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Knowing where to start your shoe shopping journey — whether you’re looking for exercise-specific kicks or daily wear options — can be daunting, but a good place to start is looking for shoes that support your gait and how your body naturally moves. While it’s normal for your feet to slightly pronate or roll inward to absorb shock while you run or walk, people who overpronate excessively roll onto the inside edge of their feet. According to Dr. Nicole M. DeLauro, a podiatrist and board-certified foot and ankle surgeon, this movement can put extra stress on the muscles, tendons and ligaments in the feet and legs, leading to pain and a higher risk for injuries.
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Luckily, there are plenty of form-correcting shoes that give overpronators the support they need to walk, run and go about daily life in comfort. We’ve tapped podiatrists to provide expert insights on what overpronators should consider when shopping for shoes and asked them, along with CNN Underscored editors, to share some of their favorite picks that offer increased stability for those who overpronate.
Best shoes for overpronation
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25
Brooks Women’s Adrenaline GTS 25 Sneakers
CNN Underscored health and fitness editor Summer Cartwright said the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25 are stability shoes in their truest form. “From the sneakers’ built-in GuideRails tech that prevents your feet from rolling too much to the noticeable arch support throughout the midsoles, you get all the form-correcting, comfort-boosting features you could want in walking or running shoes,” she said.
Brooks Men’s Adrenaline GTS 25 Sneakers
Brooks is often described as a go-to brand for overpronators, and Dr. Peter Talisse, a podiatrist at the Ankle and Foot Centers of America in Newnan, Georgia, also named this Adrenaline model a good option due to its balanced combination of stability, support and cushioning. This men’s style comes in more than 10 sharp colors, and you can shop four width options, allowing you to find a fit that lets your feet move in total comfort.
Asics Gel Kayano 33
Asics Women’s Gel Kayano 33 Running Sneakers
Our updates writer Ellen McAlpine said her Gel-Kayno shoes are among her favorite sneakers for casual running and long walks. “I prefer a shoe with firmer support, and that’s exactly what I get from these,” she said. “As someone with narrow heels, I really appreciate that the padded ankle collar keeps my feet from slipping out without causing any blisters or chafing.”
Asics Men’s Gel Kayano 33 Running Sneakers
Talisse also mentioned this Gel Kayano style as a good choice for overpronators, noting that it’s become a classic pair of stability running shoes in the brand’s lineup. The streamlined design of the Gel Kayano sneakers keeps them from feeling too bulky, heavy or plush, and McAlpine said she recommends this model for anyone in search of shoes they can use for just about any activity.
Brooks Glycerin GTS 23
Brooks Women’s Glycerin GTS 23 Running Shoes
“Brooks Glycerin shoes are what I recommend to runners who want to feel the ground under them but still crave some cushioning to shield their joints from too much impact,” Cartwright said, noting that these shoes are similar to Hoka’s popular Clifton running shoes in that you can use them for pretty much any and every occasion.
Brooks Men’s Glycerin GTS 23 Running Shoes
Like the Adrenaline pair, this Glycerin model includes Brooks’ GTS stability GuideRails. However, the GTS 23 offers more plush cushioning underfoot, which Talisse said can be nice for those looking for a slightly bouncier ride.
Hoka Arahi 9
Hoka Women’s Arahi 9 Running Sneakers
CNN Underscored editorial director Chelsea Stone said she bought these Arahi sneakers after experiencing foot pain from plantar fasciitis. “Ever since, they’ve been my most reliable, comfortable sneakers,” she said. “I appreciate their stability most of all — they’re less bouncy than the Hoka’s Bondi 9 shoes, which I also sometimes wear for shorter walks around the block, and they feel more supportive for my flat feet.”
Hoka Men’s Arahi 9 Running Sneakers
Cartwright, who is also a certified running coach, said Hoka’s Arahi shoes are perfect for people with gait issues. “They have the brand’s proprietary H-Frame built into the midsoles, which stabilizes your feet and essentially straps them into proper positioning even when you’re in motion,” she said. Available in regular, wide and extra-wide options, the plush-yet-sturdy build of these shoes makes them a good alternative to more clunky orthopedic-style walking models.
Brooks Glycerin
Brooks Women’s Glycerin 23 Running Shoes
Brooks also makes a version of the Glycerin sneakers without the brand’s signature GTS stability system. These shoes have more balanced support, so while you’ll still get control in the heels and rearfeet, the underfoot feel won’t be quite as rigid or stiff as in shoes with the Glycerin GTS model.
