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Hikers who overpronate, this is where you can find hiking shoes specifically selected for you. We were able to pick the best shoes for overpronation thanks to our a) test hikes and b) lab tests. Combining the experience from both allowed us to understand every little bit about the shoes' fit, performance, stability, support, durability, grip, and breathability. And, it allowed us to highlight here our selected few!
If you want to learn more about what we paid attention to and how our lab data helped us, read the guide section. We dig deep into the features that overpronators enjoy while hiking and how to assess whether a hiking shoe is good for overpronators or not.
How we test hiking shoes
All the hiking shoes that you see here, and basically all the shoes that we test here at RunRepeat, have been field-tested and lab-tested. We wear hiking shoes on our test hikes, where we subject them to different types of terrain, from hard-packed trails to muddy and technical sections. We also test them in dry and wet weather to test their waterproofness, grip, and stability further.
Once we're done with field tests, we take the shoes to the lab, where we use different tools and instruments, like calipers, force gauges, a smoke machine, durometers, and a freezer, to quantitatively describe shoes with 20+ parameters.
We present all our findings on the website where you can compare the shoes and find the one that suits your preferences the best!
Best hiking shoes for overpronation overall
What makes it the best?
The Salomon X Ultra 4 GTX proved in our hikes that it achieved a fine balance between stability and agility. With its low weight, it rides like a trail shoe but offers the support, protection, and grip of hiking shoes as seen in our lab results. It’s a real standout and tops the overpronation hiking category.
The Active Support system is our main stabilizer. It includes a stiff chassis in the midfoot area to keep us centered under heavy loads. Straps connected to the lacing system strengthen the foothold and prevent the ankle from collapsing. As a result, the shoe was hard to twist and earned a 4/5 torsional rigidity rating.
We powered through demanding trails, with the tightly woven textile and GTX membrane protecting our foot and the highly adhesive outsole maintaining our control. We measured the lugs to be 4.5 mm deep vs. the 3.9 mm average and boasted of strong grip on various terrains we tested.
For all the stability it offers, we were surprised by its light weight of 13.3 oz (378g) since more supportive shoes tend to be heavier.
While this shoe is waterproof, we don’t recommend submerging it in river crossings. A boot will be more suitable so water doesn’t enter through the mouth.
Pros
- Instant comfort
- Impeccable waterproofing
- Very lightweight
- Exceptional grip
- Excellent support and lockdown
- Stable platform
- Roomy toebox
Cons
- Quicklace is not for everyone
- Too-high collar
Hiking shoes for overpronation with the best cushioning
What makes it the best?
The Hoka Skyline-Float X cleverly has gentle and stiff elements in the right areas, creating a surefooted and responsive ride. We can’t help but revel in its plush midsole, spoiling our legs with the best cushioning we’ve ever seen in the lab for hikers with overpronation. The cherry on top? It’s a true summer hiker’s dream.
Our caliper shows an above-average stack height of 39.0/31.0 mm, while our durometer shows the foam beneath us is a plush and springy 22.0 HA. This combination leads to maximum comfort even during long hours on the trail. The midsole has raised sidewalls that mitigate excessive movements of overpronators and a swallowtail heel that smoothens landings. The lower foam is also a firmer 27.9 HA to secure our balance.
There is also a Pebax plate between the two foams that stabilizes the ride. It’s positioned right under our arches and feels undeniably supportive during our hikes, which also prevents the onset of foot fatigue.
The plush knit upper felt so luxurious and offered immense breathability—a rare feature of hiking shoes. Our smoke test confirms the ventilation we experienced with the highest 5/5 breathability score. However, it’s also more vulnerable to damage as seen in its dismal 1/5 toebox durability score. Those who need more protection should find wear-resistant uppers.
Pros
- Extremely well-cushioned
- Devilishly comfortable
- Responsive, rockered midsole
- Works for light trail running
- Excellent multi-terrain traction
- Highly breathable upper
- Feels surprisingly stable
- Performs consistently in the cold
- Made of sustainable and plant-based materials
Cons
- Questionable durability
- Narrow toebox
- Upper dries slowly
Hiking shoes for overpronation with the best stability
What makes it the best?
After outdoor treks and lab tests, we discovered the Adidas Terrex Swift R3 GTX offers the best stability for overpronators hiking in challenging terrain and unpredictable weather. Its stiff build, robust outsole, and waterproof construction boost our sense of security.
The TSR3 GTX has a rigid construction that makes it feel like a hiking boot. The Pro-Moderator technology is embedded into the shoe, which effectively mitigates excessive movements that may lead to foot pain or fatigue. We found it hard to twist the shoe and awarded it the highest 5/5 torsional rigidity rating. Thankfully, we didn’t have to fight the shoe to bend our feet because the forefoot has some flex to it.
