In this product guide:
- 1. Everyday trainer till a size US 18: Nike Pegasus 41
- 2. Everyday trainer till a size US 18: Nike InfinityRN 4
- 3. Pronation control shoe till a size US 16: New Balance 860V14
- 4. Pronation control shoe till a size US 16: Saucony Guide 17
- 5. Max-cushioned trainer till a size US 16: New Balance 1080V14
- 6. Max-cushioned trainer till a size US 16: Hoka Bondi 8
- 7. Marathon racer till a size US 15: Nike Vaporfly 3
- 8. Lightweight tempo trainer till a size US 16: New Balance Fuelcell Rebel V4
- 9. Trail running shoe till a size US 16: New Balance Hierro V8
- 10. Affordable trainer till a size US 15: Nike Flex Experience 12
- How we selected
Most Pegasus colors stop at a size US 15 – unless you opt for the all-black version. When purchased in black-on-black, Nike’s popular neutral trainer is available till a US size 18.
It makes sense though. Many black trainers are bought not by runners but people who work in sectors like the hospitality and logistics. Dirt and smudges are less visible on a dark color.
If you’re buying the all-black Pegasus 41 for your runs, it has the same advantages and drawbacks as any other color. Runners will find the midsole to be cushioned and supportive – just the kind of ride that works for everyday runs.
The Pegasus 41 utilizes the familiar Zoom Air bag and React foam setup, except that there’s improved heel cushioning. The forefoot has a low profile like before, so runners who land forefoot or midfoot first will have a different experience than heel strikers.
Despite its heel-biased nature and somewhat boring ride, the Peg is a capable mileage hauler. It has the comfort for daily runs and up to a 10K. It’s also very durable because of the firm midsole, generous outsole rubber coverage, and sleeved upper.
Also consider: The Saucony Ride 17 – our favourite daily trainer pick that sells up to a size US 15.
- Nike’s marketing pitch: An energized ride for everyday road running.
- Upper: Engineered mesh, sleeved upper.
- Midsole: Two Zoom Air bags inside ReactX foam, 10 mm heel drop.
- Outsole: Carbon rubber.
- Weight: 297 gms/ 10.4 Oz for a half pair of Men’s US 9/UK 8/EUR 42.5/CM 27.
- Stack heights: 37 mm (heel), 27 mm (forefoot).
- Available widths: D – regular (reviewed), 4E – extra wide.
- Previous model: Nike Pegasus 40.
- Country of origin: Vietnam.
- Recommended use: Daily training, tempo runs, half-marathons.
- Footstrike orientation: Heel, midfoot/forefoot (full contact).
- Median lifespan: 400 miles.
- Recommended paces: Slower than 4:00 min/km (6:30 min/mile).
- Recommended temperature range: Warmer than -5° C/23° F.
Pros
- Versatile comfort
- Supportive ride
- Secure fit
- Outsole grip
- Multiple widths
Cons
- React behavior is temperature dependent
- Better for heel strikers than forefoot strikers
- Boring ride when compared to peers
- Fewer/wider lacing rows add top-down pressure
- Scarce reflectivity
As long as one sticks to monotone colors, the InfinityRN 4 offers the same size run as the Pegasus 41. At the time of publishing, the InfinityRN sells till a size US 18 – but in just two colors.
This shoe has a softer ride than the Pegasus as well as a more cushioned forefoot. Unlike the Pegasus 41, the InfinityRN 4 doesn’t have stiff Zoom Air bags – just ReactX foam.
The simpler design makes the midsole smoother and easier to compress. Forefoot landings are less harsh due to the 100% ReactX midsole, and the single density stack makes the loading smoother.
The cushioning is relatively softer than the Peg, but there’s a certain firmness to the ride that favors versatility. The foam midsole keeps the feet padded up to a half-marathon distance, while the just-right softness delivers everyday versatility.
