In this article, we have studied the question: “What are the best shoes for obese walkers?”. If you are in a hurry, the table below gives a quick snapshot of the top ones.
Last update on 2020-12-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Table of Contents
According to NIH’s research, 70% of the adults in the US are overweight, and 36.5 percent are obese[1]. Obesity is indeed a big issue in adults throughout the world, but for obese people, a bigger problem is finding the right shoes according to their needs!
The requirements of obese walkers are different from ordinary people. Obese or overweight people usually have some other issues as well, along with extra weight, making the choice of shoes even more difficult.
So let us first go through these issues, and then we will answer the question: What are the best shoes for obese walkers?
Factors Important for Obese People while Buying a Shoe
It is not easy for obese people to choose the right shoes as their requirements are not only different from ordinary people, but they also vary by person. Obese or overweight people usually have some other health issues as well, along with being overweight.
Many of them have arthritis, bad knees, flat feet, overpronation, or ankle pain, each of which requires different shoe features.
There are also some standard features that are essential for you to consider before buying a shoe.
Wide Design
The overall wide design of the shoe is important for anyone who is obese or overweight. A lot of overweight people tend to have wider feet compared to that of other people.
To add on, many obese people also have arthritis, and it’s important to have wider shoes for such people. Research suggests that obese people are approximately seven times as susceptible to osteoarthritis as compared to non-obese[2].
Some extra space for your feet to move freely works in your favor for long-lasting comfort.
Shock Absorption
The more weight you have, the more stress on your feet and joints[3]. To ease that stress on your joints and feet, it’s vital to have a comfortable and cushioned insole of the shoe, and even more importantly, it should have fine shock absorbers.
Shock absorbers help absorb the sudden shock on your feet and joints while walking, running or performing any other activity while on your feet.
Lightweight Running Shoes
These shoes come in very handy, specifically when you are trying to lose weight, as lightweight sports shoes are always great for walking or running and offer excellent breathability and comfort for your feet.
Heel Height
Obesity has been shown to have a positive correlation with flat feet[4], and it’s preferable for people with flat feet to choose shoes with enhanced heel support for better stability and comfort. This also helps in the fitting of the shoe.
Seamless
Obesity is also linked to diabetes[5], and diabetes patients need special care of their feet from injury and abrasions. Such people should prefer shoes that are seamless and have an abrasion-free and soft interior.
Stability Shoes
Obesity can also lead to overpronation (inward rolling of the ankle while walking or running)[6]. Stability running shoes are preferable for overpronation, along with medial support and firm midsole.
Here we have a video that shows how to choose your running shoes.
Our Top Choice For Women – Gravity Defyer Women’s Shoes
The Gravity Defyer Proven Pain Relief... is our top choice for “best shoes for obese walkers” for women:
- The roomy toe-box of the shoe improves the circulation of the feet while relieving stress on toes and arches.
- The removable insoles and extra-depth interiors of this shoe are replaced with custom orthotics for improved stability.
- The front rocker sole with a supported midfoot prevents and relieves plantar fasciitis and is very comfortable for arthritic patients.
- Seamless interior for sensitive feet is perfect for people with diabetes.
Last update on 2020-12-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Our Top Choice for Men – Brooks Men’s Adrenaline GTS 19
The Brooks Men's Adrenaline GTS 19 is our top choice for “best shoes for obese walkers” for men:
- This is a stability running shoe, perfect for obese men who suffer from overpronation.
- The Guiderails Support allows your knee to move freely in its own natural motion.
- The DNA LOFT Crash Pad cushions your footfalls, which results in an enhanced walking experience for obese people.
- The synthetic sole provides excellent grip and stability while running or doing cardio.
Last update on 2020-12-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
What are the Best Shoes for Obese Walkers?
#1 Brooks Men’s Adrenaline GTS 19
The Brooks Men’s Adrenaline GTS 19 shoes are designed for stability , which is important for obese men, while also offering flexible knee and ankle movement which is good for overpronation. It is available in 18 different color combinations and various shoe sizes.
Features and Benefits
- Stability: This shoe provides the right amount of stability and support for the feet, tremendous for overpronation in obese people while also providing energizing cushioning for your feet.
- Footbed Support: The DNA LOFT Crash Pad cushions your footfalls and works with the BioMoGo DNA to adapt to your every stride, which results in an enhanced walking experience for obese people.
- Knee Support: The Guiderails Holistic Support System focuses on the most injury-prone part of a body, the knees.
- Strong Grip: These shoes have a synthetic sole that provides excellent grip and stability while running or doing cardio.
Why should you buy it?
These shoes are perfect stability running shoes for overpronation through its Guiderails technology and DNA LOFT Crash Pad cushioning.
The streamlined and engineered mesh upper with 3D Fit Print offers perfect structure and proven fit.
Last update on 2020-12-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
#2 Gravity Defyer Women’s Shoes
This Gravity Defyer Proven Pain Relief Women’s G-Defy Shoes are entirely designed for obese women with arthritis and plantar fasciitis. These are available in 7 different combinations of colors, and the sizes range from 6 to 11 X-Wide.
Features and Benefits
- Shock Absorption: The VersoShock spring system absorbs shock from the ground up, converting it into renewed positive energy that protects your feet from sudden impacts.
- Toe Support: The Ergonomic Rocker Design reduces pressure on your toe joints with a low heel to toe differential, giving a better ground reaction and eventually results in a comfortable experience.
