The best running shoes for overpronators, based on months of testing by a competitive runner
Unfortunately, leaving overpronation unchecked can lead to a range of issues, including shin splints, plantar fasciitis and knee pain, Suzanne C. Fuchs, DPM, a podiatrist at Luxe Podiatry in Jupiter, Fla., tells Yahoo Life.
After years of struggling with all of those conditions as a competitive long-distance runner, I discovered I'm an overpronator. Apparently, I'm not alone. While specific numbers vary from source to source, it's estimated that roughly 50% of runners overpronate to some degree, and this tendency increases with longer-duration running. This makes sense — the longer a person runs, the more fatigued their muscles are likely to become. This includes the small muscles of the feet and ankles that help support proper foot strike and form while running. However, it's important to note that pronation itself — a mild inward or outward rolling of the foot as you walk or run — is normal and isn't clearly associated with injuries. Where problems may arise is if the overpronation becomes excessive (which is a poorly defined term in the running community — it's not clear exactly what level of pronation qualifies as "excessive" and this likely varies from person to person), whether as a natural part of a runner's gait or due to the increased overpronation that tends to occur with longer runs.
Luckily, whether you have mild or more pronounced overpronation, the right stability running shoes can help support your running hobby. "shoes can offer both stability and support to minimize overpronation," Melissa Lockwood, DPM, a podiatrist at Heartland Foot and Ankle Associates in Bloomington, Ill., tells Yahoo Life. With the proper footwear, overpronators can ultimately reduce their risk of injury, Richard H. Graves, DPM, a podiatrist at Sol Foot & Ankle Centers in Long Beach, Calif., tells Yahoo Life. It's important to note, though, that this running-related injury reduction appears to be associated only with injuries that come directly as a result of overpronation — one small study points specifically to Achilles tendinopathy (inflammation and pain at the Achilles tendon, around the heel and lower calf), plantar fasciopathy (heel pain due to strain and inflammation of the plantar fascia — a band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot), exercise-related lower-leg pain, and anterior (front) knee pain, not other running-related injuries.
The right footwear for overpronators supports the foot's arch to reduce excessive inward rolling and has stability features like firmer materials on the inside of the shoe to help guide the foot into a more neutral position, Fuchs explains. "Adequate cushioning also helps absorb impact forces, reducing strain on the lower body," she says.
I was shocked at how much better my joints and feet felt when I started using sneakers that helped correct my foot's inward rolling, and I've been passionate about sharing that information with fellow runners ever since. While I've been a ride-or-die with the same pair of stability running shoes for years, a large selection of supportive options for overpronators has come out since then — and I was excited to test the latest models to see how new technology may affect my running experience.
To help track down the best running shoes for overpronators, our team spoke with three podiatrists about the crucial factors to look for in these sneakers. We then researched the most popular stability shoes on the market, stacking their features up against those recommended by our team of podiatrists. Once we narrowed the field, I tested 12 different pairs of shoes designed for overpronators like me. Each was used for at least 50 miles on runs across a mix of roads and trails to get a good sense of how the shoes performed in real-world conditions over time. These are our favorites, based on expert input and testing.
Table of contents
Best overall running shoes for overpronators
More running shoes we like for overpronators in 2025
Factors to consider when purchasing running shoes for overpronation
How we chose
Other stability shoes we tested
FAQs
Meet our experts
Best overall running shoes for overpronators
More running shoes we like for overpronators in 2025
Factors to consider when purchasing running shoes for overpronation
There's a lot to keep in mind when choosing a shoe for overpronation. These are the big elements podiatrists flagged.
Degree of overpronation: Not all overpronation is created equal. Overpronators can generally be divided into mild, moderate and severe categories. If you're not sure where you stand, it can be helpful to have a gait analysis done at a podiatrist's office or shoe store. Once you know what you're dealing with, you can make better-informed decisions about the type of shoe you need.
Arch type: Arches are typically divided into low, neutral and high categories. The best way to tell your arch type is to do a "wet foot" test, where you step on pavement or a piece of paper with a wet foot, Graves says. If you have a neutral arch, you'll see some elevation in the middle of your foot (where the water doesn't convey onto the pavement or paper because there's a gap where your arch doesn't touch the ground). If you have a high arch, the footprint will look more like a comma, or possibly even a colon — you'll see a large gap where your arch doesn't touch the ground with a more narrow external mark. With a flat foot, you'll have more of a solid wet spot because your arch is low and makes contact with the pavement or paper. While you may need a special insole based on your arch type, "proper shoes provide the necessary support to maintain the foot's arch, reducing excessive inward rolling [for overpronators]," Fuchs says.
Running terrain: Some shoes are designed to go across a range of surfaces, but others aren't. Keep your go-to running terrain in mind, whether it's the road, trails or treadmill, and pay close attention to the shoe's outsole. Road and treadmill shoes need less of a lug — the texture on the bottom of your shoe — while trail shoes require more to offer improved traction on a range of surfaces.
