7 Best Running Shoes For Supination in 2024

Jens Jakob Andersen
Jens Jakob Andersen on
7 Best Running Shoes For Supination in 2024
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Supination happens when runners put more stress on the outer part of their feet during landing. Or in simpler terms, it’s when the feet tend to roll outward. 

Unlike overpronation (feet roll inward), runners who supinate don’t necessarily need stability shoes. These tend to be very rigid on the inner side, which will only worsen supination. Given this, we found it best to go for neutral running shoes. They are more flexible, allowing unrestrained motion.

With this in mind, we have tested neutral shoes to end up with the greatest pairs for different circumstances. After the ultracareful investigation, we have selected a number of shoes for you to especially check out. We recommend each of them depending on the category.

How we test running shoes

Apart from getting the best running shoes for supination with our own money, we have also invested in creating our own shoe testing lab. Here, we gather data on each shoe to understand better which ones are superior to others. 

To test them, we carefully follow this process: 

  • We run in the shoes for 30-50 miles to see how they perform and how sturdy they are
  • We cut each shoe into pieces to see what is inside
  • We measure them in 30 different aspects like breathability, weight, cushiness, and more

Best speed training shoes for supination

What makes it the best?

As an all-rounder performer, this lightweight marvel took our runs by storm. It lives up to its name, helping us fly through the miles with much-needed support and stability. Because of all this and more, the Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 is our top speed trainer for supination running.

A fluid yet powerful nylon plate spans the entire length of the midsole, exhaling energy rebound with every toe-off. So propulsive and yet so natural, ES4 emerged as flexible as the average road running shoe (29.4N) in our lab’s bend test. Bringing us up to speed is its feather-like build that makes lifting each foot feel effortless. At a mere 8.4 oz (237g), it’s 10.9% lighter than the average.

Underneath is a balanced midsole that keeps the ride stable even as we corner at full speed. Our durometer reveals it’s close to the average with a measurement of 22.3 HA. To further emphasize comfort, ES4 has generous cushioning for impact absorption.

Runners with narrow feet may not achieve the snug fit they prefer since the toebox at its widest point measures 101.7 mm, 3.5 mm above average.

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
Full review of Saucony Endorphin Speed 4

Best race running shoes for supination

Nike Alphafly 3
83
Good!

What makes it the best?

Nike’s Alphafly 3 is a game-changer for setting personal bests, exhaling electrifying speed while delivering the cushioning and support we need. Its elite midsole is made for winning, and our lab agrees it’s the best racer for supinators.

From the moment we took our first strides, it was evident that we had a champion beneath us. Each toe-off has a strong energy rebound, propelled by the dynamic FlyPlate and Air Pods integrated within the midsole. Its exceptional responsiveness comes from its high level of stiffness. Our flex test confirms it withstood a formidable 71.7N force to bend to 90º, surpassing the average by a staggering 145.5%.

Further contributing to its powerful core is the superior ZoomX midsole that rises to a skyscraper 38.1/29.6 mm stack for leg-saving comfort. Alphafly 3 incorporates a dual-foam setup: a plush 18.1 HA bottom layer for impact absorption and a firm 29.3 HA foam for support.

All these features are packaged in a sleek design tailored for race day. Its impressive 7.1 oz (201g) lightweight construction outshines the average racer's weight of 7.7 oz (217g). Further emphasizing its feathery feel is the unrestricted Atomknit upper that allows exceptional airflow.

Its £290 price tag is steep and may not be appealing to budget-conscious buyers. Those who prefer cheaper options can explore other racers.

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
Full review of Nike Alphafly 3

Best daily running shoes for supination

Nike Pegasus 40
87
Great!

What makes it the best?

Countless hours in the lab and on the road led us to the best daily trainer for supination running: Nike’s Pegasus 40. This versatile pair is a valuable addition to any runner's rotation, offering the flexibility needed for easy runs, substantial cushioning for long distances, and a durable outsole that withstands double-digit mileage.

The outsole has multiple grooves to offer flexibility when bending our feet, and flexible it is! We moved naturally with barely any resistance. Our 90-degree test confirms it’s 45.6% more adaptive than average.

