Other exciting things for 2025 that I didn't mention: (1) the ASICS Superblast v3 which apparently will be coming with some big changes; (2) the Brooks Hyperion lineup, which will now rock some PEBA and hopefully continue the upward swing of the brand's performance lineup; and lastly, (3) unraveling the Mizuno mystery shoes, like the Neo Zen and the Neo Vista 2!
At around 260 pounds, two shoes most critics panned have been my favorites as I did a little over 1000 miles this year: Saucony Kinvara Pro and Brooks Hyperion Elite 4. The Saucony is great for pretty much anything, but it’s really great when you want to go for a long run and keep your legs going. The Hyperion Elite 4 is my favorite shoe for hard workouts and races. I think the firmness that a lot of people hate is actually its best feature for big runners. For short stuff like 5K races or shorter interval workouts, the Takumi Sen 10 is also great to have in the rotation.
300 pounder here. My top five- 1. Skyward X- ran Berlin and Chicago in it. 2. SuperBlast 2 3. Puma MagMax 4. Nike ZoomFly 6 5. Mizuno Neo Vista Still can’t figure out the love for the Glycerin Max. Soft for a Brooks shoe, but still really firm vs the competition.
@ I think most of the folks I talk to who love the glycerin max are mostly Brooks enthusiasts to begin with, so I understand their sentiment. I had completely different on foot experiences between it and the skyward.
@@davidernst5708 Glycerin Max just works for my stride. It’s the first Brooks shoe that I’ve actually liked. My mechanics and preferences may differ from yours and that’s okay! You’ve got some real beasts in your list!
@@GuitaristDanH The last brooks I bought was the Caldera 6, with that huge slab of dna loft foam. I remember it needing a little bit of breaking in before it felt great. Perhaps the same thing here.
Thinking about the ZoomFly. I don’t really like Max cushion shoes anymore, and more so need a plate and something that will have just the right amount of cushion.
So some people in the community use the 200 lb benchmark. That said, I feel like it is best self-applied in terms of a label, because there's so many factors that go into it (height, build, etc.).
@@purebeaux742 I'm just above that threshold as well (210-215ish) but I tend to land harder than a lot of others so I find myself more in Chad's corner on most shoes rather than the rest if BitR.
My question is, what constitutes a "bigger runner"? I'm 5ft10 and 91kg (200lbs), so would this put me into this bracket of a "bigger runner"? Answers on a postcard please.
I’m similar size 6’1 “ 210 lbs and pay attention to these reviews as find the shoes perform differently if you are in the 200 lbs range as opposed to 150lbs etc . With that said all of of us are different. I am size 10.5-11 so put a fair amount of pressure on shoes in a way that someone my size with size 13 feet might spread out weight and force differently . Boston 12 and superblast 2 have been fantastic for me .
FWIW I'm 6' and 210-215. Generally find I experience shoes very differently from my running buddies (who are 180lbs and under). Sz 11.5 in almost every brand.
If you’re talking road shoes, I think the SB2 would be great. Mount to Coast (which I’ve not run in) touts themself as a brand that has shoes geared towards road ultras. Might want to check them out.
@@johnatnip9516 Paul Lang, Global Senior Product Manager for Asics, was interviewed by the BITR team in September. On that episode he indicated that they heard the complaints from the big foot folks and will be doing extended sizes going forward. Minute 46 or so: ua-cam.com/video/qM0Ak1PRFV4/v-deo.html
I tried the deviate 3 but it doesn't compare to the magnificence of the deviate 2, and the NB 1080v14 is also inferior to the 1080v13 by being heavier and less cushy
So I think the Deviate 3 is geared towards a slightly different use case (more daily trainer vs tempo day shoe). I agree that the DN2 was an excellent shoe. And to each their own on the v13 vs v14 debate. You’re not the first to say that you prefer the v13 because it was softer; there’s a lot of you out there! I just prefer the slightly firmer feel and the additional inherent stability.
