By Paul Freary
I am often asked what the best shoes for walking are by people who overpronate. In many cases, running shoes tend to be the best option as they are specifically the only category of footwear that is available that features different levels of control for pronation.
Here, I’ll explain what overpronation is and the best footwear options for walking if you do overpronate.
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Stability and Support
I find the most important feature is stability or motion control. This type of shoe uses supportive midsoles, firmer foams, or guiding technologies to help align the foot and prevent excessive inward rolling. For mild to moderate overpronation, a stability shoe is often enough. For more severe cases, a motion control shoe may provide the extra correction needed.
Cushioning
Since walking places repeated stress on the heels and arches, I often suggest looking for shoes with cushioning that balances softness with firmness. Shoes that are too soft can cause instability, while a supportive midsole with built-in cushioning will absorb shock and protect joints.
Again, I find running shoes offer great options in the cushioning area, thanks to the higher demands of running.
Heel and Midfoot Structure
A firm heel counter and secure midfoot hold are crucial. These keep the foot locked in place, reducing unwanted twisting and guiding smoother transitions from heel to toe.
Fit and Width Options
I have found that overpronators often benefit from wider base platforms that improve stability. Shoes available in wide or extra-wide fittings can provide a better overall feel, particularly if paired with orthotic inserts.
Best Walking Shoes for Overpronation
The are many footwear options for walking suitable for overpronators. Here are 6 of what I think are the best around.
1. New Balance - Fresh Foam X 860v14
Also Available at
Zappos ; New Balance
The New Balance 860 has been one of my favourite shoes for many years. Now in its 14th generation, it continues to be a great shoe for overpronators.
The 860 uses a dual-density Fresh Foam X midsole and stability plane design to control pronation and help keep the foot in a neutral position. Fresh Foam X is used in many of the brands’ running shoes, so you can be assured it offers excellent shock-absorbing ability for walking and day-to-day use. Here, it uses a dual-density construction, a slightly firmer foam makes up the majority of the cushioning on the medial side of the shoe, while a slightly softer foam forms the majority of the lateral side.
As the foot naturally pronates, it rolls onto the firm cushioning, and this balances out the rate of pronation. A nylon plate sits between the two layers and forms part of the stability plane for a great, balanced ride.
A lightweight, breathable upper provides a good fit and has neat padding around the tongue, ankle collar and Achilles; all features which make it a comfortable fit for walking and all-day use.
Verdict
2. ASICS GT 2000v14
Another great shoe for overpronators is this very competitive offering from ASICS, the GT2000 14. Its name suggests this is a 14th-generation model, but in fact, it’s been around for at least 25 iterations!
A long-time favourite for runners and walkers, the shoe has a reputation as a premium model in terms of both quality and performance, and this model is probably the best yet!
Support now comes from a combination of control features, which ASICS call the 3D Guidance System. These features include a slightly straight medial side of the cushioning, higher side walls to cup the heel and rearfoot and a contoured geometry which guides the foot through the gait cycle in a neutral manner. Together, the shoe reduces overpronation in a very natural manner, which makes it perfect for walking and daily use.
I’ve enjoyed both running and walking in the GT2000 in recent weeks and found it great in any scenario. Even long days on my feet in the shoes have left me feeling fresh and comfortable thanks to the great cushioning and support.
Verdict
3. Saucony – Hurricane 25
The Hurricane 25 is Saucony’s premium supportive running shoe, but thanks to its combination of soft, spring foam and stable shape, it makes a great shoe for walking and daily use.
The Hurricane 25 is made up of twin layers of cushioning from Saucony, their PWRRUN foam creating a stable base and the PWRRUN PB material, which sits atop it, adding a softer and springier feel to the shoe. The combination makes for great cushioning with a soft feel, but very stable performance that reduces overpronation very effectively.
The wider base of the shoe, alongside a rocker geometry and splayed forefoot, also contributes to the stability of the shoe, making it an excellent support shoe option for overpronators.
The fit is true to size but does have a slightly broader forefoot, which, as I mentioned above, helps the foot naturally spread and create its own stability. The upper is of a high-quality construction as you would expect of a range-topping model and has a plush, welcoming feel.
