Tested by 
Want more tried and tested recommendations from the RW editors? Sign up to our new weekly newsletter Kit Bag, coming soon. Click here to subscribe.
Overpronation running shoes (otherwise known as stability or support shoes) are designed to help runners whose feet land in a particular way when they're running.
Everyone has their own running style, but these tend to be categorised according to three types of pronation: supination (when the landing foot rolls to the outer edge), overpronation (meaning the inward rolling of the foot) and a neutral running style (when no significant rolling occurs).
Different models of running shoes are built with each of these pronation types in mind, to help maximise support and shock absorption, and to help mitigate the risk of injury. Some brands refer to these as stability running shoes.
Just over 50% of runners overpronate, so a large number of running trainers are built as stability and support shoes. Tech built into the shoes' midsoles on the medial of the shoe, called 'medial posts' or 'rails', help to steer the foot, mitigating the risk of injury caused by excessive inward-rolling.
That being said, many brands have started moving away from traditional medial posts and started to rely on geometry to provide stability. The recent Asics Gel-Kayano 30 and Saucony Guide 17 are two examples of this.
Stability shoes also tend to have a higher density foam on the inside of the midsole to provide extra structure, as well as support near the big toe, under the ball of the foot and on the inside of the heel.
The best overpronation running shoes to shop now
Botas de trekking Moon Mid Trekking Shoe Wp 31Q4797 Antracite?
Trainers built with overpronation support are most suitable for runners who roll their feet inwards 'excessively' during running, and push off with their big toe. A level of natural pronation is normal, but excessive pronation is typically associated with a roll angle of more than 15 degrees, explains Emily Codd, validation sport scientist and product analyst at INCUS Performance.
How can you determine if you need overpronation shoes?
Getting the right pair of trainers is essential for runners, considering the force we put through our legs when we run.
'Research suggests the most important part of shopping for the right trainer comes down to comfort more than anything else, but I would say finding out how you land is also very important,' says Codd.
New research by Asics has found that over a third of UK runners do not know their running style, despite running at least 2km per week, with 68% of 5000 respondents having never had a gait analysis. Seeing a running specialist to get a gait analysis is an easy process, you'll simply run on a treadmill while being filmed, so that the footage can be replayed in slow motion to analyse your footfall and the interaction with the ground.
Runners who overpronate will typically see wear on the sole at the ball of the foot and on the inside of the foot near the toes.
But what does independent research say about these types of shoes?
When different types of pronation were first discovered, the differences between them were thought to be the leading cause of injuries in runners.
However a leading 2013 study of novice runners wearing neutral shoes dismissed the belief that moderate foot pronation is associated with an increased risk of injury. In another Martens Voss II Sandals it was suggested that 'our current approach of prescribing in-shoe pronation control systems on the basis of foot type is overly simplistic and potentially injurious'.
More recent research is still contradictory. A 2016 study in the Melania Trump Steps Out in $50 Sneakers to Celebrate Thanksgiving With the US Coast Guard found injury risk is lower for overpronators wearing motion control shoes. But the same year research published in Sandhaven Deck Shoe 11469-597.7 concluded that cushioning is not protective against running-related injuries.
'With the development of carbon fibre plates and the emergence of super shoes, there's still a long way to go to fully understand the effect of different running shoe designs on running performance and injury risk,' adds Codd.
What are the best overpronation running shoes in 2024?
Our mixed-ability team of male and female editors and contributors have put the latest stability shoes to the test. Here are our top picks.
On Cloudflyer
Pros
- notre sélection de sneakers en édition limitée SpartLab
- Wide outer sole and moulded heel
- Sneakers GLOBE Tilt 20574 Black Clay Mosaic
Cons
- Sneakers 8430633 S Argen
- zapatillas de running La Sportiva entrenamiento trail constitución fuerte talla 37.5
| Weight | 210g (women's) 280g (men's) |
|---|---|
| Heel-to-toe drop | 9mm |
Durability and versatility make the Cloudflyer stand out from other Cloud models, with the Helion sole great at tackling miles off road but also hard-packed trail. Heel strikers will benefit from the deeper drop while the midfoot stability tube keeps overpronation in check. Comfort and support are integral to the design with the moulded heel and wider outsole. Strangely the women's version is one of the lightest stability shoes currently available while the men's is not.
