6 Best Race Day Shoes for Heavy Runners

[@michaelcrespo2928]

As a former big runner and now mid weight runner, these guys are GOLD!!! Way to add to your stable of reviewers.

[@Believeintherun]

Thanks for watching!

[@hermruns]

Thank you!!

[@chadwzimm]

No matter your size, we’re happy to have you watching!

[@laurainthehaute918]

I’m a tall bean runner but I love this! Lots of time on feet and feeling good all the way home calls for comfortable shoes. ❤❤Thanks, guy!

[@davidernst5708]

6’4” 290lbs. Ran NYC(first marathon) in the Alphafly v1 last year. Running Chicago this year in V2. As a 6 hour marathoner, time on feet is the most important factor. Go with the most comfortable shoe/foam in the arsenal! For me, it’s zoomX.

[@nothingtoitbuttodoit]

What was your time?

[@chadwzimm]

Say it with me, in the back: COMFORT IS KEY!

[@davidernst5708]

@@nothingtoitbuttodoit 6h41m

[@Therealestrunnerluda]

You don’t need alphafly unless you at like 6 min pace or faster

[@davidernst5708]

@@Therealestrunnerluda Absolutely not true. You can’t make a blanket statement like that when you don’t know how the shoe feels on my feet. Also, if you do a deep dive into the research, it was found to benefit much slower runners like myself more than the elites.

[@michaelpietrzak2067]

More from these two please! I would also love content on shoes that can be good running shoes but also can be used in the gym or for some outdoor workouts.

[@hermruns]

Love that idea! Definitely have some ideas!

[@chadwzimm]

When I look for a hybrid shoe, I look for something low drop, because it gets you better foot angle for compound leg movements. Also, something firmer underfoot to avoid too much foot movement.

[@GeorgiosA]

Very glad to see the series continuing! Keep up the great work guys, would love to see more of this content!

[@hermruns]

Thanks for watching!

[@chadwzimm]

Don’t you worry, Alex and I are gonna make it happen!

[@laurenelle3]

Thank you for this! Even as someone with an "average" build, I greatly appreciate that BITR puts out content from/for runners who don't have the ideal "runner's build" and/or aren't the fastest. It's really inspiring to hear from those who aren't natural speed demons and took up the hobby as an adult. Please feature these guys (and Jarrett - BITR truly has the wide-foot review market cornered with him!) more often!

[@chadwzimm]

I hope we can keep this train a-moving! Choo choo!

[@fabsterun]

Yep . As expected. Superblast is amazing

[@bretstevens262]

Thanks for doing videos for the big guys!

[@Believeintherun]

You bet!

[@chadwzimm]

This comment is Big Dude Approved.

[@Sgtgee]

Yessss fellas 💪🏽💪🏽💪🏽💪🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽 good to see these guys back! Great video guys. Keep up the good work y’all doing.

[@chadwzimm]

Thank you! We're going to keep coming back until you're all sick of us!

[@therunophil]

Great video, but pretty much everything you say is true for everyone! As a heavier runner I would say we benefit especially from max cushion and superfoams as we are less likely to bottom out than with a lower EVA midsole.

[@davidvigil28]

As fellow big runner loved this video! Thank You for sharing this one. I also use the adios pro 3 for my long runs so now I know some to try to add to the rotation👍👍👍

[@hermruns]

Thanks for watching! Let me know which ones you go with!

[@chadwzimm]

You all promise to keep watching, we’ll keep making.

[@fayecooper4277]

Ok. I’m no where NEAR a big dude runner (5’2, 110 lb, fast-ish female runner 😅) but LOOOVED this video. Running is a great and accessible sport that ANYONE can and should do. This video was a perfect example of just that! Democratization of running for EVERYONE regardless of the size, height, or shape. Keep doing this!

[@hermruns]

Thank you so much!! Couldn’t agree more🙌

[@chadwzimm]

Thanks for the support!

