Best Shoes for Pronation Control

If you’ve been running for awhile you’re no stranger to aches, pains and injuries. While over-training is often the culprit behind running-induced aches and pains, the type of shoe you wear plays a very important role in not only your performance but also your actual running gait. According to New Balance 60% of all people are wearing improperly fitting shoes right now. So before buying running shoes it’s more than a good idea to get a gait analysis done. Stores like New Balance and other specialized running stores offer in-store gait analysis which will ensure you’re training with the best footwear for your foot.

A large percentage of the running world have a condition called overpronation. Pronation is a normal part or running in which the foot rolls in slightly and the heel moves outward. This movement helps your body absorb shock and adapt to various surfaces.

But when the foot overpronates, the bones of the foot rotate inward and downward to a larger degree, causing the foot to come down on its inner margin. Put simply, the foot rolls inward too far. Finding a shoe that stabilizes is the key in helping combat the nasty side effects of over pronation which can include sore knees, hips and very unsightly bunions and calluses.

Overpronation can be linked to genetics, flat feet, low arches or overly-flexible arches. To help get back in line, finding the correct running shoe is key. Thankfully, practically every shoe company out there caters to overpronators by offering supportive shoes with a few other bells and whistles included to help get your gait back on track. We’ve rounded up the best in the market.

Asics Gel Kayano 22

Brooks adrenaline GTS 16

Brooks Transcend 3

Saucony Redeemer

Mizuno Wave Paradox 2

Mizuno Wave Inspire 12

Adidas by Stella McCartney Pure Boos

Asics Gel Kayano 22 (US$160) features a whole slew of tech-inspired benefits that includes a FluidRide midsole that allows for exceptional cushioning and durability; heel clutching system that provides even more support; DuoMax system which supplies support and stability; three millimeters of additional height on the midsole which helps relieve achilles tension; an impact guidance system and guidance line midsole to keep the gait on track and efficient and comfordry sockliner and material that offers breathability and moisture wicking properties. The Lite Show model contains reflective materials which help keep runners visible while training during low-light hours.

One of our go-to running shoe brands, Brooks, is known for high quality shoe that gives great performance. While the styles and colors can leave little to be desired, it’s worth the investment. The women’s adrenaline GTS 16 (US$120-130) are at the top of our list. Brooks has found the perfect balance between support and cushioning in the adrenaline with a ‘DNA midsole’ that adapts to every step and a progressive diagonal rollbar that guides the body into its natural alignment. The 16th edition also features an updated V-Groove folds deeper inward to absorb and disperse impact away from the foot.

Brooks Transcend 3 (US$170) is the most cushioned shoe the brand offers as well as the most technically-advanced. The Super DNA midsole and IDEAL Pressure Zones help evenly disperse impact and rounded heel aids minimize joint stress.

Saucony offers stability and support in its Redeemer (US$150), great for severe pronators. The new TPU Pillar design is the medial midfoot provides added structure without bulk, with the ISOFIT upper that delivers excellent fit.

Mizuno promises agility and stability in the Wave Paradox 2 (US$135), a lightweight shoe that offers a wide toe box. An extra millimeter of rubber on the outsole offers increased durability while good flexibility remains a standout feature.

Mizuno Wave Inspire 12 (US$120) features a soft, structural fit with added support minus the added weight. It also comes in wide or narrow which is great for those who need a toe box outside of the standard width.

Mild overpronators can find adequate support in the Pure Boost X shoes from Adidas by Stella McCartney (US$170). Unsurprisingly the most stylish of the bunch, the lightweight shoe offers a unique strap lacing system with synthetic sidewall panels that give stability with welded overlays providing additional support. A great shoe that will take you from your Sunday morning 5K to Sunday afternoon brunch.

Before you head to the store to invest in a new pair be sure to download our PDF here!

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