Ideal for long runs when you just want to sink into some cushioning and saunter along at a slow or steady pace. One tester, who is a big fan of sister shoe, the Cloudflow, says the Cloudflyer was the perfect accompaniment. 'I’m a big Cloudflow fan and wear them for everything but I get through them quickly. The Cloudflyer will now run alongside them and take the brunt of my daily miles, saving the Flows for speed, parkrun and racing.'
>Best On running shoesLi-Ning Sneakers Xuankong Nero
Hoka Arahi 7
Pros
- zapatilla de running muy bien equilibrada
- Plush cushioning
- Versatile
Cons
- Runs small
| Type | Road |
|---|---|
| Weight | 282g (M), 228g (W) |
| Heel-to-toe drop | 5mm |
Boosting the same stabilising J-Frame as the previous two iterations, the Arahi 7 remains a reliable and comfortable support shoe. Most of the tweaks to the latest model involve the upper, which sees a new flat-knit design to better improve midfoot lockdown. The new design means the upper can be more supportive where needed, and thinner and more breathable in areas that don’t require as much support. Cushioning has once again been added to the tongue, making it the plushest version yet, and there’s a new stretchy dual gusset beneath the lace line to stop the tongue from moving around.
The minimal weight and low cushion profile means the Arahi 7 is slightly firmer but has the benefit of placing the foot closer to the ground, which testers said made for a 'tactile run'.
'This is a very supportive shoe, which although not necessarily a model for racing in, can be used for pretty much all training sessions and lends itself well to runners doing longer miles,' reported one tester.
Coming in both a regular and wide fit, it’s a great all-rounder for most runners. The latest version is particularly snug, though, so we’d recommend going up an entire size from your regular shoe size.
>Best Hoka running shoesLi-Ning Sneakers Xuankong Nero
Asics Gel-Kayano 30
Pros
- Soft landings
- Secure lockdown
Cons
- Mou Chunky Eskimo sneakers Nero
| Weight | 270g (women's), 302g (men's) |
|---|---|
| Heel-to-toe drop | 10mm |
>Read our full Asics Gel-Kayano 30 reviewLi-Ning Sneakers Xuankong Nero
The Gel-Kayano is one of Asics' longest standing running shoes, and the latest iteration sees some significant changes to the shoe's technology to provide runners with adaptive stability and a new level of comfort. Asics calls this its '4D guidance system', which consists of four factors: width, length, depth and time - the latter being a new addition to help runners reduce time spent in overpronation.
There's 20% more FF Blast Plus cushioning in the midsole for added comfort, which also means the stack height has increased by 4mm. The shoe includes Asics' new PureGel technology too, used in the Gel-Nimbus 25, to provide softer landings and keep the shoe lightweight.
The recycled knitted upper provides breathability but also cradles the foot comfortably ensuring there is limited slippage. This was a particular highlight for one of our testers, who found the stretchy 'buttery soft' mesh upper created a pleasing sensation of 'gently hugging the foot'. Together with the padded heel collar, the shoe offers a secure fit around the achilles.
Saucony Guide 17
Saucony Guide 17
Saucony Guide 17
Pros
- Soft underfoot
- Air Max 98 Premium 'Martin' sneakers
- Plushy interior
Cons
- You want traditional, medial post support
| Weight | 269g (M), 232g (W) |
|---|---|
| Heel-to-toe drop | 6mm |
If you're looking for a reliable workhorse, designed for munching up daily miles, Saucony's Guide 17 fits the bill. And the latest version has had a complete redesign, making it softer and smoother than ever before.
First up, the midsole cushioning has been upgraded to the brand’s PWRUN+ formula, which has a soft underfoot feel while retaining a good level of liveliness. Overall the ride feels small and effortless.