Brooks Men’s Glycerin 23 Running Shoes
CNN Underscored associate testing writer Maxwell Shukuya said the Brooks Glycerin shoes have been his preferred running option for the past few years. “The latest model, the Glycerin 23, offers plush underfoot cushioning, a stable ride and plenty of room for my wide feet,” he said. If there’s a downside to the Glycerin line, Shukuya said it’s that the shoes feel a bit heavy compared to lighter, tempo-running shoes. Still, runners who are looking for everyday trainers can rest assured that the Glycerin model will keep them comfortable mile after mile.
Brooks Addiction Walker 2
Brooks Women’s Addiction Walker 2 Walking Shoes
For daily walkers who want to get their 10,000 steps in, Dr. Dan Phan, a podiatrist and board member at the American Society of Podiatric Surgeons, likes these Addiction Walker 2 sneakers from Brooks. Made with maximum support to keep your feet in a more neutral alignment, these sneakers have leather uppers and plenty of cushioning to prevent your feet from feeling fatigued on long days.
Brooks Men’s Addiction Walker 2 Walking Shoes
Available in four width options to fit all kinds of feet, these Addiction Walker sneakers also struck the perfect balance between rigid and cushiony for former Underscored contributing editor and personal trainer Marissa Miller. Because these shoes sit a bit higher on the ankles than other athletic shoes, Miller said they deliver an increased feeling of stability, which makes them a great choice for folks recovering from an injury or experiencing mobility issues, in addition to overpronators.
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Asics GT-4000 4
Asics Women’s GT-4000 4 Running Shoes
For people with severe overpronation, Phan recommends these Asics GT-4000 4 shoes, which he said are ultra-stable and make a great choice for runners who need more support. Designed to provide extra bolstering to the middle of your feet, these sneakers also feature an 8-millimeter heel-to-toe drop, which is well suited for people who tend to strike with their heels as they run.
Asics Men’s GT-4000 4 Running Shoes
Though these shoes aren’t as plush as some other running styles, the midsoles yield a more responsive feel and just enough softness to keep you moving mile after mile comfortably. Weighing just under 10 ounces, these GT-4000 sneakers are among the more lightweight stability options out there, making them a solid choice for speed sessions, tempo work or longer-distance mileage.
New Balance Fresh Foam X 860v15
New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam X 860v15 Running Shoes
Made with Fresh Foam X midsoles for superior comfort, these New Balance sneakers are good for overpronators because they also have the brand’s Stability Plane technology to keep feet better aligned, according to Phan. These shoes also hold the Seal of Acceptance from the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) for promoting proper foot health, and are available in four width options for whatever kind of fit best works for your feet
New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam X 860v15 Running Shoes
The rocker profile makes these shoes a great choice for everyday running. Cartwright said this design promotes forward momentum and can help tired legs continue moving even when they feel fatigued. “Rockers can take a lot of the brunt work off of your joints too, so anybody looking for shoes that offer assistance in that department will likely enjoy these New Balance sneakers,” she said.
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Oofos Ooahh Slide Sandals
Oofos Women’s Ooahh Slide Sandals
“Oofos Ooahh recovery slides are some of the most comfortable shoes I’ve ever worn.” Stone said. “If I’m ever experiencing aches and pains in my feet, I slide these on and enjoy the squishy, cloudlike cushioning.” Stone said these slides are especially great for workout recovery or wearing around the house to help keep her plantar fasciitis from flaring up.
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Oofos Men’s Ooahh Slide Sandals
According to Talisse, these slides are a good option for sporting at home, since they offer better underfoot support for overpronators than going barefoot. Thanks to the slides’ lightweight build, they won’t feel cumbersome on your feet. Plus, these slip-ons feature cupped heels and arch support designed to increase stability while also relieving your feet of fatigue.
New Balance Made in the USA Fresh Foam X 1540v4
New Balance Women’s Made in the USA Fresh Foam X 1540v4 Running Shoes
Designed with a Rollbar system that increases stability through the back of the foot, these sneakers from New Balance’s Fresh Foam line are a favorite of Phan’s. The Fresh Foam 1440×4 come with removable insoles too, so there’s always the option to swap in your own orthotics if you’re in need of more customized support.
