By Paul Freary
People will often be told they ‘overpronate’ and as a result require a specific running shoe to help with this.
You may have experienced a running-related injury or noticed your running shoes have developed a particular wear pattern.
People often tell me that they ‘lean out’. They often recognise the initial impact but fail to notice how their foot continues to move. I use video analysis to help explain this to my customers.
With this in mind, here I’ll look at some of the best support shoes on the market right now from the leading brands
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Running Shoes for Overpronation
How Many Runners are Actually Overpronators?
According to ASICS a leading running shoe manufacturer, about 50% - 60% of runners in the USA are mild overpronators while 20% - 30% are serious overproators.
So, can a shoe help with overpronation? Yes.....
How Supportive Running Shoes Help With Overpronation
If the foot rolls in excessively, this is commonly referred to as ‘over-pronation’. This can lead to injuries, but shoes with added support can reduce this over-pronation (roll) and help reduce the risk of injuries as well as keep the foot in a more natural, neutral position.
With this in mind, let’s look at some of the best support shoes on the market right now from the leading brands.
Specific sneaker models have varying degrees of support to control pronation. If you find the right shoe, often orthotics are not necessary, and shoes should always be the first point to address if you are experiencing aches, pains and injuries due to over-pronation.
Top Stability Running Shoes that Help with Overpronation
1. ASICS Gel-Kayano 33
Kayano 33
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The support used in the latest Gel Kayano 33 is the new FLUIDSUPPORT technology system. The 4D control used in the previous model, with its ‘responsive posting’, has been updated to a system which adapts to the varying biomechanical needs of rover-pronating runners, guiding the foot while allowing a natural foot motion for smooth, efficient transitions throughout the gait cycle.
The combination of the FF BLAST PLUS and FF BLAST MAX foams works similarly to traditional dual-density midsoles, with the slightly firmer foam featuring more on the medial side of the sneaker to smoothly reduce pronation as it happens.
Thanks to the combination of the foams providing the support, it proves to be effective at controlling over-pronation without being intrusive.
Verdict: I find the Kayano 33 to be one of the plushest support-type sneakers on the market right now, the new ASICS Gel Kayano 33 offers a great ride and a level of support that controls excessive pronation with ease, while all the time offering a smooth and luxurious ride.
2. New Balance Fresh Foam X 860v15
NB 860v15
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The dynamic control and high level of cushioning make the New Balance 860v15 suitable for those who over-pronate, and it does a great job, providing a very high level of control.
Fresh Foam X cushioning is used in the 860v15, which has a dual-density construction, with a firmer section in the rear foot that favors the medial side of the shoe. A softer layer of Fresh Foam X sits atop this, giving the shoe a stack height of 40mm, significantly more than the previous generation model, and among the highest stack sneakers here, but I think one of the best performing models.
A Stability Plane, a thin nylon plate that sits between the two layers of foam and runs the length of the shoe on the medial side, provides a dynamic level of control to the shoe, ensuring a variety of uses will find the shoe supportive. It has the effect of increasing stability and keeping the foot neutral all the way through to toe off.
Verdict: A deep stack of cushioning and a high level of control make this one of my favorite choices for those requiring higher levels of control for over-pronation. The cushioning is a little firmer than some of the other shoes featured here, but this aids control as well as durability, making this a great, ‘work-horse’ support shoe, perfect for daily training.
3. Brooks Glycerin GTS 23
Glycerin GTS 23
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I like the fact that this versatile midsole means the shoe works well at a range of paces, for me, anything from easy 8-minute mile recovery running to tempo, 6-minute mile efforts.
The Glycerin GTS 23 retains the familiar GuideRail Technology System (GTS) used in many Brooks support-type sneakers. The GuideRoot roll laterally or medially (supinate or overpronate), the GuideRails help reduce roll and control stability, keeping the foot seated neutrally within the cushioning.
The GuideRails work very well in the Glycerin and control most over-pronators who try the shoes. Being on both sides of the shoe, I have found that it often works very well for supinators as well as over-pronators.
Verdict: The Glycerin GTS 23 offers premium cushioning, great control and a responsive feel. The DNA Tuned proves to be very durable too, making this a great shoe for daily training that’s versatile enough to handle a range of speeds. It's one of my personal favorites.