The problem with the 13 for the reviewer and for me is the squishyness and lack of stability can give you shin pain. I use the 880v14 over the 1080v13 just because of this
let’s go.. you know this is getting a like, that’s mandatory. I would have registered for GRIT again.., but the last 2 times.., I forgot to log my miles.., so oh well.., I don’t sign up any more, because I know me
Not sure about your taste or needs as bigger runner - im bigger runner too and: - skyward and glycerine max - both are overpriced by huge margin- $350 aud and more from hoka - picking up those recovery shoes over all others on the market and not mentioning high price only shows that you out of touch of any reality - nb 1080 - not sure how big you are but anything above 90kg and shoe is unusable muschy - all ver of 1080 ... - puma - great foams - but unless you have narrow feet - stay clear if fit is some important to you - endo speed - fantastic do all shoe if do it all is constricted to 45min-1h max , after that it will bottom out on bigger runner, and if you say you comfortably do long runs in yours - you're lying 😅 - superblast 1 and 2 - will agree here - get this if you bigger runner !!! Its overhyped for what it is but still great shoe !! - sketchers - nothing to say about this brand - never tried and to be honest have no rush to do so 😂 Agree 100% on 1 of your pick - we defenetly have different definition on being " bigger runner " Still hitting like button - you got it :)
One of the hardest things is the fact that a shoe that works for me doesn’t always work for other bigger runners. The same is true for our other reviewers as well. A lot goes into it (gait style, strike pattern, pronation issues, etc). You’re right about Puma; they do run narrow like Hoka and Nike do. And I also agree that the Skyward X and Glycerin Max are on the top end of the price spectrum for non-race day shoes.
Well, the only reason is because I haven't run in it! It just came into HQ the other day and I'm pretty sure only Thomas, Meaghan, and Robbe got a pair. Doesn't mean I won't get a pair at some point to try, but we'll just have to see.
because the Nimbus is a walking and heel striking only easy shoe. Completely useless for anything else and if you try forefoot strike, it slaps very hard and extremely loud into the ground! It feels like you are too stupid to run. That's what happended to me and therefore I hate my Nimbus 26 and am going to sell it. I ordered a Kayano 31 lite show though... recently fell in love with Puma since buying the velocity nitro 3 GTX. Just today i did the second run in them. Cannot wait to try out the non GTX version + the vn2 + dn2 on their way to me :)
Can't argue with #1 for me. I am absolutely loving the SB2. Love that you're getting more time on the site, Chad. Big runners unite!
1:02 hoka skyward x
&
Brooks glycerin max
2:40 nb 1080v14
4:08 puma deviate nitro 3
5:30 Saucony endorphin speed 4
7:00 asics superblast 2
Puma MagMax is another really good one👍🏾
Man, you're probably the 100th person to tell me that! I wish I had given it a go this year; maybe next year!
Agree. That and the adidas supernova Prima .
MagMax should be on the list. He too damn big for the Deviate Nitro 3 😂
Other exciting things for 2025 that I didn't mention: (1) the ASICS Superblast v3 which apparently will be coming with some big changes; (2) the Brooks Hyperion lineup, which will now rock some PEBA and hopefully continue the upward swing of the brand's performance lineup; and lastly, (3) unraveling the Mizuno mystery shoes, like the Neo Zen and the Neo Vista 2!
I’m loving my 1080 v14, glad to see you putting it on your top list!
Waiting for this one! You should do more review for bigger runners
I'll do my best to keep them coming!
@chadwzimm your reviews as a bigger/heavier runner will be very informative to many of us with same built
Adding my support for this. BitR has to make more time for Chad and the Big Guy stuff.
Love the Superblast 2. Have a second pair saved and thinking of getting a 3rd. 🤣 That’s how much I love the sneaker.
I use SB2 as a racer and faster long run tempo workout shoe . I use puma mag max as easier daily shoe. Hard time finding sb2 in a color that is ok.
At around 260 pounds, two shoes most critics panned have been my favorites as I did a little over 1000 miles this year: Saucony Kinvara Pro and Brooks Hyperion Elite 4. The Saucony is great for pretty much anything, but it’s really great when you want to go for a long run and keep your legs going. The Hyperion Elite 4 is my favorite shoe for hard workouts and races. I think the firmness that a lot of people hate is actually its best feature for big runners. For short stuff like 5K races or shorter interval workouts, the Takumi Sen 10 is also great to have in the rotation.
I also enjoy the Takumi Sen for speedwork and workouts.
