The Best Walking Shoes for Overpronation in 2023

Do you find you suffer from pain in your feet and ankles after sports or walking a lot? Do you have flat feet or dropped arches? It could be that your foot is not functioning as it should and you need the best walking shoes for overpronation.

We will detail the features of our top picks and investigate why you might need these shoes and what to look for.

 

Here are the best walking shoes for overpronation

1. Brooks Addiction

The Brooks Addiction is a supportive but cushioned shoe for walking. There are styles available for men and women in a range of sizes and widths. Patented technology ensures these shoes support your feet where needed for overpronation.

 

2. Vionic Walker Shoes

Vionic walking shoes have a suede or leather upper, a durable outer sole and removable EVA footbeds. There is a built-in 0.5-inch elevation to support your feet and help them strike the floor correctly.

 

3. Brooks Men’s Beast

Designed for men who have either a moderate or severe overpronation, these shoes provide stability and cushioning. A patented Biomogo midsole adapts to your feet. The lightweight mesh upper is breathable and hugs your feet.

 

4. Brooks Womens Ariel

Designed for women’s feet, these shoes are good if you have severe or moderate overpronation. They feature reinforced cushioning and stability with a midsole that supports your arches. A mesh upper and sock liner help keep feet fresh while the padded collar and tongue provide added comfort.

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5. Saucony Omni Walker

Saucony brings us a no-frills look in this walking shoe. Available in black and white for men and women, it has good midfoot support and cushioning right through the EVA sole. The shoe is also flexible, making it comfortable to wear for long periods of time.

 

6. Asics Women’s Gel Foundation 13

Asics introduces gel at the heel and forefoot of these shoes for support and comfort. Designed for overpronation, the midfoot support is good and the breathable fabric upper and Comfortsol sock liner keeps feet fresh and dry.

 

7. ASICS Men’s Gel-Kayano 25

This shoe for men has an impact guidance system from Asics to improve your gait. Rear and forefoot gel helps overpronators correct their heel to toe strike and absorbs impact. These shoes can provide stability and comfort.

 

Reviews of the Best Walking Shoes for Overpronators

There are many motion control walking shoes available for overpronation. Here are our top picks.

1. Brooks Addiction

Brooks is a worldwide company who has been producing shoes for many sports and activities for almost 100 years.

For Women:

 

They have confidence in their product, offering a 90-day refund guarantee if you are not satisfied. This motion control walking shoe for overpronation offers good midsole and arch support.

These shoes are available in styles for men and women. Women’s are available in sizes 5 through 12 and men’s in sizes 7 to 15. There are four width fittings from narrow to extra wide.

For Men:

 

Brooks’ patented BioMoGo DNA cushioning adapts to your feet and the way you walk, your weight, and your speed. It helps deflect impact away from your feet and body. The midsole support also offers shock absorbency.

They also have an extended progressive diagonal rollbar system to help support all of your body. It positions the arch support so that your movements are natural.

The slip-resistant sole helps you keep your footing and the construction of the front of the shoe keeps you balanced and stable.

A full-grain leather upper is hardwearing and comfortable. There is also a removable sock liner.

Pros

• A wide range of sizes and widths.
• Good midfoot support.
• Shock absorbency for feet and legs.
• Slip-resistant soles.

Cons

• The shoe is a little on the heavy side.

These walking shoes have good support in the midsole for low or flat arches. The comfort system cushions your feet where you need it and the leather uppers are hard wearing.

 

2. Vionic Walker Shoes

Vionic shoes was founded in 1979 by podiatrist Phillip Vasyli. Each shoe aims to address the biomechanics of the lower limbs with good support.

For Men:

 

This shoe from their range has the APMA (American Podiatric Medical Association) seal of acceptance.

The men’s shoes have a size range from 7 to 13 in medium and wide fittings. The ladies shoes also have medium and wide fittings in sizes 5 through 13. There are also color choices for both men and women.

For Women:

 

Vionic shoes have an Active Motion System technology which uses an orthotic designed by a podiatrist. It has a flexible, cushioned outer sole and a breathable lightweight leather upper. They are water resistant and have an action lacing system.

The molded EVA midsole has a half-inch elevation to help correct your foot strike from heel to toe. The orthotic footbed has built-in odor control and is also removable. The liner is 100 percent polyester with moisture-wicking properties and the foam base helps reduce friction.

