Best Athletic Shoes for Overweight Females
When shopping for athletic shoes as an overweight female, you’ll find store representatives who suggest soft shoes with enough cushioning. Their reason is that these shoes have impact protection, which is great for your weight and knees.
However, you’ll find that some athletic shoes with extra soft cushioning tend to be unstable when running. Your musculoskeletal system might end up overcompensating which could lead to injuries. The right shoes should have moderate cushioning to reduce the impact of running and should be durable.
Our comprehensive guide explores some of the best athletic shoes for overweight women. We also list some tips on what to look for when buying athletic shoes and some practical running tips for heavy runners.
Top 6 Athletic Shoes For the Overweight Female
Some of our top picks include:
1. Mizuno Women’s Wave Rider 23 Waveknit
- Inspired by our Iconic wave technology, Mizuno introduces the 2nd WAVEKNIT. With wave construction as it’s base, WAVEKNIT provides a natural and dynamic fit through stretch and hold abilities
- Waveknit upper design stretches and moves with your foot like no other knit running shoe out there while remaining breathable and cool
- Mizuno WAVE: Wave sets the standard for running shoe technologies. Given that it less reliant on midsole foam due to wave technology your last mile in the rider should feel as great as the first
- U4ic Midsole provides optimal shock attenuation, durability and a superior ride
The Mizuno Wave Rider 23 Waveknit Running Shoe For Women is ranked as one of the best athletic shoes for any heel striker female due to its wave plate technology that’s embedded on the heel of the outsole. Unlike the Wave Rider 22, the Mizuno Rider 23 has a unique design, with the upper part made from dual layers of engineered mesh for breathability.
There’s a small toe cap at the upper edge to prevent injuries you might sustain from items hitting your toe. The pair also comes with a removable insole that’s well padded to deliver good cushioning.
Its U41C foam provides extra cushioning in the heel, while the plastic Pebax wave rider plate reduces any impact and shock you might get when you land on a hard surface. Heel strikers will love the rider plate as it delivers an extra push.
With the outsole, you get X10 rubber for mileage and the forefoot outsole is fitted with blown rubber for extra flexibility. The pair is available from sizes 6-12 wide and comes in six color varieties.
Pros
- Breathable upper mesh
- Has soft cushioning in the heel
- Delivers excellent flexibility
- Provides wave knit plate protection for heel strikers
Cons
- Some users found that the shoe may run a half size small
2. Brooks Women’s Addiction Walker
- MAXIMUM SUPPORT: Our Extended Progressive Diagonal Rollbar (PDRB) is a support system for your entire body, guiding and keeping your body in its natural path of motion. This Brooks style is a certified PDAC A5500 Diabetic shoe and has been granted the APMA Seal of Acceptance.
- SLIP-RESISTANT: An innovative outsole that’s been certified (SATRA TM144:2011) for slip resistance provides excellent traction.
- SOFT CUSHIONING: BioMoGo DNA adapts to your stride, weight and speed, to make every step comfortable and reduce impact on your joints.
- LONG-LASTING: Both comfortable and durable, this shoe with a full-grain leather upper will be a staple to your wardrobe.
Brooks is a renowned quality sport shoe brand, and the Women’s Addiction Walker proves to be a must-have for any overweight lady.
Specially designed for beginner runners, Brook’s Addiction shoe features improved comfort technology that makes it easy to run without discomfort.
Moreover, the pair works perfectly for any woman with a high arch as its design hugs the outline of your foot to ensure you’re comfortable and able to achieve a steady gait. You also get a secure fit thanks to the laces.
Pros
- Provides optimal support and stability
- Suitable for secured running
- Designed for comfort to prevent injuries
Cons
- Expensive
3. Brooks Dyad Women’s Running Shoe
- THIS WOMEN’S SHOE IS FOR: The Dyad 11 is perfect for runners who want a secure fit and a stable feel. Runners with slightly wider feet will also appreciate extra room in the forefoot. This Brooks Dyad 11 is a certified PDAC A5500 Diabetic shoe and has been granted the APMA Seal of Acceptance.
- SUPER-SOFT CUSHIONING: BioMoGo DNA, our proprietary cushioning, adapts to your stride, weight and speed. Why? So it can help protect you by reducing impact on your joints.