[@robdeshane321]

Bravo BITR: this segment was great! As a Clydesdale myself, I appreciate this insight and found it helpful. Keep up the great work, the entire team over there is awesome!

[@Believeintherun]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@camilotroncoso6793]

Thanks for the video! Info on the shoe laces

[@therealdflow]

Best addition to BITR! Keep ‘em coming!

[@Believeintherun]

Thanks!

[@davidzlotnick1899]

Great Video - I would add the Saucony speed 3 - the regular version is nice and wide and it comes in a wide version as well.

[@Believeintherun]

Thanks for the tip!

[@chadwzimm]

Excellent suggestion. Endorphin line is a favorite of mine, at least the Speed and Shift. Never laced up the Pro, but it’s on my list!

[@OSUCarol]

Definitely get the Pro 3. It's so nice on foot.

[@davidzlotnick1899]

So The speed is great. Never tried the shift. I did run my first marathon in the endorphim Pro 3 and I found them quite narrow - my feet went pretty numb at km 30+ - The forefoot is significatly more narrow than the adios pro 3 for example. @@chadwzimm

[@davidzlotnick1899]

ran my first marathin in them - nice of foot butquite narrow in the forefoot! was not a great experience after 30+ km. For those with wider feet, the adios pro 3 is more accomadating@@OSUCarol

[@wacorbin1]

Two great videos. Love these guys!! Feel like I could have a beer with them. So approachable and humble! Keep it going!!

[@hermruns]

Let’s have a beer sometime🤝

[@chadwzimm]

I’m down for that.

[@wacorbin1]

If y’all are ever near CLT NC, totally down for a run and a beer. (We got the breweries).

[@jamesnesmithjr]

I'm loving these Big Guy vids! @chadwzimm What kind of cap is that? I have been looking for ones with that flat type of strap.

[@stevenleung1759]

which laces did you replace in the adios pro 3? lace bite is really the only bad thing i need to fix about this shoe

[@paulmulks]

I love my Superblast's 👌🏻

[@nollys8523]

Finally, content for bigger runners (because we are out there!) My problem is twofold across the pond; not only do many brands not cater for bigger women, but we don’t wear anything larger than US8/UK10 shoes. New Balance has been guilty of the latter. I’ll stick with Adidas and Hoka - the Bostons and the Carbon X work for me.

[@hermruns]

We are out here!! Love the Boston’s too!

[@chadwzimm]

I’m a big Boston fan (sports and running shoes)!

[@theghostofpcs2391]

Yes, the sc elite v3 is so comfortable! I already loved the rc elite v2, but the 3 is even better ❤

[@Believeintherun]

Good choice!

[@hermruns]

Couldn't agree more!

[@chadwzimm]

I love my purple RC Elite v2!

[@nicholairisvang]

Awsome content right here. Thanks guys

[@Believeintherun]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@chadwzimm]

Awesome comment, too.

[@billylee5335]

This is Gold!

[@chadwzimm]

Thanks!

[@antonioromulodelcarmen283]

Put a stamp on it - Big. Dude. Approved.👊🏼

[@hermruns]

BDA BABY!!

[@chadwzimm]

We need to get a logo made for that! Big Dude Seal of Approval!

[@sparkatela]

More of this please! ❤

[@running-nurse]

Excellent new series !!!!!!!! More please

[@Believeintherun]

Thanks!

[@hermruns]

More to come!

[@twinningtherace114]

6’5” and 225 lbs over here, and can’t agree more about the Deviate for tempo workouts. Was my go-to for training for Boston. But big doesn’t mean slow and lumbering. I’m typically running marathons around 2:55-3:00 and I’ve found that plush, max cushion shoes with squishy foams don’t work the best for me. Ended up injured when trying to run in Invincibles and AlphaFlys. Go-to race shoe is the VaporFly because it’s not quite as plush, but is still comfortable while high-performing. Hands down favorite daily is the new InfinityRN 4. Plush, but with a slightly more firm foam than ZoomX with a nice rocker through the stride.

