7 Best Running Shoes For Underpronation in 2024
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Are you underpronating and want the best shoes for your feet? If so, the time is now to look at our best picks in this part of the running shoe world.
We explored and investigated the experience and data behind every shoe. Indeed, the top picks you see here range from the best all-rounders and the race-worthiest to the most cushioned.
How we test running shoes
Finding the best neutral running shoes for underpronators looks like this:
- Brands don't send us kicks for free. In other words, we buy all underpronation running shoes with our own money. This way, we remain objective.
- We put these shoes through various tests in our lab. We pump the smoke into them, freeze them, stick a durometer needle into the foam, bend them and twist them, and so on. Thanks to these tests, we end up with 20+ data points for each shoe.
- We run at least 30 miles to discover each shoe's strengths and weaknesses.
- We publish shoe reviews on our website together with our lab data. We also choose the best picks based on our lab tests and field tests.
Best running shoes for underpronation overall
What makes it the best?
Novablast 5 stands out in our lab tests and runs, setting the standard of what a versatile trainer should be. Its plush and generous cushioning hits the sweet spot of delightful comfort and its wide base delivers 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 38.4% softer than average while its stack rises 7.0/8.2 mm higher in the heel and forefoot, respectively. That’s a huge amount of foam to support us underfoot, absorbing much of landing impact and promoting a smooth, bouncy ride.
Despite the higher stack, the shoe is unbelievably light! At 9.0 oz (254g), it’s easier to run in than the 9.4 oz (266g) average of lab-tested shoes. It’s also highly flexible, validated by our bend test when it emerged 32.2% more adaptive than average.
The pair shows minimal 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, a promising sign of longevity.
We recommend runners with narrow feet to explore other options since the midsole is significantly wider than average, especially in the forefoot (+8.3 mm).
Pros
- Improved energy return with all-new foam
- Plushiest foam in a Novablast yet
- Keeps the same price as v4
- Higher stack height for extra cushioning
- Enhanced flexibility
- Lighter than its predecessor
- Best Novablast ever for wide feet
- Exceptional weight-to-cushion balance
- Works for short, medium and long runs
Cons
- Lacks grip on wet surfaces
- Breathability could be improved
- Toebox durability
Best daily running shoes for underpronation
What makes it the best?
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.
Pros
- Enhanced for heel strikers
- New ReactX foam!
- Improved breathability
- Plush upper
- Good durability
- Several stability enhancements
- Newly designed rocker and bevel
- Solid performance
- Superior lockdown
- Sustainable features
Cons
- Not ideal for forefoot strikers
- Price increased by $10
- Worse than the v40 in cold temperatures
Best speed training shoes for underpronation
What makes it the best?
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.
Pros
- Remains lightweight
- Excels at all paces
- Great for track workouts
- More spacious fit
- Bouncy and enjoyable ride
- Enhanced stability over v3
- Suits daily training
- Exceptional value
Cons
- Slightly heavier than predecessor
- Could be a bit firm for some
Most comfortable running shoes for underpronation
What makes it the best?
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.
Pros
- Premium all-around comfort
- Enhanced toebox design
- Exceptional durability
- Best-in-series outsole
- Ideal for long distances
- Superb knit upper
- Surprisingly stable
- A dream for heel strikers
Cons
- Increased weight
- Limited energy return
- Tongue lacks padding
Best race running shoes for underpronation
What makes it the best?
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.
Pros
- Remarkably lightweight despite its broad size
- Best-in-class breathability
- Excels in the marathon distance
- Repositioned Air Pods offer a better ride than the v2
- ZoomX foam delivers massive energy return
- Aids in forward momentum, especially when legs begin to fatigue
- Better than ever for 5K/10K racing
- Finally smooth transitions!
Cons
- Heel strikers might wear down the outsole quickly
- The arch could still be a challenge for some
- The sock-like tongue might not suit everyone
Best trail running shoes for underpronation
What makes it the best?
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.
Pros
- More ZoomX bouncy foam!
- Vibram Megagrip outsole
- Spacious upper
- Exceptional durability
- Superb wet condition traction
- Ideal for midfoot and forefoot strikers
- Ready for long-distance running
- Suitable for hiking too
Cons
- Could be lighter
- Not ideal for heel strikers
- Limited toebox vertical space
Best budget underpronation running shoes
What makes it the best?
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.
Pros
- Incredible value at only $100
- Significant weight reduction from version 2
- Impressively cushioned with PWRRUN foam
- Fantastic durability
- Suitable for quicker paces
- Excellent as a daily workhorse
- Lovely upper
- Works for short and long runs
Cons
- Probably too stiff for very relaxed runs
- Slightly narrower forefoot than before
Is underpronation bad
It’s not. It’s normal, but it just happens that a minority of runners underpronate. Most of them overpronate.
There’s:
- Overpronation or excessive inward rolling of the ankle
- neutral pronation, and
- underpronation or supination, where the ankle rolls outside, and runners tend to use the outer side of the feet (and footwear) more.
Neither of these are bad. Especially if you’re pain-free and experiencing no discomfort.
However, if you are in pain or discomfort, it’s best to visit a biomechanics specialist or a podiatrist for a proper exam and assessment. They can recommend further action, such as exercises, physiotherapy, orthotics, etc.