There's plenty of structure alongside the plushy interior, too. In fact, the v17 has had an overhaul when it comes to how it provides stability, moving away from medial-based stability methods into new Centre Path Technology. This includes significant sidewalls, a wider base, a rockered design and internal geometry to guide the foot ward.
Our tester found themselves reaching for this when they wanted a trusty stability shoe for the bulk of their miles. They reported a 'slipper-like comfort' as soon as you put them on – and they 'remain just as comfy from the first mile to the last'.
Nike Structure 25
Li-Ning Sneakers Xuankong Nero
Pros
- zapatillas de running New Balance hombre apoyo talón maratón negras entre 60€ y 100
- Tecnologias New balance Dynasoft Nitrel V5 Trail Running Shoes
- Sneakers 1876700 S Zaff
Cons
- Not designed for speed
| Weight | 322g (M) 263g (W) |
|---|---|
| Heel-to-toe drop | 10mm |
This everyday hero trainer is for those who need – unsurprisingly – structure and stability. The latest iteration ticks those boxes neatly, with plush cushioning and stability in spades.
The midsole is made from Nike's more standard Cushion 3.0 (rather than premium ZoomX foam) so while you get comfort, you don’t get quite the same peppy ride. But then, the Structure isn’t designed for speed – it’s made for eating up long, slow runs for those who need the enhanced arch support, a substantial heel counter and the sock-like fit that’s certainly provided here. There’s also even more cushioning in that midsole than the previous model. Having said that, the Zoom Air unit in the forefoot offers energy return and propulsion if you pick up the pace.
With its solid construction and a grippy outsole, this is also a seriously durable shoe that should see you through a lot of miles.
>Best Nike running shoesLi-Ning Sneakers Xuankong Nero
Brooks Hyperion GTS
Brooks Hyperion GTS
Brooks Hyperion GTS
Pros
- Lightweight despite support elements
- Smooth heel-toe transitions
- Karl Lagerfeld Bridger leather midi boots White
Cons
- The model Nitefox Boot PALOMO
| Weight | 224g (M) 184g (W) |
|---|---|
| Heel-to-toe drop | 8mm |
All Brooks’ GTS (go-to support) shoes use a GuideRails system – a holistic approach to promote foot and knee alignment. Denser foam on the lateral and medial sides of the midsole serves as a ‘bumper.’ GuideRails add a little extra weight, but this didn’t give the Hyperion GTS any black marks from our wear-testers who still found it very lightweight for the support it offers and enjoyed its responsiveness.
Using the nitrogen-infused midsole foam developed for Brooks’ super shoes, the Hyperion GTS caters to speed demons who need just a little extra support and it hits the mark: one tester described it as having a similar feel to a racing flat, but the overpronator also praised the shoe’s stability during long runs. Other feedback noted the smooth heel-toe transitions and, interestingly, the stability features felt subtle enough that the shoe could accommodate neutral runners as well as overpronators.
The only gripes were around the rather thin padding on tongue and collar, but that’s minor in a shoe that manages to so adeptly balance speed and support.
>Derby leather low-top sneakers BiancoLi-Ning Sneakers Xuankong Nero
Brooks Glycerin GTS 21
Brooks Glycerin GTS 21
Brooks Glycerin GTS 21
Pros
- Plenty of cushioning for longer miles
- Smooth and stable ride
Cons
- Lacking responsiveness
- Upper could be more breathable
| Weight | 297.7g (M), 260.8g (W) |
|---|---|
| Heel-to-toe drop | 10mm |
This cushiony shoe is ideal for runners who love a super spongy feel underfoot. It’s packed with Brook’s new and supremely soft nitrogen-fused DNA Loft v3 foam, making it the brand’s most cushioned support shoe.
In fact, the latest version has had an additional 2mm of cushioning added to both the men’s and women’s designs. Despite the extra plumpness, though, they don't feel excessively heavy and remain sturdy underfoot. That being said, all that cushioning does distract somewhat from the response of the shoe, with the ride falling somewhere between soft and firm.
Other updates on the GTS 21 include a new engineered warp knit upper, designed to be flexible, accommodating and soft, according to Brooks. In terms of the support elements, you’ve got the same guide rails technology which keeps the striking foot streamlined.
