7 Best Running Shoes For Overpronation in 2024

Jovana Subic
Jovana Subic on
7 Best Running Shoes For Overpronation in 2024
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The role of overpronation running shoes is to offer extra support which prevents excessive inward rolling of the foot. They help to lower the risk of injury and discomfort by using supportive elements on the inner side of the foot, right where the biggest impact happens.

Given how crucial it is to your foot health, we were especially cautious when testing shoes for overpronation. Over 90 models had gone through our lab tests and wear tests before we claimed the best ones.

We also presented our top picks in different categories, depending on what you may find the most important in your pair of shoes.

For more in-depth details on buying running shoes for overpronation, check out our guide!

Disclaimer: The purpose of this article is to educate, not to make any medical diagnosis or recommendation.

How we test running shoes

Having runners with overpronation on our team, we understand how crucial it is to feel the best support you can get from a running shoe. 

With the help of our shoe testing lab and an in-depth approach to the review process, we put each running shoe through the wringer:

  • It is literally sliced into pieces in our lab and measured based on 30+ parameters, including ones that contribute to arch support and stability.
  • We, as dedicated runners, log 30-50 miles in overpronation running shoes before delivering our extensive feedback.
  • We purchase all reviewed shoes with our own funds to escape any bias or brand loyalty.

You can expect to see the best running shoes for overpronation here.

Best running shoes for overpronation overall

What makes it the best?

High lab scores met reality in our feet embrace. Tailor-made for overpronators, the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23 reigns supreme in the stability arena with its untamed ride and unwavering confidence.

Each footfall of ours met a vast platform of plush foam that inspired safe and sound strides. With caliper in hand, we found that the midsole boldly excels the average width by 4.3 mm at the forefoot and 6.8 mm at the heel, ensuring a securely planted sensation from heel to toe. Besides, guided by a couple of rails surrounding the heel, this shoe firmly policies any excessive motion, earning a remarkable 4 out of 5 in our manual assessments for both torsional rigidity and heel stiffness. 

And yet, on top of this, the Adrenaline keeps it natural. Its loose build blocks any fighting back sensation from the shoe, allowing the enjoyable side of running to flourish. A 17.7N resistance, which we noted on our force gauge when doing the flexibility test, ranked the shoe as a delightful 41.8% more flexible than average, defying old-school conventions of the stability game.

We urge forefoot strikers to think twice before diving into the GTS 23, as its forefoot stack falls a considerable 2.8 mm short of the average cushioning.

Pros

  • Excellent stability without being intrusive
  • Ideal for easy miles
  • Specifically designed for heel strikers
  • Outstanding breathability
  • Comfortable and cushioned
  • Availability in narrow and wide sizes
  • Capable of handling tempo paces
  • Not expensive at all

Cons

  • The engineered mesh upper lacks durability
  • Lacks cushion for forefoot strikers
Full review of Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23

Best daily running shoes for overpronation

Hoka Arahi 6
87
Great!

What makes it the best?

Meeting the everyday needs of overpronators, the Hoka Arahi 6 fits just right in every session. The #1 for everyday running feels notably nimble and reactive, offering neat support at whatever pace.

A dual-density midsole sits underfoot, with even the softest of those standing as 68.7% firmer than average. This isn't uncommon in stability shoes, maximizing composure and adding a natural responsiveness to the Arahi's ride. Plus, with its 252 grams (8.89 oz) quickly disappearing on foot after a few strides, this is an honestly cool daily trainer.

Of course, the spotlight here belongs to its generous cushioning. We found it delightfully protective and comfortable, empowering us to hit one or two extra miles than planned. Putting our caliper in action, we measured a stack of 32.6 mm at the heel and 28.5 mm at the forefoot, greatly surpassing the average of 28.7 mm at the heel and 20.5 mm at the forefoot for overpronation shoes.

Performance-wise, the outsole of the Arahi 6 leaves a lot to be desired. The shoe could hardly stick to the asphalt, leaving us concerned when cornering at high speeds.