In case you want to dig deep into the topic of pronation, we recommend reading our guide Pronation 101: Running Shoe Choices, DIY Analysis, Injuries.
How to determine your pronation at home
It’s important to understand that this test is not nearly as accurate as the one that a specialist would do. However, if you insist on testing the pronation at home, we recommend doing a wet test.
Depending on the result, you can see which type of pronation you are experiencing.
When it comes to running shoes:
- Runners who underpronate (supinate) and have neutral pronation use neutral running shoes
- Runners who overpronate use stability running shoes
There are some exceptions of course, where neutral runners appreciate mild stability, especially at longer distances, or runners with severe overpronation who use orthotics and stability or motion control shoes.
Underpronation running shoes: 5 features to look for
Given that underpronators usually land on the forefoot and wear neutral shoes, we suggest paying attention to these 5 things when looking for new shoes:
- How much cushioning there is? Best not to start with minimalist shoes.
- We want a cushioned forefoot, not too soft so that it bottoms out, and not too firm so that it does not offer proper impact protection. Less experienced runners are advised to use more cushioned shoes at the beginning. Feeling the ground is nice but it can also come with premature foot fatigue if you’re not experienced enough.
- Heel drop that falls into the low (1-4mm) or mid category (5-8mm) is great for underpronators. Especially the mid-category if just starting to run.
- People who overpronate tend to enjoy arch support that comes in the shape of a medial post (plastic or foam) or simply firmer foams under their arches. Underpronators don’t need that.
- Durable and grippy outsole at the front.
We will cover each of these features in greater detail below.
Cushioned forefoot is the best in underpronation running shoes
It’s not just about choosing shoes that are not minimalist, but finding the right a) amount of cushioning and b) softness of the foam. Let’s dive in.
We always cut the shoes in half to be able to accurately measure the stack heights and foam softness. Using a digital caliper we measure the heel stack height (at 12% of the internal length of the shoe) and the forefoot height (at 75% of the internal length of the shoe).
So, when it comes to how much forefoot cushioning is enough, it depends on many things like your weight, experience, etc. For context, see how big forefoot stack heights are in best-rated running shoes for underpronation:
Softness of underpronation running shoes
When it comes to softness, in many cases runners would rather choose softer than firmer. While softer foams usually mean more comfort, they an also be less stable and less responsive to the point of your feet sinking in and having difficulties coming back up. Firmer foams can be more protective and stable.
Soft foam vs. firm foam on the curb
In our shoe lab, we use a shore A durometer to measure the softness of the foam. The larger the number on the durometer, the firmer the foam.
Now it’s up to your personal preference. See the variation in softness of best-rated running shoes for underpronation:
Why is heel drop important for underpronators
As thoroughly discussed in our in-depth guide on heel to toe drop, lower heel drops will focus on the muscles of your lower legs, and higher drops will utilize the muscles of your higher legs.
To paint a picture, zero-drop shoes ask your foot muscles to work the most, low-drop (up to 5mm) utilize your ankles, Achilles and calves the most, while high drop (10mm and higher) will put more stress on your hips.
When you’re underpronating, you’re most likely forefoot striking. This means that high-drop shoes could feel chunky. We usually recommend low (1-4mm) or mid (5-9mm) heel drop for forefoot strikers.
Caution: sudden changes in heel drop (changes of 4mm and above) can result in strain, pain, or even injury. Because of this, it’s important to gradually adjust to the new heel drop.
Grippy and durable forefoot is a must
There are different outsole designs and some are footstrike-specific, meaning there are shoes that really prioritize forefoot striking (yay for you!) and there are shoes that are good-for-all. Those good-for-all ones might prioritize heel strikers but with more foam, not with less rubber at the forefoot because even heel strikers must do the toe-off from the forefoot.
So, when it comes to the design of the outsole, you’re covered. But, what then comes into play is whether that outsole grips well (maybe you usually run in wet weather specifically) and how durable it is.
What usually applies when measuring the hardness of the outsole rubber is: harder rubber is more protective and durable, while softer is stickier and more flexible.
Then, we take a Dremel and perform the outsole durability test. We press it against the outsole (always the same pressure, RPM and duration) and look at the dent that appears.
Outsole durability test
Then we use a tire tread gauge to precisely measure the depth of the dent. The deeper the dent, the less durable the outsole is!
Do you need a roomy toebox?
Forefoot (and midfoot) strikers have more things going on at the forefoot, unlike heel strikers. It’s both the landing and the toe off. So, it’s even more important not to have cramped toes.
There are many different shapes of feet and toes, and the majority of running shoes are pointy, with tapered toeboxes. The exceptions are foot-shaped running shoes and barefoot ones, as they really try to make running as natural as possible.
Back to the toebox design: it’s not just about the width around the ball of the foot, where the toebox is the widest, but also about the width around the big toe. The difference between these 2 widths tells us how pointy the toebox actually is.
In case you have Celting, German or Roman shape, here are running shoes for underpronation to consider, given that they got the widest measurements at the big toe:
When to choose mild stability?
We’re not talking just about a stable neutral shoe. We’re talking about some stability elements that are found in stability running shoes.
Many runners appreciate extra stability when their feet get tired. This usually happens at longer distances, like ultras. Support can come in many different shapes, be it a wider base, higher heel drop, or actually choosing a mild-stability running shoe.
In case you think a wider base would be enough, here are underpronation running shoes with the widest base: