How Do I Choose the Best Shoes for Overpronation?

It's important when choosing the best shoes for overpronation to work out just how severe your pronation problems are. Mild overpronation problems can often be addressed using normal stability shoes. Motion-control shoes, which have extra features to prevent pronation, are usually required for moderate and severe overpronation. It’s also essential to buy correctly fitting shoes for overpronation and to choose a model that’s durable. In some cases, if shoes for pronation can’t provide the required support, orthotics are needed.

Overpronation is a common issue among athletes of all levels. It can cause major problems to the ankle, knee and hip joints, if ignored, because excessively pronating feet affect the entire kinetic chain. Choosing shoes for overpronation mainly depends on the severity of the problem, because there are different shoes to correct various levels of pronation.

The first step to choosing shoes for overpronation is to assess how much you overpronate. If your foot hits the ground heel first when walking or running, before slightly moving inward, then you likely suffer from mild pronation. Mild pronation is less likely to cause problems, but it’s still important to wear stability shoes. Stability shoes have firm, strong midsoles that reduce the amount of pronation.

If your ankle and foot greatly roll inward after the foot hits the ground, then you may suffer from moderate or severe overpronation. The best type of shoes to correct this problem are motion-control shoes. Motion control shoes are more supportive and rigid than normal stability shoes and are effective at stopping moderate to severe over pronation.

Aside from the type of shoe, it’s also important to get a shoe that’s the right size. Incorrectly fitting footwear may negate the supportive features of stability and motion-control shoes. Other considerations include choosing shoes that are durable, provide enough traction for the surface on which they are used and from a reputable brand.

If you suffer from overpronation, then it’s important to avoid lightweight shoes that don’t have a lot of support. Shoes with excessive cushioning also are likely to be unsuitable, because the increased flexibility allows the foot to pronate more. If you’re still suffering from problems after using the correct shoes for overpronation, then orthotics may be required. These are insoles that fit into a shoe and are more effective at preventing excessive pronation. It is possible to buy pre-made orthotics from running shops, but custom models are generally much more effective.