We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more.

If You Overpronate, Your Feet Will Love These 12 Editor-Tested Walking Shoes

We trekked for miles to find the most comfortable, supportive pairs

Person wearing Skechers GO WALK Joy Sensational Day Sneakers on sidewalk

Verywell Fit / Jessica Fleming

Walking for just 30 minutes a day can strengthen your heart, reduce stress, and help with weight management. But choosing the right pair of walking shoes is crucial to prevent discomfort and injuries. If you’re someone who overpronates, meaning your ankles roll downward and inward as you walk, motion control or stability shoes can help correct your gait. Wearing the right shoes can be the difference between regular foot, ankle, knee, and hip pain and walking for hours pain-free. 

To find the best walking shoes for overpronators, we started by speaking with experts—a podiatrist, a foot and ankle surgeon, and an orthopedics professor—for advice on which key features to look for. Then, we tested dozens of expert-approved walking shoes from popular brands in the real world. We wore each pair for miles, wearing them for short and long walks on different surfaces. Our top picks earned high scores for their fit, stability, responsiveness, cushioning, comfort, quality, and overall value. We also had a walking coach and RRCA-certified running coach from our Review Board assess this article for accuracy and shopping tips, including how to walk longer distances safely when you overpronate.

What Is Overpronation?

Overpronation means your arch flattens too much while you walk, causing your feet and ankles to roll down and inward more than is normal, according to Loretta Logan, DPM, MPH, professor and chairman of the department of orthopedics and pediatrics at the New York College of Podiatric Medicine and the Foot Center of New York. It can lead to foot, ankle, and knee pain over time. Overpronation can be addressed by wearing supportive footwear, adding orthotics to your shoes, or through physical therapy that strengthens your feet, ankles, and legs. In contrast, underpronation (or supination) occurs when your feet and ankles roll outward with each step, Logan says. 

What Type of Shoes Are Best for Overpronators?

Stability shoes are best for mild to moderate overpronators, while motion control shoes are designed to address severe overpronation. These sneakers limit your foot’s range of motion to help correct your gait, says Logan.

Best Men’s Overall

New Balance Made in USA 990v5 Core

New Balance Made in USA 990v5 Core

Zappos

Our Ratings
  • Cushioning
    4.5/5
  • Responsiveness
    4.5/5
  • Fit
    5/5
  • Value
    4/5
  • Blister Protection
    4/5
Pros
  • Comes in 6 widths

  • Great shock absorption

  • Durable

Cons
  • Pricier than other options

  • Heavy

Key Specs

Materials: Suede and mesh upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Cushioning: Foam | Weight: 11.3 ounces | Closure: Lace-up | Our Overall Rating: 4.5/5

Who They’re For

Best for walkers who need maximum support in a sneaker that also works for casual runs. 

Why We Love Them

New Balance’s 990v5 Running Shoe earns our top men’s spot for its surprising balance of support and cushioning. Despite their maximum stability build and chunkier silhouette, these sneakers felt incredibly comfortable once we slipped them on. Plus, we love that the padded midsole provides ultra-soft landings and great shock absorption. 

The brand’s Ortholite insert offers extra support for overpronators, gently aligning your feet, ankles, knees, and hips. Whether you’re out for a short stroll, a brisk walk, or a long day on your feet at the office, these sneakers are built to handle it all. 

Even better, we love the 990v5’s high-quality, durable construction. The suede and mesh upper not only looks great over time—it also fits in whether you’re at the gym or out grabbing a coffee. The tough rubber outsole held up for long miles of walking during testing. Plus, we love that the 990v5 comes in six widths ranging from narrow to XX-wide to help you find the perfect fit. 

Also available in women’s sizes at Amazon and Nordstrom.

Potential Flaws

  • This shoe’s superior support does come at a cost—the extra technology adds some weight, making this one of the heavier options on our list. 
  • The 990v5 is also one of the pricier shoes on our list, although we think the investment is worth it for how comfortable they are.

Best Women’s Overall

Asics GT-2000 12

Zappos Asics Women's GT-2000 12

Zappos

Our Ratings
  • Fit
    4.8/5
  • Cushioning/Knee Protection
    5/5
  • Comfort
    4.7/5
  • Responsiveness
    4.5/5
  • Stability
    4.8/5
Pros
  • Comes in 3 widths

  • Smooth transitions

  • Lightweight

Cons
  • May be too narrow for some

Key Specs

Materials: Mesh upper, foam and gel midsole, rubber heel plug and outsole | Cushioning: Foam and gel | Weight: 8.2 ounces | Closure: Lace-up | Our Overall Rating: 4.8/5

Who They’re For

Best for long walks—especially if you like Brooks’ Ghost sneakers, which one of our testers noted feel remarkably similar to these shoes. 

