People don’t tend to realize just how important finding the right shoe can be, particularly if an individual is overweight. It is more common for heavier people to put much more strain on their feet, ankles, knees, hips, and lower back.
This can cause pain and discomfort and over time potentially lead to a number of foot conditions or back problems.
In this article today, we want to help you find the best shoes for you that will offer plenty of support and comfort.
There are so many different brands and types of shoes on the market that finding the right shoe can quickly become quite overwhelming. Thanks to our guide you no longer need to go through that struggle.
We have researched the best shoes available for overweight individuals looking at shoes that offer ultimate support and comfort thanks to their brilliant designs.
A good shoe will have plenty of cushioning, a flexible upper, rubber outsole, a strong stability system, and arch support. You can expect to see these features in the shoes on our list.
As well as going through the best options available we have also included some useful information at the bottom of this guide that will help you make the best decision for you.
Let’s not waste any more time, let’s get stuck into the article!
Best Shoes For Overweight Women Reviews
Asics Women’s Gel-Cumulus 23 Heavy Duty Walking Shoe

We start our list with the excellent Asics Gel-Cumulus 23 shoes. If you’re looking for a shoe that offers the best stability and comfort, you should strongly consider these shoes.
The Asics Forefoot Gel cushioning systems absorb shock during impact to ensure the user doesn’t feel any pressure whilst out and about or during exercise.
When we tested the Gel-Cumulus 23 we found that the shoe allowed flexible movement in multiple planes as the foot transitioned through the gait cycle.
We were also very impressed with the design of the shoe. For heavy-duty shoes, they look and feel lightweight and streamlined thanks to the Flyfoam technology and mesh upper.
This helps make the shoe suitable for your daily exercise routine or normal everyday use. Available in 18 colors you also have the opportunity to find the best pair for you.
Additional features built-in to the Gel-Cumulus shoes include an 8mm heel-to-toe cushioning system and an improved midsole geometry.
The cushioning in the shoe gives you better balance, control, and most importantly comfort as you move. You could wear these shoes all day and still not feel any form of discomfort.
If that wasn’t enough the midsole geometry and sleek construction of this Asics shoe provide even more comfort.
- Durable – With strong construction and comfortable upper you will get a lot of usage out of this shoe.
- Stability – The flexible, rubber sole the Gel-Cumulus 23’s come with provides strong stability throughout the shoe.
- Design – These shoes look awesome which is always important too.
- Not ideal for narrower feet – Some users of the Gel-Cumulus 23’s have reported finding the shoe a bit too wide. If you have narrower feet you might encounter some issues.
Adidas Women’s Ultra Boost

With a unique and colorful design, the Ultra Boost shoes could be perfect for you if you’re looking for a shoe that supports your body but is also a fashion statement.
These stylish shoes come in a variety of colors and patterns to give you more freedom to find a shoe you like the look of.
In terms of how these shoes perform, we must say we were very impressed. We found that the Primeknit upper fits your foot well to enhance and improve movement.
This with the soft cushioning and BOOST midsole provides a lightweight shoe that is super comfortable to wear and nice and sturdy.
The sturdiness and wrapped feel this shoe provides helps keep your foot in place which will, in turn, reduce the chance of you picking up any injuries such as twists or sprains.
As well as offering ultimate comfort in a fashionable shoe the Ultra Boost shoes continental rubber sole and flexible stretch web outsole also offer an impressive energy return.
This increased energy return will help you work out stronger and longer which will result in you losing more weight.
Overall we love everything about this shoe. It can be worn all day every day, during exercise or when you go out with your friends, whilst giving your body the stability and support it needs. What more could you want from a shoe.
- Fashionable – These shoes look and feel incredible.
- Primeknit Upper – This feature is a nice touch and one that adds extra comfort and support to your shoe.
- Fits well – The Ultra Boost shoe fits well to most people’s feet. The snug fit offers comfort and stability.
- Breakable shoelaces – Surprisingly the shoelaces on this shoe aren’t that strong. They can break quite easily.
Skechers Sport Women’s Loving Life Sneaker

