Best Running Shoes For Big and Tall Guys.

The best running shoes for big and tall are supportive, well-cushioned, stable, durable, and breathable.

Those are some of the qualities I’ll talk about in this post.

Being a tall and big guy, I know how important it is to hit the tracks or the treadmill with proper footwear. So, it’s not just about finding your size but also your comfort.

With the market selling all kinds of sneakers and the big guns like Nike, Mizuno, and Adidas dictating the market, the choices can be overwhelming.

It’s at such a time that you start asking, ‘what do I go for?’ ‘How do I identify the best?

If those are your concerns, then you’ll find this buying guide helpful.

In a rush? Check below my most recommended running sneakers for taller and heavier guys.

13 Best Running Shoes for Big and Tall Guys.

Best Running Shoes for Big and Tall (Buying Guide)

Not all running sneakers that you find on the market suit all tall runners. For that reason, you have to know what you want, and it begins with the below considerations:

a) Foot Pronation

Pronation refers to the natural way that your feet roll inwards when you step on the ground.

Usually, there are three types of foot pronation:

• Basic/Neutral Pronation: This is when your foot rolls inward just slightly to relieve knee pressure. In such a case, you can wear stability or neutral shoes (that’ll discuss later)
• Over-pronation: This is when the foot excessively rolls inward, making you injury-susceptible. In that case, you need shoes that stabilize and support your foot, and they can be motion control or stability sneakers.
• Under-Pronation (Supination): Here, your foot rolls outward excessively and not inwards. Neutral shoes work in such cases.

b) Shoe Stability

When talking about shoe stability, I’ve to bring pronation into the discussion. If your foot has over-pronated, consider stable running shoes.

Such sneakers prevent your foot from over-pronating (excessively rolling inwards). They come with a firmer midsole or edges to help against over-pronation.

But if your foot is not over-pronation, you can get a neutral option.

c) Shoe Support

You cannot have a good run if the shoes don’t support you. That’s more important when you have an extra-long foot and carrying extra weight.

So, you have to know your foot pronation and whether you have a high arch or low arch.

It’s also essential that you look at the insole and the general build of the shoes to ensure it offers you the necessary support.

Generally, the best running shoes for big guy should offer your feet adequate support.

d) Level of Cushioning

Some runners prefer firm shoes, while others prefer the plush type. Overall, if you want to concentrate on speed, consider a firmer running sneaker so that you can feel the ground as you run.

Remember, less cushioning means lighter shoes, and you need that for fast riding. But if you plan to go for a longer ride, you need maximum cushioning.

In that case, go for a plush option.

e) Breathability

You are likely to sweat when running. If that happens and there is no proper ventilation, your foot will become soggy because of the sweat and will likely start to smell.

You can, however, avoid it with breathable shoes.

Breathable running shoes encourage air circulation, which makes sweat escape and keeps your feet dry in the long run.

So, look at the shoes’ upper to ensure it’s breathable. There should also be some ventilation channels around the bottom.

f) Shoe Durability

Running is an aggressive action that’s likely to wear down the shoes faster.

Now that you are big, the rate of wear is likely to be much higher. That’s unless you go for a much durable running shoe.

Remember, these shoes for tall guys don’t come cheap. So, you should get value for your money, and that means prioritizing durability.

Both the sole and upper build should be durable.

More Buying Considerations

• Shoe Size

It goes without saying; you have to get your foot size. The best shoes for big guys that I’m going to recommend here come in a wide range of sizes.

So, all you have to do is pick your size, and it’ll fit.

• Heel Drop

For your information, hill drop is the cushioning difference between the shoes’ toe and heel.

Generally, traditional running sneakers have a heel drop of at least 10mm to enjoy more cushioning.

We also have running sneakers with a zero drop, which means no cushioning under the heel and toe. Such shoes offer you more mid-foot strike but less shock absorption, thus best for short races.

• Shoe Weight

For you to run comfortably, your running sneakers should be as comfortable as possible. If they are heavy, then you are likely to get tired quickly.

A considerable part of the shoes’ weight is on the sole. So, consider lighter options like rubber. And if the upper part is mesh, the shoe is likely to be lighter.

Types of Big and Tall Running Shoes

Running shoes for tall and heavier guys come in different types according to their activity and foot pronation.

Classification According to Activity

According to the running activity, running shoes come in race, trail, and spike options.

1. Race (or Lightweight) Tall Mens Shoes

Race running shoes come in an extra lightweight construction to encourage fast running. As a result, they are often known as lightweight running shoes.

These shoes have less cushioning under the feet to make them lightweight and allow natural foot movement.

And since they have less cushioning, they don’t offer you enough shock absorption, making them only best for short runs.

So, it is best not to get them for general training as that means more time running.

Recommendation:

• Nike Men’s Race Running Shoes (Best for Tall Men)
• Nike Women’s Race Running Shoes (Best for Tall Women)

2. Trail Running Shoes for Big Guys

Trail running shoes are your perfect pick for anywhere outdoors. You can use them to run on dirt, gravel, rocks, grass, and even paved roads.

