7 Best Running Shoes For Underpronation in 2024

Novablast 4 stands out in our lab and run tests, setting the standard of what a versatile trainer should be. Its stacked and soft FF Blast+ ECO hits the sweet spot of delightful comfort and support even at faster speeds. This lightweight sensation easily claims the best overall title among running shoes for underpronation.

Our feet feel spoiled with an uber-soft platform and its monstrous, above-average stack. Our durometer shows the foam is 28.7% softer than average while its stack rises 5.7/5.6 mm higher in the forefoot and heel, respectively. That’s a generous amount of cushion to support us underfoot. It absorbs much of the impact of our landings and promotes a smooth, bouncy ride.

Despite the higher stack, the shoe is unbelievably light! At 9.1 oz (259g), it’s easier to run in than the 9.4 oz (266g) average of lab-tested shoes.

The pair shows minimal signs of wear after long miles —  meant for supinators who tend to wear the outer sole first. Our Dremel proves the rubber is more resistant to abrasions as it shows less indentation than average in our test. The 3.9 mm outsole is also thicker than average, promising its longevity.

We recommend runners with narrow feet to explore other options since the midsole is significantly wider than average, especially in the forefoot (+9.6 mm).

After extensive lab and road testing, we've identified Nike’s Pegasus 41 as the ultimate daily trainer for underpronation running. A jack of all trades, it’s highly versatile for any run training. It offers the flexibility required for easy runs, long-distance comfort and stability, and a breezy upper to top it off.

The outsole sports the iconic waffle pattern for grip and features multiple grooves to allow the shoe to bend freely. Our 90-degree test confirmed it exceeds the average shoe’s flexibility by 34.0%, highlighting the natural running experience and promoting foot strength.

Turning to the midsole, its upgraded ReactX foam incorporates two Air Zoom units for responsiveness and a softer underfoot feel. Our durometer shows it’s 26.2% softer than average, delivering comfort for prolonged pavement pounding. Our caliper reveals a 33.6/22.2 mm stack, which is a good blend between cushioning and ground feel. Additionally, the midsole sidewalls provide extra support by minimizing excessive movement while the rocker structure leads us forward.

The dual-layer mesh feels soft on foot and surprisingly keeps our feet fresh! Lab testing confirmed its breathability with an impressive 4/5 rating in our smoke test, while looking through our microscope revealed numerous ventilation holes.

However, it's important to note that the 11.4 mm drop in this version is more suitable for heel-strikers. Runners preferring a less pronounced drop may want to explore alternative options.

Running in the Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 feels like a dream with its supportive cushion, flexible yet snappy midsole, and delicate build. We find it to be very accommodating across a wide array of foot strikes, distances, and paces. With the lab and the streets as our witness, ES4 claims the best speed trainer spot for underpronating runners.

ES4 melted away with our feet as we ran and it never felt like a burden. Our scales confirm a mere 8.4 oz (237g), 10.9% below average. We were impressed by its ability to maintain our momentum while allowing our natural foot contortions. Its winged nylon plate sprung us off pleasantly with every stride since it offers less resistance than rigid carbon plates. Our bend test confirms its flexibility is close to the average road running shoe (29.4N).

No matter what pace we ran, the foam ensured stability and comfort. Our arches were supported by a balanced cushion that created a steady and low-impact ride. We pressed into the foam with our durometer and it emerged 22.3 HA, close to the average. This means it remains comfortable across various training days. However, this trainer isn’t the ideal option for runners who still prefer the ultra-plush feel. 

After countless tests in and out of the lab, we believe ASICS Gel Nimbus 26 is a perfect match for underpronators aiming for comfort. We experienced the best of both worlds in terms of comfort and support, as this shoe oozes heavenly goodness with a dash of stability and breeze.

Its towering profile immediately stands out, and that’s where the Nimbus 26 gets its ethereal magic. Rising to 40.4/32.0 mm, it has an extra 6.9/7.3 mm vs the average. On top of that, the midsole comprises a buttery foam that ranks 21.6% softer than average. The amount of cushion we had muted out any pain and harshness from endurance runs.

