Best Stability Running Shoes to Overcome Overpronating
Have you been experiencing pain in your heels or the arch of your foot after a run, or even pain in your knees, hips, or back? The reason for that may be that you are overpronating. It’s not that uncommon, and it can cause issues if not addressed correctly and on time.
A great way to tell if you are overpronating is to take a look at the wear and tear on your running shoes. If it’s mostly on the inward side of the shoe, especially around the big toe and heel, the reason for that could be overpronation.
In this article, we cover the basics of overpronation, how you can deal with it, and how stability running shoes can help you. We’ve also included a list of the best stability running shoes out there that you can use as a guideline to get yourself a pair once you’ve decided that you need it.
What Is Overpronating?
Overpronating means that the outer edge of your heel hits the surface first, and then the rest of your foot follows it, leaving your foot overly flattened, which can lead to some serious consequences. Some of those include:
- Achilles tendonitis
- Shin splints
- Plantar fasciitis
- Ankle sprains
Some of these injuries can grow and expand if left unattended, so if you think you may be experiencing some of the symptoms or feel the pain in your feet and joints after an exercise, you should definitely look further into that. It’s much better to prevent the injury than treat it when it gets worse and stops you from training for a while.
All that can stem from the way your foot makes contact with the ground, and if it goes unchecked, it can lead to severe damage to your muscles and joints. There are a couple of ways to deal with the issue that is overpronation – one of them is wearing stability shoes when you run.
A good stability running shoe should be comfortable and give just enough support to your foot so that it starts moving the way it should. On top of that, if you do overpronate now, after a period of getting used to it, wearing stability running shoes should improve your performance, as you will no longer lose the energy you normally would.
However, before we get to that, we should mention that if you think that you may be overpronating, you should first consult a physician and get their professional opinion on the condition. You can test it either by looking at the way you run or simply by seeing that the wear and tear on your running shoe soles seem to be localized on the inward side.
How Do Stability Running Shoes Help?
Once you get an expert’s opinion on the state of your feet, there are measures you can take to lessen the effect that overpronating can have on your physique. One of those measures is wearing stability shoes when you participate in any sports activities, predominantly when you are running.
As for how stability shoes can help, we can boil it down to one simple aspect. Stability shoes have a feature – reinforced sections on the arch side of the shoe help disperse the impact when you land on your foot. The energy from the impact is distributed evenly, not focusing on one particular part of the foot as it usually would.
The other method some stability shoes use is tactically cushioning in spots on the heel or midsole that help absorb the impact your foot makes when it meets the ground. They also use the Guide Rail systems that do what their name suggests and guide your foot motions to be as natural as possible but on the right path.
Of course, the most important factor is that wearing stability footwear can reduce the chances of injury to the ankle, knee, and even hips or the back. It’s not just acute injuries but chronic ones as well, as most of the injuries caused by overpronating stack up over time until it’s too late to do something about them.
You can also wear stability shoes in your day-to-day activities, especially if your day includes a lot of walking or standing around. When combined with proper exercises, wearing stability shoes in your training sessions and your everyday surroundings can significantly reduce the negative effects of overpronating on your body.
Best Models to Take a Look At
When it comes to dealing with overpronation, it isn’t just up to getting stability shoes. Much of your progress relies on the type of shoe you choose for yourself. We can divide them up into a couple of groups, based on their build and for what level of overpronation they are meant for.
You first need to know how prominent your overpronation is, and you also have to count on the type of terrain you’ll be traversing.
We’ve assembled a list of the best stability running shoes that you can browse and pick out a pair that fits both your aesthetic eye and the characteristics your foot requires to have a more natural movement when you are moving around.
They aren’t listed in any particular order, all of the models on the list are good in their own way, and it’s up to you to determine which one would work the best for you.
Nike React Infinity Run Flyknit
Nike’s attempt to put out a good stability shoe that was more than successful, the React Infinity Run Flyknit is a textbook example of providing stability and comfort equally. On top of their slick design, they provide stability and reduce the chances of injury by a stride.
Their foam sole is reinforced, supporting your foot both while it’s in the air and when it makes contact with the ground. It also provides comfort and disperses the energy of your step equally to the entire foot, negating any negative effects overpronating may cause.
Asics GT-2000 8
The Asics venture into making an all-around stability shoe that anyone can benefit from – the GT-2000 8 model is a staple for stability running. They provide significant amounts of both support and stability to your step and reduce the strain on your joints while you run.
Their rearfoot and forefoot gel technology cushioning system allows for shock dispersion both when your foot meets the ground and when it lifts off, making for a more stable and energized step. They are also equipped with the flytefoam midsole, which enhances the bounceback and stability even further.
New Balance 860v10
The New Balance 860v10 is a shoe that is guaranteed to help combat overpronation and provide more stability to your daily run. They are also very lightweight and flexible, making them suitable for practically any environment, from the gym to the open road.
They are a fairly wide model that is certain to bring balance to your exercise or essentially any other activity. While wearing them, your foot motion is completely natural and doesn’t impose any restrictions on your movement while still having a sole specifically engineered to help deal with overpronation.
Mizuno Wave Inspire 16
The Mizuno model, Wave Inspire 16, is the newest addition to their line of recognizable stability running shoes. They aren’t just meant to help with overpronating, but to be an all-around running shoe that also provides surprising amounts of stability.
