Best Running Shoes For Overpronation
By Ryan Sabin
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Overpronation may not be an injury, however, if it isn’t properly addressed it can actually lead to injuries in the future. Here you will find the most stabilizing running shoes out there—all of which are specifically designed to address the issue of overpronation.
Overpronation is a functional phase of the gait cycle. It occurs when the foot rolls inwards and the arch of the foot flattens. A stability shoe will prevent this from occurring during your runs—thus providing you with a more comfortable ride.
Our Top 3 Picks
- Brooks Addiction 13
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Our rating - DNA tech
- Price: See Here
- Mizuno Wave Paradox 4
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Our rating - Fan Wave Plate
- Price: See Here
- New Balance 870V4
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Our rating - ABZORB crash pad
- Price: See Here
Best Running Shoes For Over-Pronation
1. Brooks Addiction 13
These shoes are really lightweight given all of the stability and cushioning they provide. They feature a narrow heel and are also available in several width options. They provide excellent shock absorption thanks to their BioMoGo midsole and crash pad--this will reduce or eliminate those pesky shin splints you may be used to getting. Their DNA tech provides a more customizable fit and their Extended Progressive Diagonal Rollbar is specifically for severe overpronators.
Quality/Durability
While these shoes aren't as breathable as other options, they are made of high-quality material and will live many other overpronating specific shoes.
Cost/Value
These are pretty pricey but they are the best shoes out there for moderate to severe overpronators--and they are pretty durable too, which is a bonus for those of you who overpronate.
• Supportive
• Well-cushioned
• For moderate to severe overpronators
• Provides adequate stability
• Lightweight
• BioMoGo midsole
• Crash pad
• DNA tech for customizable fit
• Not as Breathable as many other options
• Expensive
2. Mizuno Wave Paradox 4
Quality/Durability
These shoes are made of high-quality material and are pretty durable. They are also breathable and feature some reflective features for additional safety.
Cost/Value
These are pretty pricey as well, but given their features and durability, we have to say they hold their value.
• Lightweight
• Stable and supportive
• Well-cushioned
• Secure fit
• Breathable
• U4ic midsole
• Durable
• Responsive
• Full-length Fan Wave plate
• Narrow fit
• Expensive
3. New Balance 870V4
These shoes feature the ABZORB crash pad to provide you with optimal shock absorption as well as additional cushioning for comfort. Their REVlite midsole allows the shoe to be lightweight as well as highly responsive. They are lightweight and breathable, so they won't bog you down even on those scorching hot days.
Durability/Quality
These shoes are built to last and will last you for the long haul. They feature strong blown rubber outsoles designed by Ndurance which means they will definitely hold up to wear and tear over time.
Cost/Value
These come at a pretty average price and are more affordable than our top two options--but still offer similar features.
• Comfortable
• Shock absorption
• Well-cushioned
• ABZORB crash pad
• Responsive
• Lightweight
• Breathable
• Durable
• Not the most stylish
4. Nike LunarGlide 8
This shoe works for runners, a smooth ride from a reliable well-cushioned trainer, the shoe is now updated with several new features, ensuring the continued popularity of the LunarGlide line.
Now runners can enjoy more traction and upgraded comfort, cushioned is increased but the weight stays low, any added weight is lent towards more stabilizing support, agreed this shoe isn't as light at the Lunar tempo shoe and that's because it has a broader functionality.
The Lunar Glide 7 gives good shoe performance and the updated 8 and changed from an upper FlyKnit mesh system to a durable engineered mesh system. Also changed or upgraded is the patterning on the sole which steps towards a minimalist pattern style.
Now you get smoother support for the heel, the changes upgrade the shoe capabilities even though they were already very good in the LunarGlide 7.
The FIT is very impressive, think about how snug a pair of socks feel and then add cushion to the heel area, mold a comfortable stabilizing mesh around the foot with good breath-ability, secure the structure with FlyWire tech and you have the feeling of a pair of LunarGlide 8s. FlyWire shoe tech offers reliable stable enhancing support, each lace is fed through string-eye which is connected to the shoe sole, pull the laces tight and feel the shoe mold over your foot for a comfortable secure FIT.
The upgraded version has a durable robust construction which promises longevity for the shoe.
Comfortable fit with full A Lunarlon sole combined with a comfortable FIT
An impressive adaptive shoe upper with shoe stabilizing Flywire
Very comfortable smooth fitting snug inner sleeve
Watch the tiny gritty rocks to avoid picking up a few while you run
Watch durability for the outsole
5. ASICS GT-2000 5
These shoes feature a gel cushioning system that adequately absorbs shock which reduces the overall impact on your joints. They are lightweight and breathable which makes them a great fit for even the hottest days. There Dynamic DuoMax support system combined with their impact guide system allows them to provide you with the best support and stability.
Quality/Durability
These shoes are highly durable and have a stitch down toe cap for more durability. They will last you a long time and are a great investment.
Cost/Value
These come at a great price and offer many of beneficial features.