Verdict
4. HOKA - Arahi 8
I have noticed for the past few years that many people, especially those who overpronate, have been asking me about HOKA footwear recommendations. I have also experienced many requests for a HOKA shoe regardless of their particular needs. A trend has developed from various therapists simply recommending the brand rather than a specific model. This said, for walking and people who overpronate, the ARAHI 8 is a great option.
The cushioning in the ARAHI is a CM-EVA material, and unlike many of the brand’s other models, here it’s a slightly firmer, more stable offering, making it suitable for overpronation. Combine this cushioning with the H-Frame support system, and the shoe works very well, creating very effective support and control.
The H-Frame is a H-shaped section of firmer cushioning set within the midsole of the shoe. This adds control on both the medial and lateral sides of the shoe, as well as increased torsional stability. Combine these features with the brand’s highly marketed rocker geometry, and you have a shoe that is great for walking for those who overpronate.
I find the fit in the ARAHI 8 true to size for the brand in terms of length, but a little slimmer in the width. This said, width fittings are available; you may have to seek them out online.
For a running shoe, the ARAHI 8 is a rare model that might just be better for walking and daily use, meaning if you do overpronate, it’s a great option.
Verdict
5. Brooks - Ghost MAX 3
Max cushioning, rocker midsole, and it’s a Brooks, it’s going to be great! I have been recommending Brooks shoes to many people for many different usage scenarios, and in this case, for walking and overpronators, the Ghost Max 3, while maybe not everyone’s first choice, is an excellent option.
While the brand has a very wide range of support shoes, the Ghost Max 3 may slip from your radar because it is generally classified as a neutral model. But thanks to the higher stack and broader base of this third-generation update, it makes a great walking shoe for overpronators.
The Nitrogen-infused midsole cushioning makes the shoe light, well-cushioned, stable and very durable. The midsole also features a GuideRail-inspired midsole geometry from the brand’s GTS models. While the GuideRail aren’t specifically called out by Brooks here, the small extension of the midsole does seat the foot centrally within the shoe and helps keep the foot neutral.
The midsole, as well as deeper, is broader, with a wider footprint and noticeable rocker. All features work very well for overpronators wanting a great shoe for walking and general use.
The fit is true to size but has a little more volume to the upper, which makes the foot suitable for those with broader feet or a higher instep.
Verdict
6. ALTRA - Timp 5 GTX
Also Available at
Zappos
This choice may seem somewhat of a curveball to many readers, but hear me out, because it is a versatile option for walking and offers something a little different.
Available as both a regular and Gore-Tex (waterproof option), I have chosen the GTX version for those that want a waterproof shoe – and I know this is a lot of you.
The Altra has a zero-drop midsole and the brand’s popular ‘foot-shaped’ fit. Together, I hope all these features will offer something for many people in a walking shoe.
The cushioning, while not a high-tech foam, is stable and perfectly usable as a daily shoe. Being a zero-drop model, the shoe is naturally more stable and with small guide rails, it seats the foot neutrally within the shoe. The foot-shaped last with that roomy forefoot also means the feet naturally splay and create their own stability.
I have found that the Altra Timp 5 is a great shoe and one that is suitable for a wide range of people, thanks to its ‘sum of many parts’. Each of these parts combines to create, for our purposes here, a great walking shoe for overpronators.
Verdict
I had a silastic Swanson implant in my foot 1 year ago and still have trouble with bunion. I also wear orthotics for I have poor pronation of arch. I have been wearing New Balance 928 with roller bar which arn’t to bad,but I was wondering if there is another sneaker out there that would be good for
my inner ward probation. I gladly appreciate any advice you can give
I’d recommend the Brooks Beast for Women…. I’m a big guy (240# 5/11″) and have had total reconstruction of my right foot because of torn post tibial tendon tears (2x) and and achilles tear… I’ve been wearing the beast for 20+ years and have found I don’t even need my orthotic, although there’s plenty of room there if needed (they have removable inserts.
Brooks Beast were my go to running shoes while deployed in Afghanistan. Don’t quite handle walking on gravel as well as Keen Voyager Hiking shoes yet I still preferred the Brooks for relative comfort while in the shoes no less than 13 hours a day.
