Today we are going to explore the best shoes for overweight men, a topic that is close to our hearts as a lot of our readers write in looking for help on this particular subject.
We often forget how integral a pair of shoes plays in our day-to-day lives. But having the correct type of shoe is crucial for our long health because it protects our joints and bones from permanent damage.
This is even more vital for heavier individuals who generate a lot more weight and force throughout their bodies and finding suitable footwear for protective purposes cannot be overstated.
Whilst we know a lot of you are doing your best to manage your weight by dieting and exercising, you still need a comfortable pair of shoes for everyday use right now.
Finding the best pair can be tricky, and there are a few details to look out for, which we’ll cover in just a minute. First, let’s take a look at our 10 favorite options, ranging from sneakers to tennis shoes, dressier options for formal events, as well as practical summer options.
Best Shoes For Overweight Men Reviews
Skechers Men’s Gowalk 5 Qualify-Athletic Mesh Lace Up Performance Walking Shoe
Skechers is one of the most established brands for comfort walking, and for good reason. Their brand is known for its versatile footwear that caters to a wide range of individuals.
The Gowalk 5 is 100% soft woven knit mesh fabric that features rubber soles and is great for moving long distances, as well as ideal for travel and driving.
Overall we found ventilation to be excellent and we didn’t get hot feet. There was also minimal rubbing between the first and second toes and found this pair perfectly comfortable after a 2-mile walk.
We have noticed from some reviewers that they can wear out fast, so we recommend you pick your battles with these carefully and don’t overuse them.
- Comfortable – 100% soft woven knit mesh fabric and rubber sole were comfortable to wear.
- Wide range of sizes – This model caters to a wide range of feet sizes and comes with an X-Wide option.
- Excellent ventilation – and we didn’t suffer from any rubbing around the large and second toe area.
- Not the most durable – This may be a brand that you replace regularly as we noted some reviewers suggest they wear out easily.
ASICS Men’s Gel-Cumulus 23 Running Shoes
If you’re looking for a pair of high-quality sneakers suitable for long-distance cardio, we always check in with ASICS which is one of our favorite active brands.
These Gel-Cumulus 23 running shoes can be tailored to the foot more than other brands with extra sizes at wide and x-wide, ideal for those who have extra wide feet.
These are especially good if you suffer from plantar fasciitis, as we found the arch support to be effective at reducing this problem. Be wary of wear and tear, however, as some reviewers have noted issues with the tread and base becoming detached from the body of the sneaker.
- Good variety of sizes – A wide range of options for wide and extra-wide feet.
- Comfortable – Ideal for long-distance jogging or speed walking.
- Supportive – We generally found these to have great support around the ankle and feel these would be suitable for those suffering from plantar fasciitis.
- Potential for wear and tear – This model does have some issues with wear and tear on the tread and base of the sneaker.
Brooks Men’s Addiction Walker Walking Shoes
We love these walking shoes from Brooks. As soon as you open the shoebox, you can already tell they are going to be long-lasting, strong, and supportive. The 100% leather and the BioMoGo DNA adapt to your stride, weight, and speed, allowing for the most comfortable walking gait.
We found the design to be exceptional as we were expecting something bulky, but they looked sleek and narrow. Be wary of laces riding up towards the top of the foot and rubbing there as the tongue is quite small.
- Supportive – a sturdy and supportive shoe, ideal for long-distance walking speeds.
- BioMoGo DNA features – adapt to your stride, weight, and speed for the best movement.
- Stylish – The design was not overly boxy and they feature a narrow and sleek finish.
- May be uncomfortable for some – the tongue is quite small which could result in rubbing laces on the top of the foot.
New Balance Men’s 847v4 Walking Shoe
Some sneakers are great for walking, and others are great for running. This model would be ideal for a mixture of activities and comes in a versatile package designed for all-day comfort.
The low-heel and wide shoe width were welcoming, and the TRUFUSE midsole cushioning allowed for added comfort.
Overall they fit well and didn’t feel too loose or too tight. We didn’t like the color schemes available and would like to have seen something that looked more simplistic.
- Perfect for those “on the go” – ideal for a combination of activities and all-day comfort.
- TRUFUSE midsole cushioning – provides additional comfort.
- Features ROLLBAR stability – for enchanted rear-foot movement.
