Best running shoes in size 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20

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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.

If you’re a runner with large feet, New Balance has your back. The brand dominates this list with the highest count of shoe models.

Nike has elevated its large-size game recently, so it’s tied in second place with Saucony.

For the sake of brevity, the alternatives are mentioned in the ‘also see’ section. The sizes sold are mentioned next to the model name.

Category 1: Everyday neutral trainers in large sizes

1) Saucony Ride 15 – sizes 13, 14, 15

The Saucony Ride has long been the go-to shoe as a versatile neutral trainer. The Ride 15 has the same do-it-all versatility that has made the series popular.

But the Ride 15 is a different kind of Saucony Ride, perhaps the most changed version ever. The thicker midsole has better ride comfort, and there’s a new insole made of expanded PU foam. (Pwrrun+) To know more, read our comprehensive review.

The midsole and thick insole work together to create a cushioned foundation for daily runs or long-distance training. Faster paces are also doable, thanks to the firm ride and rocker midsole.

The true-to-size mesh upper has a secure and comfortable fit; the Ride 15 sells in two widths and till a size US 15.

2) New Balance Fresh Foam 880V12 – sizes 14, 15, 16

Here’s the thing with New Balance uppers. Not only do you have shoes available till US 15, but you also get multiple widths. For example, the 880 V12 offers four widths.

The Fresh Foam 880 is a great product to have widths and larger sizes in. This has been New Balance’s versatile neutral trainer for well over a decade. In other words, the 880 is for New Balance what the Ghost 15 is for Brooks, or the Ride 15 is for Saucony.

The 880 is a neutral running shoe with a multi-role character. It’s well-rounded to be a daily trainer and a comfortable high-mileage cruiser.

The Fresh Foam midsole continues to be dual-density, but it’s reconfigured for smoother transitions. The outsole geometry also supports the new midsole; the softer blown rubber forefoot results in padded landings and roll-offs.

The knit mesh upper is soft, smooth, and has a fit that is suitable for most regular-shaped feet.

Also see: Brooks Ghost 15, Asics Cumulus 24. (our review is here.)

3) Nike Air Zoom Winflo 9 – sizes 14, 15

By next year, the Nike Winflo series would have completed a decade. Sure, there’s a Swoosh logo on the outside, but that’s not the reason why the Winflo has done so well all these years.

This $100 (previously $90) neutral running trainer is packed with value. A full-length ‘Dot Weld Air’ unit inside the EVA foam midsole makes the ride responsive and versatile.

If you don’t know what ‘Dot Ait’ means, it’s a footbed with small pockets of Air. This is very similar to the Nike ‘Airliner’ insole of the 90’s, so it’s not exactly a new concept. We think this is a better way of incorporating pressurized Air inside the midsole as compared to the rigid Zoom Air bags.

The ride comfort from the Air-infused midsole also works for long-distance runs. The medium-soft midsole and outsole transition groove also helps the Winflo pick up speed whenever necessary.

Underneath, a full-length rubber outsole provides reliable grip and durability.

Though the lightweight and narrow-fitting upper appears basic, it has all the necessary ingredients of a performance running shoe. The midfoot lacing system is secured with loops that make the lacing effective; the heel and tongue are padded for interior comfort.

Category 2: Highly cushioned trainers in large sizes

1) Saucony Endorphin Speed V3 – sizes 14, 15

The Endorphin Speed V3 combines the best of two worlds – a highly cushioned ride that’s also responsive. We have the soft and bouncy PEBA foam midsole with a Nylon plate to thank for.

Just like the Saucony Endorphin Pro 3 and Nike Vaporfly Next% 2, the Saucony Endorphin Speed 3 is great for running marathons or high-mileage training in general.

The fit is excellent too – a soft and breezy upper offers fit security as well as interior comfort. While this shoe isn’t offered in optional widths, it sells till a size US 15.

It’s also worth considering the Saucony Endorphin Pro 3 – the redesigned model is a significant improvement over the Pro 1 and 2. Like the Speed 3, the Pro is also sold in a size 15.

2) New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 V12 – sizes 14, 15, 16

The New Balance 1080V12 is the shoe to buy if deep cushioning is what you’re after.

The comfortable Fresh Foam stack is lively and fun for long runs. It’s soft enough to deliver distance-friendly cushioning without feeling mushy; the rocker-shaped midsole makes sure of that. Our review covers the minutiae of the 1080V12’s ride and fit character.

The upper is extremely comfortable with a spacious and accommodating fit; the 1080’s toe-box comfort is excellent. The soft and stretchy mesh secures the foot without the slightest hint of discomfort.