Skechers is one of the biggest and best shoe manufacturers in the world so it’s no surprise one of their shoes makes it on this list. In the Loving Life sneakers, Skechers has combined smart fashion and sporty comfort to create a shoe designed for convenience.
The lightweight shoes feature a synthetic leather upper, mesh fabric design, and thick cushioning to provide added comfort.
To ensure maximum comfort the shoe actually consists of memory foam materials that allow the shoe to shape to your feet. When we tested the shoe we found this to be a great advantage because it ensured a cozy fit every time.
One other feature of this shoe that we found super useful for overweight individuals is the slip-on slip-off design. This feature makes it a lot easier to put the shoe on or take it off preventing any unnecessary injuries from overworking to get the shoe on.
Available in a huge range of solid colors and multi-colored patterns, the Loving Life sneakers are also designed with breathable fabrics that will keep your feet cool and fresh throughout the day.
To help reduce the risk of falls or slips the shoes are also fitted with a grooved outsole. This outsole makes the shoe slip-resistant, allowing you to work comfortably without the worry of slipping crossing your mind.
These simple yet effective shoes will bring comfort and color to your life so be sure to consider them.
- Grooved outsole – The grooved outsole on this shoe gives the wearer more stability and support.
- Comfortability features – This shoe is packed with features that make the shoe extra comfortable to wear.
- Simple design – Sometimes a simple design is nice. These shoes offer this with an
attractive design that isn’t too flashy. - Range of sizes – The Loving Life sneakers come in a variety of wide sizes.
- Not as fashionable – These sneakers aren’t as fashionable as other brands so if you’re looking for the best standout shoe in terms of appearance you might want to look elsewhere.
Nike Free 5.0 Running Shoe

If it’s a running shoe you’re after then the Nike 5.0 Running Shoe could be the one for you.
The Nike 5.0 sneakers are available up to 15D to ensure there is sizing available for a wide range of feet. This running shoe is designed to fit like a glove without negatively impacting the movement of your foot.
Using shaped synthetic material and a heel that adapts to match your feet, this shoe contours to the surfaces of your foot.
The upper also fits well over the top of your foot. It is these three features that make this shoe suitable for overweight women. Offering support and comfort to your feet as you run guarantees a safe and stable run every time.
We found that the lightweight and comfortable shoe syncs well with the movements the wearer is making, giving enough flexibility and protection all the way. The interior of this shoe is also pretty neat.
The mesh and foam found inside the shoe are thinner than other shoes but still provide a high-quality level of padding when compared to other brands. This is a great touch because it reduces the weight of the shoe and the level of pressure on the feet.
As if that wasn’t enough, the open design of the Nike Free 5.0’s gives the wearer the chance to spread their toes out. This provides an increased balance and reduces the chance of any pain in your feet.
- Lightweight – This shoe is lighter than other shoes, eliminating any unnecessary bulk from the shoe.
- Ultimate comfort – The Free 5.0’s uses advanced materials to provide high-quality comfort.
- Flexible shoe – This shoe is amazingly flexible, allowing for excellent balance and stability.
- Perfect running shoe – The Nike Free 5.0’s are perfect for anybody looking to lose weight through running.
- Lack of sizes – Unfortunately this shoe isn’t available in as many sizes as other brands.
New Balance WW840 V2 Walking Shoe

