7 Best Walking Shoes For Overpronation in 2023

The superior walking shoe that marked us safe from all of the overpronation-related catastrophes is the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23. Due to its anti-quaking features, not only are our gaits inhibited from inward tilting but our knees and feet never felt so much better than without the shoe in our lives.

Our lateral movements inside the shoe felt controlled and reinforced. Investigating inside our lab, we discovered that the structure of the shoe is not susceptible to deformation. It didn’t buckle down when we applied force twisting it, so we gave it a 4/5 torsional rigidity score. The heel counter stiffness also gained the same rating, since it also effectively resisted pinching. On our walks, this equated to steadiness and excellent foot alignment.

The midsole of Adrenaline GTS 23 also provided us with a large base for support. We got measurements of 117.3 mm in the forefoot and 96.9 mm in the heel. These are wider than the averages by 3.6% and 7.5%, which in return, enhanced our balance.

One thing we wish to improve in the shoe is its slightly heavy weight of 10.1 oz (286g). In comparison to the average, it is 6.8% heftier. If your top concern is weight, we recommend getting shoes that weigh less.

No more side-to-side and unsteady shifting of ankles with ASICS Gel Kayano 29! Not only did we completely feel supported but we were also confident in logging up the miles without the shoes showing any fragility. We have worn this shoe regularly for brisk and long-distance walks and we observed no signs of wear, making it the best durable overpronation walking shoe out there.

Supportiveness doesn’t usually come with soft cushioning and flexibility. But Kayano 29 managed to combine these characteristics splendidly, making it a remarkably pleasant overpronator companion. In our lab, we verified our on-foot impressions. We pushed our durometer to the midsole and the tool revealed a 21.0 HA softness – 14.3% softer than average. Moreover, bending the shoe using our digital force gauge resulted in a 28.8N resistance, making it 9.4% more flexible than the mean.

We also felt superb support at the heel and the upper. The upper provided a delightfully snug fit while the heel scored a 4/5 stiffness from our subjective assessment of pinching and pressing (5 being the stiffest). Overall, these translated to a wobble-free experience. 

However, breathability isn’t its best suit. We viewed Kayano 29’s upper over a bright light, and almost no light peeked through, confirming how impermeable it is. Thus, we do not recommend spending too much strolling time in this shoe in humid weather. 

Scrutinizing overpronation walking shoes closely in and out of our lab left us with a clear conclusion: Brooks Beast GTS 23 is a real beast in terms of support and foot accommodation! This shoe got the wide-foot testers in us to enjoy walking without collecting toe bruises and blisters. Also, it led us to a more proper and straighter gait.

Shock and discomfort? Our feet don’t recognize that when we’re in Beast GTS 23! The underlying reason behind this is the shoe’s liberal cushioning. We measured the midsole heel to be 36.4 mm high and the forefoot to be 24.5 mm. These left the averages behind by 9.6% and 0.4%, demonstrating how cushiony it is.

The heel counter of the shoe also braced our ankles effectively. We assessed its stiffness by manually pinching the heel counter, and as a result, we rated it a perfect 5/5 for rigidity. This translated to our ankles being aligned. Complementing this is the broad base, which our caliper showed to be 113.1 mm in the forefoot and 102.7 mm in the heel. The heel and forefoot's 0.4% and 14.5% greater difference to the averages kept us laterally steady. 

However, the quality of the toebox and heel padding of the shoe is quite anticlimactic. Both areas scored 2/5 in our conducted durability test as they were easily eroded by our Dremel tool. If you desire a long-lasting pair, we do not suggest buying this one.

Among the lightweight walking shoes we subjected to lab tests and actual use, the one that emerged as the best option for overpronation is the Hoka Arahi 6. We are able to part ways with painful knees, swollen plantar fascias, and fatigued feet because of the bolstering and featherlight nature of this shoe. 