Switching our attention to the midsole, its React foam has two Air Zoom units for some response. It keeps a moderate height for ground feel and stability while making the composition lighter for comfort. Our durometer shows it’s 24.8% softer than average.

The Peg can endure long miles with its 3.4 mm rubber which is a tough 86.0 HC, 7.1% denser than average. Both results indicate a long lifespan which we can attest to since the outsole barely had any signs of wear after testing. We have no complaints with traction too!

With its focus on versatility, the Peg lacks the pop of energy for intervals. Those who prefer a more dynamic ride can explore further.

Pros

  • Plush and comfortable upper
  • Breathable
  • Secure lockdown
  • Has enough toe-box space
  • Not overly soft or firm underfoot
  • Good energy return
  • Great grip on most surfaces
  • Incredible durability
  • Perfect for everyday miles and LSDs

Cons

  • A generally narrow fit
  • Heavier than the v39
  • Not a very memorable ride
Full review of Nike Pegasus 40

Most comfortable running shoes for supination

What makes it the best?

After logging countless miles and dedicating hours to meticulously testing supination running shoes, one standout contender captured our attention: the Gel Nimbus 26. In-shoe feel and plushness go off the charts here with an added stability boost, earning this ASICS the top spot for comfort.

Each stride melts away into silky goodness. The Nimbus 26 transforms lengthy runs, allowing us to enjoy ourselves without fixating on the miles ahead. We give credit to the delightful foam, which our durometer proves is 21.6% softer than average. Tons of this foam support our feet, as our caliper measures a massive 40.4/32.0 mm stack. For heel strikers, the incorporation of PureGEL technology in the rear area ensures landings are exceptionally gentle.

While most maximalists bring unsteadiness, this trainer delivers safe and sound strides. Boasting a remarkably wide base and a rigid midsole, it provides a foundation that inspires confidence. Measurements reveal widths of 118.4 mm in the forefoot and 101.7 mm in the heel, accommodating various striking patterns while effectively preventing uncontrolled twisting.

However, this shoe comes at a heavyweight 10.7 oz (303g), which may feel burdensome to runners who want to push the pace.

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
Full review of ASICS Gel Nimbus 26

Best running shoes for supination overall

ASICS Novablast 4
90
Superb!

What makes it the best?

A one-of-a-kind, versatile shoe that cleverly combines comfort,  durability, and support — that’s the Novablast 4. It boasts a superior soft and bouncy FF Blast+ ECO, keeping our legs fresh no matter how fast or long we run. Our actual runs and lab results confirm this shoe is the best among supination running shoes.

Our feet sink delightfully into the foam, which our durometer shows is 28.7% plusher than average. This explains why we could keep going! Novablast 4 doesn’t stop there and ensures there’s generous cushioning no matter where we land with its 39.2/30.2 mm stack. Despite its height, the shoe feels surprisingly light on foot. Our scales confirm it’s only 9.1 oz (259g), while the average daily trainer weighs 9.8 oz (279g). Each stride feels effortless!

Other than the soft and springy cushion, it promotes a stable ride with its very wide platform. The forefoot is significantly 9.6 mm wider than average.

Testing the outsole against long miles didn’t have much effect on the rubber. We couldn’t resist checking it against our Dremel test and it beat the average by showing more resistance to wear. Its 3.9 mm thickness is also beyond average.

What didn’t feel so comfy was the upper. Its mesh is too thick for hot and humid runs under the sun.

Pros

  • Enhanced outsole offering better grip and durability
  • Improved upper comfort with premium materials
  • Upgraded tongue padding
  • Exceptional value at just £150
  • More cushion than ever before
  • Accommodates a wide range of foot sizes
  • The most stable Novablast yet
  • Retains most of its fun and energetic ride

Cons

  • Not the best for hot summer runs
  • Outsole still lacks grip in wet conditions
  • Minor weight increase compared to v3
Full review of ASICS Novablast 4

Best supination trail running shoes

Hoka Speedgoat 5
88
Great!

What makes it the best?