- Limited styles – We weren’t fans of the available colors and other than all-black, would like to have seen more simplistic options
ADIDAS Advantage Shoes
At first glance, we didn’t think these shoes from ADIDAS would fit the part of comfortable tennis shoes for overweight guys, but once they were tested all pre-conceptions disappeared. These are the real deal and feature a snug fit that holds the foot naturally without rubbing.
We loved the style, and this shoe could easily be dressed up or dressed down. We did find them to be quite low to the ground, which can be a negative for those who want more foot support.
- Stylish – a narrow and sleek shape that looked timeless.
- Made from Primegreen – which is a series of recycled materials, ideal for the eco-friendly walker.
- They ride low to the ground – which is not everyone’s preference.
Propét Men’s LifeWalker Strap Walking Shoe
So far we’ve covered lots of sneakers and tennis shoes, so we wanted to show love for those looking for something more formal. This walking shoe from Propét is a dressier option and comes in black, brown, or white.
Known as the brand that caters to hard-to-fit sizes, Propét has delivered a remarkable shoe with maximum breathability and the ultimate foot padding for comfort.
We did find the velcro straps lose their formal edge, so if you’re trying to impress at an important business meeting, save these for general office wear.
- 100% leather design – a versatile option that would be suitable for office wear as well as super durable
- Exceptionally breathable – ensures comfort all day long
- Padded collar and tongue – provides further comfort and stability
- Could be too casual – It does lose its ‘formal’ edge with velcro straps, so might not be the best option for overly formal events.
Merrell Men’s Moab 2 LTR GTX Low Rise Hiking Boots
This is the go-to hiking boot for cross-terrain surfaces. Merrell has designed a durable shoe with a supportive footbed, Vibram traction, and ideal if you prefer hiking boots with a low ankle.
We found that they got off the ground running quickly and were comfortable straight out of the box. One downside is that there seems to be an issue with sizing and if you decide to purchase a pair to size up.
- Low-ankle design – a great option for cross-terrain hiking.
- Strong and comfortable – we found them to be durable and breathable.
- Ready to wear – Felt great straight out of the box, and didn’t require any wearing in to get going.
- Sizes run small – Some issues have been noted with the sizing, and we recommend you size up to avoid buying a pair that is too small.
Dansko Men’s XP 2.0 Clog
We know some of our readers have a love for the classic clog, and that’s no different for our heavier audience members. The XP 20 Clog features lightweight construction and has been ergonomically designed for exceptional support and features a slip-resistant outsole.
These could easily pass as dress shoes and the 100% leather was smart and suave. One issue we encountered is that these need a little break-in time and weren’t the most comfortable straight out of the box.
- Formal design – The XP 2.0 Clog is a great alternative to classic dress shoes for the heavier gentleman.
- Comfortable and supportive – A lightweight design that has been ergonomically designed for comfort and support.
- Take some time to break in – may require a few weeks before they feel natural to walk in.
Skechers Men’s Equalizer Persistent Slip-On Sneaker
We have to admit, we’re fond of sneakers that aren’t flashy and take the time to focus on function. This slip-on sneaker is perfect for anyone who enjoys a minimalist design that can be quickly slipped on to walk over to the neighbor’s house for coffee.
It comes in a wide range of colors and the memory foam insole was a comfortable feature. They were super easy to slip on and we couldn’t knock how elegant they look, even for a slip-on sneaker.
However these wouldn’t be suitable for long distances, so keep them saved for short journeys.
- Slip-on design – a functional choice for those looking to slip on something quickly.
- Multiple options – they come in a wide range of colors and all looked classy and stylish.
- Comfortable – they were kind to our feet and didn’t give us any problems when walking.
- These wouldn’t be suitable for long distances – we only suggest using them for quick outdoor jobs or to be worn around the house.
Birkenstock Arizona Essentials
We complete our list with a summer essential. The Birkenstock line has created a smart but practical Sandal that is handmade with leather and includes rubber soles. This sandal is designed for heavy people in mind and comes with two adjustable straps for extra support.
We worried this would rub on the feet, but overall it felt great on the skin. One issue we’ve noted with other reviews is that the material may cause feet to become stained, especially on the soles.
- Breathable – this is the ideal summer sandal for overweight men who seek comfort.
- Secure – two adjustable straps were well made and didn’t undo on our test walks.
- Comfortable – they didn’t rub on the skin of our feet and we had no issues with comfort.