Setting the shoe on our scale, we logged a weight of 8.89 oz (252g), which exhibits a 5.6% lower weight than the average. Even though this airy feel manifested on our walks, it didn’t jeopardize the ultimate support it delivered to counter excessive foot rolling. In fact, when we quantified the softness of its midsole using our durometer, it turned in 41 HA, which is 70.8% firmer than the standard. At this level, we are saved from pain and possible injuries caused by foot collapsing.

The wide base of the shoe also fortified our balance during extended strolls. This is evinced by the midsole widths we recorded using our caliper: 115.3 mm in the forefoot and 97.5 mm in the heel, which are 2.7 mm and 7.8 mm greater than the averages. 

However, the smooth foot motions are compromised by the reinforcing structure of the shoe. We were challenged in bending the shoe as it exerted an opposing force of 37.9N, making it 24.7% stiffer than average. If natural heel-to-toe transitions are a must for you, then we suggest skipping Arahi 6.

Salomon XA Pro 3D V8 got our feet secure and supported during our off-road saunters like no other! Flat-footers among us are especially over the moon with how their arches and ankles are reinforced without inward-rolling incidents even on the bumpiest of trails. 

Checking in our lab, the impression that we got is this shoe is anti-unsteadiness. We attempted bending it out of shape using our own strength and we were unsuccessful. It scored 5/5 in stiffness. Additionally, our digital force gauge, a device that measures the force that counters bending, showed 44.7N, which is 41.5% more rigid than average.

Underfoot, the midsole sheltered our arches without any pain. Using our durometer, we measured the midsole hardness as 36.9 HA, which is 31.8% firmer than average. This translated to a very protective and stable ride. Apart from stability, surefootedness is also something we love. We found that it is so grippy, even against rocks and loose soil.

Walking on trails is typically associated with streams and puddles. The bad news is that this shoe is not waterproof as evidenced by our bright light revealing a porous upper. Therefore, we do not advise sporting XA Pro 3D V8 on trail routes that require crossing pools of water.

No shoe can go against Skechers Max Cushioning Arch Fit in terms of cushioning and overpronation. It is a real savage not only in securing our feet in neutral gaits but also in making us feel like we are walking on top of the world.  

Muted shocks from the ground and healthier gaits are what we experienced with this walking shoe. As cushioning plays a major part in all these, we delved in to see how thick it is. We noted heel and forefoot stack heights of 36 mm and 27.4 mm, which are 15% and 30.5% thicker than the averages. This generous amount of foam minimized the stress on our feet and joints. We found that comfort isn’t out of the shoe’s equation despite being very supportive. The key factor behind this is the plush midsole that cradles our underfoot. Using our durometer, we derived 17 HA, denoting that it’s 32.5% softer than average.

Providing us with a substantial area to spread out our toes is the wide platform offered by the Max Cushioning Arch Fit. We obtained 116.1 mm and 96.9 mm widths in the forefoot and heel, respectively. These eclipsed most walking shoes by 5.8% and 10%, leading to a more balanced and blisterless experience. However, the weight took the hit for the abundant cushioning. It weighed 11 oz (312g), which is 21.9% heavier than the standard. We suggest choosing other light pairs if your top priority is weightlessness.

The $85 we had to pay for Skechers Arch Fit has got to be the most advantageous cost-efficient purchase we made in terms of prevention of the foot’s inward rolling. At a price that’s 4% more economical than other walking shoes, we are able to invest in the health of our feet while experiencing a top-notch in-shoe feel.

One of the things that effectively ensured our stable foot positioning was the wide base of the Arch Fit. Additionally, we appreciated that the cushioning was on the firm side as it kept our feet from being submerged in marshmallowy midsole. Instead, correct foot alignment was promoted!

Despite its fortifying confines, we found the Arch Fit lightweight. We never detected any sensation that we were bearing a heavy load.

However, this airiness in the Arch Fit’s construction didn’t translate to its breathability. We actually experienced having soggy toes with this shoe. That is why if you plan on walking with this during summer, we advise giving it a second thought as Arch Fit doesn’t grant smooth airflow.