A great shoe for runners looking to cruise along in comfort. One tester who usually requires a wider fit remarked that the standard size 'fit perfectly' but a wider option is available, too.
On Cloudmonster
On Cloudmonster
On Cloudmonster
Pros
- in Prem Combat Boots In Black Nubuck
- Great for people who suffer from Achilles tendinopathy and plantar fasciitis
- Lightweight
Cons
- zapatillas de running Brooks ritmo bajo talla 44 entre 60€ y 100
| Weight | 230g (women's) 275g (men's) |
|---|---|
| Heel-to-toe drop | 6mm |
Elliot låga sneakers, On's Cloudmonster still manages to squeeze in plenty of bounce. 'Amazingly soft underfoot without being wobbly,' remarked one tester who preferred to use these for shorter, faster runs.
Technically this shoe falls into the forward rolling range rather than stability but the softness means they are ideal for people who suffer from achilles tendonopathy or plantar fasciitis. That being said, one reviewer did find their feet tired on longer runs. Meanwhile the striking design led one tester to complain that there were 'just too good looking to get dirty'.
Decathlon Kiprun KS900
Li-Ning Sneakers Xuankong Nero
Kiprun KS 900
Kiprun KS 900
Pros
- Comfortable over long distances
- Roomy toebox
Cons
- Eyewear key-chains shoe-care phone-accessories
- Panther Sandal Blue Volt Green Kid Preschool
| Weight | 216g (women's) 256g (men's) |
|---|---|
| Heel-to-toe drop | 8mm |
Ook hier dropt de sneaker op Decathlon Kiprun KS900 is a plush long-mileage shoe, which even has a 1000km guarantee. Rather than incorporating a medial post to align overpronation, this shoe has a wider sole to create a bigger surface area to distribute forces more evenly, particularly over long runs. The slipper construction and soft foam generate a greater level of comfort than other models in the Kiprun range, as our testers confirmed.
'There is good padding across the heel and good cushioning in the midsole. These were good for various distances but I feel they are better suited towards longer races,' commented one runner. Another tester praised the roomy toe box but was less sure about the grip in wet conditions, particularly when increasing intensity.
Saucony Tempus
Saucony Tempus
Saucony Tempus
Pros
- Perfect for all types of distances and speeds
- Light and bouncy
- zapatillas de running Merrell trail amortiguación minimalista pie arco bajo
Cons
- Initial feel can take getting used to
| Weight | 224g (women's) 252g (men's) |
|---|---|
| Heel-to-toe drop | 8mm |
An impressive training and racing shoe which combines superfoam bounce with plenty of motion control. Our testers found the PWRRUN PB cushioning 'light and bouncy' and said the shoe performed well during easy half marathon runs, hard parkruns and threshold Smart.
As a stability shoe, the fitting takes a little getting used to and one tester reported the high stack coupled with the 8mm drop was 'initially a bit awkward'. This is due to the support created via a contoured frame starting above the midsole, together with the deep fit to hug the feet, allowing you to sit deeper into the footbed. 'The support is obvious in the shoe and pronation is notably stabilised,' reported one runner. They were also impressed with the grip on wet surfaces and the lightness of the shoe.
New Balance Fresh Foam X 860 v13
New Balance Fresh Foam X 860v13
New Balance Fresh Foam X 860v13
Pros
- Comfortable
- Reliable for long distances
- Comes in a range of sizes
Cons
- Heavy shoe
| Weight | 243g (women's) 309g (men's) |
|---|---|
| Heel-to-toe drop | 10mm |
Despite this being the heaviest shoe in the round up, the general consensus on the New Balance Fresh Foam X 860 v13 was that it's a very comfortable pair of stability shoes, particularly adept at taking the strain over long slow runs. And that is exactly what they are built for – reliability over the long haul and sustained comfort over all distances. Runners remarked on the 00-1 cushioning, responsiveness and comfortability 'straight out of the box', although the fit was slightly bigger than the 880. The shoe comes in a narrow, standard, wide and extra wide fit, making it a great choice for both lighter and heavier runners.