• Great price
• Shock absorption
• Provide stability and support
• Comfortable
• Gel cushioning system
• Lightweight
• Breathable
• Durable
• Dynamic DuoMax support system
• Stitch down toe cap
• Narrow fit
6. Saucony Omni 16
These shoes have a PowerGrid midsole that provides shock absorption and helps reduce fatigue, muscle soreness, and protects your joints. They also have a seamless construction to prevent irritation and blister. Their EVA foam midsole provides a great amount of cushioning and their breathable mesh ensures your feet are cool and dry.
Quality/Durability
These shoes utilize injection blown rubber in their outsoles which increases their durability as well as provides additional cushioning.
Cost/Value
These shoes come at an average price and definitely hold their value.
• Comfortable
• Breathable
• PowerGrid midsole
• Well-cushioned
• Shock absorption
• Seamless construction
• EVA foam midsole
• Durable
• Flexible
• Supportive
• A bit narrow
• Not many color options available
7. Brooks Adrenaline GTS 17
- Supportive build
- Provides solid stability
- Very light and comfortable
- Breathes well
- Sizing issues
- A bit noisy when active
8. Asic Gel Foundation 12
- Large amount of stability and support
- Comfortable feeling given by cushion system
- Great shock absorption
- A bit heavy
9. Mizuno Wave Inspire 14
- Lightweight
- Good arch support and stability
- Good looking and reasonable cost
- Great traction
High heel to toe drop
10. Asics Gel Excite 4
- Enough stability and support for over-pronators
- High durability
- Light weight
- Critical feedback is minimal
In order to prevent damage or injury to your feet, you need to understand how you pronate. Runners with normal arches typically have a normal stride, those with flat feet most likely normally over-pronate, and those with high-arches typically under-pronate.
What is overpronation?
Overpronation is when the foot excessively rolls inwards at inappropriate times–this places too much weight on the inner side of the foot instead of on the ball of the foot. This causes destabilization that your feet will naturally try to correct on their own, which in turn affects your movement as well as your hips and knees. Overpronation makes it more difficult to propel your body forward and causes unnecessary fatigue and stress in several areas of the body.
How do you know if you overpronate?
One way to find out if you overpronate is by looking at the inside arch of your foot from a standing position. If the innermost part of the sole and arch doesn’t touch the floor, this means you are an overpronator.
You can also take a look at your running shoes if the inside of the sole is particularly worn down then you may need a pair of shoes designed for overpronation as well. That means you may need running shoes for pronation.
Lastly, you can do the “wet foot test” by wetting your foot and stepping on a surface that will leave an imprint–such as the pavement or a brown paper bag. Look at the shape left behind–a normal arch will shoe the heel and forefoot foot with a strip (about half the size of your foot) connecting the two. Go back and examine the shape of your foot. If you have a flat foot, you will see that the arch of your foot has touched the pavement/paper. A normal arch will show a heel and forefoot with a medium strip (about half the size of the foot) connecting the two. On the other hand, If the strip is wider than half of the foot most likely over-pronate.
It’s important to note that the most accurate way to find out if you overpronate is by visit a Podiatrist who will be able to perform a gait analysis on a treadmill or with force-plates. This allows him to deduce the level of your overpronation as well as pinpoint the timing of your gait cycle.
Ways to correct it
If you are able to get a gait analysis of your running style it will be easier to appropriately address your overpronation. You can get this done with a Podiatrist or at a specialty sports shop–a running store will also help you find the shoe that would best address your issues as well. The right running shoe alone is a great way too correct your overpronation during your runs and will help reduce the risk of injury and prevent pain from developing.
Below we have included a list of things to look for when searching for the best running shoe to address your overpronation. Take a look and be sure to take all of these into consideration when making your decision.
The Criteria Used For Choosing The Best Running Shoes For Over-Pronation:
Midsole Support
Over-pronating runners require additional support and good cushioning, specifically along the midsole of the foot. Running shoes that feature specialized posts (areas of firmer EVA) will provide the support, stability, and additional cushioning you need. If you overpronate you will specifically need arch support on the arch side of the midsole–improper support here will lead to increased fatigue, pain, discomfort, and even injury.
Heel Counter And Outsole
Runners with overpronation receive the best support from running shoes that have a supplemental heel wedge. The heel wedge provides additional cushioning and shock absorption for minimal impact during your runs. We also took into consideration the design of the heel counter, as well as the material it’s composed. Many users also reported that a rigid, snug fit worked the best.
Multi-Level Densities
Overpronation is difficult to correct on your own while you are running. So, it’s important your running shoes have variable levels of foam and padding to provide you with the proper amount of cushioning as well as a more customizable ride. Our selections feature dual-density and tri-density foams, gels, and compression technology to better assist with your overpronation.
Long-Distance Comfort
We made sure to include shoes that will work for you long-distance runners as well. It doesn’t matter how comfortable the shoe is initially–if it doesn’t maintain your comfort levels during your entire run then it isn’t the shoe for you. We made sure to take into account the feedback provided by other long-distance runners who also pronate so we could provide you with the most accurate information possible.
