Overpronation running shoes are designed to prevent the inward rolling of the foot by providing additional support. Supportive elements placed on the inside of the foot, where the majority of impact is felt, help to reduce the likelihood of injury and discomfort.
Given the importance of preventing overpronation to your foot health, we took great care in our testing procedures. Before we announced the best models, we put more than 90 through extensive testing in the lab and on the road.
We also ranked the best options available in five distinct groups, so you can easily compare and contrast based on the features that are most important to you when shopping for footwear.
If you suffer from overpronation while running, you should read the guide section below the shoe descriptions for more information on what to look for in a pair of shoes.
This article is intended to inform, not to diagnose or recommend treatment.
Our team includes runners who overpronate, so we know firsthand how important it is to have a shoe that makes them feel like they are getting the most support possible.
Through the use of our in-house shoe testing facility and a comprehensive approach to the review process, we put each running shoe through its paces.
- In our lab, it is dissected and measured along 30 different parameters, some of which are directly related to arch support and stability.
- In order to provide us with detailed feedback, our runners log 30–50 miles per pair of overpronation running shoes.
- All footwear reviewed here is purchased by us, at full price, with no consideration for compensation.
- Our ranking system for overpronation running shoes also takes into account the opinions of over 1600 experts and 270,000 users.
Each product is then given a CoreScore, a numeric value between 0 and 100. It's a reflection of the shoe's performance and a benchmark against 250 similar models.
Best overpronation running shoes will be featured.
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In-Depth Analysis of the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 21
An in-depth look at the Saucony Hurricane 23
In-depth look at the Brooks Glycerin GTS 19
Extensive Analysis of the Hoka Arahi 5
Review of the ASICS GT 2000 9 Trail in its entirety
Review of the Brooks Launch GTS 8 in its entirety
A Comprehensive Analysis of the ASICS Gel Kayano 28
If your gait is excessively pronated, then
While this study shows that novice runners are better off with neutral shoes, other studies (here and here) show that overpronators should wear overpronation running shoes because they increase rearfoot eversion and decrease injury risk.
the Saucony Ride, a neutral shoe, and the The Saucony Guide is a stability shoe.
Refer to the image guide below to determine whether or not you overpronate and, if so, to what extent. You can record your actions via rear-facing camera or simply look at the soles of your well-worn shoes.
You should look for stability shoes if your overpronation is only mild. There's a chance it'll get bad, too; if so, try finding some motion control footwear.
Overpronation increases the risk of injuries like shin splints and plantar fasciitis because impact isn't distributed uniformly across the foot while the foot is on the ground. For this reason, it's crucial to pick a pair of running shoes that complements your natural stride.
Underwater archetype determination
Feel free to conduct a so-called "wet test" to determine your arch type if you're not confident in the aforementioned methods.
How? Read on!
- One by one, soak your feet in water.
- Let the water from your feet soak into a sheet of paper as you stand on it.
- Step off
- Compare the shape of your footprint to the examples given.
Consider a pair of motion-control or stability running shoes if your feet resemble the first image. Neutral running shoes are the norm for people with medium to high arches.
These are broad recommendations that can't possibly cover every circumstance. The majority of researchers believe that scientists should prioritize comfort when purchasing running shoes. Do not run if you have a history of injuries or if you are in severe pain.
Overpronation-friendly shoes have these features.
In terms of support or rigidity, both stability and motion control running shoes are similar. They prevent excessive overpronation and extend the life of your shoes. The areas of a neutral shoe that would wear down first are the ones that have the strictest regulations imposed upon them.
How they stack up against "neutral" footwear:
This analogy is overly broad and does not hold water for every pair of shoes available.
As far as running shoes go, here are the various arch supports available, from least to most robust:
Nike's Air Zoom Pegasus lacks any sort of support structure, making it ideal for runners who prefer a lighter shoe.
Stability: ASICS Gel Kayano's support for moderate overpronation
movement regulation: Hoka Gaviota's support for extreme overpronation
Recognizing Overpronation and the Need for Specific Running Shoes
Features of the shoes, such as those designed for overpronation or severe overpronation, can be found in RunRepeat's database. If you really want to get a feel for how flexible the shoe is, though, you should try to bend it, twist it, examine the outsole, and squeeze the heel counter in person.
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The Hoka Arahi has a very rigid heel counter that aids in the regulation of heel movement.
Stability features have led to a decline in the popularity of running shoes.
The majority of shoes on the market are, unhappily, designed for overpronators. That's why you need to make sure your option provides the level of reliability you require.
A Frequently Asked Questions Guide To Overpronation In Running Shoes
The results of overpronators using neutral shoes for running
Although this study suggests that novice runners should start out with neutral shoes, other studies (here and here) have shown that overpronators should wear overpronation running shoes because they increase rearfoot eversion and decrease injury risk.
What does it mean to have an overpronated gait while running?
If you have this condition, it means your feet roll inward while running. When you look at a pair of used shoes, you'll notice that the insides have worn down a lot more than the other parts of the sole.
Why is overpronation bad, if it is bad,
This is a warning that we need to take seriously. This can lead to problems like shin splints and plantar fasciitis because of the uneven distribution of impact forces throughout the foot while on the ground. As a result, it's crucial to pick a pair of running shoes that complements your natural stride.
