Ready to get your steps in but feeling overwhelmed by shoe choices? It’s tough when you’re looking for walking shoes that really support you, especially if you’re carrying a little extra weight. Many brands don’t seem to think about comfort and durability for bigger bodies. You might feel like your feet ache quickly, or that shoes just don’t last as long as they should.
Finding the perfect pair can feel like a mission! You want shoes that cushion your steps, keep your feet stable, and don’t wear out after a few weeks. It’s frustrating when you just want to enjoy a walk, but your feet are telling a different story. This is where we come in!
In this post, we’ll break down exactly what to look for in walking shoes designed for comfort and support. We’ll guide you through the features that matter most, so you can finally find shoes that make every step a pleasure, not a pain. Let’s find the perfect pair to get you moving!
Our Top 5 Walking Shoes For Fat People Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Walking Shoes For Fat People Detailed Reviews
1. Besroad Women’s Comfortable Working Nurse Shoes Non-Slip Adjustable Breathable Walking Buffer Fitness Casual Barefoot Shoes Arthritis Diabetic Heel Pain 9.5Wide Light Grey
Rating: 8.6/10
Step into comfort and support with the Besroad Women’s Comfortable Working Nurse Shoes. These shoes are designed for nurses, walkers, and anyone seeking relief from foot pain, including arthritis and diabetic discomfort. The light grey color and breathable design make them a stylish and practical choice for daily wear.
What We Like:
- The hook and loop closure makes them super easy to put on and take off. You can also adjust the tightness for a perfect fit.
- These shoes have a wide toe box, so your toes can spread out and move naturally. This is great for comfort and preventing foot issues.
- The knit upper is breathable and feels nice against your skin. It helps keep your feet cool and dry, even when you’re active.
- The zero-drop design promotes good posture and balance. It feels like you’re walking barefoot, but with added protection and comfort.
- The non-slip rubber sole gives you great grip on different surfaces. This helps you stay safe and stable, especially outdoors.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the adjustable strap is helpful, some users might prefer a traditional lace-up system for even more fine-tuning.
- The cushioning might be a bit different than what some people are used to with traditional supportive shoes, so there might be a slight adjustment period.
These Besroad shoes offer a fantastic blend of comfort, adjustability, and support. They are an excellent option for anyone prioritizing foot health and all-day ease.
2. Skechers Women’s Go Walk Joy Upturn Sneaker
Rating: 8.9/10
Step into comfort and style with the Skechers Women’s Go Walk Joy Upturn Sneaker in Navy/Pink, size 8. These sneakers are designed for your active lifestyle, offering a perfect blend of support and breathability for all-day wear.
What We Like:
- The 5Gen midsole cushioning makes them feel super light and bouncy.
- The Air Cooled Goga Mat insole provides great airflow and a soft, springy feel.
- The woven air mesh upper is really breathable, keeping your feet cool and comfy.
- The flexible outsole gives you good grip on different surfaces.
- You’ll love the soft fabric lining and padded collar and tongue for extra coziness.
- They are machine washable, making cleaning a breeze. Just let them air dry!
- The 1 1/2 inch heel height adds a little lift without being too much.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might want more arch support for longer, strenuous activities.
- The navy and pink color combination might not suit everyone’s style preferences.
Overall, these Skechers Go Walk Joy Upturn sneakers are a fantastic option for anyone seeking comfortable and practical footwear. They are a reliable choice for your daily adventures.
3. SKASO Barefoot Walking Shoes Women Wide Toe Comfortable Casual Shoes Zero Drop Minimalist Shoes for Casual Office Driving Red Size 8 Wide
Rating: 8.8/10
Step into comfort and natural movement with the SKASO Barefoot Walking Shoes. These red, size 8 wide shoes are designed to feel like you’re walking barefoot, offering a relaxed and healthy experience for your feet throughout the day.
What We Like:
- Easy to slip on and off with a clever combination of laces and a zipper. You can adjust the laces for a perfect fit.
- Generous wide toe box gives your toes plenty of space to spread out naturally, which is great for all feet, especially those needing extra room.
- True barefoot feel thanks to the super thin sole and zero-drop design, which helps your feet move and strengthen naturally.