- GENEROUS FIT: Sometimes you need a little extra room to move around in. So if you need a roomier shoe because of flat or voluminous feet, your search is over.
The Brooks Dyad Women’s Running Shoe is designed to deliver a stable feel and secure fit. If you are an overweight woman who appreciates extra room in the forefoot, you’ll love this pair as it gives runners with slightly wider feet enough room to move around. Although it’s airy and light on the feet, the pair has excellent cushioning that allows you to bank back from heel strike to toe-off effortlessly.
Another impressive feature is the blown rubber outsole that’s durable, but also lightweight. Its segmented crash pad absorbs impact on your feet, which also ensures your feet stay fresh without affecting your joints.
Fitted with BioMoGo DNA, the Brooks Dyad Running Shoe allows the shoe to adapt to your gait and delivers fantastic cushioning for your stride. You can remove the foam insole and insert your preferred orthotic when you need to. The Brooks Dyad running shoe also comes with a sock liner that provides a plush in-shoe feel and extra cushioning.
Pros
- Comes with dual stability arch pods
- Provides a plush fit and soft cushioning
- Delivers a stable feel and a secure fit
Cons
- Some previous users found the shoe to be narrow
4. Saucony Guide 10 Women Running Shoe
- Removable insole
Comfort and stability are aspects you cannot overlook when shopping for the best athletic shoes for overweight women. The Saucony Guide 10 Women’s Running Shoe has moisture-wicking run-dry lining and engineered mesh that absorbs sweat and ensures you’re comfortable when running. You can enjoy the added flexibility in the upper as the shoe is designed to deliver a personalized fit.
Made with the Ever run technology, the top sole is guaranteed to deliver comfort and better cushioning. The shoe’s SSL EVA foam midsole ensures you don’t have to deal with the impact on your feet as it provides shock absorption.
The outsole has soft rubber that blends with a Tri-flex design and carbon rubber to deliver excellent stability and durability. Enjoy better grip and traction with the chevron-shaped lugs fitted on the forefoot area of the outsole. Saucony Guide 10 Women’s Running Shoe is available in seven color varieties and has sizes that range from six to eleven wide.
Pros
- Breathable upper fabric for added comfort
- Lightweight and stylish design
- Comfortable and supports overpronation
Cons
- Some users felt that the toe box was narrow
5. New Balance Women’s 1080 Running Shoes
- Cushioned Running Shoes for Every Runner: Part of the Fresh Foam X collection, these shoes use our latest advancements in data to design to deliver precise plushness exactly where you need it
- Support and Durability: This shoe features a Hypoknit upper designed to provide strategic areas of stretch and support, in addition to a blown rubber outsole for impressive durability
- Perfect Fit: These comfortable running shoes include a bootie upper construction and an Ultra Heel design, both of which hug the back of the foot for a snug, supportive fit
Featuring a thick midsole that’s also shock-absorbent, the New Balance Fresh Foam Running Shoes are perfect for any overweight lady looking for a comfortable athletic shoe. Its upper section stretches around your feet thanks to the bootie upper construction.
That ensures the shoe provides ample comfort when running. You’ll love the ultra heel design that supports your heel while contributing to a snug fit.
The New Balance 1080’s midsole has foam for lightweight, yet soft cushioning as you run. Additionally, the outer sole has blown rubber that makes this shoe durable. it also provides extra traction and grip when running on dry or wet trails.
Pros
- Impressive shock and hard impact resistance
- Suitable for wide feet
- Has a breathable upper and is lightweight
- Well-cushioned for maximum support and stability
Cons
- A few users felt that the laces untie often
6. Hoka One One Bondi Running Shoe For Women
If you’re looking for a shoe that provides excellent traction and cushioning for overweight women, you should check out the Hoka One One Women’s Running Shoe. The shoe has an upper leather material that is also water-resistant, a feature that works best for both rainy and sunny days.
Its external thermo-plastic urethane heel counter locks the feet and allows for breathability. Enjoy a secure fit thanks to the laser closure, while the extra padding guarantees comfort while running or walking.
Similar to most athletic shoes, Hoka has a comfortable removable footbed. You can always replace the orthotics later on for a customized fit.