Historically, the InfinityRN has always had a tight fit, and that’s true for the V4 too. The true-to-size knit upper fits snugly over the midsole.
Also consider: The Hoka Clifton 9 – available till a size US 16.
The New Balance 860V14 and Vongo V6 are two of the many pronation-management running shoes in the market. But what sets them apart is their unique gait-prescription formula. It also helps that both these shoes are sold till a US 16 and in multiple widths.
Unlike most stability trainers that rely on a firmer foam wedge or raised midsole walls, the 860 and Vongo use a ‘stability plane’. This plate is solid on the arch side and perforated (has holes) on the outer side.
This plate design makes the outer half of the midsole softer, so the loading is directed away from the arch side. The 860V14’s stability plate only covers the lateral rearfoot, whereas the Vongo V6’s plate is a full-length kind.
This version of the 860 is the softest it’s ever been. The Fresh Foam X midsole adds comfort for daily training, 10K, and half without feeling sluggish.
- New Balance’s marketing pitch: Built for reliability over the long haul.
- Upper: Engineered mesh, tongue gusset.
- Upper fit: True-to-size with loose forefoot.
- Midsole: Dual-density Fresh Foam, perforated ‘stability plane’ plate. 8 mm drop.
- Outsole: Harder rubber under the heel with softer forefoot blown foam.
- Weight: 306 gms/ 10.8 Oz for a half pair of Men’s US 9/UK 8.5/EUR 42.5/CM 27.
- Stack heights: 36 mm (rear), 28 mm (forefoot).
- Available widths: D – regular (reviewed), 2E – wide.
- Previous model: New Balance 860 v13.
- Country of origin: Vietnam.
- Recommended use: Everyday training, half-marathons.
- Footstrike orientation: Heel, midfoot/forefoot (full contact).
- Median lifespan: 400 miles.
- Recommended paces: 4:30 min/km (7:00 min/mile) and slower
- Recommended temperature range: Warmer than -0° C/32° F.
Pros
- Effective pronation control
- Ride comfort
- Outsole grip
- Plush and breathable upper
- Optional 2E width, reflectivity
Cons
- None worth mentioning
The Saucony Guide 17 doesn’t have a specific pronation control feature. That said, this is a ‘stability’ shoe in the literal sense – the ultra-wide midsole and raised sidewalls do an excellent job of seating the foot during runs.
It’s also very cushioned; the midsole has stack heights of 35 mm and 29 mm for mileage-friendly comfort and daily runs.
Unlike its neutral version (the Ride 17), the Guide doesn’t use a Pwrrun+ (expanded PU) midsole. Only the removable footbed is made of Pwrrun+; the rest of the midsole uses a EVA blend foam – but in a vastly different configuration than the Guide 16.
The comfortable upper fits true to size and is sold up to a size US 16.
The New Balance 1080 is back for the 14th time and offers the same value proposition as before. This is a deeply-cushioned shoe for recovery runs and high-mileage efforts at less aggressive speeds.
The Fresh Foam X midsole is soft enough to deliver distance-friendly cushioning without feeling mushy; the rocker-shaped midsole assists toe-offs.
The 1080V14 is more stable than the V13, and that’s because of the upper and not the midsole. While the reformulated Fresh Foam midsole and updated outsole makes the cushioning bouncier, the tighter upper is more effective at keeping the foot seated.
A tighter fit doesn’t mean that the upper is uncomfortable. Quite the opposite; the spacer mesh has a nice sponginess to it. Also, the top of the forefoot is mildly stretchy for a conforming fit.
The 1080V14 offers more than just larger sizes. If you’re a Clydesdale with broad feet, just know that the 1080 V14 is available in four widths (in select colors) and till a size US 16.
- New Balance’s marketing pitch: Reliable comfort and high performance.
- Upper: Engineered mesh, gusseted tongue.
- Midsole: Full-length Fresh FoamX foam, 6 mm heel drop.
- Outsole: Softer rubber under the forefoot, harder rubber in the rear.
