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
CoreScore
- Top 1% in road running shoes
- Top 3% in Mizuno running shoes
- Top 16% most popular running shoes
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
Running shoes for overpronation with best cushioning
CoreScore
- Top 20% in road running shoes
- Top 18% in ASICS running shoes
- Top 7% most popular running shoes
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
Best road running shoes for overpronation
CoreScore
- Top 13% in road running shoes
- Top 26% in Hoka running shoes
- Top 1% most popular running shoes
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
Best stability running shoes for overpronation
CoreScore
- Top 28% in road running shoes
- Top 24% in ASICS running shoes
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
Best trail running shoes for overpronation
CoreScore
- Top 29% in trail running shoes
- Top 20% in ASICS running shoes
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
Best value
CoreScore
- Top 14% in road running shoes
- Top 12% in ASICS running shoes
- Top 4% most popular running shoes
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
Most popular running shoes for overpronation for overpronation
CoreScore
- Top 5% in road running shoes
- Top 7% in Brooks running shoes
- Top 1% most popular running shoes
Pros
- Fits true to size
- Promising durability
- Stability for all directions
- Improved aesthetics
- Phenomenal grip
- A firmer, faster midsole
- Consistent in all conditions
- Reliable daily runner
Cons
- Very heavy
- High price point for stability aimed at beginners
- Midsole is too hard for some
Verdict
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 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.
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:
- Wet the soles of your feet, one at a time
- Stand onto a piece of paper while allowing the water from your feet to sink into the paper
- Step off
- Look at the shape of your footprint and compare it to the ones shown below.
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:
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 or no support (Nike Air Zoom Pegasus)
stability: support for mild to moderate overpronation (ASICS Gel Kayano)
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.
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.
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.