Distance and frequency of runs: Many shoes work across a range of distances and run frequencies, but that's not always the case. If you're a distance runner, you'll likely prefer a stability shoe that's on the lighter side. If fast workouts are more your speed, something with more bounce (also known as responsiveness) is likely to be a good choice.
Personal comfort and fit preferences: While there are a lot of fancy features you can get in a shoe, doctors stress the importance of a good fit and overall comfort. "When a shoe fits exactly as it should — in other words, conforms very nicely to the shape of your foot — then it will not only feel more comfortable, but provide the best support for you because your foot will not be moving around as much inside the shoe," Graves says.
Budget: Stability shoes tend to be a little more expensive than your standard shoe. Most will cost $100 or more, but it's possible to find some flexibility in the price without sacrificing on shoe quality.
How we chose
To choose the best running shoes for overpronation, we first consulted with three podiatrists. Each provided advice on what to look for in stability shoes and why each feature matters. From there, we looked at the most popular and buzzy stability shoes on the market, narrowing the field based on the crucial elements laid out by our experts. I'm a former Division I cross-country and track athlete who still runs competitively. I'm also a product tester who consistently tests the latest footwear, giving me insight into what does and doesn't work during training. And, like many people, I'm an overpronator. I tested 12 different stability shoes, using each for at least 50 miles over a range of terrain. Based on all of those factors, we chose the top results.
Other stability shoes we tested
There were some shoes we tested that didn't make the final cut for a variety of reasons.
Saucony Guide 18. This shoe is my current everyday shoe. It provides a nice, guided feel without an overwhelming level of correction. However, it may not deliver enough stability for people with higher levels of overpronation.
Nike Pegasus Plus. Nike's Pegasus Plus offers a snug but breathable feel, thanks to the FlyKnit upper. It's also very lightweight, but the toe box is narrow. While that makes this a good choice for people with narrow feet, others may be uncomfortable in this shoe.
Brooks Glycerin GTS 22. The Brooks Glycerin GTS 22 is comfortable, like the brand's Adrenaline GTS 24, which was our top overall pick. It has a sockliner around the ankle, although it doesn't actually touch the ankle to create a snug fit. The toe box is nice and roomy, and the shoe is highly breathable. Ultimately, the Adrenaline GTS 24 was just a little more comfortable and seemed like a better fit for overpronation than this model.
Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 41. This shoe is a great everyday trainer, with an airy upper that makes it especially comfortable on hot days. The shoe's heel has a locked-in feel, and there's nice cushioning around the ankle. The shoe runs small, though — you'll want to size up.
Nike Vomero 18. A highly cushioned shoe with a little bounce, Nike's Vomero 18 feels good underfoot. But the shoe fits especially snug around the ankle, and I developed irritation around the outer ankle that I didn't have with other shoes. That aside, the shoe is very comfortable and even fun to run in, thanks to that bounce.
FAQs
What is overpronation, and how does it affect running?
Overpronation is something that can happen when you walk or run. "Overpronation occurs when a person's foot turns to the midline while walking," Lockwood says. "When it's extreme, this means it can look like you're walking on the inside of your ankle." Overpronation can throw off your gait, raising the risk of a range of injuries, including tendonitis and ankle, knee and foot pain, according to Graves.
How can I tell if I overpronate?
There are a few signs, says Graves. "When you're standing in a relaxed position, do your feet appear to be rolling inward? The back of your heels should be perpendicular to the ground. Are they tilted inward?" he asks. "Look at a pair of shoes that you've been wearing for a while — is the heel of the shoe tilted inward? Does the medial/inside of the shoe in the arch area appear to be bulging? Any of these can indicate overpronation."
What's the difference between stability and motion control shoes?
Stability shoes are designed for mild to moderate overpronators, Fuchs says. "Stability shoes provide a balance of cushioning and support, allowing for some natural motion while helping to correct alignment." Motion control shoes are designed for severe overpronators. "They are built with firmer materials and greater support to limit excessive foot movement and support proper alignment," Fuchs says.
Can stability shoes help prevent running injuries?
Yes, stability shoes can help prevent running injuries in people who overpronate, Graves says. "By reducing or slowing down the amount of overpronation, there will be less stress on the foot structures that tend to be most affected by overpronation."
How often should I replace my running shoes?
Everyone is different, but podiatrists generally recommend replacing your shoes between 300 and 500 miles. That's admittedly a wide range, which is why looking for additional signs like your midsole being compressed or you've worn down the outsole to the point that you can see the white part. Another clear indication is if you're developing new aches and pains, Graves says.
Meet our experts
Suzanne C. Fuchs, DPM, a podiatrist at Luxe Podiatry in Jupiter, Fla.
Melissa Lockwood, DPM, a podiatrist at Heartland Foot and Ankle Associates in Bloomington, Ill.
Richard H. Graves, DPM, a podiatrist at Sol Foot & Ankle Centers in Long Beach, Calif.
Our health content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional on questions about your health.
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