[@hermruns]

Thanks for the feedback!!

[@chadwzimm]

Nike man, eh?

[@therealest297]

6’1” 230, I have the takumi sen 9s and the adios pro 3s BOTH do not work for me, just because they were too narrow. Just my 2 cents. I love my superblasts and my meta speed sky plus. I don’t go more than for a 10k and current times are 21:20 5k and a 47:17 10k. I’m a bigger dude but not extremely fat if that helps.

[@chadwzimm]

Adidas shoes definitely are darts on the feet! The celermesh upper has only a little bit of give to it, so narrow feet beware!

[@barrick4807]

Can I get help I’ve been to 4 different running stores. The last one somewhat scoffed at the previous places recommendation. I’m 6”2 220 foot is a neutral high arch 12 2E. She said my arch doesn’t collapse not sure if that’s good or not. 4 store 4 different shoes 1st store Altra even flow 12.5 2nd store brooks ghost max 12 wide 3rd store oncloud eclipse 4th store new balance fresh foam with an insole So do you agree with any of these and do I need the insole? Also I have plantar in my right foot

[@jamisons2504]

I hope to see you both more on here.

[@blaineblasdell5151]

I like the Forever Run Nitro and the Deviate Nitro 2. Both solid shoes for a big guy. Just got ny hands on a pair of Magnify Nitro 2s from Japan Amazon, maybe my new favorite.

[@TheHuskyRunner]

FINALLY some big guy runner representation! Lets GOOOO!!!

[@jaymesmaldonado8134]

QUESTION! as a bigger runner do you guys actually feel the benefits from plates or rods in these super shoes?

[@hermruns]

I would say for the SC Elite v3 and Adios Pro 3, I certainly do! They're very fun and responsive without being too "aggressive" which is what I have found in a couple other carbon shoes (Metaspeed Sky+ and Vaporfly)

[@chadwzimm]

I definitely do. While our paces aren’t as fast as many, I still feel the benefits in the snappiness of the shoe and the responsiveness it lends to the softer superfoam.

[@orystory]

Oh man, I love running that route! I run there every time I visit the in-laws. Makes the trip tolerable 😅

[@chadwzimm]

Baltimore is an underrated running city in my opinion based on the couple times I’ve run there.

[@KoolnJ]

Keep more big dude/gal approved content coming fellas !

[@Believeintherun]

Will do!

[@hermruns]

Absolutely!!

[@KoolnJ]

Interested In a rocket x3 review got mine coming in mail for races/tempo days hope they are as great as advertised

[@hermruns]

@@KoolnJ - Would love to hear your thoughts. I will have to pick some up to test!

[@chadwzimm]

As you wish…

[@miknery400]

Yes yes yes we neeed more from these 2. Not everyone looks like your typical stereotype runner. These guys are gamechangers

[@chadwzimm]

Happy to make this content for everyone interested!

[@hermruns]

Game changers?! Love that hahaha

[@MM-bg7in]

As a heavy runner, it’s inspiring to hear you speak about the miles your running.

[@anthonymanakis4761]

Any suggestions for best laces to swap into the adios pro 3?

[@chadwzimm]

So I just bought the $9.99 Force Field Flat Team laces 54" from Dick's Sporting Goods. Best $10 I've ever spent!

[@TheMilesMatter]

Did you swap out the laces on the adios pro with any old laces or did you use something specific?

[@chadwzimm]

Dicks Sporting Goods Force Field 54” flat running laces. Like $10. Game changer.

[@oscarmartinez8822]

It's nice to see more reviews made by "big" runners. The line that really stands out is "most time on your feet", after mile 18, I don't feel any help coming from a carbon plate but for half marathons and lower, they make a big difference. Can we also get some gear reviews for big people!?

[@chadwzimm]

We're on it! Alex and I will have more coming.