- Weight: 298 gms/ 10.5 Oz for a half pair of Men’s US 9/UK 8.5/EUR 42.5/CM 27.
- Stack heights: 39 mm (heel), 33 mm (forefoot).
- Available widths: B (narrow), D – regular (reviewed), 2E (wide) 4E (extra-wide).
- Previous model: New Balance 1080V13.
- Country of origin: Vietnam.
- Recommended use: Daily training, tempo runs, marathons.
- Footstrike orientation: Heel, midfoot/forefoot (full contact).
- Median lifespan: 400 miles.
- Recommended paces: Slower than 4:00 min/km (6:30 min/mile).
- Recommended temperature range: Warmer than -5° C/23° F.
Pros
- Versatile ride, more propulsive
- Quick transitions, effective rocker
- Secure and plush fit
- Long-distance comfort
- Multiple widths
Cons
- Lower forefoot and heel stability than v13
- Weaker proprioception and ground feel vs. v13
- Scarce reflectivity
Also consider:
- Asics Nimbus 26
- Saucony Triumph 22
- Puma Magnify Nitro
- Brooks Glycerin 21
- Mizuno Wave Sky 8
- Hoka Skyflow
- Use the New Balance 1080v14 for daily runs, recovery, and long runs
- Use the New Balance SC Elite V4 or Saucony Endorphin Pro 4 for marathons
- Use the New Balance Rebel v4 or Hoka Mach 6 for intervals, tempo runs, and short races
Hoka is the originator of the max-cushioning shoe concept, and the Bondi 8 is its truest ambassador.
Sure, brands like New Balance and Brooks are catching up with similar offerings, but the Bondi 8 has the max-cushioning marketshare cornered. For now, at least.
The thick midsole delivers high-mileage comfort for up to a marathon distance. Simultaneously, features like the rocker midsole and wide base create a supportive yet nimble platform.
While the upper is somewhat narrow, the updated Bondi 8 now sells 2E (wide) and 4E (extra wide) widths in certain colors. The shoe is offered till a size 16. We also recommend the Bondi 7 if you can find one in your size.
- Hoka’s marketing pitch: The ultra-cushioned game-changer.
- Upper: Perforated engineered mesh, fused overlays, one-sided tongue sleeve.
- Upper fit: True to size, narrow.
- Midsole: EVA foam, Ortholite footbed. 4 mm heel drop.
- Outsole: Carbon rubber, exposed EVA foam.
- Weight: 329 gms/ 11.6 Oz for a half pair of Men’s US 9/UK 8.5/EUR 42.5/CM 27.
- Stack heights: 43 mm (heel), 39 mm (forefoot).
- Available widths: D – regular (reviewed), 2E – wide, 4E – extra wide.
- Previous model: Hoka Bondi 7.
- Country of origin: Vietnam.
- Recommended use: Everyday training, marathons.
- Footstrike orientation: All types (heel/midfoot/forefoot).
- Median lifespan: 450 miles.
- Recommended paces: 5:00 min/km (8:00 min/mile) and slower.
- Recommended temperature range: Warmer than -5° C/23° F.
Pros
- Cushioned and stable ride
- Soft tongue with half sleeve
- Smooth transitions
- Secure upper fit,
- Optional width
Cons
- Firm midsole edge is distracting during runs
- Heavy
- Overpriced for what it offers
There are a couple of solid marathon racers that sell till a US 15. You have the Nike Vaporfly 3 – the original carbon-plated racer. Then there’s the Saucony Endorphin Speed 4.
For the sake of brevity, we’ve going to feature just the Vaporfly 3 here. If you’re new to the Vaporfly, here’s a brief description. It’s a lightweight long-distance racing shoe with a PEBA foam midsole and a Carbon plate.
The PEBA foam (Nike ZoomX) adds comfort for distances up to a marathon distance. The lightweight and bouncy foam complements the snappy character of the plate.
