What are the Best Shoes for Obese Walkers? Footwear For Overweight

If you are on the heavier side and have just started walking to shed a few kilos, I reckon that you will know what the word “excruciating” in the phrase “excruciating pain” implies—quite well. I also have a feeling that you want to abandon walking and weight loss altogether since it comes at the price of swollen feet and unprecedented pains from the waist down. Did I call you out? Firstly, there is no need to be ashamed if you plan to give up on your weight loss journey because of the menacing pains. It makes perfect sense.

Secondly, you are one of the many people out there to do this. Ask around, and you will find out that it is pretty common for overweight people—like myself—to give up on the idea of physical activities like walking on account of the immense pain that accompanies them. In all honesty, even I gave up multiple times before I discovered that the type of shoe you use for your routine makes all the difference. Are you bewildered? You shouldn’t be. It is actually common knowledge.

However, the kind of shoe you must invest in—is not. I can hear you sighing, but I recommend that you do not sweat it! Because I have you covered with a list of some of the best shoes for obese walkers on the market. In fact, let us delve right in so that you can pick up your walk and weight loss routine exactly where you left off and ASAP.

5 of the Best Shoes for Obese Walkers

1. Skechers Men’s GOwalk 4 Incredible Shoes – Best Walking Shoes For Heavy Person

Although Skechers is not as popular as Nike, Adidas, or ASICS, it should be right up there with them—at least among tubbier people like me. I am primarily a huge fan of the Skechers Gowalk 4s because they provide excellent arch support due to their tapering midfoot design. Simply put, their design distributes the pressure to alleviate conditions ranging from heel spurs and supinations to arch pain and neuroma.

If you struggle with any of these conditions on top of your obesity, then you should consider buying these as a non-invasive treatment as well. Non-invasive techniques aside, this feature combined with their innovative midsole 5GEN cushioning ensures shock absorption and further reduces the chances of sore feet and even foot injuries.

In addition to their comfort and safety, the Gowalk 4s are quite easy to put on because of their slip-on style and are, moreover, light as a feather. Personally, I’m not too fond of shoes that feel like blocks of concrete on my feet and, therefore, was in awe of how lightweight the Gowalks were. What is more, their bamboo-lined footbed minimizes bacterial odors and does not have you stinking up the track or terrain you usually walk on.

I am all praises for this brand, but one caveat is that they wear out quite quickly and are not suited to all kinds of terrains. I also found my size to be a little problematic in the front and would recommend that you buy a size up.

All in all, this pair, with its beautiful mesh design and manifold benefits, is definitely a must-have for all of my bulky friends out there. It makes the pain dissipate like magic and makes one’s walks enjoyable and efficient.

2. Skechers Women’s Ghenter – Bronaugh Work Shoes – Best Walking Shoes For Overweight Walkers

Another favorite Skechers of mine is the Ghenter – Bronaugh one. While the Gowalk 4s are specifically marketed to men, this one was designed for women. In my opinion, there is not a vast difference between the two models in terms of cushioning; nonetheless, this pair is more beneficial to obese people because it minimizes slippage and offers maximum traction and grip.

Alongside shock, these shoes also absorb extra moisture and reduce the chances of your foot skidding inside of the shoe itself. This is made possible via their outer mesh fabric, which is also stain and water-resistant.

Additionally, these shoes are easy to put on like the previous article; moreover, they are equipped with a rubber toe guard that lessens abrasions.

The downside to these shoes is that they only come in a total of two colors. Nevertheless, I was able to wear them outside of my workout routines because of their sneaker-like, causal design.

The Ghenter – Bronaughs are really high on my list as an overweight person. I am entirely sold on their design and traction and would recommend them to anyone who lives in a damp or wet climate. You can surely bid farewell to almost tripping or full-on tripping with these babies on!

