First of all, never go walking with regular gym shoes! They are stiff and not designed to accommodate foot movements of obese walkers. Walking shoes, on the other hand, are flexible and more or less amortized, depending on the type: try to choose the ones that suit you best and feel comfortable.
When the walking technique is well-performed, that is, when it is done correctly, bodyweight does not play an important role and almost any pair of shoes can be worn. However, when we start going on long walks and have not made any progresses yet, the weight can damage us more than in the case of a person with average weight, whose injuries could be slight or even imperceptible.
Understanding Your Body Weight
Having said that, we understand that overweight or an obese person needs to pay particular attention to their walking shoe choice. Sometimes, we have a hard time admitting to ourselves that we pertain to this category, which is why it is probably better to consult one of the many tables online that tell us whether or not we are overweight and to which extent.
Remember you’ll have to find a balance between what your joints can support and your total weight. You can make an assessment by calculating your body mass index (also known as BMI) and if you’ll find that the index is between 27-28, you are certainly part of this category, and you should look for shoes for morbidly obese people.
![calculate-body-mass-index-bmi-calculator-ireland-e1542038017641]()
It is important to strengthen your muscles, improve walking technique, and stretch well, especially if you suffer from weight issues because you are more likely to suffer from several pathologies than others.
On the other hand, if you suffer from more developed obesity, long walks are probably not the best way to start exercising. Instead, you could try pedaling, using the elliptical machine, and strengthen your muscles at the gym under the supervision of a dietician and a personal trainer.
What to Look For in The Best Shoes For Overweight Walkers?
- Stability – For those of you who are looking for the best shoes for plus size people, it is important to know that shock-absorbing shoes are the best option. In addition, shoes must be very stable, as weight problems can cause pronation while walking. This is why we will be needing all the support possible to correct our pronation.
- Cushioning – Heavier walkers may need a more cushioned pair of shoes, which will reduce stress on their legs and makes the support phase more comfortable. Training plays an essential role in modifying someone’s health and body image. Heavier walkers accustomed to walking in light shoes will have not have any of these problems, because their body has already gotten used to that type of stress.
- Outsole – If you are looking for good traction and slip resistance, the best material you can possibly choose is rubber. You’ll have plenty of alternatives to choose from, such as those with foam or EVA midsole for shock absorbency.
- Breathability – Make sure that the lining of the shoes you choose is breathable and that it will keep your feet dry and cool, avoiding moisture and sweating.
Don’t just save money and take the time to try out various shoe models. When you’ll return home satisfied after a good walk, with “healthy” pain given by the right efforts, you will realize that the investment in hours and money was definitely worth it.
Best Brands of Shoes For Morbidly Obese People
Best Brooks Shoes for Overweight Walkers
Brooks Women's Glycerin 17, Grey/Aqua, 7 D
Brooks Womens Adrenaline GTS 19 Running Shoe - Grey/Lavender/Navy - D - 7.0
Brooks Womens Bedlam Running Shoe - Pink/Black/White - B - 10.0
Brooks Women's Glycerin 17, Grey/Aqua, 7 D
Brooks Womens Adrenaline GTS 19 Running Shoe - Grey/Lavender/Navy - D - 7.0
Brooks Womens Bedlam Running Shoe - Pink/Black/White - B - 10.0
Brooks offers the best shoes for overweight walkers. Their midsole made with Super DNA offers all the softness that a walker of this type of needs. In addition, this material not only improves the level of cushioning and comfort of the sole but also prolongs the product life of the shoe.
This brand provides the best shoes for plus size walkers who have wide or flat feet because their shoes showcase a more voluminous upper part that offers a good grip without oppressing the foot.
Best Mizuno Shoes for Obese Women
Mizuno Women's Wave Rider 21 Running Shoe Athletic Shoe, peacock blue/white, 7 B US
Mizuno Women's Wave Inspire 13 Running Shoe, Malibu Blue/Pink, 6 B US
Mizuno Women's Wave Rider 23 Running Shoe, Citadel-Glacier Gray, 7 D US
Mizuno Women's Wave Rider 21 Running Shoe Athletic Shoe, peacock blue/white, 7 B US
Mizuno Women's Wave Inspire 13 Running Shoe, Malibu Blue/Pink, 6 B US
Mizuno Women's Wave Rider 23 Running Shoe, Citadel-Glacier Gray, 7 D US
Mizuno gained a good reputation because their products have been cataloged as the shoes with the best cushioning for heavy weight walkers. One of the most surprising qualities of their products is that they not only offer comfortable cushioning but also have excellent responsiveness.
Many models they sell use wave technology, the famous and excellent Mizuno shock system. It offers excellent absorption capacity so that the support is soft and fluid. In addition, it also offers great stability.
Best Adidas Shoes for Overweight Women
adidas Originals Women's Swift Run Sneaker, ice Pink/White/Black, 7 M US
adidas Women's Cloudfoam Pure Running Shoe, black/black/white, 7 Medium US
adidas Originals Women's NMD_r1, ash Silver/Purple Beauty/Shock Pink, 10 M US
adidas Originals Women's Swift Run Sneaker, ice Pink/White/Black, 7 M US
adidas Women's Cloudfoam Pure Running Shoe, black/black/white, 7 Medium US
adidas Originals Women's NMD_r1, ash Silver/Purple Beauty/Shock Pink, 10 M US
Some talk of Adidas as the best shoes in the world and, frankly, we are talking about a very high-quality brand also in the case of the best shoes for overweight women.
As can be expected, Adidas’ shoes are very comfortable: many of them are developed with the padding of pushed material (100% Boost in the midsole) and their soles give speed during the stride. For example, overweight walkers who have been going on walks for some time and who need a little help getting faster and better can use the Ultra Boost shoe to train every day.
Best Nike Shoes for Heavy Person
Nike Women's Epic React Flyknit Running Shoe, Teal Tint/Teal Tint-teal Tint, 7
Nike Women's Air Zoom Pegasus 34 Running Shoe, Rust Pink Tropical Pink 606, 7
Nike Women's Trainers Running Shoes, Black Black White 011, 8
Nike Women's Epic React Flyknit Running Shoe, Teal Tint/Teal Tint-teal Tint, 7
Nike Women's Air Zoom Pegasus 34 Running Shoe, Rust Pink Tropical Pink 606, 7
Nike Women's Trainers Running Shoes, Black Black White 011, 8
Nike also offers great solutions for heavy walkers. Their shoes are usually very damping and also quite light. They are perfect for slow training, but also for running sessions where the pace reaches 4:20-4:30 km/hr.
So, What Are The Best Shoes For Obese Walkers?
If you are an obese person, and you are looking for the best shoes to go on long walks, you’ll have to pay attention to a few details, to make sure that the shoes you are going to buy will accommodate and facilitate your movements.
Start by looking for a pair of amortized shoes, which will be able to sustain your body weight during your training sessions, and remember to pay attention to the pronation of your feet.
If you have any doubts about the best shoes for overweight walkers, leave a comment, or better yet, consult with your physician or with a posture expert!
Good walking!