Among all the supination-friendly shoes we lab-tested and ran with, we found Speedgoat 5 the best for trails. Our experience tells us it’s made for the outdoors — offering speed and comfort for any distance, and unwavering support and grip for any surface. We can conquer any terrain with confidence in this pair.

Speedgoat’s light 9.8 oz (277g) build made it easy to navigate trails all day. Our runs feel springy with seamless toe-offs in every stride. The platform remains close to the ground, allowing us to adapt to uneven terrains quickly. Our caliper registers a low 3.8 mm heel drop, which promotes a more natural running feel.

The midsole doesn’t resist our movements, enhancing our control. Our bend test confirms it’s 16.8% more flexible than average. We find Speedgoat comfortable for any distance. Our durometer confirms it’s a mindblowing 58.8% softer than average. Its platform is wider than average to give room to swollen feet on long trail days.

This shoe boasts a robust Vibram outsole that displays unquestionable grip on any surface. It feels very protective from all the debris we step on and keeps us steady even on icy surfaces. It proves its durability with an 84.5 HC measurement on our durometer.

Unfortunately, the toebox slightly tapers in the front which may cause some pinky-toe pinching.

Pros

  • Super grippy
  • Springy ride
  • Stable platform
  • Extra durable
  • High impact protection
  • Lightweight
  • Breathable
  • Secure fit
  • Excellent heel hold

Cons

  • Not for wide feet
  • Flared collar is not for everyone (style-wise)
Full review of Hoka Speedgoat 5

Best budget supination running shoes

Saucony Axon 3
86
Great!

What makes it the best?

Within the 100 bucks range in our lab, there’s nothing like the Saucony Axon 3. It’s a versatile daily trainer boasting otherworldly comfort and reliable durability. This lightweight shoe is our best budget pick as it outclasses many supination shoes closer to the £140 average.

Axon 3 feels light in the pocket and on foot. For such a cushioned shoe, we’re pleasantly surprised with its agility. Our scales show it’s 8.6 oz (244g), 12.5% lighter than the average daily trainer.

We have a generous amount of foam underneath our feet, especially in the forefoot area. At 27.9 mm, we feel supported enough as we burn long miles. The cushion feels soft to the touch. Our durometer confirms our sensations as it measures 22.5% below average.

Behind the scenes, the outsole does the dirty work. It gripped our streets with exceptional consistency, showing no signs of wear after countless test miles. This is thanks to the rubber in the outsole that’s 0.7 mm thicker and 3.5% harder than average. Both results cement its durability. 

However, we don’t recommend the Axon 3 for excessive heel-strikers, as our measurements indicate that the shoe’s actual drop is only 5.7 mm.

Pros

  • Incredible value at only £110
  • 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
Full review of Saucony Axon 3

Choosing the best running shoes for supination

The vast majority of running shoes are designed to accommodate a neutral gait, in which feet strike the ground evenly, as opposed to rolling inward (pronation) or outward (supination).

While moderate or heavy pronation typically requires stability shoes to correct, the same is not necessarily true for supination. Many neutral running shoes work well for supinating runners, so the range of appropriate running shoes for supination is wider, but sometimes harder to identify than stability shoes for overpronation.

What causes oversupination (aka underpronation)?

Supination, like pronation, is a normal part of the gait cycle. As your foot prepares for toe-off, it rolls outward to aid in propulsion. Oversupinating—more commonly referred to as underpronating—means the foot does not adequately pronate, or roll in, a part of the gait cycle that aids in impact absorption. This lack of impact absorption means that chronic underpronation can lead to foot, ankle, and knee injuries.

Underpronating is often the result of multiple complex factors, including genetics, muscle imbalances, poor running form, overtraining, and running in inappropriate or worn-out shoes. Along with form-correcting exercises, choosing the right running shoes help mitigate potential long-term complications resulting from chronic underpronation.

overpronation-underpronation-supination

Running shoes for supination vs. overpronation: what’s the difference?

Overpronating runners are encouraged to run in stability shoes. Stability shoes are more rigid along their inner side. Since overpronation results in feet rolling inward, the added rigidity corrects for this, encouraging a more neutral foot strike.

