Any suggestions on a good pair of Walking/Running shoes for heavyweights?

It depends entirely on your foot, your gait and your personal biomechanics, which of course, being heavy can affect.

My advice would be to go to a specialist store and get their advice, have them analyse the way you walk/run etc.

Personally, I have very wide feet and rather flat feet too, with a tendency to pronate slightly. I swear by Brooks shoes - I wear the Adrenaline and am on my fifth pair. Asics are great shoes too for overpronators but they're too narrow for my feet.

I personally think Brooks and Asics are the best, most serious shoes on the market, Nike and New Balance etc can tend to be more fashion shoes, good shoes yes, but with not quite such stability in them, but its probably not something you'd notice if you're pretty biomechanically sound.

I agree with Jachut that you really should go to a specialty shop and have them properly fit you. I can't wear Nikes or Asics. I wear the Saucony Triumph. Pricey but well worth it.

I have always been a "walker", even at my heaviest (398). I have flat arches, and so I always buy an aftermarket or 3rd party arch support to go into whatever shoe I buy. That usually means I need something with long shoe laces, and lots of shoelace holes, so I can adjust the fit of putting an arch into a shoe.

That being said, I always go with a hiking type shoe for support. Any cross training or "running" shoe always breaks down, the outside breaks down and roles out within 90 days. I have tried almost all of the top brands, and have spent a small fortune buying shoes that roll out or break down. I have taken shoes back to complain about it, to be told essentially "you are too heavy" for any sort of "normal" wear pattern, just get used to buying lots of shoes. So that is why I end up going with a hiking shoe or boot. Sure it is heavier, but when you weigh in the 390's, what is an extra lb or two on your foot compared to comfort, and support.

I am looking forward to the day where I can buy shoes off the shelf, and get a years worth of use out of them. I long to wear holes in them before the shoe itself breaks down on the sides. That someday is coming for me, thanks to my band... :biggrin:

I recently purchased the Nike LunarGlide+ and I LOVE them. I have a bum foot and need to make sure I have enough cushioning and it definitely is the best shoe i've ever worn. Out of the box it was perfect. The heel is soft yet supportive which is good too. Most shoe companies categorize their shoes and cushioning is one option. I would go for that. Check out the LunarGlide.. I plan on buying a 2nd pair they are so great!

I believe that all brands fit differently and each person has to find the brand that fits them best. New Balance is really good for most people but they just don't fit my foot right, Puma, Saucony or Nike fit "my foot" best.

Good luck!! There are definitely some good sales out there this weekend on shoes I saw in the newspaper today, I would take advantage of it and go shopping!

The most doctor recommended gym shoes are from new balance. Keep in mind that the higher the number, the more support offered. With that in mind, I would suggest visiting a running speciality store to have them watch you walk on a treadmill. That little walk with confirm if you walk on the inside, outside, wobble side - whatever side of your foot and fit you into the best possible shoe for YOUR foot. :thumbup:

Happy Walking!