7 Best Running Shoes For Overpronation, 100+ Shoes Tested in 2023

Jovana Subic
Jovana Subic on
7 Best Running Shoes For Overpronation, 100+ Shoes Tested in 2023

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 five 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, scroll down to the guide part below the shoe descroptions.

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.
  • Our dedicated runners log 30-50 miles in overpronation running shoes before delivering their extensive feedback.
  • We purchase all reviewed shoes with our own funds to escape any bias or brand loyalty.
  • In addition, over 1600 expert reviews and 270,000 user ratings for overpronation running shoes are incorporated into our ranking system for a more comprehensive overview.

The output is a CoreScore, a number from 0 to 100 which is assigned to each product. It reflects how well the shoe performs and helps us compare it to 250+ other shoes of its kind.

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

Best running shoes for overpronation overall

Mizuno Wave Horizon 6
Mizuno Wave Horizon 6

CoreScore

92
Superb!
4.8 / 5 from 78 users
86 / 100 from 6 experts

Pros

  • Support that's not harsh
  • Impact-absorbing
  • Gives your stride a boost
  • Very comfy for recovery runs
  • Stable when cornering
  • Breathable
  • Keeps the foot in place
  • Grip that sticks

Cons

  • Long break-in period
  • Comes with a hefty tag

Verdict

The Wave Horizon 6 from Mizuno is a stability running shoe that's built ready for cruising long miles and giving your feet and legs the rest day they deserve during recovery sessions. Unlike other stability shoes, the Horizon 6 doesn't feel harsh. As a matter of fact, it's a very comfy shoe that will give you all the cushioning you crave.
Mizuno Wave Horizon 6 full review

Running shoes for overpronation with best cushioning

ASICS GT 2000 10
ASICS GT 2000 10

CoreScore

89
Great!
4.5 / 5 from 6,250 users
87 / 100 from 12 experts

Pros

  • Lightweight stability shoe
  • Responsive ride
  • Comfortable
  • Wide toe box
  • Good lockdown
  • Durable outsole
  • Price

Cons

  • Overly padded tongue
  • Thick ankle collar
  • Runs warm
  • Feels a touch long

Verdict

ASICS updates their long-running, budget stability shoe and finally moves away from the plastic post design. This shoe is an ideal daily trainer for runners looking to get into the sport who pronate or have flat feet and want a product that’s comfortable, consistent, and lighter on the wallet than competing shoes.
ASICS GT 2000 10 full review

Best road running shoes for overpronation

Hoka Arahi 6
Hoka Arahi 6

CoreScore

89
Great!
4.4 / 5 from 16,329 users
88 / 100 from 13 experts

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

Verdict

Hoka’s lightweight stability shoe is almost identical to its predecessor, the Arahi 5, with a nice, even amount of cushioning and consistent yet subtle stability. This shoe’s ready to take you through long miles and help you with recovery runs. What’s more, it’s lightweight, especially compared to its chunky aesthetic.
Hoka Arahi 6 full review

Best stability running shoes for overpronation

ASICS Gel Kayano Lite 2
ASICS Gel Kayano Lite 2

CoreScore

89
Great!
4.4 / 5 from 601 users
91 / 100 from 5 experts

Pros

  • Durable
  • Comfortable
  • Long-lasting outsole
  • Wide toe box
  • Wide stable platform
  • Lightweight for a stability shoe

Cons

  • No gusseted tongue
  • Breathability
  • Got heavier from v1

Verdict

Stability runners rejoice! ASICS has redesigned how stability shoes should be built. Gone are the days of plates, posts, and brick-like motion control shoes that weigh more than a pair of ski boots. In comes the Gel Kayano Lite 2. Everything that’s great about the original Kayano without any of the junk. If you need a little support while you run, check out the Kayano Lite 2!
ASICS Gel Kayano Lite 2 full review

Best trail running shoes for overpronation

ASICS GT 2000 9 Trail
ASICS GT 2000 9 Trail

CoreScore

86
Great!
4.4 / 5 from 1,755 users
92 / 100 from 1 expert

Pros

  • Excellent support
  • No break-in
  • Versatile
  • Comfortable straight from the box
  • Good amount of impact protection
  • Smooth road to off-road transitions

Cons

  • Not for technical trails

Verdict

The ASICS 2000 9 Trail is the off-road version of the acclaimed 2000 9 stability shoe. It carries over all of its beloved features in a a more durable package with a more aggressive outsole. That makes it a cushioned trail shoe with arch support.
ASICS GT 2000 9 Trail full review

Best value

ASICS Gel Kayano 28
ASICS Gel Kayano 28

CoreScore

89
Great!
4.5 / 5 from 26,817 users
89 / 100 from 18 experts

Pros

  • Familiar Kayano fit
  • Roomier toebox
  • No lace bite
  • Added pep
  • No medial post
  • Lost weight
  • Kayano durability

Cons

  • Heel slipping
  • Overly plush
  • Runs warm

Verdict

Still staying true to its Kayano roots, the Kayano 28 retains its hallmark of stability and support while seeing some updates to amp up comfort and flexibility. And with better flex, the shoe was just overall fun! Although designed as a daily trainer, runners also find it fitting as a standalone shoe that you can take out of the closet during race day and on long, slow miles.
ASICS Gel Kayano 28 full review

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, then you should look for motion control shoes

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 happens if overpronators run in neutral shoes? 

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. 

2. 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. 

3. 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. That’s why it’s important to choose the shoes that match your running gait. 

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.