300 pounder here. My top five-
1. Skyward X- ran Berlin and Chicago in it.
2. SuperBlast 2
3. Puma MagMax
4. Nike ZoomFly 6
5. Mizuno Neo Vista
Still can’t figure out the love for the Glycerin Max. Soft for a Brooks shoe, but still really firm vs the competition.
For me it's because I prefer a slightly firmer shoe. Neo Vista was definitely in my top 10 and arguably could have been in my top 5.
@ I think most of the folks I talk to who love the glycerin max are mostly Brooks enthusiasts to begin with, so I understand their sentiment. I had completely different on foot experiences between it and the skyward.
@@davidernst5708 Glycerin Max just works for my stride. It’s the first Brooks shoe that I’ve actually liked. My mechanics and preferences may differ from yours and that’s okay! You’ve got some real beasts in your list!
@@GuitaristDanH The last brooks I bought was the Caldera 6, with that huge slab of dna loft foam. I remember it needing a little bit of breaking in before it felt great. Perhaps the same thing here.
Thinking about the ZoomFly. I don’t really like Max cushion shoes anymore, and more so need a plate and something that will have just the right amount of cushion.
Best running shoes reviewer out there
Speed 4 is one I wish i could love. I always start off the run feeling good but then i get heel pain.
Hi. Even though I'm a light runner, Like to Chad. I prefer the Brooks Ghost Max 2 for easy/long run. !!! Merry Christmas!!!.
Big boy checking in 🫡
New Balance SC Trainer V3 has been the best shoe for this bigger runner in 2024.
Another shoe that I wish I had been able to get my hands on this year, after being a really big fan of v2 and the SC Elite v4.
Love it. ❤❤
Thanks BITR
Love this list.
I do say I enjoy it myself.
Let's go fellow bigs!
Need some gear recommendations from him
I can’t argue there…
Good review. Did you get to try the Altra Fwd Via. I really enjoy them
Really good, thanks for sharing. Would love to try the Superblast 2 but it is constantly sold out in the UK! 😩
Definitely more available in USA but still not easy to find a middle of the range normal size in a color that is ok.
Just curious but what is generally considered a "bigger runner" in the running community?
So some people in the community use the 200 lb benchmark. That said, I feel like it is best self-applied in terms of a label, because there's so many factors that go into it (height, build, etc.).
@@chadwzimm So I’m right on the edge lol.
@@purebeaux742 I'm just above that threshold as well (210-215ish) but I tend to land harder than a lot of others so I find myself more in Chad's corner on most shoes rather than the rest if BitR.
I still wish ASICS would give us the SB in a 14.
It is a damn shame.
My question is, what constitutes a "bigger runner"? I'm 5ft10 and 91kg (200lbs), so would this put me into this bracket of a "bigger runner"? Answers on a postcard please.
I’ll never dictate what the term mean; I’ll let people label themselves. That said, I’m 6’3” 255 lbs, so I apply the label to myself.
@@chadwzimm awesome, thanks Chad. Great video!
I’m similar size 6’1 “ 210 lbs and pay attention to these reviews as find the shoes perform differently if you are in the 200 lbs range as opposed to 150lbs etc . With that said all of of us are different. I am size 10.5-11 so put a fair amount of pressure on shoes in a way that someone my size with size 13 feet might spread out weight and force differently . Boston 12 and superblast 2 have been fantastic for me .
FWIW I'm 6' and 210-215. Generally find I experience shoes very differently from my running buddies (who are 180lbs and under). Sz 11.5 in almost every brand.
More big guy stuff please
What shoe would you recommend for ultra marathons like 100k and 100 miler ? I think SB2 or Brooks
If you’re talking road shoes, I think the SB2 would be great. Mount to Coast (which I’ve not run in) touts themself as a brand that has shoes geared towards road ultras. Might want to check them out.
@chadwzimm yes
IF ONLY THE SUPER BLAST CAME IN SIZE 14!!!! COME ON ASICS, BIG GUYS NEED TO BE ABLE TO WEAR THIS SHOE!!
If I'm not mistaken, they MAY be working on that for the V3.
Been saying this forever. Big foot big boys need some love lol 😂
Andy, the FOD runner, suffers the same fate.
No Superblast for size UK 13 or 13.5!