Pros

  • Fits true to size
  • Balanced cushioning
  • Lightweight for stability shoes
  • Good lockdown
  • Stable platform
  • Fun to run in
  • Very comfortable
  • Improved lacing

Cons

  • Grip is not reliable
  • Durability problems
Full review of Hoka Arahi 6

Best speed training shoes for overpronation

Saucony Tempus
89
Great!

What makes it the best?

Saucony Tempus is a trailblazer in the stability scene. It delivers speed, comfort, and support in a lightweight package. Its guidance doesn’t disrupt our natural way of running and it's built for fast paces at any distance. Our actual runs and lab tests confirm it’s the best speed trainer for overpronators.

The midsole is the main star, with a soft, responsive cushion that makes our runs more enjoyable. Its velvet foam dampens the landing impact on our feet, even when rolling inwards. The rocker structure makes for smoother and faster heel-to-toe transitions, increasing our pace to an energetic one. Measuring 4.3/4.4 mm wider than average in the forefoot and heel, it ensures stable landings while the heel remains sturdy enough to keep our feet from moving out of place. 

Another durable feature is the outsole, measuring 89.5 HC. The average is softer at 80.0 HC. This means it can withstand the extra beating from repeatedly landing in the inner area of the outsole.

Weighing 9.4 oz (266 g), it’s impressively lighter than the 10.5 oz (298.3g) average of stability shoes. 

While the Tempus experience is light on the feet, it’s heavy in the pocket. At $160, it’s more expensive than the average of stability shoes ($139)  and other speed trainers ($145).

Pros

  • Stable but not aggressive
  • Responsive ride
  • Smooth transitions
  • Outsole is super solid
  • Bites on wet roads
  • Snug and secure fit
  • Breathable on warm days
  • Roomy toe box
  • Not heavy

Cons

  • Causes heel rubs
  • Expensive
Full review of Saucony Tempus

Best cushioned running shoes for overpronation

What makes it the best?

Muting any tense friction with the ground, the 30th ASICS Kayano exhibits the best cushioning for overpronators. It’s perfect to glide through LSD runs without overtrying, boasting high-tech support and divine comfort.

Reaching eye-popping levels, this is a gigantic midsole in every conceivable direction. Max-cushioning attested by our caliper, which unveiled a lofty profile ranging from 39.7 mm at the heel to 27.7 mm at the forefoot. Hate to spoil it, but it’s like running on clouds! Such ethereal velvet demands a durometer test, and it emerged as 32.5% softer than average.

Such an infamous amount of downy cushioning could foreshadow stability concerns. But no, an endless platform lies underfoot in the name of a secure ride. In fact, endless almost feels like an understatement, with the midsole effortlessly exceeding the average width by 11.3 mm at the forefoot and a monumental 15.3 mm at the heel.

We warn caution about the aggressive drop, which centers the appeal to heel strikers. While the average overpronation shoe displays an 8.9 mm differential, the Kayano 30 goes far beyond and reaches the vertiginous 12.0 mm mark.

Pros

  • Exceptionally cushioned
  • Impressively stable with 4D Guidance System
  • Lighter than it seems
  • Top-notch breathability
  • Effective maximalist design
  • Superior durability and comfort
  • Ideal for high-mileage runners
  • Ultra-plush FF Blast+ foam
  • Amazing build quality

Cons

  • Actual drop exceeds stated measurement
  • Midsole might require a break-in period
Full review of ASICS Gel Kayano 30

Best lightweight running shoes for overpronation

Saucony Guide 16
86
Great!

What makes it the best?

Ultra-feathery and natural, here’s a chill kick to take on daily sessions. The Saucony Guide 16 seamlessly merges with the untamed motion of the foot, offering a reassuring hand where overpronators need it most.

At first glance, the Guide’s 275 grams (9.70 oz) might not scream “lightweight”. But in the overpronation realm, it’s akin to an envelope of thin air, delivering a fresh and nimble ride that flooded our runs. For comparison, the average overpronation shoe tips the scales at 303 grams (10.7 oz).

