If the right running shoes for yourself is hard enough, but it’s even more difficult to find the best running shoes for overpronation. Here are our recommendations. Running is a great way to keep healthy, but you need the right running shoes. That’s especially true if you have a tendency to overpronate, although the best running shoes for overpronation should solve most of your problems. A podiatrist can find out for sure if you’re an overpronator. However, a quick way to be sure is to just get your feet wet and then walk on pavement. Normally, you should have a full imprint of your heel and forefoot connected by a line that’s half as wide as your foot. If you have overpronation problems, then this connecting line is much wider and it’s harder to distinguish between your heel and forefoot. Not correcting for overpronation can lead to serious injuries, so if you’re going to run regularly then you should pick among the following recommendations.
Top Best Running Shoes For Overpronation Reviews
New Balance Men’s M1540V2 Running Shoe (Editor’s Choice)
This is designed specifically laden with stability features to help compensate for your overpronation tendencies. This is a New Balance Men’s Motion Control pair of shoes that focuses on getting your feet moving forward like they ought to. With these shoes you also get terrific support and a nice gentle rebound, due to the placement of 2 layers of performance foam in the midsole. In the heel, you also have a Roller posting system to reduce the rear-foot movement whenever you plant your heel.
Features and Specs:
- 10mm drop between heel and toe
- Dual-density collar foam
- Blown rubber console
- No-sew material application
- Synthetic and mesh upper, with breathable mesh tongue and collar
- Polyurethane insert
- Weight of 416 grams or 14.6 ounces
- Acteva Lite, which refers to the foam used here that’s 24% lighter than the brand’s standard compression molded foam
- Encap, referring to the core of soft cushioning EVA in the midsole with a tough polyurethane rim to provide greater durability and support
- Rollbar posting system to reduce rear-foot movement
This comes in 5 color schemes, with sizes ranging from 7 to 16. You have half size options in between sizes 7 and 13, along with 5 width options ranging from Narrow to XX-Wide. According to most users, the fit is true to size.
- If you previously felt pain due to plantar fasciitis, this pair of shoes will most likely eliminate that pain
- The rollbar really works in cutting down the ankle rolls
- Extremely comfortable, even for just walking or for hours of standing
- Lots of size options to fit your feet nicely
- Can last for a long while
- Plenty of nice color scheme options
- Because it offers a lot of materials for support, this is among the heaviest of the shoes in the New Balance lineup
- It’s a famous brand, and the price reflects that fact
Brooks Men’s Ravenna 9
This offers 4 different color schemes, with each using 3 or 4 individual colors for a nice look. But you won’t really get this for the aesthetics, because it’s specifically designed for overpronation and greater stability. Most of its features are meant for you to have an easier (and admittedly more fun) time running on the road. While there’s now a new Ravenna 10 on sale, the Ravenna 9 is still great for overpronation. That it’s no longer the newest Ravenna makes it a bargain to buy, and you really get your money’s worth.
Features and Specs:
- It has BioMoGo DNA midsole cushioning and rebounding rubber that not only absorbs the impact of hitting the road with your feet but also reflects the energy back to give you that feeling of oomph when you run
- The mesh upper is very lightweight, and your toes have lots of breathing room
- The shoes only weigh 263.3 grams or 9.5 ounces
- The reflective saddle wraps around your midfoot nicely to give you a very secure fit
- The shape of the Midfoot Transition Zone is designed for a smoother heel-to-toe motion transfer, working with the heel Segmented Crash Pad
- The heel to toe transition is also smoother due to the extra support from the Diagonal Rollbar
- The outsole is made from abrasion-resistant HPR Plus rubber
- Full-length S-257 Cushsole midsole compound uses an insole board for enhanced plush and flexibility
- The Omni Grooves in the outsole permit flexibility for multiple directions
- The DRB Accel thermoplastic shank adds torsional rigidity in the mid-foot for extra support
This sure has a lot of tech that provides you with the support you need for overpronation. Yet it doesn’t make you feel like you’re lifting all that technology with your feet, because it’s amazingly lightweight.