New Balance Men’s Made in the USA Fresh Foam X 1540v4 Running Shoes
While you can run in these shoes, the updated aesthetic also lends itself easily to more casual daily wear. Part of New Balance’s Made in USA line, these sneakers consist of at least 70% domestic materials to reflect the brand’s commitment to authentic American craftsmanship.
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How to choose the best shoes for overpronation
Overpronation can be caused by a multitude of factors, such as flat feet, uneven leg lengths, past injuries, repetitive stress, loose ligaments and muscle imbalances, according to Phan. It’s also an issue that tends to become more noticeable with age. If you do overpronate, there are plenty of reasons why you might want to invest in shoes that are more supportive of the way you move.
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Over time, improper alignment of your feet as they strike the ground can contribute to issues in other areas of your body. DeLauro said that people who overpronate are at a higher risk for plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinitis, shin splits, knee pain, bunions, hammertoes and lower back discomfort. Podiatrist Dr. Aabha Suchak added that people who overpronate often complain of fatigue and pain in their arches, feet and even calves. For runners, overpronation can lead to excessive pain in the first toe joint, according to Dr. Melissa Lockwood, a podiatrist and chair for the American Society of Podiatric Surgeons.
To ensure you find a pair of shoes that can comfortably support your feet and help you keep your overall wellness in balance, these are the things the experts I spoke with said are important to bear in mind.
Consider your foot structure
If you have flat feet, you might be more prone to overpronation, but the two things do not necessarily go hand in hand. According to Phan, overpronation is a dynamic issue: It presents only when the feet are in motion. Flat feet, on the other hand, are a structural issue; you might have low or collapsed arches even when you are standing still. DeLauro said that people with flat feet can experience problems related to their foot structure, but that some people with flat feet have no issues at all. “People with flat feet often overpronate, but you can overpronate even with a visible arch,” DeLauro said.
Before you go out and buy a new pair of sneakers, you should first try to decipher whether or not you actually overpronate. “You can often tell if you overpronate by looking at the wear pattern on your shoes,” DeLauro said. “If the inside edges are more worn down, that’s a common indicator.” Though Phan and DeLauro both added that the best way to know for certain is to have a formal gait analysis done by a podiatrist.
It’s normal for the feet to pronate slightly as you move, and Talisse said the end goal isn’t to completely eliminate pronation, but rather to prevent the kind of excessive overpronation that leads to pain. Though pain or discomfort from overpronation might feel bearable in the short term, if left unaddressed, Talisse said it can damage the feet’s tendons, leading to chronic pain or even the need for surgical intervention.
Look for stability features
When shopping for shoes, DeLauro recommends looking for models that have stability or motion-control features. This added support helps reduce excessive inward rolling of the feet. Both DeLauro and Phan also recommend looking for shoes with good heel counters to keep the back of the feet stabilized, as well as good arch support to help align the feet and ankles. To further reinforce the arches and prevent them from collapsing, you might also opt for shoes that have dual-density midsoles. DeLauro said all these features help keep the feet in a more neutral position, which reduces strain on the arches, ankles and knees.
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Don’t confuse cushioning for support
Dr. Holly Spohn-Gross, a podiatric surgeon and trustee for the APMA, said it’s important to understand that just because a pair of shoes has good cushioning, it doesn’t necessarily mean it has good support. While solid cushioning will help your feet feel more comfortable, the best shoes for overpronators shouldn’t make you compromise on stability for the sake of comfort. Spohn-Gross recommends looking for shoes with a wide, stable base; sidewalls or internal stability systems; firm heel counters and more rigid midfoot sections.
Many shoes used to be categorized with terms like “neutral,” “stable” or “motion controlled,” but Spohn-Gross said it’s now more common to see shoe styles talked about as having “balanced support,” “structured stability” or “maximum support.” Those searching for a pair of shoes to help with overpronation should look for styles that offer maximum support.
Avoid flimsy flats and unsupportive slip-on shoes
While you can easily find many of these supportive features in sneakers and athletic shoes, it might be hard to find them in everyday loafers or sandals. For daily-wear shoes, Suchak said to look for options that have support throughout, stable arch areas and wide toe boxes. DeLauro said, in general, those who overpronate should avoid minimalist-style shoes or soft, squishy shoes that lack structure and shoes with worn-out midsoles.
Wearing flats or unsupportive slip-ons for long periods is also not a good idea since these types of shoes can increase strain on the feet and worsen alignment over time. Spohn-Gross noted that brands like Vionic, Orthofeet and Rockport offer dressy shoe style options that provide more support for daily wear. Suchak added that in some cases, an over-the-counter insert or a custom molded orthotic can add more support in your go-to everyday shoes.