- Color transfer – reviews have suggested this pair can stain feet, especially the soles of the feet.
Buyers’ Guide
Now that we’ve given you the ultimate list of shoes for overweight men, it’s time to choose the most suitable option for you. Not all shoes are created equally, and there are specific things you need to be mindful of when making a selection.
Practicality
The best place to start is defining why you need a pair in the first place. The most common uses are for exercising or wearing in the office.
Therefore, defining what type of exercise you are going to commit to, or how formal you want the dress shoe to be are important factors to consider.
We don’t recommend purchasing a pair of shoes you aren’t going to wear (obviously.) If you don’t typically wear clogs, don’t wear clogs. If you are used to a particular brand, it might be best to stick with what you know.
There are plenty of other options that could fit this criterion so there’s no need to go outside of your comfort zone. With that said, don’t be afraid to try something you don’t typically wear, as you might stumble on something that fits you well.
Padding And Comfort
We don’t need to remind you of all the force that travels from the top of your head down to your feet, thousands of times per day, and this is probably the most important design aspect when choosing a shoe, especially for overweight men.
If you suffer from a lot of pressure going through the ankles, outside of the toes, and balls of the feet, then picking a padded option is your priority. Forget style and look, you need comfort right now.
It might sound obvious but check whether the shoe comes with a cushioned option. This will help to alleviate pressure in all the areas of your foot area, which allows for a more natural movement, and less chance of you choosing to couch surf instead of getting up and about.
Ergonomics
You’re going to be wearing your shoes for a long time, at least we hope you are. Picking the best tool for the job whether it’s sitting, walking, or standing should be a priority. One thing to check is how much arch support you are getting.
When you’re on the heavier side, you might not have as much arch in your foot which allows for a more comfortable stride. If this is the case, look for shoes that are designed to support a collapsed arch which will reduce the chances of joint problems down the road.
The other thing to consider is overpronation. This is when there is excessive tilting inwards towards the midline of the body which causes imbalances in the feet leading to joint pain.
For those who suffer from overpronation, look for added support and stability with cushioning and shock absorption. The same goes for those with underpronation, where weight is shifted to the outside of the foot: make sure your choice reflects your current limitations.
Breathability
Having good air ventilation is necessary for keeping your feet breathable and for reducing temperatures down below. This is vital as too much heat can increase the chance of rubbing due to an excessive build-up of sweat. and ultimately lead to the formulation of blisters.
Look for a pair of shoes that advertise how breathable they are, or look for options that appear to support ample ventilation. You’ll mainly find these in the sneaker line as well as the summer essentials, like sandals and slip-on sneakers.
Style
Let’s face it, it’s more important to choose practicality over style and we would never underestimate this fact. But it can’t hurt to pick a shoe that looks appealing.
Many of our options come in a variety of color schemes that can be dressed up for more casual-formal occasions or dressed down and worn with the most casual of outfits. That way, you’ve got a 2-in-1 choice that can be worn in a multitude of places and vibes.
Material
This is a complicated topic, but we’ll break it down as best we can. You’re going to have different materials depending on the style of the shoe. The most important areas to check are the insole, outer sole, around the top of the ankle, and top of the foot.
We’ve featured a number of different materials, but the most common you’ll find is rubber. This type of material is cheap to produce, and rubber generally has superior ground traction which adds to its lifespan.
They are also great for overall support and don’t typically slip as much as other materials.
Leather is also a common material and is known for its durability. They’ll take more punishment than other material and will win in terms of total longevity. Choose a leather option if you want a pair of shoes that will last a long time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Overweight Men Wear Out Shoes Faster?
Typically yes, because more pressure is being driven into the shoes because of the increased weight. Make sure to check over your shoes regularly for any holes and worn-out grip.
Can You Use Running Sneakers For Walking?
Yes, you can. They are a great lightweight option and ideal for exercise that includes long-distance running and speed walking. However, picking a bespoke pair that is designed for a specific activity is always going to be more effective in the long run.
Are There Any Worthwhile Shoe-Based Accessories For Overweight Men?
We recommend a shoehorn and elastic laces. The shoehorn will allow the ease of putting on a shoe and taking it off.
They also reduce damage caused to the ankle area which can help to increase the lifespan of the shoe. Elastic laces stretch which allows the user to tie their laces with ease, just in case they have difficulty reaching down and tying them.