The S-curved plate creates a strong midsole rocker for quick transitions; it also creates a propulsive springboard effect. This form factor is the basis for most plated racers – except for the adidas adios Pro 3, that is.
Though we would have preferred a tighter-fitting upper (like on the Vaporfly 2), the Vaporfly 3’s roomy upper is breathable and suited for wide-footed runners.
Also consider: The Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 – available till a US 15.
- Nike’s marketing pitch: Giving you race-day speed to conquer any distance.
- Upper: Perforated mesh, asymmetric lacing.
- Upper fit: True-to-size with loose forefoot.
- Midsole: Full-length ZoomX foam with Carbon plate. 8 mm heel drop.
- Outsole: Carbon rubber in high-wear areas.
- Weight: 200 gms/ 7.0 Oz for a half pair of Men’s US 9/UK 8/EUR 42.5/CM 27.
- Stack heights: 38 mm (rear), 30 mm (forefoot).
- Available widths: D – regular (reviewed).
- Previous model: Nike Vaporfly Next% 2.
- Country of origin: China.
- Recommended use: 10K races, marathons.
- Footstrike orientation: Midfoot/forefoot (full contact).
- Median lifespan: 300 miles.
- Recommended paces: 4:30 min/km (7:00 min/mile) and quicker.
- Recommended temperature range: Warmer than -0° C/32° F.
Pros
- Lightweight and springy ride
- Seamless plate-foam integration
- Ventilation
- Roomy upper
Cons
- Spacious forefoot weakens the power delivery to the midsole
- Sluggish toe-off when compared to the Vaporfly 2
- Low heel stability
- Structurally unsound for overpronators
Our favorite tempo shoe for speedwork is the Hoka Mach 6, but that shoe is sold only till a size 14. We love the Brooks Hyperion 2 as well – another lightweight trainer that maxes out at a size 15.
But it’s the only New Balance Rebel V4 that’s available till a US 16 and in two widths.
It’s an interesting shoe, the Rebel. The drastic changes to the midsole and upper makes it nothing like the Rebel 2 and 3.
For starters, the midsole is much wider and uses a new Fuelcell formulation. The ride is softer and more supportive than the previous model, but loses a lot of the bouncy character that the earlier Fuecell foam had. There’s better outsole coverage too.
Regardless of the changes, the Rebel is excellent for tempo runs and steady-state workouts. The lightweight build disappears over the foot, and the rocker shape helps with quicker turnovers.
- New Balance’s marketing pitch: Maximum propulsion and speed with minimal weight.
- Upper: Engineered mesh, tongue gusset.
- Upper fit: True-to-size with loose forefoot.
- Midsole: Full-length PEBA-blend Fuelcell foam. 6 mm heel drop.
- Outsole: Carbon rubber in high-wear areas.
- Weight: 212 gms/ 7.5 Oz for a half pair of Men’s US 9/UK 8/EUR 42.5/CM 27.
- Stack heights: 37 mm (rear), 32 mm (forefoot).
- Available widths: D – regular (reviewed), 2E – wide.
- Previous model: New Balance Rebel V3.
- Country of origin: Vietnam.
- Recommended use: Everyday training, tempo runs, half-marathons.
- Footstrike orientation: Heel, midfoot/forefoot (full contact).
- Median lifespan: 400 miles.
- Recommended paces: 4:00 min/km (6:30 min/mile) and slower
- Recommended temperature range: Warmer than -0° C/32° F.
Pros
- Tempo-friendly ride comfort
- Midsole stability
- Smooth transitions
- Lightweight and breathable upper
- Optional width
Cons
- Excess space above forefoot
- Roomy fit makes power delivery less effective
- Lack of reflective elements
- Not as bouncy/reflective as Rebel V3
The Hierro V8 and Nike Pegasus Trail are two of the best road-to-trail running shoes. Both are not meant for serious off-road use, but are rugged enough for mild grades, gravel/chip trail, and park runs. The toned-down feature set also make them a comfortable road running shoe.