- The thin, flexible rubber sole bends and twists with your foot, mimicking the feeling of being barefoot. It’s also incredibly durable.
- Perfect for daily wear, these shoes look good with many outfits and are suitable for work, walking, exercise, driving, and vacations.
- They make a thoughtful gift for anyone who wants more comfort or has specific foot needs.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the zipper is convenient, some users might prefer a purely lace-up option for a more traditional look.
- The minimalist design, while functional, might not offer the same level of cushioning or support some people are used to in traditional shoes.
These SKASO barefoot shoes offer a fantastic way to reconnect with natural foot movement and enjoy all-day comfort. They’re a practical and stylish choice for anyone seeking a more minimalist footwear experience.
4. relxfeet Womens Mens Walking Shoes Adjustable Barefoot Shoes Minimalist Sneakers Wide Diabetic Shoes for Edema Swollen Feet (All Black
Rating: 8.7/10
Step into comfort and freedom with relxfeet’s All-Black Minimalist Sneakers. These shoes are designed for everyone, especially those needing extra care for their feet. They offer a relaxed, barefoot feel with plenty of room for your toes. Plus, they’re super easy to put on and take off, making them a great choice for anyone with mobility challenges.
What We Like:
- The upper is made of soft, breathable mesh that keeps your feet cool and dry.
- It helps relieve foot pain and discomfort.
- The adjustable closure makes them easy to put on and take off, fitting many foot shapes.
- The wide toe box lets your toes spread out naturally, reducing pressure.
- The flexible, non-slip rubber soles give you good grip and stability.
- They are perfect for many activities, from walking and working to travel and relaxing.
- They are easy to clean and maintain.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the all-black color is versatile, a wider range of color options might appeal to more people.
- For some, the minimalist design might lack the robust support needed for very strenuous activities.
These relxfeet shoes are a fantastic option for anyone seeking comfortable, supportive, and easy-to-wear footwear. They truly deliver on their promise of comfort and freedom for your feet.
5. Skechers Women’s Go Walk 5 Honor Sneaker
Rating: 8.9/10
Walking just got a whole lot easier with the Skechers Women’s Go Walk 5 Honor Sneaker in Grey, size 9 Wide. These sneakers are designed for ultimate comfort and support, making them ideal for your daily strolls or busy days on your feet. They feel great from the moment you slip them on!
What We Like:
- The Ultra Go midsole is super light and bounces back with every step.
- You get amazing comfort with the Air Cooled Goga Mat insole. It breathes well and feels soft.
- The heathered mesh fabric upper is soft and feels good against your skin.
- A strong outsole with two different densities gives you good grip and keeps you steady.
- Comfort Pillar Technology adds extra support where you need it most.
- Cleaning is a breeze – just toss them in the washing machine and let them air dry.
- They have a small 1 1/2 inch heel, which adds a little lift without being too much.
What Could Be Improved:
- The grey color might show dirt more easily than darker options.
- While comfortable, some might want more arch support for very long walks.
Overall, these Skechers Go Walk 5 Honor sneakers are a fantastic choice for anyone seeking comfort and ease in their everyday footwear. They really deliver on their promise of a great walking experience.
Choosing the Best Walking Shoes for Plus-Size Individuals
Finding the right walking shoes can make a big difference in your comfort and health, especially if you have a larger body type. We’ve put together this guide to help you find shoes that support you every step of the way.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping for walking shoes, keep these important features in mind:
- Excellent Cushioning: This is super important! Good cushioning absorbs shock. It protects your feet and joints from impact, which is extra helpful when you’re carrying more weight. Look for shoes with thick, soft midsoles.
- Strong Arch Support: Your arches need support to keep your feet stable. Shoes with built-in arch support help prevent your feet from rolling inward or outward. This can stop pain in your feet, ankles, and even your knees.
- Wide Toe Box: Your toes need room to spread out. A wide toe box prevents your toes from getting squished, which can lead to discomfort and problems like bunions. Make sure there’s enough space for your toes to wiggle.
- Good Ankle Support: Shoes that offer a bit of ankle support help keep your ankles stable. This is great for preventing twists and sprains, especially when you’re walking on uneven surfaces.
