Sufferers of overpronation are no strangers to the discomfort and inconveniences that the condition brings. Commonly referred to as flat feet, people who overpronate experience the arches of their feet moving excessively inward or downward when they walk or run, eliminating the natural foot arch and opening up risk for certain pains and injuries.
If you struggle with this condition, you may feel obligated to avoid physical activities such as excessive walking, running, or sports to minimize the discomfort that overpronation causes.
Thankfully, there are products that can help you manage overpronation and its symptoms so that you can continue to engage in the activities that you love, from shooting baskets with your kids, to the occasional mountain hike, to a brisk morning run. Here’s a breakdown of the best running shoe for pronators, with recommendations for both men and women.
Best Running Shoe for Overpronation: Women’s
Asic’s Gel-Venture 7 Running Shoes
ASICS Women's Gel-Venture 7 Running Shoes, 10M, Black/Silver
- Rearfoot GEL technology cushioning system: Attenuates shock during impact phase and allows for a smooth transition to midstance.
- Ortholite X-40 Sockliner: This premium sockliner features higher rebound properties while providing excellent moisture management and a high-level of breathability (Ortholite is a registered trademark of O2 Partners LLC.)
There’s a lot of reasons why we love Asic’s Gel-Venture shoe. It’s durably built for athletes who may stray off the beaten path, but even better than that, it features several different layers of support for sustainable overpronation management all day long.
One of the most notable features of the Gel-Venture is its tendency to mold to the wearer’s foot, providing customized support to the arch of your feet.
The brunt of your footsteps are absorbed by GEL technology in the heel area, reducing the shock that agitates overpronation. Additionally, Asic’s trademark ORTHOLITE sockliner technology spreads out cushioning for management of impact all across your foot. Like walking on clouds!
Saucony Cohesion 10 Running Shoes
Saucony Women's Cohesion 10 Running Shoe
- GRID, Injection EVA,
- Heel Grid system offers stable cushioning
- Mesh upper helps provide breathability
- Plush tongue and collar
If you want a running shoe that particularly caters to the soles, Saucony’s Cohesion 10 is an innovatively engineered product that provides added stability for sufferers of overpronation.
While this model of shoe isn’t as intensively passed as others, it is a great option for people with flat feet that mostly run on smooth, paved surfaced.
Saucony’s trademark heel technology is called GRID, an excellent design for minimizing impact from running footfalls.
Adidas Performance Supernova W Running Shoes
adidas Performance Women's Supernova W Running Shoe
- Removable insole
Adidas throws their hand in the game with the Performance Supernova W running shoe, which boasts a more elevated heel than most competitors, taking pressure off of the insoles and aiming to lessen the impact of your stride.
Overpronators review Adidas’ shoe as one of the top contenders in terms of padding and cushioned support, so if strain on your insoles causes soreness, these are the perfect choice for you.
However, some users have reported persistent squeaking in the shoe on certain surfaces, so if you run on an indoor track you might want to bring your headphones!
Best Running Shoe for Overpronation: Men’s
Asic’s Gel-Venture 6 Running Shoes
ASICS Men's Gel-Venture 6 Running Shoes, 11M, Black/NEON Lime
- Rearfoot GEL technology cushioning system - Attenuates shock during impact phase and allows for a smooth transition to midstance.
- AHAR Outsole - Acronym for ASICS High Abrasion Rubber. Placed in critical areas of the outsole for exceptional durability.
Men who suffer from overpronation would benefit from the versatile support that the Asic’s Gel-Venture 6 provides from walking to running and more.
Similar to the women’s counterpart to this model, the Gel-Venture has layered support cushions to manage the strain from overpronation. If you have a medical orthotic insert, however, the Gel-Venture’s sockliner can be easily removed to make room.
While these shoes are marketed mainly for those who run cross country in more rugged, unpaved areas, the highly shock absorbent outsoles are great for overpronators even on paved surfaces.
Saucony Cohesion 11 Running Shoes
Saucony Men's Cohesion 11 Running Shoe
- Grid supportive cushioning
- Durable rubber outsole
- Supportive upper overlays
These Cohesion 11 running shoes from Saucony are durable enough for everyday use, but supportive enough to keep pain from overpronation to a minimum.
For flat footed runners who need a little extra arch support, Saucony caters to insoles that need extra padding to keep from rolling inward.
Users report that the shoe helps correct gait and footfall issues, keeping the heel from striking in a way that agitates overpronation. The Cohesion 11s are a perfect choice for athletes that transition from running to sports and other activities frequently.
Mizuno Wave Ascend 6 Running Shoes
Mizuno Men's Wave Ascend 6 Running Shoe,Anthracite/Anthracite/Spectre Yellow,7.5 D US
Mizuno has been around for over 100 years, and have demonstrated all of their perfected support strategies in the Mizuno Wave Ascend 6, a shoe that is just as known for its unique anthracite yellow accents as much as it is its superb insole support.
Users have reported reduced knee and shin pain as a result of transitioning to this shoe, as it reinforces the soles to correct excessive flat footedness.
This is a perfect choice for overpronators who have been hindered from trail running, hiking, or cross country running because of discomfort caused by their condition. From arch support to a reinforced toe box, this shoe protects your feet from trail hazards and keeps the overpronation aches to a minimum.
back to menu ↑Making Your Running Shoes More Comfortable
If you’ve got a pair of shoes that you like already, but could definitely benefit from some extra arch support, then you need these plantar fasciitis feet insoles from Walk-Hero.
Plantar Fasciitis Feet Insoles Arch Supports Orthotics Inserts Relieve Flat Feet, High Arch, Foot Pain Mens 6-6 1/2 | Womens...
- FOOT PAIN RELIEF Anti pronation reinforcement technology offers a superb level of arch supports. Plantar fasciitis insoles provide a shock-absorbing effect
- DEEP HEEL CRADLE with built-in heel support keeps foot bone vertical and balance to provide stability
These inserts are perfect if you’re shopping for overpronation relief on a budget, are looking to find added comfort in team shoes or cleats, or just don’t want to completely replace what isn’t necessarily broken.
For the cost of the pairs of shoes we mentioned above, you could stock up on these arch supporters if you, like a lot of us, have a pair of tried and true tennis shoes that have seen many miles of terrain with you.
back to menu ↑Managing Your Overpronation
Most of us don’t put any thought into the way our feet touch the floor until it starts to hurt. Additionally, most of us don’t want to quit our hobbies forever because of an uncontrollable condition.
However, you can prevent the pains of overpronation—including shin splints, heel spurs, and plantar fasciitis—by being conscious about what shoes you’re running in. In more serious cases, you can talk to your doctor about prescription inserts, which are customized to your insoles.
A chiropractor may also be able to help you with postures and stretches to encourage neutral pronation, so that you can spend less time with your feet up and more time in motion.
Image Credit: “Running Shoes” by Josiah Mackenzie is licensed under CC BY 2.0