They are amazing for high-speed exercises and long-distance running alike, making them a versatile shoe that you can use no matter what your daily route is like. Their Smoothride rubber soles provide both ample cushioning and support to your step and the lightness any running shoe should possess – making your running experience both fast and safe.
Altra Paradigm 4.5
The asymmetrical design of Altra Paradigm 4.5’s is a unique and welcome addition to the stability running world. This road-running shoe is intricately designed to help guide your foot in a completely natural motion that is both stable and light.
They are equipped with integrated StabiliPods that ensure a stable platform and with a GuideRail system that kicks in to guide your step slightly when it’s necessary. All that makes running in Paradigm 4.5’s a well-balanced and memorable experience for any runner combating overpronation.
Mizuno Wave Horizon 4
Another great example of Mizuno producing a quality stability running shoe, the Wave Horizon 4, is built with support and lightness of step in mind. They offer the feeling of almost floating while wearing them, while also putting out superb support to your step.
They employ XPOP, a brand new compound for their midsole, to ensure that your foot gets both the stability it needs to reduce overpronation effects and the bounce to your step that’s responsible for keeping you running and conserving energy for an impressive distance.
Brooks Transcend 6
Brooks Transcend 6 is a shoe fit for anybody who wants to prevent injury or reduce further damage from an existing one. It’s built to conserve your joints and provide extraordinary comfort no matter how long you’re going to be running.
It accomplishes that with an innovative GuideRails support system that takes the pressure off of the areas that most commonly suffer injuries with runners – their ankles and knees. It’s also equipped with top of the line cushioning that makes sure that you will be comfortable for the entire duration of your exercise.
Saucony Liberty ISO
A bit toned down when compared to other models on this list and meant to gap the bridge between a neutral and a stability shoe, the Saucony Liberty ISO is a pioneer in the field. The shoe’s versatile nature makes it a solid choice for anyone with a milder case of overpronation.
They are made of very lightweight materials and are good for both the gym and the open road, so you can take them anywhere you want, and you won’t be disappointed in their performance. They do provide substantial amounts of stability and support for a shoe that’s made for essentially anyone to wear.
Saucony Omni ISO 2
Saucony’s model that digs a little deeper into stability running shoe territory, the Omni ISO 2, provides serious insight into what a shoe of that type should be. It’s superbly comfortable and offers the wearer stability that doesn’t leave anything to be desired.
They employ a PWRFOAM midsole that provides incredible impact absorption and spreads the energy around evenly. One other thing of note is the ISOFIT system that hugs the foot and provides ample support to the ankle and superior freedom of movement while you are running.
Nike Air Zoom Structure 22
Another one of Nike’s models that meshes stability and speed to provide the ultimate running experience to those with overpronation problems, the Air Zoom Structure 22 is a notable outing by the sportswear giant to the stability running world. They combine elegance with function in a way that’s not easily reproduced.
They use a balance of cushioning and responsiveness that provides support to your every step. On top of the midsole support, these shoes also have a special type of reinforced upper designed to reduce overpronation by having the pinky side additionally reinforced to enhance the rolling of the foot upon contact with the ground.
Saucony Fastwitch 9
Saucony is generally known for producing well-made specialized running shoes, and the Fastswitch 9 is another example of their knowledge in the field when it comes to providing their customers with support on their run. It’s modeled to fit the foot perfectly and enhance the runners’ workout by increasing the support and responsiveness they get from their running shoes.
They are incredibly lightweight, and the upper is made of a breathable mesh designed to amplify the comfort of the shoes while you run. The Fastswitch uses a light SSL midsole and a PWRTRAC outsole for the ultimate support in your daily jog.
Asics Gel Kayano 24
The ultimate Asics stability running model, the Gel Kayano 24, is equipped with everything a shoe could need to provide stability and support to the runner. First, there is the Asics Impact Guiding System that improves the support your foot gets.
The shoe also guides your motion to be more forgiving to your joints, and the Fluidride midsole combines the bounceback and cushioning in just the right amounts to provide comfort and speed.
It’s an all-around quality shoe that excels in every aspect that a person that overpronates could need, all that while keeping the classic Asics look of a top-notch running shoe. They provide balance and comfort but also help in decreasing the chances of injury on long-distance runs.
Nike Air Zoom Winflo 6
Another solid outing from Nike, the Air Zoom Winflo 6, is a model that is advertised and indeed built as a shoe for any weather. It uses weather-resistant materials that are also extremely lightweight, so you can count on speed, but also the traction that’s necessary to run in wet conditions.
It also employs two separate Air Zoom units in the heel and midsole for optimal cushioning that your foot needs to combat overpronation. Like all of their other models, the Nike Air Zoom Winflo 6 combines the slick good looks of their regular running shoes with the technology that makes them exceptional stability footwear as well.
Conclusion
To wrap it up, overpronation is fairly common. It varies in degrees, so it might not impose any difficulties to you now, but you should pay attention to your foot movements when you walk or run, and if you notice that you are doing it, find a way to reduce the negative effects that it could have on your body.
What’s good is that the overpronation side-effects can be significantly reduced with proper exercise and appropriate footwear. Not only can you help the process by wearing stability footwear while you are training, but you can also wear it during the rest of your day, and you should especially do so if your routine involves a lot of your time being spent on your feet.
Keep your head up and your joints safe by wearing stability running shoes designed to help you move more freely and with a reduced risk of injury.