And it’s not just about the larger sizes; if you’re a Clydesdale with broad feet, just know that the 1080 V12 is available in four widths and till a size US 16.

3) Hoka Clifton 8 – sizes 14, 15, 16

Hoka is the originator of the max-cushioning shoe concept, and the Clifton is its truest ambassador.

Unlike the plusher Bondi 7, the Clifton 8 doesn’t overdo it with the cushioning, but maintains a well-tuned balance between ride comfort and speed-friendly manners. The cushioning has sufficient range to perform daily runs as well. Our in-depth review explains what makes the Clifton so successful.

The thick midsole delivers high-mileage comfort. Simultaneously, features like the rocker midsole and wide base create a supportive yet nimble platform.

While the upper is somewhat narrow, the updated Clifton now sells widths. The shoe is available till a size 16.

Category 3: Stability running shoes in large sizes

1) Saucony Guide 15 – sizes 14, 15, 16

The Saucony Guide stopped being a traditional stability running shoe a long time ago. It traded the medial post (firmer midsole wedge) for a plastic stabilizer, and the newest Guide 15 builds on that form factor.

Having said that, the 2022 model is unlike any Saucony Guide we’ve tested before. The midsole is taller, wider, and softer. We recently put the Guide 15 through the paces in our review.

Not only that, but there’re also two things that the Guide 14 did not have – a larger plastic stabilizer and bouncy insole that’s made of the Pwrrun+ E-TPU.

As a result, the Guide 15 is a very comfortable supportive neutral that works for long-distance runs as well as various pace ranges. One way to view the Guide is to imagine it as the stability version of the Endorphin Shift 2, but with a higher 8 mm heel-to-toe offset.

The soft, true-to-size upper is extremely breathable, and is available in two widths and till a size US 16.

Also see: The New Balance 860V12 – it sells up to size US 16 and four widths. Also, see the New Balance Vongo V5 – a cushioned stability shoe with a supportive-neutral ride character.

2) Asics Gel-Kayano 29 – sizes 14, 15, 16

When deciding which Asics stability shoe to buy, it’s usually a toss-up between the Kayano and GT-2000. The GT-2000 is the lower-spec version of the Kayano with its slimmer midsole, 2 mm lower heel-to-toe offset, and fewer bells and whistles overall.

On the other hand, the Kayano 29 has a more robust build. It’s heavier and has a thicker midsole with a 2 mm higher heel drop.

The Kayano 29 is also more supportive and closer to the ideal of a traditional stability shoe. The firmer medial post is larger, and so is the plastic heel counter that cups the foot. (Note: Asics doesn’t mention the medial post, but the ‘Lite Truss’ midsole has a harder foam wedge.)

The upper is plush and secure, and also sells in a 2E (wide) and 4E (extra wide) sizes. You can read our detailed Kayano 29 review here.

Also see: Asics GT-2000 10, Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22.

Category 4: Lightweight trainers and racers in large sizes

1) Saucony Kinvara 13 – sizes 14, 15

The quest for a comfy daily trainer with a 4 mm heel-to-toe offset usually ends with the Saucony Kinvara.

Do want to know why is it one of the most popular running shoes with a 4 mm heel drop? That’s because the Kinvara does most things very well.

The minimal overlays just provide the minimum level of support without getting in the way of upper comfort.

The Kinvara 13’s upholstery drapes softly over the foot and delivers a secure fit. The K-13 trades the full sleeve (of the Kinvara 12) for a partial gusset, so it breathes better than the 12.

The Kinvara 13 is very similar to the 12, as both the versions are based on an identical midsole architecture. It’s comfortable enough to be a daily mileage hauler with sufficient pep for faster runs. Our detailed review covers all the 2022 updates.

The Kinvara is sized till a US 15.

2) New Balance Fuecell Rebel V3 – sizes 14, 15, 16

The New Balance Rebel V3 has a brand-new midsole and upper, so that means we get a similar lightweight and springy cushioning but with improved upper durability.

In our review of the V2, we had concerns about the upper durability, so it’s great to see the V3 address those concerns.

Very few shoes compare to the Fuelcell Rebel 3. With a lightweight and springy Fuelcell midsole, this $130 running shoe punches above its class. The Brooks Hyperion Tempo is somewhat comparable, but it’s a firmer and more expensive running shoe.

The lightweight Fuelcell midsole (7.2 ounce/209 grams) delivers ride comfort in a speed-friendly package. The snug yet soft upper keeps the foot locked in during speed runs. The responsive midsole feels best during tempo (quicker than 5 min/km, 8 min/mile) workouts.

