For overweight people, finding a suitable pair of shoes can be a little bit more challenging than for others. As you might know, a heavy person can put more pressure on his/her feet, which might result in an endless list of foot issues. This might be supination, overpronation, plantar fasciitis, and even knee and back problems. That’s why it is really important to get the best shoes for overweight people.

Fortunately, lots of shoe manufacturers pay attention to this problem when designing shoes for heavy people. They keep all their foot issues in mind and create shoes for plus-size men and women. So, you will have a wide variety of options that meet your requirements in terms of weight, size, other supportive features, etc. 

To save your time searching for such an overwhelming choice, I have put together a list of the 10 best shoes for overweight people. I also included a detailed buying guide to help you understand what features are the most important for you. That way, you will easily pick the right pair of sneakers. So, let’s get rolling!

What Are The Best Shoes For Overweight People?

Heavier people tend to put far more pressure on their feet, ankles, and joints. This can lead to fatigue and pain in those areas. Over time, it can even result in more serious foot problems. So, these best shoes for overweight people can help you improve your walking position and some related foot issues. 

Best for Morbidly Obese: Skechers Women’s Go Walk Joy 5Gen Cushioning Walking Shoes

“Lightweight, breathable, and comfy, flexible and strong sole, good arch support, ideal for those with wide feet, easy on and off”

Best for Fat Men: Skechers Men’s Equalizer Persistent FlexSole Slip-On Sneaker

“Comfy for all-day walking, offer a relaxed fit, lightweight design, easy to put on and take off, can decrease strain on feet”

Best for Overweight Women: Saucony Women’s Cohesion 10 Comfortable Running Shoes

“Super comfortable and soft, breathable to keep feet dry, provide extra stability, durable material, rugged outsoles”

Best for Obese Women Runners: ASICS Women’s Gel-Venture 7 Ortholite Running Shoes

“Ortholite sockliner for added support and comfort, cool and breathable mesh upper, comfortable and secure fit”

Best for Heavy Guys Runners: Under Armour Men’s Charged Assert 8 EVA Shock Lining Running Shoes

“Molded foam insoles for maximum cushioning and comfort, solid & rugged outsole for extra traction, light & breathable”

Best for Overweight Walkers: New Balance Women’s WW411v2 Comfortable Supportive Walking Shoes

“Durable and breathable fabric, soft lining for reduced friction, offer a roomy toe box for wide feet, fantastic traction”

Best for Overweight Nurses: Saucony Women’s Grid Excursion TR12 VERSAFOAM Cushioning Sneaker

“Air-permeable and secure knit mesh upper, offer an incredible grip with triangular-lugged outsole, very comfortable fit”

Best for Casual: Skechers Men’s Expected Gomel Knit Mesh Slip-On Loafer

“Super comfy, great cushioning, easy to wear and take the shoes off, exceptional arch support, good responsiveness”

Best for Big Guys To Workout: Skechers Men’s Energy Afterburn Lace-Up Workout Sneaker

“Padded collar & heel, offer extra stability, really durable, fabulous traction, breathable fabric, great for wide feet”

Best for Slip On: TIOSEBON Women’s Athletic Casual Mesh-Comfortable Walking Shoes

“Springy and non-slip outsoles, stretchy shoe mouth for better fit and easy on/off, incredibly light, good shock absorption”

See more: How To Choose Shoes For Treadmill Walking in here

Top Shoes For Overweight People – Comparison Chart

This comparison table provides you with an overview of the best shoes for overweight people and what they are best for. Some additional and vital features are included to help you easily narrow the list down. As a result, you can choose some of the best models to consider. 

Find more: How To Choose Belt for Fat Guys in this post

Buyer Guide: How To Pick the Right Shoes for Overweight People?

As a fat person, you may want to walk to lose weight, so you will inevitably have to walk on paths and sidewalks. If so, you should not wear an ordinary pair of shoes as they can have a bad effect on your feet and joints. Instead, you should consider the best shoes for overweight people that I have reviewed above.