A firm heel counter made from thermoplastic gives added support and stability. The rubber sole helps give traction when you are walking.

Pros

• Podiatrist-designed removable orthotic.
• Good arch and midfoot support.
• Breathable leather upper.
• Odor control and moisture-wicking lining.
• Firm heel counter for added support.

Cons

• Some find the sizes come up small.

This shoe has a podiatrist-designed orthotic insole to help with overpronation. The leather uppers are breathable and the inners have odor control and moisture wicking.

 

3. Brooks Men’s Beast

This is one for the boys, the Brooks Beast. A stylish sneaker style support shoe for walking or running, designed for moderate or severe overpronation. They have a differential of 12 mm to help correct your footfall.

 

It comes in sizes 8 through 16 in medium, wide and extra wide fittings. You can choose from a black, silver and grey combination or a grey, white, and navy one.

The midsole of these shoes has 25 percent more adaptable cushioning than other Brooks models. Combine this with their extended progressive diagonal rollbar and the movement of your feet and body is corrected and supported.

They have a spacious toe box and an air mesh upper. The external heel counter and structured saddle help keep these shoes stable. The lace-up closure is protected by a plush padded tongue and collar.

There is a fully segmented crash pad to give smooth transitions from heel to toe and absorb impact. A removable sock liner gives added cushioning and comfort.

Pros

• A range of sizes and width fittings.
• Support throughout for stability.
• Designed for moderate to severe overpronation.
• Breathable mesh upper.
• Removable cushioned sock liner.

Cons

• Durability might be questionable with everyday use.

These stability shoes come in a range of widths and sizes for men. They are supportive and breathable but still cushioned for comfort.

 

4. Brooks Womens Ariel

We covered a shoe just for the men, this one from Brooks is just for the ladies. It’s a supportive stability shoe made with overpronators in mind.

 

Available in sizes 5.5 through 13, there are also three widths available, medium, wide, and extra wide. You can choose from black with purple or blue accents or a stonewashed blue with salmon pink accents.

The shoes have a differential of 12 mm and maximum cushioning for your feet. The mesh uppers and lining wick away moisture and allow your feet to breathe. The plush collar and tongue combine with a lace-up system and removable sock liner for comfort.

Brooks’ super DNA midsole supports and protects your foot from impact. Their extended progressive diagonal rollbar controls pronation at the arch and their full-length segmented crash pad absorbs shock. The midfoot benefits from some rigidity in the shank.

The outer sole is made from silica and rubber to offer traction in wet and dry conditions. It also has Omega Flex Grooves to let your forefoot move easier.

Pros

• Good midfoot support for overpronation.
• Mesh uppers for breathability.
• Slip-resistant soles.
• Range of sizes and colors.
• Designed for stability.

Cons

• Might need to size up by a half.

These ladies shoes are designed to keep overpronating feet stable and supported. They have slip-resistant soles and a breathable mesh upper.

 

5. Saucony Omni Walker

Saucony produces this stability shoe for men and women with engineered support for overpronation.

For Men:

 

Sizes available are from a 7 through 15 for men and a 5 through 12 for women. They come in half sizes and two widths, medium and wide. You can choose from black or white.

For Women:

 

The uppers are made from leather and have a padded tongue and collar with lace-up fastening. They also have a removable sock liner.

The stability of this shoe is heel centered and the differential between the heel and sole thickness is 12 mm. The heel is 27 mm and the sole is 17 mm. They have impact zones and a midfoot support bridge made from an EVA and rubber compound.

The sole is designed to give the correct biomechanical fit for overpronation. Saucony’s patented Walk Trac rubber outsole helps ensure a smooth transition when walking. These shoes provide moderate cushioning throughout.

Pros

• Good arch support.
• Stability and cushioning throughout.
• Leather uppers.
• Sizes available for men and women.
• Engineered for overpronators.

Cons

• Some find the shoe develops a squeak.

These Saucony motion control walking shoes are engineered for overpronation. They are cushioned throughout with good support in the midsole and at the arches.

 

6. Asics Women’s Gel Foundation 13

Asics has over 70 years of expertise in producing shoes for sports. This Gel-Foundation model for ladies is designed to correct the gait associated with overpronation.