The final shoes on our list are the WW840 V2’s from New Balance. These shoes are one of the best shoes you can buy if you’re looking for a great pair of shoes for everyday use.
Combining support and stability, the New Balance WW840 V2’S can endure all rigors of your day-to-day life or high-intensity walking and running.
The more traditional-looking shoe might not be the prettiest but its features ensure it performs magnificently well. With a padded collar, leather upper, and abrasion rubber outsole you can rest assured that this shoe will provide you with the comfort and stability you need.
On top of that, the ABZORB technology energizes the shoe, absorbing any shocks before dispersing them evenly, no matter what surface you are walking or running on.
As well as providing a pain-free experience, the absorb midsole in these shoes also helps to provide the shoe with extreme comfort and flexibility. These go hand in hand or should we say foot in foot to support your natural gait.
When we reviewed this shoe we found that the mesh lining ensures breathability, keeping your feet cool and dry as you go about your daily life.
We also found that the shoes do fit perfectly. We didn’t find a need to break in the shoes. They can simply be taken out of the box and worn however you please immediately.
- Perfect for the day to day – These shoes can be worn all day, every day.
- ABZORB technology – This technology reduces the amount of pain you feel from the pressure of walking or running.
- Snug fit – The heel area has a closer fit keeping your foot in place as you move.
- Appearance – These shoes aren’t the prettiest.
Buyers’ Guide
Now you’ve read our list of the best shoes for overweight women, it is time to make a decision. To further help you make your decision here is a helpful buyers guide that looks at some of the key things you need to consider when buying your shoes.
Practicality
Arguably the most important thing you need to consider is why you need the shoes in the first place.
The most common uses are for use during exercise, at work, or going about your general day-to-day life. Defining which type of exercise you are going to be doing, or how formal the shoes need to be will impact which shoe you go for.
If you’re looking for some sneakers to go running in, you’re obviously going to be looking for a lightweight pair of running shoes like the Nike Free 5.0’s.
On the other hand, if you want a pair of shoes suitable for the office, you’re not going to buy a brightly colored pair of running sneakers. When buying a pair of shoes, always ensure you pick a pair you are actually going to use.
Size
For obvious reasons the size of shoes you buy is something you strongly need to consider. The shoe has to be large enough to fit your feet.
If your shoes are too small pressure will be added to your feet, causing pain and injuries. Most shoe brands offer wide versions which come in helpful.
Wider shoes have extra room in the toe box to allow you to spread your toes out. This increases balance and aids your natural walking stance.
If you buy a suitably sized pair of shoes you will be able to wear the shoe for longer, feeling pain-free as you move.
Cushioning
Cushioning adds stability and helps absorb shock impact as you move. By looking for this in your shoe you can reduce the chance of repeated shock pain, shin splints, and joint issues. Ample cushioning will protect your feet and also give you that feel-good feeling as you move.
Shoes that contain memory foam, Flyfoam, mesh lining, and padding are key things to look for when trying to find out how well-cushioned a shoe is. If the shoe has at least two of these features it is fair to assume it will be well cushioned and comfortable to wear.
Support
The support your shoe offers also needs to be thought of a lot. A shoe that doesn’t offer good stability can increase your chances of injury or discomfort.
Shoes with adequate support will offer a flexible rubber sole, snug fit, and good heel-to-toe space. These features will ensure your shoe absorbs any pressure for you and also ensure you can move quickly without risking any twists or sprains.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Wear Running Sneakers For Walking?
Yes, you absolutely can. Running sneakers are an awesome lightweight option that is more often than not ideal for long-distance running and walking.
Having said that if you do take part in more extreme walks it is always more effective to purchase a pair of specialized walking shoes.
Should My Shoes Have A Thick Sole?
A thick sole will help you with shock absorption. However, the thickness of the soles of your shoes is absolutely vital. The quality of the sole is equally as important.
Some soles are thinner than others but are made with more flexible cushioned materials so they actually offer just as much if not more support.
A thick, flexible, high-quality sole is essential to any shoe so always ensure you pick one that has plenty. A memory foam sole is a good choice because they provide amazing comfort as you walk.
Are New Balance Shoes Good For Overweight Women?
Yes, they most definitely are. New Balance has a great reputation for making shoes that offer the best support and stability possible whilst also looking incredible.
Most of their shoes are fitted with the latest footwear technology to ensure they are comfortable to wear no matter what terrain you are walking and running on. By providing strong support New Balance shoes also reduce the risk of injuries and discomfort.
Takeaway
As you can see from our list there is a wide range of shoes to choose from when it comes to finding the best shoe for an overweight individual.
We have tried to include the best 5 in our list but in all honesty, the list could go on and on. It is important when looking for a shoe that you know exactly how the shoe will benefit you.
In our list, the shoes all offer high-quality support and comfort as you go about your day-to-day life or take part in various types of exercise.
Which shoe you choose to buy comes down to personal preference so now you have this guide at your disposal why not do some research of your own to narrow down our list or find other shoes out there that you think suit you best.
You might go for a shoe that looks stylish and modern or one that performs better but sacrifices some of its appearance features. Either way, we are sure you will make the right decision that suits you best. Good luck!