This shoe doesn’t stop there and exceeds the average even in width. Our caliper measurements show a broad landing base of 118.4/101.7 mm in the forefoot and heel, respectively, ensuring steady landings for any foot striker.

All our runs were free from blisters and hotspots. The well-padded knit upper feels surprisingly breathable and our lab tests agree with a 4/5 rating.

Because of its plushness, the midsole lacks the pop and energy return needed for tempo runs. We recommend using this pair on easy to moderate days to fully enjoy its luxurious comfort.

Nike Alphafly 3 exhales pure speed with its snappy ride, airy construction, and vibrant yet comfy midsole! Its support and power boosted our confidence, allowing us to fully focus on running fast, which is why it’s our top racer for underpronators.

The superior ZoomX midsole feels insanely responsive without the wobbly and sinking feeling. Its dual-density configuration ensures it ticks the boxes for comfort with its plush 18.5 HA top layer and stability with its bottom 22.0 HA layer. The support of the platform adds security even as we land unevenly.

Integrated into the midsole are the Air Pods and rigid FlyPlate for hyper-responsiveness. It ensures top speed, regardless of distance, and offers consistent energy rebound for powerful strides. Our flex test confirms the midsole is 146.4% stiffer than average.

This pair endures hot and humid days with its breezy upper receiving the highest score on our lab breathability test. Keeping things airy is its feathery weight of 7.1 oz (218g). That’s 24.4% lighter than average!

Alphafly 3 offers peak performance at an expensive price of $285. We believe it’s worth the investment, but budget-conscious buyers can explore other options.

We explored trails and tested the best underpronation running shoes in the lab to search for the top trail model—all roads led to the Nike Zegama 2. We found a reliable trail partner with immense comfort, solid traction, and a well-balanced upper. Zegama 2 makes the miles roll by effortlessly, allowing us to soak in our adventures worry-free.

We can’t help but emphasize how luscious and buttery smooth the ZoomX midsole is. Together with the rocker enhancing seamless transitions, the ride feels enjoyable at any pace and distance. Our durometer confirms our observation, emerging 36.1% softer than average.

Underfoot is the aggressively grippy Vibram Megagrip outsole. From wet rocks to loose dirt, the 4.0 mm Traction Lugs held their ground, keeping our strides controlled amidst direction and elevation changes. The rubber displays remarkable toughness, showing only a minor 0.8 mm dent against our brutal Dremel.

Even the structured upper serves as our shield, as it barely had visible damage against our abrasion test, earning a high 4/5 score. Despite its robust build, its ventilation holes allow airflow. With a 4/5 breathability score, Zegama 2 is an all-weather friend.

To our dismay, it’s heavy at 10.7 oz (302g). Those who crave high-speed adventures and a lightweight experience should explore further.

The Saucony Axon 3 redefines an affordable shoe by delivering high-quality performance without the premium price tag. As we’ve seen in our test runs and lab trials, it’s a light, all-around shoe that's cushioned and sturdy enough for long miles. It comes at a sweet 100 bucks, making it a no-brainer for underpronation runners.

Its price tag falls below the $130 average cost of daily trainers. Not only that, it weighs lighter too! At a mere 8.6 oz (244g), it sheds off 12.5% of the average trainer’s weight. The result is a nimble ride that makes it easy to pick up the pace, as our streets came to witness. 

Its generous cushion is another pleasant surprise, given its affordability. Axon 3 ensures a smooth ride as we run hours on foot. Our durometer confirms it’s 22.5% softer than average.

We’re immensely impressed with the reliable outsole, which stands steady on dry and wet surfaces and remains untouched after endless miles. Axon 3 combines a thicker and tougher than average rubber to ensure it lasts brutal training sessions.

For runners seeking a more natural feel, we recommend trying other options as Axon 3 is on the stiffer side.