Best Running Shoes for Heavy Runners of 2021
Cushioned running shoes is for runners who are looking for more comfortable, cushioning and stability than your normal running shoes. These are padded and more comfort, which are what heavy runners always love to use.
Heavy runners who uses cushioned running shoes usually have high arches, a rigit foot which has a tendency to supinate. Runners who have neutral foot strike finds the cushioned runing shoe a best choice for comfort and flexiblity. If you have high arches, and wanted to try comfort in your run, you should try a cushioned running shoes.
Cushioned running shoes have padding in the soles that provide support for the arch, though not really designed for heavy runners who overpronate. These shoes are designed for runners who have rigit or under pronators, which often runs on pavement. These cushioned shoes provides stability, and keeping your feet secure to reduce the likelyhood of injury.
There are things that you should consider when you are looking to buy a cushioned running shoes, you have to asses your gait, foot placement and pronation. Having a comfortable running should be important too, you will be running in them for quite some time. Make sure you know the requirements you need in order to save yourself from injury, and have a strict running routine.
Let’s check out the shoes that offers the best cushioned running shoes in the market for 2021.
Mizuno Wave Rider 19
Mizuno Wave Rider will help you reduce the impact when you hit the pavement, and it will also help you redirect your foot strikes as well, this is why most runnings prefers Mizuno running shoes. If you are looking for a great combination of neutral and cushion running shoes, this is the one.
Pros
- Durable
- Upper has a great wrap-around feel on your feet
- Outsole is well-built
- Responsive
Cons
- Heel area was a bit loose
- Mid-sole has some issues with other runners
Brooks Glycerin
Brooks Glycerin is one of the best cushioned running shoes today, even though some runners consider them too soft, most runners prefers to run with this shoe. Glycerin offes a very high arch when you bounce, if you need this feature, make sure you grab this running shoe. It can also be used to long training routines or in different terrain, avoid muddy area though.
Pros
- Comfortable to wear, even on a daily
- Durable
- Platform can help prevent knee and muscle aches
- Best for pavement runs
Cons
- Outsole is not the best on wet terrains
- Has a narrow fit
Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 33
Nike always release running shoes that has different features for different needs, their best selling running shoe is the Nike Air Pegasus. It offers support, stability, has a Flywire feature that locks your foot and offers a ton of cushioning that helps reduce the impact.
Pros
- Comfortable
- Cheaper than other competitor
- Has a great traction
Cons
- Has a narrow toe box, according to some runners
- A little bit heavier than its predecessors
Asics Nimbus 18
Asics has received high remarks in their cushioned running shoes from runners community, their running shoes are comfortable, secures and protects your foot during your run. It has a smooth upper and Gel Cushioning feature.
Pros
- Gel Cushioning is a great feature loved by many runners
- Cushioning is responsive and light
- Upper is breathable
Cons
- Some runners felt a tight fit
- Toe box is kind of narrow to some
- Not durable enough
Adidas Response Cushion
The Adidas Response Cushion is a very lightweight running shoe that can take a beather without giving you a fatique. Many runners love the responsive and lightweight of this running shoe, and the durability if offer.
Pros
- Has a pillow-like cushioning
- Great day to day shoes
- Durability is being commended by some runners
Cons
- Cheap running shoe
- Some runners didn’t like the shiny colors
- Order one size larger
Altra Olympus 2.0
The Altra Olympus is a great stable and has a light midsole under foot, it also has a zero drop with a wide toe box. The Olympus 2.0 features a Vibram MegaGrip outsole, which gives a superb traction on any terrain you will encounter.
Pros
- Very light
- Has a great traction, comfort and stability
- Features a Natural Ride System for more natural foot motion
Cons
- Expensive
- Not durable
- Some runners has heel slippage due to the lack of additional heel support
Hoka One One Vangquish 2
The Hoka One One Vanquish provides great cushioning for impact protection. Some runners also uses this shoe for daily running, walking and long distance running.
Pros
- Durable
- Has more cushioning than its previous version
- Breathable upper
Cons
- Expensive
- Has a narrow toe box
New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 V6
New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 is a premium neutral cushiong running shoe, it provides a secure-fit interior and a soft upper mesh. This shoe will give you a feeling of comfort and security when you are running, some runners prefer to use this shoe for long distance running.