I recommend Brooks Addiction for women – the other shoe that Bill is suggesting is Brooks Ariel for women (Brooks Beast is the men’s version). Both shoes by Brooks are excellent motion control shoes for severe overpronators. I have only been able to wear two types of shoes for the past 15 years (yep – with wedding attire and all).
My “dress” shoe is Drew Phoenix Plus – which is a black ankle bootie. These shoes work with my custom orthotics to help keep my ankles in a better position. They are expensive but if you have severe over-pronation, I would recommend these shoes. I used to wear Brooks Ariel but switched to Brooks Addiction about 5 years ago.
While your points are valid, you neglected to mention several things in your review that would have been helpful.
1. Does it have a wide toe box, and is the shoe deep–many people who overpronate have bunions, or orthotics that take up some room, thus the need for a roomy toe box and deep heel.
2. Is the last straight or curved?
3. Is the insole removable? If not, does it provide adequate arch support? Many manufacturers do not provide adequate arch support for flat feet, or overpronators.
4. Is the upper cushioned and is the lacing designed for adjustment? The extra hole at the ankle end of the lacing isn’t just there for looks. Different lacing patterns can adjust the fit and feel of the shoe.
5. Although stability and foot control are important for flat feet and overpronation, shoes such as New Balance 928 are not always an answer. The rollbar in the 928 has been found to cause significant heel pain, particularly for those patients with plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis is another common concurrent ailment for those with flat feet/overpronation.
6. It is always helpful to know the original intent of the manufacturer. New Balance shoes have long been noted for their stability and ability to “house” custom made orthotics. Thus, customers seeking an insole that is very cushioned or supportive will be disappointed with the thin, non-cushioned insole in NB shoes because the manufacturer realizes that most customers will remove them.
7. Does the shoe come in true wide widths, particularly in women’s sizes? This can be hard to evaluate, but if the manufacturer has only 1 or 2 wide widths for women, say an E and a EE, then the answer would be a no. To imagine that close to 20-30 million potential women customers with wide feet are going to fit into 1, or even 2 wide widths is ludicrous. Unfortunately, most manufacturers are ludicrous, and most women with foot pain are unaware that they are actually wearing shoes with the incorrect width.
Thank you for your time..
Hi am a post man, and for the last few years I’ve been suffering with, over pronation feet (high arches) I get pain from calf’s to the soles of my feet but more so on the right foot, I’ve been to a doctor and I’ve had my feet molded and got a pair of aesthetics which help a bit but I just can’t seem to find a pair of shoes/ boots that help make it more comfortable, I do an average of 20km, 25,000 steps a day, i know the proper footwear can be very expensive too and I can’t afford to pay out £100 every three months etc for footwear for work, that’s why I need to find the right footwear that will last the duration of my day to day life I’d be great full if you would have any advice.
Usually with high arches, you would be underpronating. Anyway I agree the top branded shoes can be expensive. I would suggest that you go for a budget shoe with a removable insole. You can get a good quality insole as per the arch height you require and replace it with insole that came with the shoe. Good luck! Always best to get doctors advise before taking any decision!
Hi, I’m middle aged and have stage 2 PTTD, and I currently wear Mizuno shoes with custom orthotics in them. They’re good and provide decent motion control and support. But as I was hoping to significantly slow down the inevitable progression of the pttd, can you recommend a women’s walking shoe with MAXIMUM MOTION CONTROL and SUPPORT/STABILITY that can be worn for long periods of standing/ walking with my custom orthotics? I’m hoping to travel to Europe next year for the first time, and would like to be able to walk around and see as many sights as possible without doing further damage or experiencing a lot of pain. Thank you.
I suppose this is too late for your Europe trip, but I have been wearing custom orthotics for years due to severe overpronation, and I have found the Brooks Addiction to be the best shoe for me. Nothing else helps as much with my arch pain. Hope you found something helpful to wear to Europe!
I recently purchased New Balance sneakers but experiencing foot discomfort. My last sneakers were worn so I guess adjustment is in order. I over pronate and am now wondering if these sneakers are not for me. I inserted my orthotics made by Podiatrist. I am hurting after wearing for four hours today and wore them yesterday also. Should I return them, I usually have good luck with NB or maybe need to adjust and wear only a bit each day?