However, there are a few more vital factors when it comes to specific types of heavy weight shoes you need to pay attention to. All of those important elements will be put together in this part. And here is what to look for:

Always Look for Cushioning 

It could be said that cushioning is one of the most crucial features when it comes to the best shoes for overweight people. Besides, it can be considered an essential part of fat shoes.

Generally speaking, heavy people tend to put more pressure on a hard terrain than on a soft surface. Even when you are standing on the ground, you also put lots of pressure on it. In other words, the harder the surface is, the more pressure will be put on every joint. In this case, fat sneakers with cushioned insoles can effectively deal with that problem by providing a soft pad between your feet and the ground.

Plush padding or memory foam cushion are great things to look for in shoes for overweight people. Besides, you can consider the springy sole. Ideally, it should be made from rubber since it is more durable and might give you extra stability.

Stability is a Key Element

As a heavy person, it is possible that you might not be stable on your feet. You might also have difficulty moving or experience excessive pronation. So, always consider stability whenever you are buying shoes for overweight guys.

There are also different things affecting the stability of shoes, in addition to its integrated stability system. These include size and traction. 

Size

It could be said that one of the best ways to ensure your shoes are stable on your feet is their size. Make sure that your sneakers are perfectly fit, neither too big nor tight. Some shoes might be a half or one size larger or smaller than stated. So, always measure your feet and double-check the size chart of the manufacturer, then order size accordingly. 

Imagine if your shoes are too large and your feet might move around in the shoes. It might allow you to slip on much easier. However, the biggest problem here is that your feet probably rub against the socks and the inside lining of the shoes, leading to blisters. 

Also, it will not provide you with enough stability that a heavy person needs when walking on a hard or even normal surface. 

Traction

Getting a reliable grip or traction is another vital factor for heavy people to walk stably and confidently. The less traction a shoe has, the worse its ability to provide traction is. If your shoes have a flat and smooth outsole, they will probably slip when walking on slippery surfaces. 

Instead, you should look for sneakers made of rugged rubber outsoles since this material offers a great grip. If possible, look for a bottom with tread patterns as it will increase traction. 

Consider the Sole

As mentioned above, the springy sole will be a great option when it comes to the best shoes for overweight people. However, you should also look for its flexibility and solidness. 

As you are walking, your feet will move or roll from heel to toe. Therefore, you need a sole that contours your feet. Once again, rubber is a good idea since it is strong yet versatile enough to flex a bit. 

Taking this into account, you should better avoid malleable sole as it might be a sign of a fragile sole. Moreover, it will not be sturdy enough to support your feet when your pressure is put on the hard ground. 

Think about the Breathability

Breathability is vital in any type of shoes or sneakers. We tend to sweat when walking or running a lot, and the smell afterward is not good at all. Not everyone is like that, but fat people are more prone to sweat. 

And you know, sweat can make your feet slippery. This can cause movement inside the shoe, even if it fits snugly. That results in discomfort, and your toes will be bumping into the tip of the shoe, which might cause blisters due to more friction.

So, it is best to get a pair of shoes made from mesh fabric upper and moisture-wicking lining. All these features will ensure the shoes are breathable, helping your feet stay cool and dry around the clock, even when you are walking for a long time.

Don’t Forget Arch Support

A lot of overweight people have flat feet or fallen arches, which causes a lack of arch support when you are walking or running. Therefore, anyone with flat feet should look for shoes with arch support design for a more natural walking position. 

View more: How To Choose The Right Duck Boots for Women in this article

My Top Pick

So, now you know the most crucial factors to look for when buying shoes for fat people. You also have a list of the 10 best shoes for overweight people. 

The choice is yours now, but I highly recommend the New Balance Women’s WW411v2 Comfortable Supportive Walking Shoes for overweight walkers.

But if you prefer shoes with a slip-on design, the TIOSEBON Women’s Athletic Casual Mesh-Comfortable Walking Shoes will be absolutely your go-to shoes.