Quick question on running shoe selection for bigger guys. For background info, I am getting back into running and cycling and try to get out there a couple days each week on both. I travel a lot so I typically use the elliptical and/or treadmill at the hotel. Total mileage is pretty low (especially for this site), but consistent and getting longer/faster. I’m 6’2", 215 lbs.
In the past I bought what fit without regard to gait and usually got last year shoes on sale. Since I am running more, I went to the local Road Runner Sports for a gait analysis and they recommended Neutral + shoes due to several factors, including my size, arch type, and limited pronation.
Of all the shoes I tried, the Brooks Glycerin “felt” the best in the store, but they seemed to have more cushion than the Saucony Ride’s I am in now (which are not too bad, but it is time to replace them). I’ve never run in Brooks before, so my questions are:
How is the Glycerin and how does it compare to the Ghost (seems to be a very highly rated shoe)? Is the Nike Vomero 5 a decent alternative?
If it fits and feels good, that’s the shoe for you. Brand, price, color, etc. is irrelevant. Just stick with a neutral shoe. At 215 lbs (I’ve been there) cushioning is not a bad thing. Try not to heel strike.
Not to throw a curve-ball in… Been there… Done that. I went with the Newton Motion and have never looked back. My shoe prior to that was the Brooks Adrenaline 7 and before that had been a smattering of Nikes with a couple Saucony and New Balance over the years as well.
For the record… I played soccer as a defenseman all trough out grade school and into college, and really have always been a forefoot to toe strike runner. Even in Newtons I wear out the front more than anything. Now the Newtons made a HUGE difference, mainly because the fit my style of running more, where in the other shoes, they were meant for heel strike, but I was still striking on the front.
Obviously more expensive option, but I found a HUGE improvement with the Newtons and my knees as well. Bigger guys and running generally pay for it over time in the knees.
Best of luck in your search.
Watch your knees as you increase the speed and distance. Don’t increase other too quickly or pay the price.
When I was your size (6’4" 215) I also went with the Glycerins. As I lost weight I started to go with less shoe. Now I’m 179 and wear Kinvaras, which I love.
6’2" 200lbs here. I like the addidas Adizero Mana. Anything over a 10k and this is my go to shoe. Also just got a pair of Kinvaras and so far theyre really nice too! Either are worth a look.
I think I’ll try the Glycerins and the Vomeros and see which is the best fit. I’ve been satisfied with the Saucony Ride’s but I’m thinking a bit more cushion wouldn’t hurt. One good thing is that about half of my run is on a packed gravel trail or grass.
I’ve looked into the mid foot/forefoot idea but am not quite ready to try a “minimal” type of shoe. Maybe something like that would work while traveling since those workouts are either elliptical or treadmill.
I’m in the 6’4", 210 range and switched to Saucony Mirage and have loved every minute of it!!! With your comment on a more midfoot strike type of shoe, that is where i ended up. Everyone is different and the slightest change in stride can make a completely different shoe work for you!
I’m a heavy guy. I’m wide for my height. I actually went to a FIST certified fitter last month and shoulder to shoulder I am the widest guy he has ever fit. I weight over 200 and am shorter than you. I will weight 170 again, which for me is very light.
I run in next to nothing for shoes. I wear either Merrel Trail Gloves or Addidas Addi zeros. I used to have horrible shin splints and PF which motion control and heavy shoes were aggravating.
Go with the least shoe that feels comfortable. I’m actually a much better and more comfortable runner for having gone to less shoe. Speed comes incrementally with every lost pound and week of speed work.
I have not yet picked up a new pair of shoes as my Saucony ride’s are still okay. I did try on the brooks puregrit today and it felt nice, and I also like the looks and reviews of the pureflow. Does anyone of “larger” stature have experience with either of these shoes.
Hoka Oneone Bondi B. Best shoe I ever worn and I’ve been running for 30 years and have tried just about every brand of shoe. I’m 6’2" 215lbs. Feels like running on clouds but plenty of support. Almost unreal how much cushioning they have for such a light shoe. Dan E. did a review on this site. I thought I would have to give up running due to back/knee/foot pain before I starting wearing these shoes. They run 1/2 half size small, or one size small if you wear ortho or a more cushioned insole. (trust me, for the later you won’t need to).
Because the Pure line is lightweight and fairly soft, you’ll crush those shoes pretty quickly. They’re great shoes, but probably wouldn’t be best suited for every day stuff. For races, though, they’d make a good option.
6-0 195 , I was happy in new Bal 992 for 10 years until my Ortho said pay the same $ for a much better shoe in Asics Nimbus. I have been quite happy for 4th season. They have wide widths too.
6’1" 200lbs, and wouldn’t want to get any lighter then 185ish.
I used to run in Adidas Adistar Salvation (pronation control shoe) because I thought the extra support would be benificial. I recently switched to Saucany Guide which feels less supportive and bulky. At first I was nervous to make the switch but now realize that it’s just a more responsive feel and not a less supportive shoe. I feel less fatigued in them then the adidas, fewer blister issues etc. Don’t be scared to go to a less “cushy” shoe!
I moved from a support shoe to a neutral shoe and have found that I have fewer pains now after running. Even the Nike LunarGlide series seemed to give too much support (slight to moderate pain on outside of knee following runs).
I tried the very basic Asics (Strike 3), Nike Pegasus, LunarGlides, and Saucony Rides, and the Asics were probably my favorites even though they were the entry level shoes.
I don’t run too far, but definitely want to make sure I have the right equipment and the minimal shoes are an interesting concept.
I’m 6’2 and 235 - fit but heavy. Getting back into running after a long break and aiming for 200 lbs. I tried Newtons and although they felt like slippers couldn’t get rid of tight calves and overall pains. I have a background in sprinting and already run up on my fore/mid-foot without shoes putting me further up there. Moved back to a more conventional shoe (New Balance 1064) on the advice of a running store who actually took me out into the park and worked on gait for an hour before choosing shoes. So far so good. Will probably go for something lighter as I get faster and more comfortable with distance/speed.
I’d certainly agree with staying with a comfortable shoe and also taking good advice if you can get it.
I’m a little smaller (5’11" ) and have dropped from 200lbs to 180lbs in the past few seasons but my favorite by far is still the Glycerin.
I also have the Brooks Defyance - it’s ok but my achilles feels sore after longer runs (20km+)
The New Balance 1064 also worked OK for me as did the Mizuno Wave (but Brooks Glycerin is still my fave).