 

It’s available in sizes 6 through 13 and in two widths, medium and wide.

There is gel in the rear and forefoot of these shoes to help absorb impact and cushion your feet. The midsole is made from Asics’ SPEVA foam to improve the bounce back to your feet and stop the midsole from breaking down.

Other technologies used in these shoes include:

• A Dynamic Duomax support system for stability.
• A Trusstic system guidance line to help maintain the integrity in the midfoot and make your gait more efficient.
• Increased depth and width at the front of the foot for maximum support.
• Less friction and irritation from a seamless construction.
• A removable Comfordry sock liner to wick away moisture and keep feet fresh and cool.
• A rubber compound Dura Sponge outsole to further cushion your feet.

The differential between the heel and sole thickness is 12 mm.

Pros

• Gel inserts in the midsole to absorb shock.
• Numerous technologies for stability and cushioning.
• Sock liner keeps feet fresh and dry.
• Good size range.
• Wide toe box.
• Good arch support.

Cons

• Only available in one color.

Asics brings us a walking shoe loaded with their technology to stabilize and support overpronating feet. Gel inserts in the midsole absorb shock, and there’s a wide toe box and good arch support.

 

7. ASICS Men’s Gel-Kayano 25

Similar to the women’s Asics shoes, this one for men has lots of technological enhancements to give stability and support for overpronation.

 

This shoe comes in a choice of 13 different color combinations and sizes 6 through 16. There are three widths, medium, wide, and extra wide.

Some of the patented technologies Asics have used in this shoe include:

• Impact Guidance System to improve an overpronated gait.
• Dynamic Duomax for support and stability throughout.
• Guidance Line Midsole to improve the way your foot strikes the floor.
• Trusstic System for guidance and gait efficiency while supporting the structure of the midfoot.
• Flytefoam Propel to give bounce back to your feet.
• Flytefoam Lyte makes the midsole lightweight with continuous nanofibers for cushioning.
• Ortholite X-40 sock liner to help feet breathe and while providing rebound.
• Full length Speva foam material for cushioning and comfort.
• Gel technology in the heel and forefoot to absorb impact.

Further enhancements to the outer sole make it durable and lightweight. The uppers are made from a mesh which stretches and adapts your foot. The external heel counter helps support and improve the fit of the shoe.

Pros

• Gel in the heels and forefoot to absorb impact.
• Lightweight materials.
• Technology to support and cushion the feet.
• Designed for overpronation.

Cons

• Some find the heel counter a little stiff.

Loaded with Asics’ technology, this lightweight shoe is supportive and cushioned for overpronation. It has good arch and midsole support and is breathable.

 

 

 

What Is Overpronation?

Walking is something that we don’t really think a lot about. It’s something we do every day, automatically. However, the way our feet hit the floor when we walk or run can have an effect on our health. This is particularly the case if you run, play sports, or are very active.

Overpronation describes the way your foot can roll inwards when you walk. It means the outer part of your heel is the first part to hit the ground when you walk. Your foot then rolls inward towards the arch.

Pronation is the way that you flatten your feet as you walk, so overpronation means you flatten your feet more than you should.

When your arch flattens and stretches it has a knock-on effect. Your tendons, muscles, and ligaments are all placed under strain and you might be more prone to injury.

These include things such as shin splints, ankle sprains, heel spurs, Achilles tendonitis, and plantar fasciitis.

This video from Runners World shows you overpronation in action.

 

How Can I Find Out If I Overpronate?

One easy way to check this is by examining the base of a pair of shoes you have worn for a while. Is the bulk of the wear on the inside of the sole closest to the big toe and ball of the foot? If it is then it’s possible you have overpronation.

Look at your shoes when you place them on a flat surface. Do they appear to tilt inward? This is another sign of overpronation.

Low arches or flat feet are other indications that you could roll your feet inwards when you walk.

There are also some symptoms you might notice. These include heel or arch pain, corns, bunions or calluses, hammer toes, knee, hip or back pain, and hammer toes.

The other way to find out if you overpronate is to visit a podiatrist, doctor, or physical therapist who can complete a video gait analysis. This involves you being filmed while walking or running on a treadmill.

When the footage is then watched in slow motion by your doctor they can work out whether you overpronate or not.

