Choosing the right pair of running shoes can improve your performance and reduce the risk of injury. To make your choice, you need to consider various criteria: those related to your running habits as well as your personal characteristics.
The criteria related to your running include the terrain you run on, the distance covered, and the type and frequency of your training sessions each week.
Personal characteristics criteria include your gender, foot shape, stride type, and also your weight.
Heavy runners should pay particular attention to this criterion when choosing their shoes. Indeed, these shoes need to have additional reinforcement and cushioning to minimize the impact on the runner's joints and tendons.
In this article, we will cover various topics such as the influence of weight in running, shoes with carbon plates, and examples of suitable shoes for heavy runners. But first, let's define what is a heavy runner.
What is considered a heavy runner?
A heavy runner is considered to be a runner who weighs more than 90 kg. Although this figure may seem arbitrary, as some experienced runners in excellent physical shape can be considered as such.
However, in both cases, this profile of runner will need a more cushioned and stable shoe than a lighter runner.
Besides the "weight" factor, we remind you that when choosing a running shoe, you should take into account:
- The runner's athletic profile: speed/race times, experience
- The type of terrain you run on: asphalt, trails, rocky terrain, mountain
- Your athletic goal: starting to run, training, competition, running a first marathon, improving your race times
- Type of shoe: for training, competition, mixed
- Runner's profile: type of stride and weight.
How does weight influence running?
You may have already heard that during running, the joints must support twice the body's weight with each step. A greater weight, in addition to increasing the impact suffered by the joints.
Are carbon plate shoes suitable for heavy runners?
Shoes with this technology are aimed at performance and are directed at runners with good running technique and high racing speeds. These sports shoes are usually lighter than traditional models, and their durability is also lower. That's why they are recommended for runners weighing less than 75 kg.
Running shoes for people over 90 kg
- The Hoka Bondi is synonymous with comfort and cushioning and is designed for runners with a neutral gait and for all distances.
- The New Balance 1080 provides a smooth stride and excellent cushioning both in training and races from 10 km to the marathon. Although it is a cushioned shoe, it also allows for good dynamism.
- Adidas Ultraboost, this running shoe, has everything you need to enjoy your races safely and comfortably at any distance. Its Boost technology ensures reactive cushioning, while the Linear Energy Push system provides stability.
- The Asics Nimbus is undoubtedly the most comfortable model of the Japanese brand. This running shoe is ideal for your daily training as well as your races at all distances, up to the marathon.
- Brooks Glycerin: this sports shoe offers maximum cushioning and smooth transitions. A model that stands out in long-distance asphalt races.
- Nike Vomero combines ZoomX foam with a Zoom Air unit in the forefoot, ensuring a cushioned and reactive stride. A model that stands out in long-distance asphalt and trail races.
- The Mizuno Wave Rider is aimed at runners weighing up to 85 kg. The Wave plate and Mizuno Enerzy technology ensure excellent stability and reactive cushioning both in training and competition. Suitable for all distances. What Trail Shoe for a Heavy Runner?
Once again, it all depends on the distance, the type of terrain you run on and its technicality, as well as your athletic profile. However, generally, we could recommend the Hoka brand known for its great comfort and cushioning, and its most popular model, Hoka Speedgoat, will meet your needs. The Asics Gel-Trabuco, the Brooks Cascadia, just to mention a couple, are excellent options.
Shoes for walking with overweight
For walking, you don't need a top-of-the-range shoe. You can choose a model adapted to your weight that provides good stability and cushioning.
