You are probably reading this guide because you weigh more than 200 pounds / 90 kilos. As such, the term “heavy” is very contextual. For example, we can talk about a large frame tread with legs that fit together. Also, low or flat arcs should not be part of the discussion – many heavy runners have regular arcs.
If you are looking for suitable running shoes, you have probably heard the following shopping tips:
“Buy a running shoe with the softest suspension. They are best for heavy runners. “That, or ‘With a hard boot for overpronators you can’t make a mistake.”
Poorly. That’s not good advice.
However, we understand why most people recommend max-soft or motion control shoes. The basic (and disinformation) logic is that slower driving equals better shock absorption. However, this is not true; there is no scientific evidence behind this theory. Too soft a running shoe can do more harm than good at high body weight. Here’s why:
The Uber soft running shoe is not strong for high body weight.
A shoe that supports a 150 lb runner can fit even heavier individuals. If the midsole is not supported, it translates into higher working pressure for the body.
At each stage of the walking cycle, the body must work hard to compensate for the unstable shoe. This increases the likelihood of injury.
Excessive softness in the midsole can cause the shoe to slip.
The Asics Nimbus 17 is a perfect example of action. The midsole is so soft that it drops even when you weigh 150 pounds, and the characteristics of the sole are felt during the run.
Extremely soft shoes lead to a big difference between static and dynamic heel drops. An often overlooked aspect is that there can be a huge difference between heel printing and the dynamic offset of ultra-soft running shoes. Heel offset is the difference between the height of the heel midsole and the front of the foot, and brands regularly report this number. For many shoe enthusiasts, this number is a factor that affects the purchase of running shoes. Read for more information Best Running Shoes For Heavy Men
However, a static whole drop should be obtained with a large pinch of salt. When fully charged, the actual displacement of the heel of the shoe may differ from the static drop.
Shoes with a solid midsole prevent this difference.
Running in a very soft shoe will result in a lower heel incline than expected; especially if the impact load is in multiples of 200 pounds.
Depending on how soft the midsole is, the ’10 mm ‘drop will be shifted by 4 mm during the run. If you are not used to running in low-heeled shoes, it can tighten the Achilles or calf muscles.
The super-soft suspension has a short life. In addition to newer materials such as Adidas Boost, Saucony Pwrrun PB, or Nike ZoomX, the EVA foam midsole is likely to lose its suspension after several hundred kilometers. A heavy runner using shoes made of soft EVA foam is likely to get tired more easily than a light runner.
We still paint super-soft running shoes in low light, but there are exceptions. Some new generation foam shoes can be very soft but durable with an acceptable level of durability.
That’s why the Nike ZoomX Invincible is on this list. It is a very soft shoe, but its ultra-wide PEBA foam midsole lasts longer than the similar properties of EVA foam. As such, the Invincible is best suited for fast sailing.
In short, strong and durable runners are better for heavy runners.
Traditional “strength” shoes can achieve the opposite effect
The usual sturdy shoes have a firm inner midsole and a soft outer sole. Although this design reduces the inner rollers of the foot, it is at the expense of preloading the midsole. Bodyweight will go the path of least resistance and lateral security.
Not all “power” shoes need to be sturdy. That’s why the Asics Kayano Lite 2 appears here instead of the media-based Kayano 28.
Subtlety and exaltation are often used interchangeably. But cushioning – defined as the free ability to protect the foot from impact forces – is also present in stronger shoes. So it is important to buy shoes that are still reinforced; a species that can safely handle a bodyweight of 200+ lb per hundred miles.
There are many cushioning and support running shoes available, but biting through the confusing variety of products is a problem.
To help find the find, we put together more than a dozen running shoes. This buyer’s guide is far from complete, but it’s a good place to start. These include casual sneakers, heavy-duty shoes, running shoes, and racing shoes.
1) Asics Kayano Lite 2
Here, the Asics shoe is available for heavier people – Kayano Lite 2. Despite the shared name of the multi-generation Kayano, the two shoes are not the same.
Kayano Lite 2 does not owe its support when riding to a thicker media column or the middle part of the foot, but to a wide and robust midsole.