Another test a doctor can do is called 3D mapping where you stand on a special mat with shoes on. The mat feeds information through sensors to a computer which interprets how your feet hit the ground when you walk.

 

How Is Overpronation Treated?

Overpronation is generally corrected with the use of custom-made or over-the-counter orthotics or insoles. They will support the arch of your foot and help improve the way it strikes the ground when you walk.

These inserts will often relieve any foot pain you feel as a result of overpronation. Physical therapy might also help treat this condition.

This video from Dr. Joel Seedman shows you some exercises you can do to help prevent overpronation from flat feet.

 

What to Consider in Shoes for Overpronation

Shoes which give your feet support where you need it are imperative to help correct overpronation. Some of the things you can do include:

• Have a gait analysis: Do this before buying shoes so you know how you walk and can choose shoes accordingly.
• Measure both of your feet: To make sure you are getting the right size shoes. Remember we generally have one foot bigger than the other, so make sure you measure them both.
• Shop for shoes later in the day: Our feet tend to swell as the day goes on so what might feel comfortable in the morning will be tight at night.
• Don’t count on stretch: There is a misconception that tight shoes will stretch with time. This is not always the case, shoes should feel comfortable from the get-go.
• Take any insoles or orthotics you plan to use with you: Also, take the type of socks you plan to wear. Both of these can make a difference in the fit of the shoes.

These are some of the features you want in walking shoes for flat feet or overpronation:

• Look for stability in your shoes: This will help distribute your weight more evenly and absorb impact across the feet better. Sometimes these are called motion control walking shoes.
• Added arch support: This is another good thing for overpronators. It will help support flat feet or dropped arches.
• Plenty of cushioning: Cushioning will help keep your feet comfortable and provide further support. Just make sure that it’s not too soft as this helps give your feet the support they need.
• Check if the insoles can be removed: This is important to accommodate orthotics if required. If not, see if there is enough room in the shoes for them.
• Width of toe box: We have mentioned bunions, corns, and calluses associated with overpronation—toes will not want to be squished. Make sure you can wiggle your toes and they don’t hit the front of your shoes when you try them on.
• Look for a shoe that is straight and not curved along the sole: Curved soles can exacerbate this condition.
• Look at how the midsole is constructed: Many shoes have an extra layer added for support and comfort.
• A good heel counter: This is the stiff part inside the heel of the shoe that will give an overpronated foot more support.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Wear Walking Socks with Motion Shoes?

Yes, you can. Just remember to take them with you when you are trying on your shoes. Also, make sure they are moisture wicking so your feet stay dry and fresh.

 

Are Overpronation and Flat Feet the Same Thing?

While flat feet or dropped arches can contribute to overpronation, not everyone with flat feet has symptoms from it. However, when the foot flattens stress can be added to other parts of the foot causing overpronation. This can lead to discomfort in the feet, legs, and hips.

 

How Do Stability or Motion Shoes Work for Overpronation?

These shoes are designed to give your feet support where they need it to make up for your dropped arches or flat feet. They will have good support in the midsole and arches as well as the heel to hold your foot in the right position.

The bottom of a pair of shoes worn by someone who overpronates will show wear at the inside of the heel and the inside of the ball of the foot. This is corrected by extra rigidity and cushioning so the heel strikes the floor in the middle. Following on the foot then pushes off the floor with the ball of the foot rather than the inside.

 

Can I Put Custom Made Orthotics in Walking Shoes for Overpronation?

Yes, you can. Make sure that they fit either by taking them with you when you try your shoes on. Or you can check that the shoes you choose have a removable insole you can replace. Properly designed shoe inserts can correct this condition.

 

Stepping Out in Comfort

Overpronation can result in several painful feet, leg, and hip conditions if it’s left unchecked. Fortunately, there are many shoes designed to help with this condition and relieve the associated pain.

Of the motion and stability shoes we have reviewed, our top pick is the Brooks Addiction for men and women. It comes in a wide range of sizes and widths and offers good arch and midfoot support. There is a cushioning system which offers comfort for the whole of your feet.

There is shock absorbency to take the impact off your feet and legs when walking and the soles are slip resistant. Leather uppers make this shoe breathable and hard wearing.

We hope you enjoyed our guide to the best walking shoes for overpronation and found it useful. Any of the shoes we have detailed will provide support and help with this condition, the ultimate choice is up to you.

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