[@filoIII]

Big dude approved!

[@matthiassventoest6800]

..lets go !!

[@jljones4116]

Great Vid. Thank you

[@shoresfamily2011]

More of this plz!!! I don’t relate to the light weights.

[@hermruns]

More to come!!

[@danieljkelly24]

ASICS Gel Nimbus 25

[@JeffHardyyyyy]

we need monthly updates from the big boys

[@chadwzimm]

Have something new in the works for 2024.

[@N1kolajen]

Great video!! I know its not polite to ask about People’s weight, but how heavy are you Guys? (Big guy asking)

[@chadwzimm]

I’m 6’3” and around 275-280 lbs depending on the day.

[@yetiproductionz]

Would love to hear if either of these guys or any larger guys have had experience with the Saucony Endorphin Elite

[@hermruns]

I don't but would love to try them out soon!

[@chadwzimm]

Same here, but wish I could have gotten the cool crated delivery everyone else got. Let’s go Sock-a-knee, show some love to the big guys!

[@MarkSmith_Best-Athletics]

I was going to suggest the Elite to the guy above who described himself as big but running low 3 hour and Sub 3 Marathon's in vaporflys. I think that the Elite would likely be a better race day shoe for him but it is expensive. It has to be a more stable shoe than the Vaporfly and the HG foam + speed roll is just as good as Zoom X. I would say that the feel of HG is between Zoom X and Lightstrike Pro. I would consider myself a middle weight runner trying to run Sub 3:15 to 3:10 with 87 minute PB Half. The Elite is my current race day shoe.

[@cwalker1569]

Great discussion brothers. Will either of you be at Disney in January for Marathon Weekend?

[@chadwzimm]

Nope, but they are on my list. My next marathon is February in Wilmington, NC.

[@hermruns]

I won’t be either, but definitely on the list!

[@chadwzimm]

The real question is, if Alex and I do it together, what Disney duo should we dress up as?!

[@cwalker1569]

@@chadwzimm Goofy and Max...GARSH!!!

[@chadwzimm]

@@cwalker1569 The options are endless. Han and Chewy, Mickey and Pluto, Anna and Elsa.

[@DarkPa1adin]

What laces are those?

[@runnahpodcast]

🎉👏👏👏 thanks guys!

[@Q.Q.]

Keep going.

[@jjeniece]

I’m picking up my pair of superblast today. They’re my AF1 replacement. They felt like bricks after my last race and I knew it was over😢

[@Believeintherun]

Out with the old and in with the new! Happy Running!

[@chadwzimm]

My Superblasts are on their way as well!

[@SimonSez83]

Hey boys. I'd like to hear more about your training. What are your short mid and long term running goals.

[@chadwzimm]

I am in the final weeks of building towards the Baltimore half marathon in October. After a brief rest week, I start an 18 week training cycle for the Wilmington, NC Marathon.

[@SimonSez83]

@chadwzimm January marathon in NC. Damn son!! I love winter running but I'm from Québec. How much are you running weekly?

[@chadwzimm]

@@SimonSez83 Right now I'm doing between 20-25 miles per week as I build for the half marathon. I imagine the first week of marathon training will start 18-19 miles and then build from there.

[@andriekal]

Question to Chad on the Takumi Sen, does that have enough cushion for him?

[@chadwzimm]

Yes! Lightstrike Pro is an extremely resilient foam, so between the decently high stack of LSP and the fiberglass rods, they are sturdy and snappy.

[@keithc1264]

How many miles should big guys expect to get out of a shoe? If regular guy runner gets 400 miles, how many miles does big guy get?

[@chadwzimm]

Truth be told, it really all depends on the shoe and the foam. Then again, there's always a chance that the foam outlasts the outsole rubber. I wish there was a set answer, but just like every runner, most shoes are different!