We flipped the shoe over and measured the lugs to be 4.4 mm deep, giving us control as we tested its grip on various surfaces. We also tested the Continental rubber for durability and it excelled in our assessments by showing less damage than average in our abrasion test.
Whenever we had encounters with wet grass and rain, we remained safe and dry. We had a hint of ventilation, evidenced by its 2/5 breathability rating in our smoke test, a rare feat since waterproof shoes usually have limited airflow.
We warn caution that the shoe feels stiff at first. We recommend breaking it in before taking it to the trails.
Pros
- Boot-like stability
- Highly durable and protective
- Lightweight for what it offers
- Excellent waterproofing
- Breathable for a GTX shoe
- Generously cushioned
- Very secure foothold
- Top-notch grip with deep lugs
Cons
- Stuffy for summer
- Can be too stiff (even stiffer in cold)
- Break-in needed
Hiking shoes for overpronation with the best comfort
What makes it the best?
Both forgiving and supportive, not a lot of shoes can match the Merrell Moab 3 GTX. We found it to be the best comfortable hiking shoe for those dealing with overpronation, as our lab confirms its instant comfort from the cushioning and gentle stability from some stiff elements and Vibram outsole.
Comfort took center stage during testing as we reveled in the pleasantly firm cushioning. Our durometer confirms it’s 29.6% firmer than average but feels softer on foot because of its subtle rebound. We also found it easy to bend our feet as our flex test reveals it’s as bendable as the average hiking shoe.
We felt more sure of our steps because of the deep 4.8 mm lugs that line the top-tier Vibram outsole. We had no issues as we tested the shoe’s traction on multiple surfaces.
Our arches were bolstered by the stiff nylon shank in the midfoot as it stabilizes the ride. The strong foothold comfortably kept us centered thanks to the heel counter, which got a 4/5 rigidity rating.
A pet peeve we experienced was how we kept tying the round shoelaces that often came undone. If this is a dealbreaker, we recommend changing the shoelaces or using a double knot.
Pros
- Superb day-one comfort
- Brilliant surface adhesion
- Supportive like a work shoe
- Fantastic cushioning underfoot
- Remarkably durable
- A-grade waterproofing
- Sheds mud quite well
- Protective toe box
- Incredible overall quality
Cons
- Heavy for a low-top
- Subpar breathability
- Its shoelaces unravel often
Best backpacking shoes for overpronation
What makes it the best?
The best backpacking overpronation hiking shoe needs to be stable and protective, and the La Sportiva Spire GTX delivered just that in our hikes. Our lab tests confirm its exceptional support and protective nature from top to bottom, which is why it feels more like a hiking boot on foot.
The midsole is intentionally made for long hours on foot. We felt isolated from the ground and our caliper validates a massive 39.1 mm heel—that's 7.2 mm above average! Thankfully, the shoe felt stable and didn't easily give in to twisting, evidenced by its 4/5 torsional rigidity rating in our assessment. It’s suitable for multi-day backpacking hikes because its steep 16.0 mm heel drop takes the pressure off our ankles and Achilles.
The Spire GTX features the STB control system, composed of sidewalls that guide our foot alignment. The cushion’s balanced feel also enhances stability, evidenced by its 32.6 HA durometer rating, 17.7% firmer than average. The Vibram outsole also ensured we felt well-planted regardless of terrain conditions.
Wet encounters were never a problem because the airtight upper kept water out, proven by its 1/5 breathability score in our smoke test.
The Spire GTX feels like a hiking boot and is priced like one at $209. This figure is steep considering the average hiking shoe costs only $142.
Pros
- Feels like a backpacking boot with low collar
- Unparalleled stability and support
- Superb waterproofness with some breathabilty
- Mutes out rocks and debris like no other
- Excellent grip and braking
- Sturdy and durable construction
- Greater range of sizes allows to fine tune the fit
Cons
- Can feel tippy on rocky and hilly terrain
- Frail inner lining
- Gets even firmer in cold
Hiking shoes for overpronation with the best toe protection
What makes it the best?
The KEEN Targhee III Waterproof is bumper-ready and an all-weather friend. It offers the best toe protection among overpronation hiking shoes and a hint of breathability during trail outings. Our lab tests further prove its stable feel through its grippy outsole and low stack.
Waterproof shoes tend to block airflow, yet the Targhee III has some ventilation, backed up by its 2/5 breathability score in our smoke test. This was a relief since our microscope showed how compact the mesh is. It also features a robust toe bumper, which our Dremel did not affect, receiving a 5/5 durability score.