Pros
- Will keep you comfortable
- Has a lot of room in the toe box area
- Efficient cushiong
Cons
- Some stitches are too hard
- Expensive running shoes
- Too light to some runners
Nike Free RN Distance
The new Nike Free RN Distance features a neutral cushioned shoe, it is flexible and comfortable. The soft mesh upper and the secure-fit will really help you in your running.
Pros
- Some runners use this as daily shoe
- Midsole is well cushioned
- Flexible
Cons
- Outsole is not flexible
- Half size smaller than the usual sizing
Saucony Triumph ISO 2
Saucony Triump ISO 2 offers three times longer than their standard EVA foams, which means more energy return on each run. Saucony Triump has strobel board underneath your sockliner, which enhances your run. It also provides a 8mm heel to toe drop, and only weights 10.8 oz.
Pros
- RUNDRY materials will keep you comfortable
- Roomy toe box area
- Responsive underfoot support and shock absorption
Cons
- This shoe is expensive
- Some runners think the forefoot area is a bit narrow
- Order one size smaller than the usual
Saucony Kinvara 7
Saucony Kinvara 7 is a lightweight neutral running shoe, now with new Everun foam in the heel area adding durability on the outsoles.
Pros
- Breathable and comfortable upper
- Durable outsole
- EVERUN Heel insert returns energy to the runner when heel striking
Cons
- A bit tight in the mid-foot area
- Fit is one size smaller
- Some runners mentioned the midsole isn’t that comfortable
Under Armour Fat Tire GTX
Under Armour created an all terrain running shoes, it is waterproof and has two layers of soft foam and a Michelin rubber compound. You’ll find this great if you love neutral running shoes, despite its unique components.
Pros
- Uses textile and foam for snug wrap feel
- Features a GORE-TEX waterproof upper
- Boa lacing system for easy adjusting the laces
Cons
- This is a heavy running shoe
- Very expensive
- Outsole squeks a lot, according to some runners
Hoka One One Bondi 4
The Hoka One One Bondi 4 offers a smooth and cushion during your run, the construction and technology used will provide more responsive, support and comfort. This shoe was designed for road running, though it can be used for a little dirt action.
Pros
- Air Mesh upper gives a breathable feel
- Some runners commented on its comfort
- Delivers comfort and security
Cons
- Outsole is not durable
- Toe area are bit narrow for most runners
- Lack arch support
Brooks Transcend 2
The Brooks Transcend 2 has a ton of cushioning, their second edition is more functional and softer than its previous version. Has a smoother heel-impact flow and beveled heel.
Pros
- Extremely comfortable for day to day use
- Offers great support and stability
- Cushioning is soft and responsive
Cons
- Very expensive running shoe
- A bit heavy to some runners
Saucony ProGrid Triumph
The Saucony ProGrid Triump gives more cushiong in your midfoot without adding weight or hindering your speed. It is also made of breathable material which is geat for neutral running shoe.
Pros
- Comfortable for long runs
- Gives awesome support and cushioning
Cons
- Expensive running shoe
- Some runners are concerned of too much cushioning on the shoe
Find Out The Best Running Shoes for Heavy Runners
How Does Your Feet Move?
First, observe yourself when you are moving or running and list them down or at least remember them;
- Neutral movement: Feet that turn inward slightly as they hit the ground, also called pronation.
- Overpronation: Feet that rolls too far inward, the arches collapse and provide no support. Overpronators usually have low to flat arches, also know as flat feet.
- Supination: Feet that rolls outward rather than inward. Supinators usually have high, rigid arches that don’t absorb shock well.
If you are on neutral movement, you’ll have less injuries. Though the majority of us runners are overpronate or supinate, and these are the injury-prone people. Make sure you do a proper stretching and self-check to avoid this.
Most common injuries to overpronators are;
- Achilles tendonitis
- Hip and lower back pain
- Arch pain
- Rigid big toe
- Knee pain
Most common injuries to supinators are;
- Illiotibial band syndrome – an overuse injury of tissues of the outer thigh and knee.
- Plantar fasciitis – inflammation of a thick band of tissue that connects the heel bone to the toes.
