Being overweight or just big and finding the right shoes can be a challenging and frustrating experience. In fact, if you are a larger man or woman you aren’t alone; 40 percent of men and 27.5 percent of women are also chubby.
If you’re looking for the best shoes for overweight walkers, you’re on the right path! Walking significantly reduces the occurrence of diseases, and the proper pair of walking shoes can make your stroll much more enjoyable.
If you just want the top options, our pick for the best woman’s walking shoe is the Skechers Sport Women’s D’Lites and for the heavy man’s shoes, we chose the New Balance Men’s 623 V3 Casual Comfort.
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Here’s the complete list of shoes for heavy walkers:
- Skechers Sport Women’s D’Lites Slip-On Mule Sneaker
- ASICS Women’s GEL-Venture 5
- Clarks Women’s Arla Primrose
- New Balance Men’s 623 V3 Casual Comfort
- Orthofeet Best Plantar Fasciitis
- COSIDRAM Men’s Casual Loafer Shoes
Our Six Best Shoes for Overweight Walkers
A heavy weight can increase the load and pressure on our feet and legs. To counter this when walking, we’ve selected the best models to ensure you’ll walk with the maximum amount of comfort in all environments. We have also reviewed some of the best running shoes for older people.
As well as shoes for those with sore tendons. But first onto the best walking shoes for obese women.
1. Skechers Sport Women’s D’Lites Slip-On Mule Sneaker – Best Overall
The extra weight typically makes every movement more challenging. But who doesn’t hate asking for help to put on or remove their shoes?
This pair should make the process painless. They resemble sleepers, so you’ll only need to slide your feet in—you won’t have to bend and crawl to get them on.
Because of the slip-on feature, the rear of the shoe has a low profile so the ankles aren’t as protected as they normally might be which could be good if, like me, you have oddly shaped ones.
I like how the sides and front panels are made with fabric to prevent sweaty feet. Plus, the shoe has a built-in memory foam insole to provide the needed comfort, whether for home use or casual walking. The best shoes for morbidly obese woman.
Pros:
- Easy to put on and take off.
- Comes in five colors and designs.
- Breathable material.
- Stable despite being backless.
- Memory foam insole.
- Rubber outsole for durability.
- Built-in 1 ¼ heel.
Cons:
- Little ankle support.
- Maybe not suitable for difficult walks.
- Wider than expected.
2. ASICS Women’s GEL-Venture 5 – Shoes for Versatility
This pair has more to offer than its bright colors and cute overall design. It’s made with gel cushioning to provide great comfort and better absorb shocks. Plus, the rubber outsole is meant to withstand abrasive surfaces.
On top of that, the insole is removable. If you need to use customized medical orthotics, you’ll be able to place yours instead.
I love versatility! If you get bored of walking, this pair is also suitable for running, making it one of the best shoes for overweight runners too. Great shoes for overweight women.
You can’t go wrong with a pair of ASICS! A stalwart from the stable with a great reputation. For more ASICS action we have looked at them and another of our favorite shoes, Brooks in a recent article.
Pros:
- Available in 10 colors.
- It’s proprietary Gel cushioning.
- Sturdy rubber outsole.
- Removable insole.
- Lots of toe space.
- Excellent arch support.
Cons:
- The outsole can become slippery when wet.
- Some reviewers were after even more cushioning.
3. Clarks Women’s Arla Primrose – Best Open Shoes
My shoes often turn into swimming pools, even though I don’t have a lot of extra weight. On hot summer days, it can become unbearable, so I sometimes opt for open shoes. If like me, you prefer sandal types in hot weather, this pair shouldn’t disappoint.
Not only does it allow your feet to breathe, but it can be more comfortable if you have bunions. The shoes are nevertheless designed for comfort, including Cushion Soft Technology and a low heel drop.
Pros:
- Open concept.
- Low 1.57-inch high heel.
- Multilayer cushion-soft technology.
- Available in eight colors.
- Budget-friendly.
- Great for summer days.
- OrthoLite footbed.
- Secure fit with soft and flexible straps.
Cons:
- Strap color can come off when wet.
- We didn’t notice but some buyers found them noisy when walking.
- Backstrap can be too loose.
1. New Balance Men’s 623 V3 Casual Comfort – Best Classic Design
I find that knee pain after a long walk can be more unpleasant. With these, the footbed is made of foam material, providing the necessary cushioning for comfort and proper shock absorption.
In parallel, their QUIX technology keeps the foot stable. Plus, this pair comes in regular, wide, but also extra-wide sizes. Make sure to refer to the size chart to select the right width otherwise possibly the best shoes for obese men.
Pros:
- Comes in extra-wide sizes.
- Keeps the feet stable.
- Foam footbed.
- Available in 12 colors.
- Heel with a 0.4-inch drop.