Why We Love Them

With exceptional arch support and plush cushioning, Asics’ GT-2000 12 is our favorite women’s pick. The shoes have a snug, secure fit that cradled our feet throughout the entire testing period. We love that the midsole features thick layers of foam and gel padding to absorb shock, which we found helped reduce our foot, ankle, and knee pain. 

Although they’re built with arch support in mind, these sneakers don’t skimp on springy cushioning. We noticed plenty of bounce during testing and smooth transitions from one step to the next. Whether we were running miles or running errands, these lightweight sneakers remained comfortable and easy to wear.

They’re super stable, too: We took the GT-2000 12 from pavement to asphalt and even on sand with ease. Overall, we think they’re a solid choice for long-distance walks—we actually found ourselves feeling excited to put them on every day, making them a clear choice for our other top overall pick. 

Also available in men’s sizes at Amazon and Asics.

Potential Flaws

  • We noticed that the toe box runs a little narrow, so you may want to order one width up from your usual. Thankfully, the GT-2000 12 comes in three widths, so finding the right fit is easy.

Most Responsive

Nike Motiva Walking Shoes

Nike Motiva Women's Walking Shoes

Nike

Our Ratings
  • Cushioning
    4.8/5
  • Responsiveness
    5/5
  • Stability
    5/5
  • Fit
    5/5
  • Value
    5/5
Pros
  • Dense foam cushioning

  • Exaggerated rocker shape

  • Sleek, stylish design

Cons
  • Upper is on the warmer side

Key Specs

Materials: Textile upper and lining, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Cushioning: Foam | Weight: 8.9 ounces | Closure: Lace-up | Our Overall Rating: 5/5

Who They’re For

Best for anyone with mild to moderate overpronation, especially if you enjoy power walking.

Why We Love Them

Searching for a sneaker that blends fashion and function? We recommend Nike’s Motiva Walking Shoe. When we first tried these sneakers on during testing, we immediately noticed their unique rocker design. After we adjusted to the exaggerated shape, we fell in love with the way the Motiva’s curved sole pushes us forward during our daily walks. 

Highly springy, with a dense, foam midsole, the Motiva is by far one of the most responsive sneakers we’ve tested. We were also impressed by its excellent arch support, which also kept our feet locked into the shoe. Add Nike’s stylish silhouette and durable materials, and you have one of the best, most responsive walking shoes for overpronators on the market. 

Also available in men’s sizes at Nike.

Potential Flaws

  • We noticed that the upper can trap heat, which may cause sweaty feet while walking in warmer weather.

Best Waterproof

Vessi Cityscape Shoes

Vessi Cityscape Classic Waterproof Shoes

Vessi

Our Ratings
  • Cushioning
    5/5
  • Responsiveness
    5/5
  • Stability
    4.8/5
  • Fit
    4.8/5
  • Value
    4.9/5
Pros
  • Removable insoles

  • Breathable upper

  • Slip-on design

Cons
  • May run narrow

  • Sole may catch on some surfaces

Key Specs

Materials: Knit upper, rubber outsole | Cushioning: Not listed | Weight: Not listed | Closure: Slip-on | Our Overall Rating: 4.9/5

Who They’re For

Best for mild overpronators who enjoy walking in all weather conditions. 

Why We Love Them

Vessi’s Cityscape Classic is our pick for an everyday sneaker that can take you from walking your dog to your daily commute, rain or shine. We love the slip-on design, which includes built-in laces for an adjustable fit. And even though the sock-like upper is on the snug side, we appreciated that it never caused blisters or irritation during testing. 

The Cityscape Classic’s breathable, waterproof upper was made for stomping through slush or puddles. We also liked that the incredibly grippy outsoles prevented us from slipping in wet conditions. Inside, comfortable cushioning and arch support kept us feeling light on our feet even after a full day of air travel. Another bonus? The insoles are removable, so you can slip your own orthotics in if you need to.

Also available in men’s sizes at Vessi.

Potential Flaws

  • The brand notes that these sneakers have a narrow fit, and we agree. If you’re between sizes, we recommend sizing up.
  • While the Cityscape Classic’s grippy soles are great for stability, we noticed during testing that they tend to catch on slick indoor floors.

Best Slip-On

Skechers GO WALK Joy Sensational Day Sneaker

Skechers GO WALK Joy Sensational Day Sneaker

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Cushioning
    4.5/5
  • Responsiveness
    4.8/5
  • Stability
    4.8/5
  • Fit
    5/5
  • Value
    5/5
Pros
  • Machine-washable

  • Budget-friendly

  • Very stable

Cons
  • Only comes in one width

Key Specs

Materials: Knit upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Cushioning: Foam | Weight: 8.3 ounces | Closure: Slip-on | Our Overall Rating: 4.8/9

Who They’re For

Best for mild to moderate overpronators, especially if you’re looking for shoes you can wear without socks.