- Wide: The roomy toe-box of the shoe improves the circulation of the feet while relieving stress on toes and arches.
- Orthotics Supported: The extra-depth interior and removable insoles of this shoe allow you to place custom orthotics for improved stability.
- Seamless Interior: The front rocker sole of this shoe with a supported midfoot prevents and relieves plantar fasciitis and the seamless interior is perfect for sensitive feet and diabetic neuropathy to avoid irritation.
Why should you buy it?
It features a wide toe box, a comfortable fit for the front part of the foot and toes, and it eases the pressure on bunions, making it an excellent choice for arthritis. The soft uppers with smooth interior lining and extra foam padding offer sensitive feet protection, and therefore this shoe is good for obese people who have diabetes as well.
Last update on 2020-12-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
You might also like to read: Best Children’s Shoes for Wide Feet
#3 New Balance Men’s 577 V1
These New Balance Men’s 577 V1 Lace-up Walking Shoes are made for obese men who need long-lasting stability and durability. This shoe is available in 2 color combinations, and size ranges from 7 to 15 X-Wide.
Features and Benefits
- Premium Cushioning: These New Balance walking shoes have premium cushioning with impressive durability and never lets your feet get fatigued even after walking long hours.
- Hook and Loop Closure: These shoes have convenient closure without the hassle of laces to slow you down. The handy hook-and-loop shoes allow for easy and quick on-and-off while offering a secure and custom fit.
- Heel Support: These stable walking shoes are equipped with ABZORB cushioning in the heel to absorb impact and provide lasting stability and comfort with your every step.
- Durable: These walking shoes are crafted with stylish and robust leather uppers, cushioned polyurethane midsoles and solid rubber outsoles to provide durable all-day comfort and support.
Why should you buy it?
These shoes feature ABZORB cushioning in the heel, making it a perfect choice for obese men who suffer from joint pain as well.
Last update on 2020-12-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
#4 UBFEN Unisex Running Shoes
These UBFEN Running Shoes are unisex and suitable for both men and women. They are a perfect choice for obese people who need long-term durability and adequate heel/ankle support. These shoes come in 15 different color combinations, and their size ranges from 5.5W/4.5M to 14W/13M.
Features and Benefits
- Breathable: These shoes are designed with a lightweight, breathable mesh upper that offers the wearer a barefoot feel, strengthening the foot by working the muscles and tendons.
- Non-Slip Rubber Sole: This shoe provides you with shock absorption and a cushioned non-marking outsole. It offers excellent traction and performance along with high elastic heel support and abrasion resistance.
- Heel Support: The shoe offers high elastic heel support and is abrasion-resistant.
Why should you buy it?
This shoe’s cushioned non-marking outsole provides shock absorption and high elastic heel support for your ankle, and fine stitches offer a long-term durability. This is a comfortable running shoe for obese people trying to lose weight.
Last update on 2020-12-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
You might also like to read: Best Pull Up Bar For Wide Door Frame
#5 Saucony Women’s Running Shoe
These Saucony Women’s Jogging Trail Running Shoes are perfect for obese women who need a lightweight running shoe along with trustable stability and flexibility. It is available in 7 different color combinations and size ranges from 5 to 12 Wide.
Features and Benefits
- Springy Cushioning: The latest PWRRUN cushioning provides a just-right softness that’s springy and responsive enough to tackle as many miles as you need.
- Durable: The increased durability of the blown rubber outsole means plenty of smooth miles. Plus, it provides added cushioning in a lightweight package.
- Breathable: The new FORMFIT construction’s clean look combines a breathable engineered mesh with 3D-printed overlays for a fit that accommodates a wide range of feet shapes comfortably.
- Flexibility: The TRIFLEX outsole optimizes flexibility.
Why should you buy it?
The lightweight design, flexible outsole and springy cushioning make it a perfect choice for obese women who need a lightweight running shoe with stability and flexibility.
Last update on 2020-12-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Frequently Asked Questions: What are the Best Shoes for Obese Walkers?
Is it fine for obese people to wear running shoes while walking ?
In general, running shoes have more cushioning in the heel and insole. Walkers need less cushioning than runners but still need some comfort. You can definitely wear running shoes for walking but be careful in case of vice versa as not all walking shoes are appropriate for running.
Do the size of shoes differ for an obese walker?
The size of shoes depends a lot on the shoe brand, so you should always check the size chart before buying a shoe. Generally, obese people need wider shoes than the original size, so it’s always a better choice to go for Wide or X-Wide sizes.
Conclusion
In our opinion, the Gravity Defyer Proven Pain Relief... is the best choice among the various options that we have considered, because of its wide toe box and comfortable fit.
The Brooks Men's Adrenaline GTS 19 is our next best choice because of its excellent grip and stability.
If you are looking for a value for money option, you can also consider the New Balance Men's 577 V1 Lace-up... , which offers great value and features at a very reasonable price point.
You might also like to read: Heavy Duty Treadmills for Overweight Person – 5 Top Picks
References:
[1] https://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/conditions/obesity/index.cfm#
[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3788203/
[3] https://www.health.harvard.edu/pain/why-weight-matters-when-it-comes-to-joint-pain
[4] https://www.researchgate.net/publication/327883322_Does_Obesity_Cause_Flat_Foot
[5] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4259868/
[6] https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320383