@@chadwzimm Where did you hear this?
@@johnatnip9516 Paul Lang, Global Senior Product Manager for Asics, was interviewed by the BITR team in September. On that episode he indicated that they heard the complaints from the big foot folks and will be doing extended sizes going forward. Minute 46 or so: ua-cam.com/video/qM0Ak1PRFV4/v-deo.html
More Chad please
I tried the deviate 3 but it doesn't compare to the magnificence of the deviate 2, and the NB 1080v14 is also inferior to the 1080v13 by being heavier and less cushy
So I think the Deviate 3 is geared towards a slightly different use case (more daily trainer vs tempo day shoe). I agree that the DN2 was an excellent shoe. And to each their own on the v13 vs v14 debate. You’re not the first to say that you prefer the v13 because it was softer; there’s a lot of you out there! I just prefer the slightly firmer feel and the additional inherent stability.
The problem with the 13 for the reviewer and for me is the squishyness and lack of stability can give you shin pain. I use the 880v14 over the 1080v13 just because of this
Puma ❤❤❤❤
YES! 🤩
It looks like you've lost some weight bro 💪🏻
let’s go.. you know this is getting a like, that’s mandatory.
I would have registered for GRIT again.., but the last 2 times.., I forgot to log my miles.., so oh well.., I don’t sign up any more, because I know me
Even if you don't log the miles (which you should), the swag you get is so worth it!
You can’t pick the number 1 big guy shoe when they don’t come in big guy sizes!!! Superblast need to have size 14 at least!
Yeah, I know, it was a poor decision by Asics to not go extended in the v2. That said, it will be there for the v3!
Best running shoes for bigger runners:
#1: Brooks Glycerin Max.
Define what a heavier runner is.
I’m 6’3” 255 lbs and I consider myself a heavier runner. I’ll let people make their own decisions on if they fit that mold.
Big runners are taking over lol. Personally I have found the Torin, Clifton, and Glycerin to all be good daily trainers for a heavier guy like me.
Glycerin 20 was great but for me at 210 lbs the glycerin 21 was too soft and packed down in forefoot too quickly .
Not sure about your taste or needs as bigger runner
- im bigger runner too and:
- skyward and glycerine max - both are overpriced by huge margin- $350 aud and more from hoka - picking up those recovery shoes over all others on the market and not mentioning high price only shows that you out of touch of any reality
- nb 1080 - not sure how big you are but anything above 90kg and shoe is unusable muschy - all ver of 1080 ...
- puma - great foams - but unless you have narrow feet - stay clear if fit is some important to you
- endo speed - fantastic do all shoe if do it all is constricted to 45min-1h max , after that it will bottom out on bigger runner, and if you say you comfortably do long runs in yours - you're lying 😅
- superblast 1 and 2 - will agree here - get this if you bigger runner !!! Its overhyped for what it is but still great shoe !!
- sketchers - nothing to say about this brand - never tried and to be honest have no rush to do so 😂
Agree 100% on 1 of your pick - we defenetly have different definition on being " bigger runner "
Still hitting like button - you got it :)
One of the hardest things is the fact that a shoe that works for me doesn’t always work for other bigger runners. The same is true for our other reviewers as well. A lot goes into it (gait style, strike pattern, pronation issues, etc). You’re right about Puma; they do run narrow like Hoka and Nike do. And I also agree that the Skyward X and Glycerin Max are on the top end of the price spectrum for non-race day shoes.
Strange you haven’t picked AG Nimbus 27? 😊
Any specific reason why perhaps?
Tx
Well, the only reason is because I haven't run in it! It just came into HQ the other day and I'm pretty sure only Thomas, Meaghan, and Robbe got a pair. Doesn't mean I won't get a pair at some point to try, but we'll just have to see.
because the Nimbus is a walking and heel striking only easy shoe. Completely useless for anything else and if you try forefoot strike, it slaps very hard and extremely loud into the ground! It feels like you are too stupid to run. That's what happended to me and therefore I hate my Nimbus 26 and am going to sell it.
I ordered a Kayano 31 lite show though...
recently fell in love with Puma since buying the velocity nitro 3 GTX. Just today i did the second run in them.
Cannot wait to try out the non GTX version + the vn2 + dn2 on their way to me :)