Table of Contents
Are you looking for the best trail running shoes for heavy runners? Running on its own has numerous benefits. You get an all-rounded package that leaves you in great shape physically and mentally as well. Running has a way of giving you the best of all worlds.
You can get healthy and at the same time take in amazing scenery. It also does wonders for your mental health to take in the fresh air. Trail running makes a great impression on your life as a whole. The last thing you want to be worrying about when you are out on the trail is what you are wearing.
Best Trail Running Shoe for Heavy Runners
Your gear and equipment can make or break your run. If you set out on the trail with ill-fitting clothes, or shoes that are too big or too small then you are not doing yourself any favours. You must be adequately prepared so that you are not caught unaware of your needs on the trail.
If you are a beginner, or you haven’t run in a long while, take the time to understand what the market is currently offering.
Companies that focus on making trail running gear, are constantly developing their products. Know what works for you, what your specific needs are, such as wide feet or if you are heavy.
The shoes you wear on your run are extremely important to how successful you will be and the comfort that goes along with it.
If you are heavy, then running is probably one of the things you are doing to keep healthy. You want to be comfortable enough to finish the race strong, and the right pair of shoes can help you reach your finish line much easier.
In a Hurry
Do you need a quick guide to buying the best trail running shoes for heavy runners? Here are a few tips and important factors to consider.
It is important that you know your true size and also understands the sizing of the particular brand that you want to buy. Some running shoes have specifics, such as shoes for people with narrow feet, or people with wide feet. Some are made for heavier people, and these are the sizes you want to look for.
Don’t just look at the length of your shoe, but also consider the width. Extra weight puts more pressure on ligaments and so the shoes you buy need to be able to sustain you. Look for shoes with a firmer sole.
Also, think about the type of ground you will be running on. Consider injury history, as this will help you find shoes to provide the necessary support.
Our Top Pick
We have done our research and found our favourite shoe to be the ASICS Men’s Gel-Venture 6 Running Shoe. These shoes have a removable sock liner which can be removed to make room for a medical orthotic. They also have a rearfoot gel cushioning system that attenuates shock during impact and allows for a smooth transition to mid-distance. The shaft measures approximately low-top from arch.
Our Reviews of the Best Trail Running Shoe for Heavy Runners
ASICS Gel-Venture 6 Running Shoe
Our first choice features the gel cushioning system on the range of shoes. This is something that we absolutely love. It is especially essential when you’re running on the trails. The upper part of his shoes is made out of some synthetic material.
As already mentioned, this synthetic material sits on the rubber sole. The comfort of these rubber soles depends largely on the gel form. this is not something that runs throughout the entire shoe.
You only find it in what could be described as a platform on the back of the shoe. the gel helps deliver less shock by absorbing some of it on impact.
you also be happy to find that they are sock liners on the inside of the shoes. these do a great job of allowing space for the medical orthotic if required. all you need to do is remove the soft lining which is very easy to do.
The outsoles are designed specifically for running on the trails. they have reverse plugs that work really well for both going uphill.
You’re guaranteed to have a shoe that is ready to take on all kinds of terrain. The final bit of it, here are the outsoles that deliver greater ability.
This allows you to be able to use these shoes for a prolonged period without having to think about a new pair. There are various colours to choose from. Whenever your style is, you will find a shoe that you like.
Pros
- There a lot of colours and styles to choose from.
- The rubber soles have great shock absorption.
- The removable sockliner makes room for an orthotic.
- The outsoles give you great traction.
- The shoes are designed for the train.
- There is sufficient padding to cater for heavy weight runners.
Cons
- Some users think the new model is not as good.
- The gel could be enhanced.
Salomon Speedcross 4 Trail Running Shoe
One of the key things for any runners to consider is the presence of great traction underneath the shoes. This is something that the shoe delivers. The first thing that you get out of the shoe is a good rubber Soul that delivers good grip when you’re running.
