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The best running shoes for overpronators, based on months of testing by a competitive runner

It can feel like you need a degree in podiatry when shopping for the right running shoes. If you overpronate — meaning, your foot rolls inward excessively when you run or walk — it's especially important to choose the right footwear. The best running shoes for overpronators can help lower your risk of injury, allowing you to stay focused on racking up the miles.

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.

Best overall running shoes for overpronators

Every person's level of overpronation is unique, making it tricky to find a shoe that universally works for everyone. But the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24 comes close. This shoe, available in men's and women's options, relies on the brand's specialized GuideRails technology, which is Brooks' support system that helps tweak your natural stride to reduce excess motion. (Brooks hilariously compares it to "training wheels" for your stride.)

I felt incredibly stable and sure-footed while running in these shoes, even over uneven terrain, like rocky trails. The toe box is nice and roomy — an important feature in a shoe to allow your toes to splay naturally and enhance stability. The outsole is also thick and cushiony, providing plenty of support with each step. The Adrenaline GTS 24 doesn't have a bouncy feel at all, but it still delivered a good energy return as I ran.

As with all Brooks shoes, the Adrenaline GTS 24 has a high-quality construction. Even the laces are soft, stretchy and durable. I ran on these for 50 miles, just like the other shoes I tested, and there was no noticeable wear and tear, despite cruising through all kinds of weather.

One of the most noticeable things about this shoe is how comfortable it feels. It has superior padding, from the tongue to the insole, with plenty of cushioning around the ankle to prevent rubbing and chafing. It's not shocking that it's also certified by the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) to support good foot health.

Of course, no shoe is perfect. My biggest complaint with the Adrenaline GTS 24 is that the breathable upper leaks when you run in wet weather. However, Brooks also sells a weatherized version of these sneakers that's worth considering if you do a lot of rainy-day runs or like to stomp your way through puddles.

With a huge range of sizes to choose from, including narrow, medium, wide and extra-wide widths, it's nearly impossible not to find an Adrenaline GTS 24 that will be the perfect fit. While these are technically a running shoe, I felt like I could wear them all day — and I have.

Pros

Stability is noticeable, but not overbearing
Incredibly comfortable feel
APMA Seal of Acceptance

Cons

Not a very responsive shoe
Upper isn't waterproof

$140 at Amazon

More running shoes we like for overpronators in 2025

Stability shoes, in general, tend to be slightly pricier than other types of footwear thanks to the added corrective elements, like guide rails. But the Adidas Supernova Rise 2 (available in men's and women's versions) manages to deliver on stability without a prohibitive price tag.

These sneakers use specialized support rails to help keep your foot in line. The stability around the inner heel is noticeable and keeps you from rolling inward as you walk and run. The brand's Dreamstrike+ midsole also provides plenty of support underfoot without weighing you down. In fact, this shoe is pretty lightweight at 8.1 ounces (for the women's version — the men's clocks in at just under 10 ounces).

The upper is nice and breathable, although it's a more snug fit than many others I tested. That creates a "locked-in" feel that people will either love or hate. I noticed it meant I needed a slight (two-day) break-in period before it felt more comfortable on my bony feet.

You can wear this shoe just about anywhere, and the traction is solid enough to help you quickly change direction on pavement. The treads on the outsole are also small, lowering the odds you'll get rocks stuck underfoot on trail runs.

This sneaker has the coveted APMA Seal of Acceptance to promote good foot health, and it's an overall comfortable shoe. As an early-morning runner, I also appreciate the large reflective panels on the sides of the sneaker for extra visibility.

Pros

Relatively low cost
Lightweight
APMA Seal of Acceptance
Large reflective side panels improve visibility in low-light settings

Cons

Slight breaking-in period needed
Upper fits snug

$120 at Amazon

Nike has several options in its Pegasus line, but the Pegasus Premium has a unique design that delivers plenty of responsiveness while still providing some stability. This one-two punch is thanks to the brand's special Air Zoom feature — essentially a pocket of air that runs from heel to toe along the length of the sole. The shoe is also loaded up with Nike's specialized ZoomX foam and ReactX foam. While the proprietary names really are just there to sound cool, the result is a very bouncy, fun feel underfoot that's perfect for speed workouts.

If you don't like bouncy shoes, this is not the sneaker for you. But if you like to feel like a gazelle with each stride, this shoe is the way to go. The upper is incredibly breathable too, making it a good choice on hot days or if your feet tend to sweat a lot. That said, it's so breathable that it's practically see-through — you'll want to wear socks you like with these.

The toe box is nice and roomy, and the overall feel of these shoes is incredibly comfortable. The Pegasus Premium's waffle outsole provides firm, all-over grip, although it's not as secure for running on trails.

Because this sneaker is so bouncy, it's not a good fit for people with severe overpronation. (Too much bounciness can exacerbate that inward roll.) But as a more mild to moderate overpronator, I had no issues when I wore this shoe for shorter runs and speed work. Also, it's just plain fun to run in.

Pros

Fun, bouncy feel
Extra cushioning throughout the shoe
Airy design

Cons

Breathable upper is practically see-through
Stability may not be enough for more severe overpronators

$220 at Dick's Sporting Goods

Hoka is not messing around with its recently released Arahi 8, available in men's and women's versions. Hoka specifically designed this shoe with overpronation in mind, and it's a difference you can feel.

