe guarantees a comfortable and stable running experience.
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Brooks is synonymous with quality, comfort, and innovation when it comes to running shoes, and the Ariel is a great example of why. It’s certified as a PDAC A5500 diabetic shoe and has been granted the APMA Seal of Acceptance.
These running shoes for an obese woman are designed to meet the needs of people who need maximum support, but who also want a cushioned, comfortable feel. Brooks included the GuideRail support, which offers holistic support that keeps your body moving in a natural way and prevents excess movement.
Like the Glyceryn, the Ariel has nitrogen-infused DNA LOFT v3 technology that makes the cushioning light, long-lasting, and adaptable. It provides great impact absorption with each step and makes your run as comfortable as possible. This is ideal for overweight women whose joints need more protection from impact. Combined with the GuideRail support system, the cushioning will offer support to maintain proper alignment and reduce the stress.
Another great thing about these sneakers is their stability. The linear last construction of the outsole and the midsole provides a decent amount of stability. This is very important for those carrying a little extra weight or those who suffer from overpronation.
The 3D Fit Print technology that Brooks has integrated into the upper makes the sneakers breathable and the fit secure, while also striking a balance between stretch and structure. This means that the shoes will conform to the shape of your foot without feeling stiff.
- Material: Rubber sole
- Cushioning: Nitrogen-infused DNA Loft v3, level 2/3
- Wide toe-boxes: Available in wide and extra-wide
- Stability: Linear last construction of the midsole and outsole
- Weight: 303.3 g
- Size: 6-13
- Price/Quality: Good value for money
The shoe only comes in three colors, so if you like to have a lot of color options, you may be disappointed. But this is a minor drawback for an overall fantastic pair of sneakers.
Pros:
- Maximum support
- Secure but flexible fit
- Available in regular, wide, and extra wide fit
Cons:
- Only 3 colors available
- Not as supportive as the previous Ariel models