You can check this out straight away based on some larger pronounced logs underneath the souls. It is the slugs that go along way in guaranteeing that you maintain your balance when you’re running. On the rear end of this shoe is a raised platform that is designed to minimise shock when you run into a surface that is hard.
You’ll also be pleased to find that these shoes are much lighter than they look. They are designed to ensure that you get the best experience for Trail running.
One thing that we would like to say right off the goal is that the shoes are not designed to take on rocky terrain where the surfaces to uneven. They are more geared towards soft technical trails. The technical support of things benefits from traction.
To provide you with the comfort that you desire these shoes come with a moulded off the light sockliner. It is the same feature that delivers breathability. Another feature that we like is the quick system.
No one likes spending too much time doing their laces. The outsource benefit from contra grip. Finally, we also have LT muscle midsole. This is probably the key feature when it comes to heavy runners.
Pros
- These shoes have good room in the toe box.
- They are quite lightweight.
- They are quite breathable.
- They give you good cushioning and comfort.
- The lacing system is very quick.
- They provide you with good support
Cons
- The sizing can be difficult.
- They tend to run narrow.
ASICS GEL-Venture 5 Running Shoe
Our next pick is a shoe that comes with those removable sock liners that we have mentioned with other pairs. This is a sockliner that allows more room to accommodate the orthotics if you need them.
Most heavy runners will find themselves in need of all the texture. If there isn’t room for orthotics the shoe would not be ideal. The upper part of the shoe is out of synthetic material. The soles are made out of rubber.
The first thing that you will notice in comparison to the other shoes that we recommended is the lack of more pronounced lugs. This means that you will get less traction from these shoes then you would from the other ones.
That is something that you should bear in mind when considering the shoes instead of the other ones. That being said, it will come down to where you will be running. Some running conditions do not require as much traction as others.
The shaft measure law top from your arches. This is enough to provide you with a reasonable amount of art support. There is gel cushioning on the hindfoot. This ensures that you maintain a good level of comfort as your running and taking on the trails.
The gel cushioning also gives you good shock absorption as you take on the trails. You may also be pleased to find that these shoes were designed specifically for Trail running. That also is, for instance, have multisurface traction which is good for taking on the trails. The rubber has high abrasion.
Pros
- The shoes deliver a good amount of traction.
- They are well-made.
- You will love how breathable they are.
- There is a gel sole.
- The soles are geared to take on trails.
- You have several colours to choose from.
- The cushioning and arch support is good.
Cons
- Do not do well on tiled surfaces.
- The area close to the pull tab wears out quickly.
Saucony Cohesion 10 Running Shoe
If you fancy the idea of being able to choose your shoes from a range of designs and colours this is a good pic for you. You also appreciate that the lads on the shoes are a bit more pronounced than the previous one that we looked at.
This ensures that you get a good amount of traction as you get through the trail. That upper part of the shoes is made out of mesh. This is a sure way to guarantee that you will get breathability as you take on the trails. The souls are made out of rubber.
It is geared to deliver a good amount of traction as you get through the trails. There is just enough padding on this rubber to absorb the shock that you will certainly encounter as you get through the trail.
This is especially true when you’re taking on even terrain. There is moulded EVA in the midsole region. This is a great way to provide you with a bit more comfort in the area that it’s needed.
We found the overall cushioning of this used to be very good. This is one of the reasons why we think it is a perfect shoe for heavy runners. It also gives you the versatility of being able to use it off the trails.
This is not something that should be taken lightly as most Trail shoes are not necessarily ideal for running on the road.
Pros
- There are various colours to choose from.
- The traction is good for on-road running.
- They have sufficient shock absorption to take on rock terrain.
- The cushioning is good for heavy runners.
- They are highly breathable.
- The shoes provide ample arch support.
Cons
- There is a charge for returning the shoes.