4. Saucony Hurricane 25
Hurricane 25
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The Hurricane 25 is Saucony’s premium supportive running shoe, but thanks to its combination of soft, springy foam and a stable base, it performs like a lightweight performance model.
I have noticed that many runners totally overlook the supportive elements, as the shoe feels so light.ns the shoe works well at a range of paces, for me, anything from easy 8-minute mile recovery running to tempo, 6-minute mile efforts.
Alongside its stablemate, the Guide 19, the Hurricane 25 provides a level of control I have rarely seen in a running shoe. The support goes largely unnoticed when you pull the shoe on, but once running, the midsole geometry cleverly keeps the foot neutral in a smooth and efficient manner.
The wider base of the sneaker, alongside a rocker geometry and splayed forefoot, also contributes to the stability of the shoe, making it an excellent support shoe option for overpronators.
Verdict: The combination of foams used by Saucony in the Hurricane makes this a great daily trainer that provides excellent control, but with a responsive toe-off. Support is excellent, and alongside its stablemate, the Guide 19, Saucony has two very capable support shoes. For me, the Saucony is a go-to option for control shoes.
5. Nike Structure 26
Structure 26
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A return to form for the Nike Structure (and I remember the original!), the latest edition, the 26th generation model, sees styling from shoe of yesteryear, with medial posting and support alongside a straighter medial last, updating the style that was all but forgotten!
A good feature I see is the 10mm heel drop, which helps reduce strain on the lower limb muscles as well as the Achilles tendon. Control in the arch comes from a combination of a medial post, a firm section of cushioning under the arch, and deep sidewalls to the cushioning in the heel of the shoe. These walls seat the foot centrally and keep it neutral, while the post gives more shape to the plantar fascia tendon.
For Nike fans requiring control for over-pronation, the Structure 26 is a great and long-overdue update to the Structure model.
Verdict: As Nike’s most supportive running shoe, the Structure is my best recommendation from the brand should you require control for over-pronation. It’s a highly cushioned model, and its design follows design elements from many previous generations of the shoes, which, for a few years, had all but disappeared from the scene.
6. Mizuno Wave Horizon 9
Horizon 9
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Dual-layers of MIZUNO ENERZY NXT and MIZUNO ENERZY midsole foams, combined with an asymmetrical Mizuno Wave and integrated outsole rubber medial wall, provide levels of stability without compromising on cushioning.
The top layer of the midsole is made from MIZUNO ENERZY NXT, which is soft and light while offering excellent energy return. The bottom midsole layer uses MIZUNO ENERZY, ensuring both soft cushioning and stability.
The stability is further enhanced by the asymmetrical Mizuno Wave design, a straighter medial last to the sneaker, a broad base, and an integrated rubber wall on the medial side of the midsole. All these elements add up to create a high level of control for overpronators.
Verdict: The Mizuno Horizon 9 is one of the bigger, heavier shoes in this lineup, but with that comes plenty of high-quality cushioning, excellent support and durability for mile after mile of supportive running for over-pronators. I often find heavier runners prefer the shoe simply because of the sheer amount of cushioning on offer.
I’m a adult male with overpronation and wider feet in the toebox area. Big toe is the longest and I have 1/8 to 1/4 inch space between all toes except my little toe and the toe next to it. The little toe is curved inward from years of cramming them into shoes. I’m a chef. I skateboard, snowboard, and love hiking. Basically my life is standing. But for whatever reasons, I can’t seem to find a pair of shoes that are the holy grail.
Where can I find a wide toebox shoe for overpronation that’s mainly designed for everyday comfort and wear (not running)? With style would be great as well.
Eric – try a specialty running or shoe shop. With a specialty shop and knowledgable staff they may be able to find the right shoe for you. Some shoes have a wider toebox. You may want to look at Altra shoes that are foot shaped and do believe they have a stability model.
I have bought Orthofeet shoes and they were roomy, if they do not work for you then you send them back.
I used to be a racewalker, and at age 85 am interested in getting back to it. I always liked Asics, but wonder if you know of other shoes that would be better?
Hi Dirk, Being fit at 85 is excellent work. We have done a racewalking specific blogpost that you can find here – https://findmyfootwear.com/shoes-for-racewalkers-what-do-i-need/
Hope you find it useful.