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Find the right fit
Features aren’t the only factor at play when it comes to finding shoes that work well for your body. “Fit matters just as much: Shoes that are too narrow, too wide or too long allow too much movement inside the shoe, which can lead to more problems,” Phan said. “It is a good idea to have your podiatrist check your shoe fit at your next visit. Many people wear the wrong size without realizing it.”
Before buying a new pair of shoes, it’s best to try them on in person if you can. Talisse recommends visiting a local running shoe store where you can walk around in different styles and ensure that the model you want to buy feels comfortable on your feet right from the first wear.
Consult a podiatrist if pain persists
If you still find yourself struggling with pain after switching to a more supportive pair of shoes, it’s best to have a professional consultation with a podiatrist. Spohn-Gross added that if you’re experiencing unilateral (i.e. only occurring in one foot) weakness, unilateral pain in the arch or unilateral falling of the arch, it’s important to seek help, as there may be a greater issues with your feet that a podiatrist can help address.
FAQs
Shoes made for overpronation have features that offer extra support and stability to keep the feet in a more neutral position, which DeLauro said helps reduce strain on the arches, ankles and knees while you move.
If you overpronate, Phan said to look for shoes with strong support and stability features like stiff heel counters that can reinforce alignment on the backs of the feet and firm midsoles or built-in arch support to help control excessive inward rolling. He added that extra cushioning can help absorb impact, reducing stress on your joints, and that wider toe boxes can help distribute pressure more evenly across your feet, increasing overall stability.
“Shoes for overpronators emphasize stability and motion control, with features like medial posting and firm midsoles,” DeLauro said. “Shoes for underpronators are typically neutral cushioned shoes, with more flexibility and shock absorption, as these individuals place stress on the outer edge of the foot and need more softness, not structure.”
Unlike overpronators, whose feet tend to roll inward, those who underpronate or supinate tend to roll onto the outward edge of their feet. “This leads to extra wear on the outer (lateral) edge of your shoes,” Phan said. “The best shoes for underpronation have soft, flexible cushioning along the outside to help absorb impact.”
The podiatrists I spoke to did not recommend barefoot-style shoes for those who overpronate and said they offer minimal support to help control the side-to-side motion that accompanies pronation. “Barefoot-style shoes offer little to no arch support or structural correction, which can be problematic for overpronators,” DeLauro said. “They may work for some with a neutral gait and excellent foot strength, but for someone with significant overpronation or a history of injuries, I typically do not recommend them without close guidance and conditioning.”
Suchak added that while barefoot shoes can help strengthen the smaller, intrinsic muscles in the foot, they don’t offer enough stability for those who overpronate. They might also cause these smaller muscles to get overworked, which can increase the likelihood of sprains and strains.
Meet our experts
For this article, we consulted the following experts to gain their professional insights:
- Dr. Nicole M. DeLauro, podiatrist, board-certified foot and ankle surgeon and secretary of the American Association for Women Podiatrists
- Dr. Melissa Lockwood, podiatrist and chair for the American Society of Podiatric Surgeons
- Dr. Dan Phan, podiatrist and board member at the American Society of Podiatric Surgeons
- Dr. Holly Spohn-Gross, podiatric surgeon and trustee for the American Podiatric Medical Association
- Dr. Aabha Suchak, podiatrist, assistant professor at West Virginia University School of Medicine and second vice president for the national board for the American Association for Women Podiatrists
- Dr. Peter Talisse, a podiatrist at the Ankle and Foot Centers of America in Newnan, Georgia
Why trust CNN Underscored
CNN Underscored editors and writers ensure every product included in an article is thoroughly vetted and something we ourselves would feel comfortable buying and using. Our team has many decades of collective experience researching, testing and recommending products across every category — from fashion and food, to home goods and health, to electronics and everything in between — and we’re committed to using that expertise to help you make the most of your money and live a better life.
For this article, CNN Underscored associate editor Jillian Tracy consulted podiatrists on the best shoes for people who overpronate. She regularly covers health and fitness, using expert insights to help you make more informed and empowered product choices.
Jillian Tracy is an associate editor at CNN Underscored who covers topics that span the lifestyle vertical such as fashion, health, sustainability, beauty and outdoors. You can find her trying to catch up on her Goodreads goal, planning her next travel adventure or rewatching “RuPaul’s Drag Race.”
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