- May be eligible for Medicare reimbursement.
Cons:
- Some reported wanting more arch support.
- Heavier than other models—0.8 pounds.
2. Orthofeet “Best Plantar Fasciitis” – Best Orthopedic Shoes
These shoes are designed to relieve pain due to overweight health conditions, such as foot pain, arthritis, or plantar fasciitis. Indeed, their ergonomic soles provide arch support and air cushioning to support the feet and avoid overpronation.
The insole is so super-cushioned and soft making it feel like you’re bouncing on strings. Plus, who likes squeezed toes? The frontal area is wide, providing ample space.
Pros:
- 60-day wear test.
- Available in extra-wide widths.
- Certified by Medicare.
- Spacious front space.
- Spring-like to improve mobility.
- Removable insole.
- Ideal for individuals with diabetes, arthritis and plantar fasciitis.
Cons:
- Too light for some users.
- The shoes may need a short break-in period.
3. Cosidram Men’s Casual Loafer Shoes – Most Stylish?
Regardless of my weight, I like to dress well on certain occasions, and my footwear has to follow my style. This model comes with a robust rubber outsole but features a fashionable cover.
Although made of genuine leather, the material still offers good breathability and usability. Also, two side-elastics make them easy to put on and take off.
Pros:
- Stylish look.
- Available in 10 colors.
- Designed for arch support.
- Made with genuine leather.
- Sturdy but light rubber outsole.
- Cushioned insole.
- Slip-resistant.
- Easy to put on and take off.
Cons:
- Bigger than true size.
- Some users report a strong rubber smell.
- Could have more arch support.
Selecting the Best Shoes for Heavy Walkers
Things to consider when choosing the best sneakers for obese walkers. The added pressure caused by the extra weight can become extremely painful when wearing inappropriate footwear.
In addition, diabetes, worsening symptoms of arthritis and plantar fasciitis often accompany the condition, making walking even more challenging.
But, choosing the right pair should make your daily walk more enjoyable. Here are essential features to look out for:
- Breathability.
- Stability.
- Insole and midsole integrity.
- Correct size.
- User-friendly.
- Extras.
Breathability
To keep moisture out of your shoes, make sure it has breathable mesh, which also enhances good airflow.
If you can’t stand closed shoes in summer and you want to keep your feet cool there is another option.
Sandal shoes are open-concept and include straps to provide stability while walking but with proper breathable mesh uppers, you should be comfortable whilst feeling more supported.
Stability
The outsole plays a significant role in how stable the shoe is and how balanced you’ll feel. It should be made of thick and sturdy rubber and have a good grip on all surfaces to avoid slipping.
The frame of the shoe is also important to provide ankle support. Additionally, the footbed should embrace your foot to keep it balanced and secure.
Insole and Midsole
Both parts should have plenty of cushioning to provide comfort and mitigate the extra weight. This is critical, especially if suffering from conditions such as arthritis or fasciitis.
If you have medical insoles, double-check that you can remove the standard ones to replace them with yours. Normally you can rip them out even if you’re not supposed to as I do with my Sketchers.
As for the midsole – between the insole and the outsole – it should be made of a padding material like EVA (ethyl vinyl acetate) and be soft but also firm enough to provide arch support. Gray midsole EVA tends to be firmer than white EVA.
The best models typically come with a low heel to remove pressure from the backside of your foot. A lower heel in relation to the toe makes for a more comfortable and natural walking motion.
Check out our article on walking, running and training shoes for more information on the differences between them.
Size
Shoes generally come in three widths: regular, wide, and extra-wide. Because each manufacturer may have a different sizing chart, make sure to check the exact measurements before making a decision.
Equally worth considering is the toe box, you should have enough space to wiggle your toes at the front.
User-Friendly
The added weight makes everything more challenging, and this includes putting on shoes and removing them. The best models for overweight walkers should be simple to wear.
If this is a deal-breaker, consider backless shoes that fit just like slippers. They’re fantastic for casual walking and home use.
Extras
If budget is a concern, some models can be reimbursed by Medicare. Before committing, I’d recommend confirming with both the manufacturer and Medicare to avoid bad surprises.
One Step at a Time
Being overweight should never prevent anyone from walking – it’s such a beneficial exercise and anyone can do it. You’ll always be able to find shoes that’ll make your stroll comfortable and less painful. I hope this has helped to choose the best walking shoes for obese people. Let us know in the comments below.
The Skechers Sport Women’s D’Lites Slip-On Mule Sneaker is my favorite model for women. I love the backless feature, which makes it the most user-friendly. Nevertheless, it comes with the needed cushioning and a durable outsole to provide comfort and stability.
For men, the New Balance Men’s 623 V3 Casual Comfort includes a foam footbed and extra-wide sizes for added comfort.
We have covered more on athletic shoes here.