The Rebel 3 is available till a size 16 and in an optional wide.

3) Saucony Type A9 – sizes 14, 15

Usually, it’s hard to find racing flats in larger sizes. Correction – it’s difficult to find traditional racing flats these days, with all the Carbon-plated shoes occupying that segment.

Here’s where the $100 Saucony Type A9 adds value. It’s a reasonably-priced racer that gets the basics right – like a grippy Pwrtrac outsole and low-profile midsole that excels during 5K and 10K races at 4:00 min/km speeds and faster.

At the same time, the 4 mm heel drop stack prevents the feet from getting beat down during those fast miles. The 6.0 oz/170-gram weight makes the shoe vanish over the foot.

The lightweight upper is breezy and comfortable. Like most racers, the fit runs narrow to keep the foot held down during races and speed runs. The Type A9 sells till a US size 15.

Category 5: Trail running shoes in large sizes

1) New Balance Fresh Foam Hierro V7 – 14, 15, 16, 17

We so wish New Balance still sold the Leadville. It was NB’s do-it-all trail shoe, much like a cushioned version of the Saucony Peregrine.

But since the Leadville is no longer an option, the Hierro V7 is our recommended large-sized trail running shoe from New Balance. Despite the difference in the form factor, there are many things that it does well.

The cushioned Fresh Foam midsole is excellent for long-distance trail runs. The foam stack adds ride comfort as well as protection from the bumpy terrain.

While it’s not quite the shoe for technical grades, the shoe possesses enough versatility for most mildly technical trails. The aggressive lugs of the Vibram rubber outsole serve as a rock shield while delivering the necessary levels of traction.

The comfort-oriented upper provides protection through the tightly woven mesh and fused layers. The gusseted midfoot delivers a secure fit while keeping the debris outside.

But here’s the real reason why the Hierro V7 is on this guide – when fully stocked, it retails till a US size 17.

2) Nike Pegasus Trail 4 – sizes 14, 15

The Nike Pegasus Trail 4 is a road-trail hybrid that’s ideal for dual-purpose use.

Its soft React midsole makes it a comfortable road shoe, whereas the outdoor-oriented features like the aggressive outsole and reinforced upper are useful during off-road use.

As noted in our review, the Nike Pegasus Trail 4 isn’t a serious trail running shoe. The soft ride isn’t stable enough for technical trails, so this shoe is best used on flat or gravel trails.

The partially-sleeved upper is easy to get into, and time-tested features like the speed-lacing loops make the cinching quick yet effective. The Gore-Tex version has speed loops, whereas the standard Pegasus Trail 4 has Flywire cords. Our review explains the difference.

The Pegasus Trail 4 is available till a size 15.

3) Nike Zoom Terra Kiger 8 – sizes 14, 15

Available till a US size 15, the Terra Kiger 8 is a higher performance trail shoe than the Pegasus Trail 4. Like the latter, the Kiger 8 has a React foam midsole for ride comfort and protection, but that’s where the similarities end.

The Kiger 8’s midsole is fitted with a forefoot Zoom Air and heel rock plate. This setup protects the foot from hard rearfoot landings while adding forefoot cushioning. The two-piece outsole is purposefully designed with a more aggressive heel section and a wider forefoot spread.

Nike uses a fused toe-box on the snug-fitting upper to protect the foot on the trail – both from surface protection and fit security standpoint.

The soft upper uses speed-lacing and an inner sleeve for a comfortable and secure fit. The Kiger 8 has the same sole as the 7, but features a much more breathable mesh upper.

Also see: Nike Zoom Wildhorse 7.

Category 6: Affordable running shoes in large sizes

1) Saucony Cohesion 15 – sizes 14, 15

The Cohesion 15 doesn’t pretend to be anything other than a budget $75 running shoe. The design and material are very basic; the upper makes liberal use of synthetic overlays over a regular mesh; there’s no engineered mesh or fancy fusing here. This is how running shoes used to be made in good old days.

Regardless of how they’re put together, these elements do what they’re supposed to. The upper fit holds the foot securely, and the foam quilting inside the tongue and heel provide basic levels of interior comfort. The Cohesion also sells in a wide and retails till a size 15.

There’s not a lot of softness available within the firm EVA midsole. The die-cut and flat insole doesn’t add a lot of step-in softness either. Having said that, the midsole and outsole provide a stable foundation while delivering a basic level of comfort.

2) Nike Flex Experience Run 11 – sizes 14, 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 11 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.