[@hermruns]

Yeah, couldn’t agree with Chad more - however, I would say I tip the scale around 250 miles usually

[@CuboImp0rtz]

Question I'm a big dude 6ft 250+ but I need shoes that fit because I also have big feet I wear a size 17

[@dex1007]

Great video!! Anyone have recommendations for a marathon race shoe for a runner who usually wears stability shoes, wide fit too! Haha, TIA!!

[@chadwzimm]

Honestly, if you want to “race it,” the Adios Pro 3 is one of the sturdiest supershoes that I’ve experienced. If you’re looking to go out and complete 26.2 and be comfortable, any shoe in your arsenal can do it! Pick your most comfy stability shoe and go crush it!

[@iputuoka2707]

More of dis pliss

[@hermruns]

🫡🫡

[@mogulmayhem]

If you're looking for enthusiastic runners around 190 pounds with flat feet give me a shout. I spend way too much time trying to find the perfect shoe.

[@TVwatchinJoe12]

Hey fellas, could you recommend a shoe for tempo/speed work where I aim to become faster in my mile time, 1.5 mile (as I train for a police academy) and eventually runs where I time my 2/3/4 miles. For reference, I consider myself a bigger runner than the traditional, athletic/muscular build, 5’10” tall and weigh 215lb. Any suggestions

[@chadwzimm]

Takumi Sen 8 or 9 or the Deviate Nitro 2 are my choices and I’ll continue to push them. I think the TS8 is a faster shoe than the DN2; but the Puma is slightly more comfortable on the not-speedy part of tempo/speed runs. I’ve done speedwork in both, but would opt to race in the TS8.

[@TheRealSupremeBape]

I’m 5’10 230 doing the same thing make sure you crank it up and go hard because in the academy they make the run time much faster then the initial pt test you take to get in and you can fail out if you don’t make the times for the finial pt test

[@TVwatchinJoe12]

@@TheRealSupremeBape you’re a real one. I’ve been working on my distance as of late so that I have a better reserve for when I gotta keep a steadier and faster pace for the more simpler 1.5mi. All in all, wishing you the best of luck brotha 💪🏽

[@TheRealSupremeBape]

@@TVwatchinJoe12 same here bro keep it up I went from not being able to run 1.5 in 19 mins to now doing it at 15 mins just be patience and keep working you’ll also have time in the academy to get better they just do a assessment 4 times before the final test to graduate to see where you are

[@TheRealSupremeBape]

@@TVwatchinJoe12 I was a weight lifter who never ran long distance until I decided to go into law enforcement and had no idea how difficult it was to run I started at 270 pounds now I feel amazed that I can run without stopping I use to also get bad shin splints I started training my tib muscles with a tib bar and now i don’t get them

[@mugi2566]

Where did you get the laces for the Adios pro 3?

[@chadwzimm]

Dick’s Sporting Goods!

[@markhockman1368]

Can a heavy walker use the (yes, I know it's a "performance shoe" for runners of varying, including marathon, distances) - dare I say - Asics Superblast - as one in a rotation of shoes, including "softer" shoes like the Asics Nimbus 25, the Saucony Triumph 21, the Brooks Ghost Max, etc.? I think you fulfill a definite need in the running shoe evaluative community. Thanks.

[@chadwzimm]

I think the Superblast is versatile and can be used anyway you want it to be. It’s not inherently unstable, so I think it would be fine. At that price point, I think you could find things cheaper and better suited.

[@Aviation_Professional]

More big runner content please. 200+ pounders

[@geert574]

basically they just named all costliest shoes 😆 there sure are some paid actors here

[@chadwzimm]

Truth be told, by nature of tempo day and race day shoes having superfoam in them, they are going to be on the pricier side. One of the considerations when determining if they are necessary for you. The Deviate Nitro 2 is $160, which is in the range of a lot of daily trainers these days. Pretty decent value for what you get in the shoe.

[@damienwar5896]

Finally big guys talking from experience not recommendations from someone 135 pounds 😂😂😂 I’m down to 265 🫡