The Fresh FoamX cushionining is excellent for long-distance trail runs. The foam stack adds ride comfort as well as protection on uneven terrain.
While not designed for technical grades, the Hierro is versatile enough for mildly technical trails. The aggressive lugs of the Vibram rubber outsole act as a rock shield while gripping well.
On a related note, if you’re looking for a higher level of on-trail performance, the Brooks Cascadia 18 is excellent. However, the size run stops at US 15.
The comfortable mesh upper provides protection through the tightly woven mesh and fused layers. The gusseted midfoot delivers a secure fit while keeping the debris outside. The midfoot has an external midfoot strap for better lock-in.
But here’s the real reason why the Hierro V8 is on this guide – it retails till a US size 16. The box for size US 17 is greyed out, so we assume that’s also available in limited quantities.
Also consider: The Nike Pegasus Trail 5 – available till a size US 15. Just like the Hierro, the Pegasus Trail is a proven road-trail hybrid with a comfortable ride. Sells till a US 15.
We loved Nike Free shoes like the 4.0 Flyknit, and it’s a pity Nike no longer produces such models. You know, simple running shoes with a collapsible upper and ultra-flexible midsoles that have a do-it-all character.
The Nike Flex Experience Run 12 is as close it gets to the Nike Free. The soft mesh and synthetic upper wrap the foot gently without any hot spots. The true-to-size upper provides a secure lockdown and doesn’t occupy a lot of room in the gym bag – it’s nearly collapsible.
Having said that, the flexible midsole is where the shoe comes into its own. The all-foam midsole is very easy to bend, thus allowing the foot to move freely during different activities – be it gym workouts, casual wear, or daily runs.
The EVA foam midsole and insole offers enough cushioning for most runs. This Nike shoe sells till a size US 15.
HOW WE SELECTED
From a sizing perspective, a lot has changed in the last few years. While sizes 17 and 18 are still relatively uncommon, there’re plenty of running shoe models that sell till a US 16.
We believe that the transition from brick-and-mortar to online shopping is the catalyst.
In the traditional wholesale model, offline retail chains and independent stores did not stock these larger sizes due to merchandising guidelines. The budget was allocated to higher-selling sizes to ensure a higher stock turnover. Anything above size 13 is usually considered a stock risk.
Also, the footwear manufacturing molds and dies are made by size. Additional investment in the production tools of larger sizes has a detrimental effect on the retail price of the shoe. After all, the costs are spread across the entire model.
You get the idea. There’s a very good reason why larger sizes weren’t easy to find in the past – because they were not produced in the first place.
However, a natively-owned digital shopping experience allows the brands to stock larger sizes because of the higher visibility. The way we see it, the scarcity of large-sized running shoes makes them less of an inventory risk. After all, runners who wear that size are less picky about the styling.
Outlet malls are a good place to find plus-size shoes. Stores are usually arranged to promote a self-service model where the shoes are arranged by size.
Online retailers make it easy to filter the products by size, so that’s not the problem. However, the shoes are not grouped by their use cases.
That’s where this guide tries to help.
On a related note, one of our readers told us about a useful shoe e-retailer called www.oddball.com. They sell large shoe sizes 14 and up. Solereview isn’t affiliated with oddball in any form, but it’s a great resource for plus-sized shoes – and not just running.
Runners with larger feet generally tend to be taller than the average person. A larger frame also equates to more weight, so the shoe needs to be (somewhat) supportive. We’ve kept that in mind while compiling this buyer’s guide, so overly soft shoes are excluded.
It’s not surprising that New Balance offers some of the largest sizes.
Also, the brand has always offered multiple widths in most of its shoes. So if walk into a New Balance store – be it online or brick-and-mortar – there’s a high chance that you’ll find a plus-sized running shoe. Nike is catching up too, with the Pegasus 41 and InfinityRN 4 being sold till a size US 18.