Thanks to the thick and multidirectional 4.5 mm lugs, which delivered reliable traction, we maintained control on any surface. The foam has a balanced feel and doesn’t compress even under heavy loads. Our durometer confirms it’s 11.9% firmer than average. The midsole’s firmness is needed since the stack is only 29.5/17.0 mm, enhancing ground feel and protecting our feet from underfoot hazards.
However, we cannot recommend this shoe to those with narrow feet because they’ll bump against the walls of the wide toebox.
Pros
- Grippy outsole
- Good traction in muddy conditions
- Excellent for winter hikes
- Firm but protective cushioning
- Well-constructed and durable upper
- Lots of protective overlays
- Amazing stability
- Relatively breathable
- No break-in time
Cons
- Outsole durability could be better
- Not ideal for narrow feet
Best budget hiking shoes for overpronation
What makes it the best?
Who would’ve thought we’d find support for excessive pronation, comfort, and traction in a $90 shoe? We couldn’t believe it during testing but our lab results validated our stable experience with the Adidas Terrex AX4, making it our best budget overpronation hiking shoe.
Though the Terrex AX4 is 36.6% cheaper than the average hiking shoe, it offers a well-planted feeling. It has a spacious base with some stiffness to avoid excessive lateral movements. We twisted the shoe, which was pretty hard to do, and gave it a 4/5 torsional rigidity rating. Our heels were firmly centered by the heel counter and got a 5/5 stiffness rating in the lab.
Comfort isn’t compromised since the cushioning is protective and doesn't bottom out with its 39.0 HA durometer rating. Because of its moderate stack, it has a low 13.4 oz (379g) weight that boosted our agility.
Beneath the midsole is an outsole that’s versatile on most trails. Whether hiking through mossy logs or loose ground, the 3.7 mm chevron lugs held their ground. Meanwhile, the redesigned heel brake offers enhanced control.
Unfortunately, the Terrex AX4 isn’t too generous with toebox space. We recommend those with broad or high-volume feet to find more accommodating shoes.
Pros
- Excellent value for money
- Feels like a trail running shoe
- Breathable
- Water-repellent
- Solid grip
- Durable for the price
- Stable platform
- Contains recycled materials
Cons
- Lacks toe protection
- Flimsy insole
- Aggressively tapered toebox
What overpronation means for hikers
Hikers who overpronate have ankles that excessively collapse inward. This leads to an uneven pressure distribution and, therefore, uneven footwear use.
This is easy to notice when you look at the outsoles of your footwear, usually, you’ll see much more damage on the inner side of the outsole. Because of this, overpronating hikers need shoes that will offer support, especially at the place where they land and put more pressure - the inner side of the hiking shoe.
In running shoes, this is usually solved with different guiding technologies or dual-density midsoles, where the firmer one is placed on the landing area. In hiking shoes, it’s more about finding the overall stable and supportive option.
7 things to look for in hiking shoes for overpronation
To find overpronation hiking shoes that will offer you the best experience while hiking, we recommend stable hiking shoes. There are a few things that make hiking shoes stable and we recommend you look for these features:
- Firmer platforms because very soft ones would cause unnecessary wobbling and extra foot work
- Rigid platforms to avoid wobbling and making feet work more
- Wide platforms
- Stiffer heel counters that stabilize the heel so it does not have as much room to collapse inwards
- Additional structural elements on the upper
Then, there are more things that are very important, regardless of the pronation, so we have to mention them as well
6. Lugs/grip: depending on where you plan to hike, you can choose hiking shoes for overpronation for light, moderate, or technical hiking (there are shoes that fall into 2 categories at the same time, of course)
7. Breathability: depending on the season and weather, you might choose very breathable hiking shoes or very warm ones, maybe even with a waterproof membrane.
For all of these features, we perform lab tests and have recommended ranges that we dig deep into below. Also, you don’t need to tick the boxes on all of them! But, finding a firm, rigid platform with a stiff heel counter is a minimum requirement we recommend.
Firmer hiking shoes are better for overpronation
We measure the softness of the midsole with a shore A durometer. We cut the shoes in half and stick the durometer needle into the midsole.
Measuring the softness of the hiking shoe in RunRepeat lab
The numbers on the durometer display tell us whether the midsole is soft (lower numbers) or firm (higher numbers). The average midsole softness for hiking shoes (at the moment of writing this guide) sits at 27.7 HA. For hikers overpronators, we recommend a midsole that scored at least 20 HA.
Curb test: Moab 3 GTX scored 35.9 HA on our durometer
For reference, the average softness of trail running shoes is 22.7, while the average softness of hiking boots is 27.9.
Look for rigid platforms in hiking shoes if you’re overpronating
As mentioned above, having platforms that are not overly flexible helps a lot because your feet are not forced to overwork on uneven terrain. And, when hiking, there’s a lot of uneven terrain!
