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 to look for in shoes for overpronation correction 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 sneaker 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. Sneakers 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.
Don’t be dismissive of running shoes even if you're only walking in them; they make great options for walking.
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.
This isn’t an exhaustive list, and many of the brands featured here have other models available, often with varying degrees of control and support. I’ve simply selected what I feel are the most comfortable, effective and widely available options
1. Brooks Beast GTS 26
For heavier runners, the extra cushioning, support and durability of the Brooks Beast GTS 26 makes a great option for walking for those requiring control for overpronation.
As its name suggests, the Brooks Beast is a high-level control shoe that’s perfect for heavier users. Available in multiple width fittings, the shoe features a spacious upper and a thicker sockliner, which, when removed, creates space for users’ custom orthotics if required.
Brooks Beast GTS 26 - Heel
Cushioning is provided by Brooks DNA Loft V3, a nitrogen-injected foam material that proves to be both comfortable and durable, making it an excellent choice for walking and daily use.
The DNA Loft V3 used in the Beast does feel a little firmer than that used in other Brooks models, such as the Adrenaline GTS 25 (below), but in this shoe, the brand has tuned it perfectly, as it provides a higher level of support and durability for larger/heavier users. Lighter sneakers can tend to feel like they may ‘bottom out’ after prolonged time on the feet.
Control comes from the GTS – GuideRail Technology System. This is the method of control favoured by Brooks, and rather than being a medial post to control pronation.
Verdict
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.
2. Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25
As I mentioned above, the Brooks, the Adrenaline GTS 25 is a lighter, more versatile version of the Beast GTS in many respects. It’s one of the brand’s most popular running shoe models, and it is this versatility as a running shoe that also makes it a great choice for walking and general use for those with flat feet.
Available in four widths for both men and women means there will be a size suitable for anyone, and the great combination of cushioning and general ‘all-round’ support feels great from the word go.
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25 - Heel
Like the Beast, the Adrenaline uses Brooks DNA Loft V3, a nitrogen-injected foam material for cushioning. Here, the foam feels a little softer and more flexible than in the Beast, and as a result, the shoe is lighter and instantly supple around the foot.
Support and control are also similar to the Beast, only here, the GuideRails don’t extend quite as far forward in the shoe as they do in the Beast. Stability and control are similar.
Verdict
While the Adrenaline GTS 25 isn’t quite as controlling as the previous generation model for runners, for walking, it proves to be every bit as effective.
3. Mizuno Wave Inspire 22
The Mizuno Wave Inspire is a model that I recommend for walkers most days of the week. In particular, the Inspire is a shoe often selected by those suffering from plantar fasciitis.
The support in the Inspire 22 is, as usual, the Wave shape designed for people who overpronate. Changing the medial and lateral shape of the Wave helps stop the foot’s arch from collapsing and offers high levels of stability.
The anatomically shaped plate follows the shape of the foot for smooth weight transfer, and many users with flat feet, overpronation and plantar fasciitis tell me they find the internal shape of the sneaker particularly supportive.
Mizuno Wave Inspire 22 - Upper
The heel drop is now 10 mm for a more natural running feel, and this works well, helping to add structure to those runners with flat feet.
While not every walker or runner will suffer from Plantar Fasciitis, it is perhaps the most common foot injury I encounter daily. It is also pretty common in those with flat or overpronating feet. Over recent years, in my store, the Wave Inspire has proved to be the most popular choice for those suffering from this condition.
Verdict
The Mizuno Inspire has, for many years, been a popular choice for those with flat, overpronated feet.
The support offered means those who overpronate can have a lightweight, well-cushioned running shoe that accommodates their foot shape and provides a natural level of control and support.
4. Saucony Guide 19
The Guide 19 naturally has a rather broad, higher volume, fitting upper, so this can accommodate wider feet often found as a result of overpronation or collapsed arches.
The Guide 19 utilizes the brand’s Centrepath technology. This essentially refers to the overall shape and geometry of the midsole; A slight offset helps keep the foot central and in a neutral position, and along with a straighter last on the medial side of the shoe, and sidewalls on the upper side of the midsole, it helps keep the foot seated centrally within the shoe and contributes to a stable ride.
Saucony Guide 19 - Heel
The fact that the Guide 19 does not feature any specific postings or additional firmer elements in its midsole means the shoe feels very natural under the foot. For those users with wide feet or pronated feet, there is nothing to prove intrusive and otherwise cause irritation.
Verdict
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.
5. New Balance Fresh Foam X 860v15
Also Available at
Zappos ; REI ; New Balance
The dynamic control and high level of cushioning make the New Balance 860v15 suitable for those who overpronate, 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.
While the cushioning is high stack, it doesn’t feel too soft and, in fact, proves to be a sturdy and stable base for walking for those who overpronate.
New Balance 860v15 Heel
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 a great choice 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.
6. ASICS Gel Kayano 33
The support used in the latest Gel Kayano is a 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 for over-pronating runners and walkers, guiding the foot while allowing a natural foot motion.
The Kayano 33 uses a new combination of FF BLAST PLUS and FF BLAST MAX foams in the midsole. Having been taken from other sneakers in the brand’s range, both are tried and tested materials which provide control with a smooth, responsive feel.
ASICS Kayano 33 Heel
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 overpronation without being intrusive.
Verdict
One of the plushest support-type shoes 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.
Bonus Option
7. 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.
Verdict
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.
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?
I purchased the New Balance Fresh Foam, based on all the things you mentioned about them. They were the worst of others I’ve tried. The shoe store I frequent was out of the Stinson 7 (Hoka), so I bought the NB instead. I could literally feel my feet tilting inward! Maybe I just got a bad pair, but I returned them immediately, and went and found some Stinsons’s somewhere else. IMO, they are the BEST!