A complex web of stability mechanisms surrounds the shoe, working in unison to subtly guide our feet along the right path. Our arches felt securely supported by a firm foam, which vibes to a different beat than the rest of the midsole; our durometer found the greatest part of the foam to be a comfy 17.7% softer than average. This translates to minimal overpronation within a shoe nowhere near restrictive—our 90º bending test confirmed the Guide’s loose feel, ranking it as 32.6% more flexible than average.

While weightless, the Guide 16 lacks the spark of a speedy trainer. Overpronators seeking a swift all-rounder to handle grueling sessions might want to consider other options.

Pros

  • Softer, more comfortable upper
  • Breathable
  • Excellent lockdown
  • Good guidance without being too intrusive
  • Protective and fairly responsive
  • Good grip
  • Natural-feeling ride
  • Roomy toe box
  • Lightweight
  • Best for daily miles and as a walking shoe

Cons

  • Uncomfortable for going sockless
  • Firm cushioning
  • Does not like to go fast
  • Durability is so-so
Full review of Saucony Guide 16

Best overpronation running shoes for long distance

Hoka Gaviota 5
83
Good!

What makes it the best?

When it comes to the best long-distance shoe for overpronators, the Gaviota 5 is truly second to none. Its pillowy soft and protective cushioning had us soaring for miles on end, just like the seagulls the shoe is named after. 

Ground-feel? What’s that? Sitting on a substantial stack that measures 34.9 mm at the heel and 32.7 mm at the forefoot, the Gaviota 5’s midsole is higher than the average shoe by 1.5 mm and 8.2 mm, respectively. What’s more, our durometer reveals the midsole foam to be 46% softer than average with a positively plush reading of 12.9 HA. This combination means that we barely felt the repeated impact against the asphalt during our test runs, with a lofty ride that feels akin to bouncing on clouds. 

A high stack of plush foam seems counterintuitive for stability, but the sheer width of the midsole effectively offsets any tippiness we expected to feel in the shoe. Measuring a gargantuan 125.1 mm wide at the forefoot, the Gaviota 5 boasts a base 12 mm wider than the average road shoe. This means that forefoot striking runners will have plenty of platform to feel surefooted from landing to toe-off. 

Heel-striking runners will also enjoy steady landings in this shoe, with a midsole that’s a whopping 16 mm wider than average at the heel, according to our caliper. However, the Gaviota 5’s super-low 2.2 mm drop definitely makes it more geared towards forefoot strikers. 

Pros

  • Remarkably stable
  • Breathable and comfortable upper
  • Lightweight for its size
  • Plushier than ever
  • Good stability option for forefoot strikers
  • Ideal for wide feet
  • Excellent for long runs

Cons

  • Low drop might pose issues for heel strikers
  • Performs poorly in colder conditions
  • Not for narrow feet
Full review of Hoka Gaviota 5

Best value running shoes for overpronation

What makes it the best?

In our runs, we found that GT 1000 12 is tailor-made for overpronators — besting its counterparts by blending stability and comfort without breaking the bank. It’s built to last and for $100, it offers the best value compared to other stability shoes that average $139.

Our every stride is caught by the velvet Flytefoam, which our durometer measures 46.9% softer than average. Each landing feels steady and supported thanks to ASICS’ classic integrated GEL in the outer heel. Unlike most rigid stability shoes, this pair has a loose and unresisting build — highlighting comfort and versatility. Our flex test confirms the shoe stands 60.4% more flexible than average.

The outsole design strategically includes cutouts to enhance flexibility without sacrificing durability. In our lab, the rubber stands 4.8 mm thick — way more than the average — to preserve the shoe’s life. To maintain traction, its 74.8 HC rubber is softer, and therefore grippier, than average.

Adding comfort to our runs is the airy build of the shoe. It boasts a light 9.6 oz (271g), while most stability shoes weigh above 10.0 oz (283g). The upper feels premium for an affordable rate, scoring 5/5 on our breathability test.

While this shoe performs on most runs, speed enthusiasts might feel underwhelmed by the midsole’s lack of energy.