- Achilles tendonitis – is when the tendon that connects the back of your leg to your heel becomes swollen and painful near the bottom of the foot.
Which Shoes Should I Use Then?
Shoe companies and manufacturers make shoes for each type of foot. Naturally, a neutral runner can wear any type of shoes, but it is best to use one that doesn’t control movement, hence neutral shoes has less bells and whistles.
Characteristics Of Neutral Runner
- Uses a single-density or soft to moderately soft midsoles
- Moderate to no torsion rigidity
- Curved to semi-curved shape
- Uber flexible
Shoes that are designed for runners who are overpronate varies the degrees of support and stability. These shoes are mostly classified as mid, moderate and maximum.
Mid-Support Characteristics
- Small portions of midsoles has a higher density
- Soft to moderately firm midsoles
- Mid to moderate torsion rigidity
- Semi-curved to curved shape
- Very flexible
Moderate Support Shoe Characteristics
- Larger portions of midsoles that has a higher density
- Soft to moderately firm midsoles
- Mid to moderate torsion rigidity
- Semi-curved to curved shape
- Moderately to very flexible
Maximum Support Shoe Characteristics
- Much larger portions of midsoles that has a higher density
- Moderately firm to firm midsoles
- Moderate to maximum torsion rigidity
- Semi-curved to semi-straight shape
- Mildly flexible to moderately flexible
Runners who are overpronate needs a motion control shoes, classified as a moderate motion are best for overpronate that runs on low to moderate mileage (10-20/week). Beginner runners that are new to the sport of running sometimes are severely overpronate with moderate overpronation. The maximum control shoes are the best for large runners (men over 190lbs, women over 150lbs) that are severely overpronate.
Moderate Motion Control Shoe Characteristics
- Much larger portion of midsoles that are higher density
- Firm midsoles
- Moderate to maximum torsion rigidity
- Semi-straight to straight shape
- Mildly flexible to moderately flexible
Maximum Motion Control Shoe Characteristics
- Largest portion of midsoles that are higher density
- Firm midsoles
- Maximum torsion rigidity
- Semi-straight to straight shape
- Mildly flexible
Cushioning Anyone?
Most runners don’t understand the word cushioning, this doesn’t refer to how soft the shoes feels but rather how long will a running shoe will provide better shock absorption before it gives out. Cushioned shoes weight more than the shoes with less cushioning. Large runners (men over 190lbs, women over 150lbs) tends to break down shoes with less cushioning, and smaller runners may feel a maximum cushioned shoes is a bit heavy. With pronation control categories, we break cushioning levels down to the amount of cushioning in particular shoes.
Maximum Cushioning Characteristics
- Largest cushioning devices
- Midsole materials resist compression
- Good for high-mileage, larger runners and runners who want a luxurious ride
Moderate Cushioning Characteristics
- Medium-sized cushioning devices
- Variety of midsole materials
- Good for any amount of training volume and body frame size
Minimum Cushioning Characteristics
- Small amount of cushioning devices
- Best for fast-paced training or racing and runners with smaller body frames
Flat Running Shoe or Trail Running Shoe?
Using a flat racing running shoes will be very lightweight with minimum amount of cushioning. You should definitely consider a racing running shoes if you think you fit into these descriptions:
- Your are a man that races at under 6:00 minute-per-mile pace
- You are a woman that races at under 7:00 minute-per-mile pace
- You have a smaller body frame
While trail running shoe are designed to offer better traction and stability than normal running shoes, if you always run on trails, no brainier get a trail running shoes. Some of the descriptions are as follows:
- Minimal pronation control and cushioning
- Durable outsoles usually with lug patterns
- Low profiles
- Protective uppers
- Quick-drying materials
- Often water-resistant
Hope by now, you’ve learned the difference on shoes for smaller runner to heavy ones. Make sure you pick the right running shoes for heavy runners, if you are. It will make a lot of difference in your runs.
Conclusion
If you need an extra cushioning or support, the list would definitely help you to start out. We’ve listed based on other runner’s preference, to get the best feedback as possible. These shoes had been reviewed by runners who has the same requirement as you, and more or less the same programming as you have.
Hope these list did a great heads start when you are looking for best cushioned running shoes, especially if you are a heavy runner. If you have additional shoes that you’d like to add, let us know in the comments.