The Arahi 8 uses a specialized H-frame, which locks in the midsole foam while providing plenty of gait guidance. I could feel the shoe correcting me with each step, which took a little getting used to. (After a few runs, I barely noticed it.) But that also lets you know that the shoe is doing its job.

The Arahi 8 has really generous space in the toe box and midfoot area, making it a great choice for people whose feet run wide or those who just like a little more roominess. (Hoka also offers the Arahi 8 in wide and extra wide sizes if you need even more foot space.) It's also APMA certified for good foot health.

While the Arahi 8 is high on stability, it's low on responsiveness. Meaning, there's no bounciness here. Instead, the shoe provides a very grounded feel. The outsole is very thick, which adds extra height — something more petite runners may appreciate. If your overpronation is on the mild side, this shoe may feel like too much for you. But if you've been craving more stability in your stride, this is a shoe worth looking into.

Pros

High stability shoe
Lightweight feel
APMA Seal of Acceptance

Cons

Stability may be too much for mild overpronators
Less responsive than other shoes

$150 at REI

Stability features: Guide rails, extra under-heel shock absorption | Sizing: Women's 5-13, men's 7-15 | Heel-to-toe drop: 8 mm | Weight: Women's 9.1 oz., men's 10.6 oz. | Available widths: Narrow, medium, wide | APMA Seal of Acceptance: Yes

If you want to get technical, the Asics Gel-Kayano 32 isn't the lightest shoe on our list. That honor goes to our pick for severe overpronation, the Hoka Arahi 8. But this shoe is still lighter than most others we tested, is more appropriate for mild to moderate pronation and is noticeably less hefty (by 10 grams) than its recent predecessor, the Gel-Kayano 31.

While the Gel-Kayano 32 is light, it doesn't sacrifice on support. This shoe uses Asics' patented 4D Guidance System to deliver stability with each step — a feeling that's noticeable as you run. The sneaker also has a forefoot rocker to create a smoother forward motion as you run.

Asics also added its gel technology at the heel for extra shock absorption — this can help counteract the inward rolling seen with overpronation. The shoe's tongue is unique — it's not heavily padded like most shoes, and is thin and airy. However, you don't have to worry about it causing irritation — Asics included a little strategic padding around the outer edges to prevent rubbing, and it's definitely effective.

There is a large loop you can grab at the back of the heel that makes it easy to step in and out of, but it's made of soft material that can stretch out over time. It's far from a deal breaker but worth calling out. Overall, the shoe is an excellent daily trainer that won't weigh you down, whether you're going on longer runs or shorter speed workouts.

Pros

Lightweight feel
Roomy toe box
APMA Seal of Acceptance
Easy to step in and out of

Cons

Thin tongue isn't for everyone
Large heel loop may stretch over time

$165 at Amazon

A distance shoe for overpronation needs to consistently deliver on stability over the miles. After all, according to our experts (and small studies), as you get tired, your running form is more likely to falter and you're more likely to overpronate. The Saucony Omni 22 (available in men's and women's options) provides a guided feel without being overbearing, making it a great choice for distance runners with mild to moderate overpronation. (If your overpronation is severe, the Hoka Arahi 8 is still likely a better choice.)

The Omni 22 uses the brand's Hollow-Tech guidance system — a firm, curved medial post placed on the inside of the midsole to help support the arch and prevent overpronation — to keep you on track as you stride. The shoe creates a supportive feel and is just responsive enough without feeling bouncy. This sneaker also features Saucony's comfortably padded sockliner for an all-over supportive feel.

The shoe features an 8 millimeter heel-to-toe drop, which supports a more natural running gait. That's something I appreciated on longer runs, especially as I started to get tired.

The shoe feels supportive overall, and the toe box was one of the most generous ones I tested. That added to the feel of stability as I ran. It's worth pointing out that this sneaker doesn't have as much padding around the ankle as many others, and I had a little noticeable friction on the outside of my ankle as a result. However, my feet quickly got used to it.

Pros

Sturdy construction
Lightweight feel
Slightly responsive, but not too bouncy

Cons

Not a lot of padding around the ankle
Breathable toe box will leak in rain

$150 at Amazon

It's important to state this upfront: If you have flat feet, podiatrists almost universally recommend that you get a special insole for added arch support. But if you want a shoe that will work with you beyond that, the On Cloudflyer 5 (available in men's and women's versions) is a great choice.

This shoe is packed with elements people with flat feet will appreciate, like a wide platform and molded heel. These features come together to provide extra support with each step. There's also a dual-density midsole, which means the brand uses two types of foam, for extra support and cushioning.

This shoe isn't bouncy, which is a helpful feature when you have flat feet and overpronation. (Too much bounce can put even more stress on your feet.) It also has a nice and roomy toe box for added stability.

The On Cloudflyer 5 isn't a good choice if you're into trail runs — the outsole doesn't have larger lugs for better grip, and there are perforations that will trap rocks. But for flat-footed road runners or those just craving a supportive shoe, it's worth checking out.

Pros

Stable feel
Minimal bounce
Molded heel for added support

Cons

Bulky design
Large gaps in outsole can trap rocks on trail runs

$170 at On

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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