- Extremely supportive
- Super comfy
- Long-lasting cushioning
- Environmentally-friendly, as it breaks down 50 times faster at the landfill
- Terrifically lightweight
- It makes you feel that you can run really fast
- More color options would have been nice
- The breathable mesh upper get your feet wet when you hit a puddle or if it rains
Hoka One One Men’s Gaviota Running Shoe
For a brand that isn’t as well-known as Adidas or Nike (or even like New Balance), this pair of shoes is quite pricey. But if you have plantar fasciitis, you’ll love the extreme comfort you’ll get, along with the great support and high level of stability. It comes with a load of tech features that explains the somewhat higher price. It does look good, with 8 color scheme options to choose from. But this premium stability shoe feels good, and that’s much more important.
Features and Specs:
- It offers the most stability features to prevent overpronation
- It weighs 10.5 ounces (if you get the size 9)
- The heel-toe drop is only 5mm, for greater stability
- The cushioning is balanced between responsive and plush
- Has Arch-lock wings to give you super midfoot support
- There’s the 3D puff print frame for detailed, lightweight support
- Molded Ortholite sockliner provides comfort and a more precise fit
- Late stage Meta-Rocker provides extra stability and smoother toe-off
- Uses special R-bound blend of rubber and EVA to provide durability to areas which tend to wear off more quickly
With so many tech features, it should be easier to understand why it’s not exactly cheap. But with the comfort you get, you tend to feel like you got your money’s worth.
- Stability and support are great for overpronation and plantar fasciitis
- Very cushy yet offers nice support
- Grippy on the road
- Comparatively lightweight
- Can last for a while
- You may want to order a half-size larger than usual
- The shoes squeak when you run, at least at first
Saucony Men’s Triumph ISO 4 Running Shoe
These may seem affordable in comparison with the other shoes on this list, but its features certainly aren’t “cheap”.
Features and Specs:
- Full-length Everun midsole for continuous cushioning and energy return
- Isofit design adapts to the shape and motion of your feet
- Engineered mesh upper for lightweight breathability
- Medial arch support
- Powerfoam midsole
- Nice price
- Lightweight
- Very comfortable
- Offers great stability
- Limited color options
Brooks Men’s Levitate
Now this won’t just offer a handful of color options, as you get to choose from 14 different color schemes. But these are famous for making you feel like you’re flying.
Features and Specs:
- Weighs 11.2 ounces
- 8mm midsole drop
- DNA AMP midsole reflects energy back up
- Flexible outsole pattern allows for quick heel to toe transition
- The 3D Fit Print and FitKnit upper accommodates shape and movement of feet
- The Midfoot Transition Zone and Segmented Crash Pad also enhances heel to toe transitions
- Provides fantastic energy return
- Breathable and comfy
- Great heel to toe
- Lots of color options
- Not water-resistant
- Soles may wear out faster than usual
Saucony Omni ISO Women’s
This is meant to provide great stability that overpronators need. It’s extremely supportive, and the comfort level is fantastic.
Features and Specs:
- Designed for mild to severe pronation
- EVERUN Topsole Construction for enhanced energy return and continuous cushioning
- PERFORM Midsole
- Medial posted midsole
- ISOFIT dynamic upper that adapts to the shape and motion of the runner’s foot
- Engineered mesh
- External support frame
- Offers the support and other features that overpronators need
- Lightweight
- Comfy and breathable
- Not water-resistant
- It’s more on the plush side rather than responsive
How to Choose the Best Running Shoes for Overpronation
Normally, people buy shoes while keeping in mind factors like good looks and price. That’s not going to cut it when you need running shoes, especially when you also have to take your overpronation into account. Instead, you have to focus on the following factors:
Support
You overpronate when your foot rolls inwards too much. This puts too much weight on the inner side of your foot, rather than on the ball of the foot. This improper weight placement makes your feet unstable, and in reaction, your feet tries to automatically correct this. These corrections affect your running motions, as it’s harder to propel your body forward. You also subject some areas of your body to unnecessary stress and fatigue.