The midsole has 2.5 times more EVA foam than a regular running shoe. It’s also oversized to prevent the impact of overweight women. You can enjoy a stable feel as your arch is dully supported to prevent injuries.
Its rubber outsole delivers better traction and extra grip for heavy runners. Previous users found the outsole to be durable over time. The shoe has seven color varieties and comes in sizes 6.5-11 wide.
Pros
- Durable and breathable material
- Delivers impressive grip and traction
- Provides fantastic stability on any surface
- Fitted with extra cushioning for stability and flexibility
Cons
- Costly for those on a budget
Buyers Guide: What to Look For in the Best Athletic Shoes for Women.
Finding athletic shoes doesn’t have to be tedious when you are a heavy runner or a lady who loves staying fit and going for regular walks.
How Does Being Overweight Affect Your Feet?
Being overweight has a huge effect on the arch of your foot that tends to carry the extra load. Forcing too much weight on the feet means that your muscles, ligaments, and tendons that hold up the arches become weak and stretched out over time.
Failure to rectify this issue may lead to your joints and bones collapsing, leading to pain on the arches. You may also experience intense lower back pain. It’s advisable to wear shoes that provide ample support to your feet.
Choose shoes that provide stability to your feet to reduce overpronation and lower the risk of ankle and knee injuries. Here are some factors to consider when shopping for the best athletic shoes.
Fit
A good shoe should have a secure upper fit. The interior should secure your fit and contribute to the overall stability You’ll find that a sloppy upper fit affects stability, and you may end up wobbling when running.
Additionally, a good fitting shoe helps you avoid foot pain and other related injuries. You should get a shoe based on your type of feet and comfort needs.
Foam Midsoles
As a heavy runner, you need a shoe with superior cushioning retention and delivery. Although you’ll find some EVA foam midsole shoes, experts advise going for non-EVA foam midsoles like PEBA or polyurethane.
That’s because they provide better cushioning delivery for overweight females. Technologies like Reebok Floatride Energy, Brooks DNA AMP, and Nike React boast fantastic cushioning over time.
Breathability
The best running shoes for overweight females should have enough airflow when running. Choose shoes with mesh material as they are lightweight and breathable. You won’t have to worry about excessive sweating while running.
Design
Athletic shoes are available in different designs. Find a pair that allows for foot expansion and is flexible to run in for an extended period. Some shoes also have removable insoles, which makes it easy to replace them or get some that will improve your foot support.
A shoe with arch support works best for women with both flat or fallen arches. Furthermore, shoes with better arch support lead to better performance and translate to less fatigue.
Running Tips For Overweight Women
The way you run as an overweight person is similar to people who aren’t overweight. However, if you are heavy and new to running, you could use some tips to get started.
Running is an excellent way to build endurance, improve your fitness, and lose weight if that’s your ultimate goal. Here are some essential tips to have in mind.
Confirm With Your Doctor if You’re Clear to Run
You should check with your doctor if you’re cleared to run. Have your doctor assess your plan and advise on potential health risks. Your doctor will explain if any pre-existing conditions could impact your running ability.
Sometimes the doctor may consider certain health risks and advise against running. You can then discuss what fitness goals you need to reach before getting started on a running program.
Wear the Right Running Gear
Always wear the right running gear when going out for a run. Look for compression tights or shorts to reduce chafing. Your shoes should also be comfortable, but also give you a good combination of cushioning and support.
Use the Proper Form
You should practice running with the proper form to reduce the risk of injury. Ensure that your back is straight and that your shoulders are in a natural position and not slanted forward.
Your head should face up and you should avoid staring at your feet when running. As you progress and get tired, check if you’re leaning backward or forwards from your waist and change the position.
Working with a coach can help you learn how to use the proper form and how to make changes to get it right. Additionally, a coach will advise you on the best time to increase mileage or fasten your pace once you enroll in a personalized training program.
Use the Run/Walk Interval to Build Mileage
As a beginner, focus on building your mileage by taking regular walking breaks. The run/walk intervals will enhance your performance and could contribute to a faster pace.
Be Realistic With Your Goals
Don’t start running and expect to hit a three-mile race on your first week, Start by setting small, but achievable goals. You could run for five minutes, walk or rest, before running half a mile.
Having realistic expectations and setting achievable goals will keep you motivated to keep going.