3. Skechers Men’s Equalizer – Persistent Shoes – Shoes For Overweight

Yes, you guessed it, I am obsessed with Skechers. However, before you accuse me of partiality, just know that the Equalizer – Persistent model possesses a faux leather make and is highly flexible. The flexibility is a much-needed feature for people who frequently suffer from swollen feet because of underlying conditions like arthritis and diabetes and need a shoe that has a bit of a give. Many obese people are generally at risk of these diseases or diagnosed with them; hence, I am making special mention of this pair.

On top of the above-stated traits, this pair is also a slip-on in keeping with some other Skechers. This makes it easier to put on for people with back pain or other disabilities. I personally like it because I can slip it on with one hand when I am in a hurry.

I found its design really interesting as an avid athleisure dresser, but sometimes it would slip right off my feet in the middle of a walk and cause irritability to no end.

I have been recommending Skechers for anything. These shoes—especially the Equalizer – Persistent—really know how to deliver in terms of price points, style, and comfort. They would be a treat to have in your wardrobe, guaranteed.

4. HOKA ONE ONE Men’s Bondi 6 Shoes

Even though this brand is less heard of, it will not be long before becoming a top contender. I mainly was taken with this shoe’s EVA—Ethyl vinyl acetate to be exact—midsole, which effectively absorbs shock via the myriad bubbles it makes and prevents pain and injuries.

This EVA material is usually very light, and, therefore, the shoe does not feel like you are walking on wet cement or quicksand. As you already know, the weight is a huge pet peeve of mine and, thus, I bought them in a heartbeat.

Moreover, I also liked how it’s upper allowed for maximum ventilation and kept my feet cool. This was an excellent upgrade on the pool of sweat that usually accumulates inside cheap shoes and makes your feet skid.

One off-putting thing, however, was their price. As much as I love a good pair of shoes, it does not make sense for a pair to cost above $150.

If you are willing to spend a few bucks and love a range of eye-catching colors while shoe shopping, this shoe is it. I own the purple one, and it always wins me compliments. If you are planning to lose weight and thinking to jump rope daily, here are the best shoes for jump rope you can check.

5. Saucony Women’s Integrity ST 2 Shoes

People who are not big on shoes may not have heard of this brand either, but it is one of the fastest-growing footwear brands globally. This particular model caught my eye because of its HRC or high rebound compound pads. These pads are in the heel area and reduce the pain that stems from the persistent striking of the heel while walking or running.

Another fantastic thing about them is their EVA midsole, which helps contain shock and makes the shoe lightweight. This makes them great for running or heel sprinting as well. If you feel like taking a break from walking, you can try either of those.

Furthermore, the XT-900 materials that they are made of make them highly durable and worth their weight in gold. However, I had troubles with breathability and sweat on account of these very materials. Although generally comfortable, this made many of my walks on hotter days feel like I was walking on coals. Mend your damaged shoes with these best shoe glues you can buy online.

Do not shy away from these shoes if you have never heard of the brand before. They are pretty promising for people who are enthusiastic about walking and will not let you down in the comfort and style department either!

FAQs

Can I buy the pairs targeted at men as a woman?

100 percent! Most shoes are unisex, even if they are marketed to a specific gender. The only condition is that your size might not be available in the men’s catalog if it is small. Otherwise, as long as the shoe fits, there is nothing wrong with buying men’s shoes.

Can I wear these shoes while hiking?

No! I would recommend that you invest in trail shoes. Remember, most of these shoes are aimed at facilitating running and walking. They will not sustain you on a hike because the terrain or landscape will be indifferent to their true purpose.

Final Verdict

If you had given up on walking because of the terrible aches, it is time to take it up again using these shoes. You are free to choose, but my favorites were:

• Skechers women’s Ghenter – Bronaugh work shoes for their stain, water resistance, and amazing traction.
• Saucony women’s Integrity ST 2 shoes for their minimal weight and maximum comfort.
• Skechers men’s GOwalk 4 Incredible shoes for their breathability and slip-on design.

I gave you a glance at several good shoes and now can only wish you Godspeed on your weight loss journey. May the force be with you!