This means your running shoes must offer extra support along with adequate cushioning. These are especially crucial along with the midsole of the foot. You’ll want firm EVA (ethyl vinyl acetate) in these areas, as this material can provide the level of support, stability, and extra cushioning you require. You’ll also need to look for arch support on the arch side of the midsole. Without the proper support here, you may eventually experience increasing levels of discomfort, fatigue, pain, and even injury. A supplemental heel wedge can also offer support that you’ll need. This heel wedge gives you the extra cushioning and shock absorption that minimizes the impact when you run. The design of the heel counter and the material used for this can also provide support, as long you have a snug, rigid fit.
Comfort
This factor is just as important as the support you need for overpronation. The point here is that if you get shoes that don’t feel good for you, then this just leads to more problems later on. Comfort in your running shoes is so crucial that it’s regarded as the best predictor for staying healthy when you’re running. In other words, the more uncomfortable you are in your running shoes, the more likely it is that you’ll get hurt or injured when running. It isn’t just about what you feel when you’re wearing the shoes. It’s actually more important that you’re comfortable when you’re running. However, do keep in mind that some shoes require a break-in period before you can really feel comfy in them. In general, you need plenty of cushioning to make you feel comfortable in your shoes. Breathability may also be a factor. Weight must also be considered, as it’s uncomfortable to run in heavy shoes. Of course, the right fit is crucial for your comfort as well. You need to take both the length and the width of your feet when you get order the size. You may also want to take into account the swelling that occurs during longer runs. Shoe manufacturers may have different sizing ideas, so what’s a size 9 for one company may be longer or shorter another pair of shoes. It’s best, if you’re buying shoes online, that you check for a proper return policy so you have time to try on the shoes.
Outsole
You’ll want your shoes to grip the ground effectively so you don’t skid and hurt yourself. You need to make sure the outsole can handle the surface you plan to run on, whether it’s a rough track, a cement road, or a treadmill. You also need good shock absorption and impact protection, to prevent shin splints and other painful problems that can happen whenever your feet impacts on the ground repeatedly.
Responsiveness
This is about how the shoes feel when you’re running. If the shoe is responsive, it means the shoe feels like it’s responding to the ground. It is giving energy back, instead of feeling like dead weight on your foot.
Stability
This is actually distinct from support. Stability is about making sure you have the necessary motion control so you don’t fall, roll your ankle, or lose your footing. Different features and technologies may be used to provide stability. These can include a crash pad or a unique midsole. The shoe may even provide you with a specially designed footbed for greater stability.
Durability
Running shoes on average last for about 300 to 500 miles of use, but overpronators usually can wear their running shoes down more quickly. So always check out the upper, outsole, and midsole for too much wear and tear. Don’t continue using the shoes when you see too much damage already, as you’ll just increase the chances that you’ll get injured. If you can, buy 2 pairs of running shoes so you can use them alternately. This lets the midsole cushioning of the shoes you’ve just run in recover more properly. Besides, having 2 pairs lets you have a different fashion look.
Gender Specifics
Don’t get men’s shoes if you’re a woman, and vice-versa. Shoes are often designed to account for gender differences. Men’s shoes are generally made wider in the heel and narrower in the forefoot and toe area.
Conclusion
Without the right running shoes, your condition can lead to rather serious injuries. These include Achilles tendonitis, bunions, plantar fasciitis, and shin splints. Other possible problems can also include tarsal tunnel syndrome, patella-femoral pain syndrome, and anterior compartment syndrome.
So avoid these injuries by finding the best shoes for overpronation for yourself!