Essentially, stability shoes are designed to encourage more supination. For overpronating runners, this results in a neutral gait. But for underpronating runners, the design of stability shoes can often exacerbate the problem.

Here is a side-by-side comparison of a neutral shoe (meant for supination and neutral pronation) and a stability shoe (for overpronation).

neutral-vs-stability-support.jpg

neutral shoe vs. stability shoe

The best running shoes for supination

Instead of stability shoes, supinating runners should look for neutral running shoes with moderate flexibility, adequate arch support, and generous cushioning.

Flexible running shoes

Flexible running shoes can encourage more fluidity throughout the gait cycle, compensating for the foot rigidity that occurs in supination, as the foot stiffens to provide leverage and propulsion through toe-off. Moderately flexible shoes offer a great balance of structure, support, and natural foot movement.

Generous cushioning

Underpronating involves a reduced capacity for impact absorption. This can result in overuse injuries like plantar fasciitis, ankle sprains, and a runner’s knee. Because of this, the best running shoes for supination tend to be maximalist high-stack models. We recommend looking for shoes with a heel stack height of 30 mm or higher, as seen in all of our top-rated running shoes for supination.

asics-gel-nimbus-25-heel-stack.JPG

Running Shoes for Supination

Stack Height (Heel/Forefoot)

Flexibility

Saucony Endorphin Speed

36/28mm

Moderate (3/5)

Asics Metaspeed Sky+

39/34mm

Moderate (3/5)

Asics Novablast

31/23mm

Moderate (3/5)

Puma Velocity Nitro

33.5/23.5mm

Flexible (4/5)

Hoka Tecton X

33/29mm

Moderate (3/5)

Asics Gel Nimbus

41.5/33.5mm

Moderate (3/5)

Saucony Axon

35/31mm

Stiff (2/5)

asics-gel-nimbus-25-weight.JPG

How to tell if you need running shoes for supination

The most definitive way to tell if you struggle with supination is to complete a professional gait analysis through a specialty running store or a physiotherapist.

However, since underpronation can be addressed in proper neutral running shoes, the stakes are lower than self-diagnosing overpronation and running in unnecessary stability shoes.

There are a few things you can look for to determine if running shoes for supination would benefit you:

  • You have high arches. Look for a noticeable gap between your heel and the balls of your feet. The easiest way to visualise this is to walk around with wet feet and look at your footprints. If your arches don’t leave a mark, they are probably higher than average. 
  • The soles of your old running shoes show more wear along the outer edge
  • You are prone to rolling your ankles, even on relatively flat, non-technical surfaces
  • Your baby toes are sore and red after a run, or have developed calluses

If you check most or all of these boxes, you will most likely benefit from neutral running shoes featuring generous cushioning, extra arch support, and solid ankle stability. In addition to choosing appropriate shoes, you could consider high-quality custom orthotics.

There is also a simple DIY test that you can do at home:

wet-test-for-pronation

wet-test-results-pronation

Along with appropriate footwear, supinating runners should incorporate targeted stretching and corrective exercises into their routine. This will improve strength and mobility in the ankle and lower legs, minimising injury risk that can come with a supinating gait.

References

1. Cote, K. C., Brunet, M. E., Gansneder, B. M., & Shultz, S. J. (2005). Effects of Pronated and Supinated Foot Postures on Static and Dynamic Postural Stability. PubMed, 40(1), 41–46. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15902323

2. Sánchez-Rodríguez, R., Valle-Estévez, S., Fraile-García, P. A., Martínez-Nova, A., Gómez-Martín, B., & Escamilla-Martínez, E. (2020). Modification of Pronated Foot Posture after a Program of Therapeutic Exercises. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17(22), 8406. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17228406

Author
Jens Jakob Andersen
Jens Jakob Andersen
Jens Jakob is a fan of short distances with a 5K PR at 15:58 minutes. Based on 35 million race results, he's among the fastest 0.2% runners. Jens Jakob previously owned a running store, when he was also a competitive runner. His work is regularly featured in The New York Times, Washington Post, BBC and the likes as well as peer-reviewed journals. Finally, he has been a guest on +30 podcasts on running.