Motion Control Running Shoes | A Heavy Runners View

Beginnings Of A Heavy Runner

I’m a heavy runner. And I always have been. There I said it and it’s out there!!! I’ve always been a big guy – went off to college at about 165 lbs. and returned home over 200. But you’ve heard that story a million times and so have I, so I began running anyways and never seemed to worry about it. Read on below for a comparison of two specific brands of motion control running shoes that I have used over the years.

Oh sure I was not your prototypical looking runner, not even close. Back in the day they had a Clydesdale division at many of the races to attract more people. Hey, why not reach out to the slightly larger crowd. Many folks like myself were on weight loss journeys and only too happy to check the Clydesdale box on the race app and line up to take on the field in our “specialized” category. Worked for me!!!

Challenges For The “Clydesdales”

Being a larger runner poses a few challenges along the journey, but none of them need to add any stress or hardship to your running. They key is to stay motivated in your journey and not let any roadblocks knock you off your trails. Let the naysayers and the “You’re Crazy!!!” crowd have their say, but pay no attention to it. You are on your own road.

Understanding your body, your stride, and your shoe’s synergy with your legs and feet will go a long way in making for an injury free and painless running career. First and foremost, get to know the different categories of shoes and stick with the Motion Control and High Stability categories. Also, get to know the important keys to buying running footwear in general, there is a lot to know. We’ve also compiled a guide to help choose running shoes in general which can be found here.

Proper running form is a must for performance, running efficiency and most importantly in order to avoid running related injuries. Plantar Fasciitis, Shin Splints and Stress Fractures are sure to derail any running program or training goals so Clydesdales need practice perfect fundamentals and form as best they can. One of the easiest ways to accomplish this is to join a local running group or club. What better way to meet new friends and embed yourself in your community. These groups are usually run and organized by locals who are passionate about running and expert in advice. Give it a try!!

Finding The Right Motion Control Running Shoes

Motion control running shoes are built differently than other running shoes. To start with, they often feel bulky and less comfortable than you’ve normally experienced in a shoe. They are built to stabilize your foot during foot strike. Because of this they are often manufactured with less cushioning especially in the mid-section of the shoe. This is because they are built with stronger material levels to minimize the movement of your foot during foot strike. This can sometimes feel heavy and uncomfortable until you get used to it.

You can get expert guidance on finding the right motion control running shoes by consulting your local running store. Also by researching some of the many shoe expert sites online. There are simple steps to follow before making your choice. First, it is always best to get your foot measured by the professional before the sale. This is important for a couple of reasons. Our feet may change sizes throughout the day  due to activity or standing for long periods of time. Additionally, it will allow the salesperson to know exactly what your size is. From there he or she can react to the slight differences in shoe size depending on brands.

Also, remember that your feet tend to expand during the day.  A good rule to follow is to purchase your shoes towards the end of the day. This assures that your feet will be at their largest at that time.  You can then be confident that they will fit properly regardless of what time of day your future runs are.

My “Road” To Big Men Running Shoes

After running for a few years in basic off the shelf running shoes, my journey to find the best shoe for a heavy runner began in the mid 90s while I was in training for a marathon. I was part of a fundraising/training group and we were lucky enough to make a group visit to Marathon Sports in Cambridge Mass., which at the time was one of the preeminent running stores in the Boston (MA) area. I was a bit embarrassed to show up in my latest Nike trending shoes.  My shoes were definitely not the correct type for my flat feet/overweight combination and running form.

Awaiting my education as the experts studied my running gait and motion on one of their treadmills. To my surprise, they did not rip me for wearing improper footwear but instead explained to me the mechanics of my form and how I needed to manage my weight and motion control with each foot strike. Their knowledge and experience was amazing and just one of many reasons to rely on your local running specialty store to help you make great choices.

Two Specific Motion Control Running Shoes

As for advice on shoe choice for a heavy runner, after reviewing my stride, they suggested – Surprise! – The Brooks Beast model of the day. Brooks was one of the early adopters of motion control/stability shoes. They’ve built out excellent models which had maximum support and motion control. Their shoe box was somewhat wider. Their wide array of color combinations consisted of BLACK OR GREY. Seriously, they are excellent stability shoes, but back then they definitely favored function over flair.

Although willing to take their expert advice, I had been running in Nike for a good period before my assessment. Because of this and the many choices when it came to color and design, I inquired of them if any of the Nike Models also would fall into my needs category.  To my surprise they suggested the Nike Air Pegasus. At the time this was one of Nike’s solutions to meet the needs of heavy runners as an ever-increasing category. I was happy to have options and definitely appreciated the additional choices.

Time To Officially Become A Clydesdale With Motion Control Shoes

After a few more questions and consultation with the salesperson, I started out with Brooks Beast as per their suggestions. I grew to love them and even ran my previously mentioned marathon in them. A short time later I cut over to Nike Air Pegasus, which has now evolved into the Nike Zoom Air Pegasus. These models have been my rock and primary shoe for the past few years. At the time, I even stocked up on the Nike Air Zoom Pegasus “32” model.  I bought several pairs at a time to ensure that I’d have them available to me when the models updated.

Both models are excellent for stability and control. My personal preference now is the Nike model because of their comfort and stability as well as choices involved with each release.

Some key info on both shoes:

Brooks Beast: One of the pros of this shoe is that they have been around forever. Also, they are durable, breathable and comfortable while maintaining their trademark support and stability uppers and DNA foam midsoles. While some of the cons of this model are the weight of the shoe and the lack of color choices.  Also, the most recent models are a little narrower than they’ve been in the past.  Check out or review of Brooks Beast 18 model.

Nike Air Pegasus 35: Some pros of this model are their lightweight but more cushioned feel as well as the multiple choices available with this model. They also are sporting a wider toe box than previous models. One particular con of the Pegasus 35 is it’s beginning to show signs of mid-sole compression after heavy usage.  Check out our review of Nike’s Zoom Air Pegasus 35 model.

Find Your Right Fit And Keep On Running

We have highlighted two models in this category but there are obviously many more out there to choose from. As always, Your Mileage May Vary (YMMV). Check out the experts and their “TOP”s lists as they come out for 2020. Stay tuned here at Shamrock77 Sports  for our upcoming review and Top 10 list for 2020, soon to be released.

As always, we welcome any feedback, information, critiques and comments that you might have.  Please help us make this site more complete and more valuable to others that will come after us.