I look at trail running shoes as a hybrid of race running sneakers and hiking boots.

Overall, trail running sneakers are the toughest in build, making them costlier than most sneakers.

Recommendation:

• SKDOIUL Men Sport Running Shoes (Best for Tall Men)
• Salomon Women’s Wildcross Running Shoes (Best for Tall Women)

3. Spike Running Shoes for Tall Runners

Unlike the other running shoes, these feature metal or plastic spikes that offer you better ground traction. The running sneakers are generally best for short sprints.

Because of the spikes, you won’t even feel your feet making contact with the ground. They are also rigid because of the spikes.

Note, however, that we have a few spike shoes for longer races. Such options usually have more cushioning to encourage shock absorption.

Recommendation:

• Under Armour Unisex-Adult Kick Sprint 3 (Best for Both Genders)

Classification According to Pronation

According to foot pronation, the best running shoes for tall guys come in neutral, stability, motion-control, and cushioned options.

1. Neutral Running Shoes for Tall Guys

Neutral running sneakers target runners with supinated feet (feet that excessively roll outward) and those with mild pronation.

So, the only people who shouldn’t run with them are those with excessive pronation.

Overall, these running shoes offer you a natural footstrike. In that case, their midsoles have no form of stability support.

Their advantage is that they feel light and absorb shock as you run. They are also soft-feeling and flexible.

Recommendation:

• Brooks Men’s Ghost 12 (Best for Tall Men)
• Brooks Women Ghost 13 (Best for Tall Women)

2. Stability Running Sneakers for Big Guys

Stability big & tall mens shoes are best for runners with neutral pronation or a neutral arch.

As the name suggests, these running shoes stabilize your feet. So, they come with enough cushioning to support your foot.

That means they are also effective against over-pronation.

The sneakers often feature guide rails that prevent side-to-side foot motion.

Note, however, that they are not as rigid as motion control (see below) options.

Recommendation:

• Mizuno Men’s Wave Horizon 3 (Best for Tall Men)
• Mizuno Women’s Wave Horizon 3 (Best for Tall Women)

3. Motion Control Shoes for Tall People

As the name suggests, these running sneakers control your foot movement, especially side-to-side motions.

Overall, they are the most rigid and the most stable, making them the best for severe pronation.

They feature firm rails that reinforce the midsole and a stiffer heel to counter excessive pronation.

Other than severe pronation, motion control shoes highly suit guys with a low arch.

Moreover, they are best for heavy guys who need a more stable and more durable running sneaker.

Recommendation:

• Brooks Men’s Adrenaline GTS 21 (Best for Men)
• Brooks Women’s Adrenaline GTS 21 (Best for Women)

4. Cushioned (Neutral-Padded) Shoes for Tall Men

Cushioned running shoes are pretty straightforward. These shoes have extra cushioning that gives them a plush feel.

So, they offer the most shock absorption, which suits heavy guys and those who run more extended hours.

Thanks to their excessive cushioning, these running shoes also suit runners with no or minimal pronation. That’s because even though they offer maximum shock absorption, they only offer little foot support.

These running sneakers also suit guys with high arches.

Recommendation:

• Topo Athletic Men’s Cushioned Magnify 3 (Best for Tall Men)
• Topo Athletic Women’s Cushioned Magnify 3 (Best for Tall Women)

FAQs

1. What Running Shoes Do I Need For High Arches?

The problem with high arches is that they don’t allow the feet to flex when running. Your feet become rigid and cannot absorb the heavy pounding.

So, you need shoes with enough cushioning to absorb the pounding. The shoes should also support and secure your feet. In that case, cushioned options are better.

2. What Running Shoes Do I Need For Low Arches?

If you have a low arch, the chances are that your feet will pronate excessively (roll inwards).

So, for you to avoid excess foot pressure from over-pronation, you should look for shoes with ample cushioning and support. In that case, go for motion control or stability running sneakers.

3. How Long Will Running Shoes Last Me?

Running shoes’ lifespan depends on their construction quality, usage, and terrain. Expect them to wear faster if you wear them regularly and use them on trails.

But overall, quality running shoes should last you 350-500 miles at the very least.

4. How Do I Know If My Running Shoes Are Too Wide?

Try fitting one of your fingers between the shoe’s eyelets while wearing them. If you can do it, then your sneakers are too broad.

And if the upper part of the shoes feels extra roomy, then it’s likely that your running shoes are too broad.

5. How Do I Know If I Need Wide Running Shoes?

Generally, if the upper part of your running sneakers feels tight and uncomfortable, you should get broader options.

You also need wider running footwear if your feet are extending over the standard width.

Relevant:

• Do Taller People Have Bigger Feet?
• Best Road Bikes for Big and Tall

Closing Thought:

Hopefully, this guide for the best running shoes for big and tall will help you find your ideal running sneakers. Compare the options I’ve recommended, depending on your running needs, preference, and budget.

And once you are comfortable with a particular choice, go ahead and make the purchase.