- Durable Outsole: The bottom of the shoe, the outsole, needs to be tough. A durable outsole gives you good grip and won’t wear out quickly. Look for rubber outsoles with deep tread patterns.
- Breathable Upper: Your feet can get hot when you walk. Shoes made with breathable materials help air circulate. This keeps your feet cool and dry, preventing blisters and odor.
Important Materials
The materials used in walking shoes play a big role in how they feel and perform.
- Midsoles: Many good walking shoes use EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate) or polyurethane for their midsoles. EVA is lightweight and offers good cushioning. Polyurethane is usually denser and more durable, providing excellent support and shock absorption. Some shoes even combine these for the best of both worlds.
- Uppers: Mesh is a popular choice for uppers because it’s very breathable and lightweight. Leather and synthetic leather can offer more durability and water resistance, which is nice for different weather conditions.
- Outsoles: Rubber is the go-to material for outsoles. It’s durable, provides great traction, and can be designed with different patterns for different types of surfaces.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things can make a walking shoe better or worse.
- Improved Quality:
- Well-Constructed Midsole: A midsole that is thick and responsive will offer better cushioning and support.
- Reinforced Toe Cap: This protects your toes and adds durability to the front of the shoe.
- Padded Collar and Tongue: Extra padding around the ankle and top of the foot adds comfort and helps prevent rubbing.
- Removable Insoles: This lets you replace the original insoles with custom orthotics if you need them.
- Reduced Quality:
- Thin, Flat Midsoles: These offer little to no cushioning or support.
- Stiff or Non-Breathable Uppers: These can make your feet feel hot and uncomfortable.
- Poorly Stitched Seams: Loose threads or weak stitching can cause the shoe to fall apart faster.
- Slippery Outsoles: An outsole with no grip can be dangerous, especially on wet surfaces.
User Experience and Use Cases
People who wear these shoes often talk about how much more comfortable their walks are. They report less foot pain, knee pain, and back pain. Many find they can walk for longer periods without getting tired.
These shoes are perfect for:
- Daily Walks: Whether it’s a stroll around the neighborhood or a brisk walk in the park.
- Running Errands: Keep your feet happy while you’re out and about.
- Standing for Long Periods: If your job keeps you on your feet, these shoes can offer much-needed relief.
- Light Exercise: They can handle gentle workouts and fitness classes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What makes a walking shoe good for people with a larger body type?
A: Shoes with extra cushioning, strong arch support, and a wide toe box are best for people with a larger body type. These features help absorb shock and keep your feet stable.
Q: Should I look for shoes with a lot of cushioning?
A: Yes, extra cushioning is very important. It helps protect your feet and joints from the impact of walking.
Q: How important is arch support?
A: Arch support is very important. It helps keep your feet aligned and can prevent pain in your feet, ankles, and knees.
Q: Why is a wide toe box important?
A: A wide toe box gives your toes room to spread out. This prevents them from getting squished and can help avoid foot problems.
Q: What kind of outsole should I look for?
A: You should look for a durable rubber outsole with a good tread pattern for grip.
Q: Are breathable materials important for the upper part of the shoe?
A: Yes, breathable materials help keep your feet cool and dry, which prevents discomfort and odor.
Q: Can these shoes help with knee pain?
A: Yes, good cushioning and support in walking shoes can help reduce the impact on your knees, potentially easing pain.
Q: Do I need to break in new walking shoes?
A: Most good walking shoes are comfortable right away. However, it’s always a good idea to wear them for short periods at first to get used to them.
Q: How often should I replace my walking shoes?
A: You should typically replace walking shoes every 300-500 miles or when you notice the cushioning has worn down and they don’t feel supportive anymore.
Q: Can I wear these shoes for running?
A: While these shoes are great for walking, they are not designed for running. Running shoes have different features to handle the higher impact of running.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
David Ruperto is a Footwear Engineer with expertise in 3D printing, design, and pattern making. With a background in Fine Arts from CUNY and training from SLEM and Cordwainer’s Savannah, he blends creativity with innovation. Based in New York, he shares his knowledge on BestForShoes.com, helping others explore the world of footwear.