Pros

  • Incredible value for the price
  • Cushioned and soft midsole
  • Offers great stability
  • GEL technology in the heel
  • Perfectly comfortable for cross-training or walking
  • Built to endure long-distance runs
  • Offers exceptional breathability
  • Durable outsole with a long lifespan

Cons

  • Flytefoam could offer better energy return
  • Upper lacks durability
Full review of ASICS GT 1000 12

Do you need overpronation running shoes

Yes, if you overpronate.

While novice runners might use neutral shoes as shown in this study, research (here and here) has shown that overpronators benefit from using overpronation running shoes - these shoes improve rearfoot eversion and lower the injury risk.

neutral-vs-stability-support.jpg

neutral shoe (Saucony Ride) vs. stability shoe (Saucony Guide)

To find out if you overpronate and at which level, consult the visual guide below. You can video your movement (from behind), or visually inspect your footwear that has seen significant mileage already. 

foot-types-and-pronation-comparison.png

Level of overpronation might be mild: it’s when you should look for stability shoes. It can also be severe, when motion control shoes were recommended. Today, the latter are a thing of the past because advanced technologies have been developed for stability shoes with an extra level of support. 

When overpronating, impact distribution isn’t even throughout the foot during ground-time, so it might lay ground for injuries like shin splints or plantar fasciitis. That’s why it’s important to choose the shoes that match your running gait. 

Wet test: discover your arch type

If you’re insecure about the above-mentioned methodology, you can also do a so-called wet test to discover the type of your arches. 

Here’s how: 

  1. Wet the soles of your feet, one at a time
  2. Stand onto a piece of paper while allowing the water from your feet to sink into the paper
  3. Step off
  4. Look at the shape of your footprint and compare it to the ones shown below.  

Wet-test-results.png

If your footprints look like the 1st picture, you should look into motion-control running shoes or stability running shoes. People with medium and high arches usually run in neutral running shoes. 

These guidelines are general and don’t apply to 100% of cases. Scientists still think that, when picking a running shoe, comfort comes first. If you have a history of injuries or experience severe pain during the run, consult a specialist.

Features of overpronation running shoes 

Both stability and motion control running shoes have some supportive elements or rigid feel. They stop your feet from severe overpronation and make your shoes last longer. Enforcements are placed on parts that would wear down first if it was a neutral shoe. 

This is how they compare to neutral shoes:

Feature-comparison-neutral-vs-stability-vs-motion-control-shoes.png

This comparison is rather general and doesn't apply to each and every shoe on the market.

Types of arch support in running shoes from least to most supportive:

neutral-shoe.jpg

neutral or no support (Nike Air Zoom Pegasus)

stability-shoe.jpg

stability: support for mild to moderate overpronation (ASICS Gel Kayano)

motion-control-shoe.jpg

motion control: supports severe overpronation (Hoka Gaviota)

How to recognize overpronation running shoes

Features of the shoes can be found in RunRepeat’s database, where you can also look for overpronation or severe overpronation filters. However, if you want to judge the shoe “in person”, you should: try to bend it, twist it, look at the outsole, and squeeze the heel counter.

how-to-recognize-neutral-stability-and-motion-control-running-shoes.png

A highly stiff heel counter on the Hoka Arahi helps to control the heel motion.

Running-shoe market dropdown by stability features

Unfortunately, the minority of shoes on the market are made for overpronators. That’s why it’s important to double-check if your pick has the stability features you’re looking for. 

running-shoes-market-breakdown-stability-neutral-motion-control.png

FAQ about overpronation running shoes 

1. What does it mean to overpronate while running? 

It means your feet roll inward while you’re running. You’ll notice this when you inspect your used footwear - the inner side will have significant wear when compared to the middle and outer side. 

2. Is overpronation bad? 

It’s a call for caution. Since impact distribution isn’t even throughout the foot during ground-time, it might lay ground for injuries like shin splints or plantar fasciitis. Choosing shoes that match your running gait is essential. 

Author
Jovana Subic
Jovana Subic
Whether it's a vertical kilometre or an ultra, climbing in the Alps or exploring local mountains, Jovana uses every opportunity to trade walls and concrete for forests and trails. She logs at least 10h/week on trails, with no off-season, and 4x more on research on running and running shoes. With a background in physics and engineering management, she prefers her running spiced with data.