Style
While we didn’t comprise our selection based on looks alone, we made sure to include running shoes that come in a variety of styles and colors. We understand that everyone likes making a personal selection when it comes to choosing what they put on their feet, and just because you are dealing with over-pronation issues, it doesn’t mean that you should settle for a pair of running shoes that don’t appeal to your personal sense of style. It’s important to be happy with your running shoe selection.
Other Important Things to Consider When Selecting The Best Choices.
We know you want to enjoy all the health and therapeutic benefits that running provides. We also know how important it is to minimize your overpronation–which is why we are here to help! Before you make your purchase make sure to take also consider the factors explained below.
Orthotics
Orthotics have greatly improved in recent years and can be an excellent option to consider. When paired with the right stability shoe, they can greatly reduce, or even eliminate, your overpronation. Many runners swear by Orthotics and rave about the benefits they have provided them with. If you are considering an Orthotic, make sure to choose one that will address your specific needs.
Leg Length
Many runners don’t realize that it’s not so rare to have legs that aren’t precisely the same length. We recommend you take these measurements and visit a Podiatrist if you believe they may be unequal. A Podiatrist will also be able to provide you with a custom heel wedge that will easily correct this problem.
Size
Like all footwear, sizing also varies when it comes to running shoes. Make sure to take into consideration the length and width of the shoe as well as the swelling that occurs during longer runs. If you are purchasing a shoe online, make sure it has a return policy so you can try them on before fully committing to them.
Replacement
No shoe lasts forever and the average lifespan for running shoes is typically between 300-500 miles. Furthermore, overpronators tend to wear out their shoes much faster, so it’s important you regularly examine your shoes for excessive wear on the outsole, midsole, and upper. We also recommend you consider alternating between two pairs of running shoes so that you can extend the life of the shoe by allowing the midsole cushioning to properly recover. It’s also important to note that continuing to use running shoes past their suggested mileage may increase the chance of injury.
Don’t Over Train!
Research shows that overtraining is a common cause of muscle imbalance that may lead to overpronation. Excessive stress on your lower leg muscles, particularly the tibialis posterior which supports your arch, causes your body to produce hormones associated with over-pronation. This is due to the fact that excessive stress prevents specific muscles from doing what they are supposed to. Keep in mind that your mental endurance may outperform your physical capacity sometimes so make sure to give yourself the right amount of rest in-between long runs. Don’t overdo it.
FAQ
We hope the information we’ve provided helps you to find the best running shoe to help correct your overpronation. Since we know you may still have questions or concerns, we have included the following most commonly asked questions by runners to further assist you with your search.
Q: I overpronate but I don’t have flat feet, why is that?
Overpronation may also affect those with medium to low arches as well–it isn’t solely an issue for those with flat feet. if you overpronate then when you run you are placing weight on the inner edge of your foot rather than the ball of your foot. Make sure to check what type of arch you have so you can also choose a shoe with the proper arch support.
Q: My big toe gets irritated on longer runs, is this a symptom of over-pronation?
It could be. Runners that overpronate usually put more pressure on their first two toes when they run. However, it may just be that your toes become cramped when your feet swell during your runs. Make sure you size up a bit and ensure you are still able to wiggle your toes around after you have laced them up.
Q: Do I need to visit a podiatrist for slight discomfort?
Not necessarily, many runners are able to address these issues with the right running shoe and/or by using a proper Orthotic. However, ff your discomfort increases or you think you may need a more custom shoe, insole, or heel wedge we highly recommend you visit a Podiatrist and get an expert condition regarding your specific case.
Q: What type injuries should I be concerned about if I overpronate?
If you aren’t addressing your overpronation and also train excessively, you may be at a higher risk for shin splints, bunions, and plantar fasciitis because of the constant impact on your feet.
Choosing the right pair of running shoes for overpronation is important because they are your first line of defense against injury and discomfort. Here at RunnerClick we strive to provide you with the most up to date information, so if you have any additional questions we haven’t covered please feel free to ask in the comment section. Thanks for following along! Now get out there and run!
Here are some sources we used while conducting our research
It is important for us at RunnerClick that the information we provide in this guide is accurate and tailored specifically for our readers that overpronate. We made sure to provide the latest data and research every factor that would help you, the RunnerClick audience, choose the right shoe. The following are sources that made the information in this guide possible:
Sources
- , Soc Doc, Clinical Website,
- , Running Warehouse, Running Website,
- , Asics, Manufacturer Website,
- , Amazon, Product Reviews,
- , Overpronation: Why it Happens and What You Should Do About It, Active & healthy living website,
- , The nonsensical understanding of ‘overpronation’, Research website, Feb 17, 2013
- , Overpronation, Clinical information website,
- , Correcting Overpronation , Triathlon training website, Aug 11, 2008
- , Foot Overpronation and 10 problems it may cause, Physiotherapy informational website,
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