Running shoes for overpronators aren’t as common as those for neutral runners. But while there may not be as many options for support and stability shoes on the market, the good news is there are still some great options out there. We’ve picked some of the best running shoes, but first a recap on who these shoes are for.
What is overpronation?
If you’ve been to a running shop to get some advice on how to choose the right running shoe, chances are that you’ll have been offered a ‘gait analysis’. This can involve you running on a treadmill or up and down outside the store while someone checks your running style.
Everyone have their own running style but when it comes to shoes, we are largely divided into three groups: neutral runners, overpronators and supinators. If you’ve been told that you overpronate, this means that your foot lands on the outside of the heel and rolls inwards a little more than is ideal when you run.
Some pronation is a good thing – it’s the body’s way of absorbing some of the impact of running. But too much pronation can make you less efficient or even lead to injury.
Overpronators might find that the sole of their shoes show excessive wear near the big toe and on the inside of the heel.
Why do you need a specific shoe for overpronation?
Shoes designed for overpronators have specific technology in them to stop the foot rolling inwards too much. This helps transfer weight through the ball of the foot instead of the inside edge. They often have more cushioning in the key areas that overpronators need it.
This should result in a more comfortable run and could help you avoid injuries further down the line.
Best running shoes for overpronators
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23
Technical details
- Price: £135
- Weight: 258g
- Drop: 12mm
- Price: £135
- Special technology: Guide Rails for support
What we loved about it
- Supportive shoe without being too controlling
- Plenty of room in the toe box
- Lightweight, breathable upper
What we didn’t
- Not the sexiest looking shoe on the market
What our tester said
“The support from the Adrenalines helped me run well on tired legs. It’s a moderate level of support that doesn’t feel overly controlling. They have a good amount of width in the sole for a stable, secure landing. The Adrenaline GTS 23 looks like a lot of shoe but feels pretty light on your feet. That last mile of my run was my fastest as my legs recovered and I headed for home – I felt like I could probably push them to a tempo run. While they’re not designed for speed (look out for the Brooks Hyperion GTS later in the year for that) they will let you pick up the pace a bit.”
Read Laura’s full Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23 review.
Asics Gel Kyano 29
Technical details
- Price: £164.99
- Weight: 270g
- Sizes: 4-9
- Special features: FF BLAST™ PLUS cushioning
why we loved them
- Supportive without being heavy
- Lovely fit and comfortable from the very first run
- Good support for heel-striker
Why we didn’t
- A little more expensive than other support shoes we’ve tried
- Not as breathable as other shoes
What our tester said
“They gave me the support I needed when my legs were getting tired, which helped improve my form. That being said, they were also great during the first part of my runs, where I (usually over-ambitiously) work at a faster pace. Their improved lightness and cushioning gave me a little bit of bounce, and felt nimble on both road and gravel.”
Read Kate’s full Asics Gel Kyano 29 review.
Saucony Guide 16
Technical details
- Price: £130
- Weight: 7.8oz (221g)
- Sizes: UK 3-10
- Drop: 35mm heel/27mm forefoot
- Special features: PWRRUN foam midsole
why we loved them
- Unbeatable pronation support
- soft cushioning
- excellent grip
- Relatively light for stability trainers
Why we didn’t
- Tight upper, even with super loose laces
What our tester said
“I have tried so-called stability shoes before which actually made my pronation worse. I was delighted with these running shoes, as they kept my ankles completely aligned on every step, and I could really feel the support. They’re also really light: It felt like a real breath of fresh air to be able to run in stability shoes that didn’t make me feel like I was running through treacle. ”
Read Alexandra’s full Saucony Guide 16 review.
Brooks Glycerin 20
Technical details
- Price: £155
- Weight: 258g
- Sizes: 3-10
- Drop: 10mm
why we loved them
- customization options
- A durable road-running shoe
- Comfortable cushioning
Why we didn’t
- not cheap
- Not designed for speed runs
What our tester said
“They’d make an excellent beginner shoe, and are perfect for half marathon training runs. There’s also more responsiveness than I’d anticipated: despite the wonderfully soft sole, there’s a definite spring to my take off.”
Read Holly’s full Brooks Glycerin 20 review.
New Balance Fresh Foam X 860v13
Technical details
- Price: £140
- Weight: 243g
- Drop: 10mm
- Technology: Supportive medial post for stability
why we loved it
- great looking shoe
- Comfortable shoe with great cushioning
- Good amount of support
Why we didn’t
What our tester said
“The foam felt like it gave more cushioning in the heel (great if you’re a heel-striker) and a little less at the forefoot as my foot rolled through allowing for a good push-off. There is also a generous amount of that outsole rubber so they should go the distance and see you through plenty of miles.”
Read Laura’s full New Balance Fresh Foam X 860v13 review.
On Cloudrunner
Technical details
- Price: £140
- Weight: 250g
- Sizes: Women UK 3-9
- Drop: 9mm
why we loved them
- they look great
- Comfortable ride for medium to long runs
- reasonably priced
Why we didn’t
- Regular version fits quite narrow, but wide version available
- You probably won’t want to wear them when it’s raining – they look far too nice!
What our tester said
“There was a feeling of security to it, the way it cradled my foot and hugged my ankle. I barely thought about the shoes I was wearing, and this was a good thing. There were no irritating bits rubbing and I didn’t think twice about the few short stretches of looser path.”
Read Laura’s full On Cloudrunner review.