- There is less cushioning than previous versions had.
adidas Rockadia Trail m Running Shoe
Our last pick is from a brand that most of us will be familiar with. Scratch that, all of us should be familiar with it. Adidas is a giant in sports and footwear in general. That will part of this she was made out of textile and synthetic material. The souls are made out of rubber.
This is where you will get most of the traction that you desperately need when you’re taking on the trail. You have a shaft that measures low top from your arches.
This will deliver impact support for running as well as walking. You also noticed that the upper part of these shoes is well ventilated. Depending on what’s the weather you are running in as you get warm you need this ventilation.
To ensure that you do not get too cold they are some synthetic overlays not only to reduce the amount of air passing through the shoe but to enhance the support that the shoes deliver. That also of the shoe helps you get enough grip and traction as you run on the trails.
As with the other shoes that we have mentioned on the list this one delivers a variety of choices of colour and design. We can most certainly say that every person will be able to find something that they like.
The lugs and I need to soles are well pronounced. They should be able to take on most to rain. The rubber sole is quite thick which is great for shock absorption.
Pros
- The shoes are good at absorbing shock.
- They come in a variety of colours and designs.
- They are very comfortable.
- The outsoles provide you with good grip.
- It is a fairly good looking shoe.
- There is a good amount of breathability.
Cons
- Sizing is slightly off in many cases. Usually run small.
- The tread is not as aggressive as expected.
Buyer’s Guide
Do I need firm soles on my running shoes?
You must get shoes with a firm midsole. Most midsoles are made of EVA foam or air blown rubber. Shoes with a denser midsole will provide a base of greater stability for a heavier runner and will be less likely to prematurely compress. You can make sure the soles last longer buy buying at least two pairs.
Is cushioning necessary in running shoes for heavier people?
Running involves the repetitive impact on the heels and feet. When you are of a heavier build, you are applying more weight and pressure on your feet and if you are not careful you could risk injury.
Shoes that have more cushion help reduce the shock and stress on your body. A differential in the heel to toe drop will also have the same benefit on your feet.
Most running shoes have a drop of around 10-12 millimetres. If you get a shoe with anything less is moving, means you are leaning towards the minimalist style of shoes.
With a lower drop shoe, runners are naturally striking on their mid-foot instead of on their heel. This will send less shock to stressed joints.
How long do running shoes last for heavy runners?
Just like a car that clocks in mileage, you need to replace your running shoes every 300-400 miles. This depends on other factors such as your weight, your running style and the surface on which you run. The heavier you are the more frequently you will need to replace your shoes.
Are Hoka shoes good for heavy runners?
Hoka shoes have cushioning and stability capabilities that make it a great bet for heavily built runners who need these features in their running shoes. It is also built to go the long way. The special design of this shoe is made to last and as such, is perfect for heavier runners.
Is running shoe weight important?
The first question you will need to be asking yourself, is why are you running? If you are looking for speed, then you will realize that you need lightweight shoes.
The weight of your shoes has a big impact on how fast you are on track. Wearing shoes that are 100 grams lighter than the normal ones can shave up to a minute off a marathon time.
It is important not to sacrifice comfort in pursuit of speed. Reducing the shoe mass by removing cushioning can cause you to expend more energy by absorbing shock from each foot strike.
If you run mainly run for recreation or to lose weight, then the weight of your shoes is not a critical issue. Your choice of shoes will be based on other factors other than weight, factors such as stability, cushioning, and support.
Conclusion
Running can help you stay fit or shed some weight, but in the wrong shoes, it can seem like an impossible task. It is hard enough to pull yourself together on days you do not feel like working out.
The last thing you need is too pinched by your shoes or to have your feet moving around freely in the shoe and causing friction. There are various trail running shoes for people who are heavily built.
We hope that our reviews help you find your perfect pair. Happy shopping! Be sure to check out our piece on zero drop shoe variations for trail running.
- How wide should the toe box of a shoe be? - January 7, 2022
- Can you run a marathon in trail shoes? - January 7, 2022
- What running shoes do ultra runners use? - January 7, 2022