Especially when hiking over obstacles like sharp rocks, it’s best to do it in hiking shoes that don't bend as naturally as your feet, but offer a solid amount of support and stability.
Assessing the torsional rigidity of hiking shoes: 1/5 for the least rigid and 5/5 for the most rigid. The shoe in the video was rated with 3/5
In our lab, we twist the shoes and assess their torsional rigidity. For overpronating hikers, we recommend shoes with torsional rigidity of at least 3.
Measuring the longitudinal stiffness of hiking shoes in RunRepeat lab
We also measure the longitudinal stiffness by bending the shoes to 90 degrees using a digital force gauge. Needing more force to bend the shoe means it’s a stiffer platform and we see it as higher numbers on the gauge’s display.
Why stiff heel counters matter for overpronation?
It’s all about the heel! It needs as much support as we can give it, so a stiff heel counter is a natural response.
Assessing the stiffness of a heel counter on a 1-5 scale, where 5 is the stiffest
Hiking shoes don’t have nearly as many stabilizing technologies as running shoes. Because of that, heel counters play a big role. Ideally, they are not just stiff but also cradle the heel, be it with their shape or added padding. We want the heel super-locked in place.
Wider is better: platforms in hiking shoes for overpronation
When it comes to the width of the midsole, hiking shoes with wider platforms are more stable and allow for that planted feel while hiking.
Fortunately, we measure the width in our lab, so you can always consult the lab data before making the decision.
Assuming you won’t run in hiking shoes (to give you a chance to maybe land on the forefoot or midfoot), we focus on the width of the midsole at the heel because that’s where we all land when hiking.
Supportive upper is a bonus
No lab test for this one, so we rely on a) visual inspection and b) whether the added elements on the upper actually work while hiking in the shoe.
Some hiking shoes might even feature 1 or 2 BOA systems, which improve the lockdown up to a millimeter.
Wide toebox in overpronation hiking shoes
In case your toes often get cramped, it’s important to find a better toebox that fits properly. Finding a good toebox actually depends on the shape of your toes.
Knowing how your toes are shaped means knowing where you need more width: where the toebox is the widest (usually around the ball of the foot or pinkie toe) or at the big toe.
Finding the best grip in overpronation hiking shoes
When we talk about grip, we talk about lugs and the terrain.
Depending on where you plan to hike, we can talk about:
- Light hiking shoes for light terrain, from urban hiking to very easy and well-maintained trails (hard-packed). These shoes usually have shallow lugs and no or very little protective elements, like toe bumper, upper overlays, etc. Lugs here are usually shallower than ~3mm.
- Moderate hiking shoes are great for moderate terrain, basically anything except technical. These lugs are usually in the 3-4mm range.
- Technical hiking shoes have the deepest lugs (usually deeper than 4mm) and the biggest amount of protection as they protect the feet from sharp objects on the ground, obstacles, and basically anything else hikers may encounter when hiking over technical distances.
Of course, there’s always some overlap between these groups. Especially because it’s not just about the lug depth but also the lug orientation, size, and number (or distance between them). Lugs that are placed close to each other are great for dry, loose ground, while deep lugs that are placed far apart are great for shedding mud.
Multidirectional lugs of different shapes are perfect for versatile hikes that cover steep uphills and downhills.
Outsole durability in hiking shoes for overpronation
The durability of the outsole matters because it tells us how much we can abuse hiking shoes on (maybe even) technical terrain and, in the case of overpronation, it also tells us whether it will be easier or harder (quicker or time-consuming) to create that uneven wear&tear pattern we’re used to seeing due to the uneven pressure distribution.
Testing the durability of the outsole in RunRepeat lab
We test this using a dremel and applying always the same force and RPMs, at the same time duration. The deeper the dent, the less durable the outsole and vice versa. We measure the depth of each dent using a tire tread gauge.
Hot or cold: weather dictates breathability
In our lab, we test the breathability of hiking shoes by pumping smoke into them and observing where it comes out and how fast. Based on this, we assign a breathability rating to each shoe: 1/5 being the warmest and 5/5 being the most breathable.
Testing the breathability of hiking shoes in RunRepeat lab
Hiking shoes’ average breathability sits at 2.7 at the moment of writing this guide. For comparison, road running shoes average at 3.8, while it’s a 3.3 rating for trail running shoes.
In the lab, we look at the uppers under the microscope. The less the shoe breathes, the tighter the upper. They also might feature a waterproof membrane that’s easy to notice on a shoe cut in half as a second layer, the one closest to the foot.
The point is, there’s no good or bad breathability. Shoes that breathe less are great for cold weather as they trap the heat. Very breezy uppers are great for hot weather and sweaty feet.
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