Why We Love Them

Beyond the fact that they’re so easy to slip on your feet and get out the door, we love Skechers’ Go Walk Joy Sneaker because wearing them feels like walking on air. During testing, we wore these sneakers without socks and didn’t notice any sore spots or blisters. We also found that they run true to size, with a snug fit. 

Very stable and well-cushioned, these shoes kept us feeling steady on our feet throughout the testing period. The Joy Sneaker also absorbs shock well, creating an everyday slip-on we wore just about everywhere. Beyond comfortable, with a curved midsole that provides gentle (but firm) arch support, this shoe more than earned its spot on our list. We also love that it’s budget-friendly and machine-washable, to keep your pair looking like new longer. 

Potential Flaws

  • We wish they came in more than one width.
Skechers GO WALK Joy Sensational Day Sneakers displayed in grass

Verywell Fit / Jessica Fleming

Best for Travel

Kizik Women's Athens

Our Ratings
  • Cushioning
    4.4/5
  • Responsiveness
    4.3/5
  • Stability
    4.9/5
  • Fit
    5/5
  • Value
    4.7/5

Key Specs

Materials: Knit upper, foam outsole | Cushioning: Not listed | Weight: Not listed | Closure: Slip-on | Our Overall Rating: 4.7/5

Who They're For

Best for mild to moderate overpronators who are always on the go.

Why We Love Them

Comfortable, convenient, and cushioned, Kizik’s Athens take slip-on shoes to a new level. The hands-free design is ideal for busy days spent sightseeing or navigating airports, while the tall heel counter never budges or causes blisters. Plus, the firm midsole provided ample arch support for one of our testers, who both overpronates and has bunions

The upper is breathable, to keep your feet cool during long, hot days, and the outsole has additional built-in pods for better traction. A wide toe box and removable, washable insoles set the Athens apart from some other shoes on our list. For correcting mild or moderate overpronation, this simple slip-on is our favorite travel-friendly pick. 

Also available in men’s sizes at Kizik.

Potential Flaws

  • During testing, we noticed that these sneakers aren’t as responsive as some others we tried. The cushioning is firmer and not as springy.
  • We found that the lighter colors can be difficult to spot-clean and are more prone to staining.

Best for Everyday Wear

New Balance Women's 1540v3 Running Shoes

New Balance Women's 1540v3 Running Shoes

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Cushioning
    5/5
  • Responsiveness
    4/5
  • Fit
    5/5
  • Value
    4/5
  • Blister Protection
    4.5/5
Pros
  • Good lateral support

  • Comes in 5 widths

  • Durable, grippy sole

Cons
  • Pricier than other options

  • Heavy

Key Specs

Materials: Mesh and synthetic upper, fabric lining, foam footbed and midsole, rubber outsole | Cushioning: Foam | Weight: 13 ounces | Closure: Lace-up | Our Overall Rating: 4.6/5

Who They’re For

Best for severe overpronators who need a reliable sneaker for casual, daily wear. 

Why We Love Them

New Balance’s 1540v3 Running Shoe is comfortable, supportive, well-cushioned, and durable—everything overpronators need in a reliable, everyday sneaker. The brand’s Rollbar system along the midfoot offers some of the best lateral support out of all the shoes we tested, to keep your feet properly aligned as you walk. 

During testing, we liked that this pair provided ample support, with a secure fit from the first time we wore them. We also appreciate how grippy the rubber outsole is, for a sneaker that holds up in all seasons and weather conditions. If you have wide or narrow feet, there are five widths to choose from—making the 1540v3 a solid option for most overpronators. 

Also available in men’s sizes at Zappos and New Balance.

Potential Flaws

  • Since these sneakers have extra support built into the midsole, they’re one of the pricier pairs on our list.
  • We noticed that 1540v3 may feel a little stiff and heavy at first—but it quickly becomes more flexible for daily wear.

Best for Trails

Apex Trail Runner Active Shoe

Apex V753 Trail Runner Active Shoe

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Cushioning
    4.5/5
  • Responsiveness
    3.5/5
  • Fit
    4/5
  • Value
    4/5
  • Blister Protection
    4.5/5
Pros
  • Great traction

  • Roomy toe box

  • Comes in 3 widths

Cons
  • Not very responsive

  • Heavy

Key Specs

Materials: Mesh and leather upper, rubber outsole | Cushioning: Not listed | Weight: Not listed | Closure: Lace-up | Our Overall Rating: 4.3/5

Who They’re For

Best for moderate to severe overpronators who like to go hiking or walk on trails. 

Why We Love Them

You may already reach for trekking poles when hitting the trails—but what about your shoes? You’ll need a sneaker that offers excellent stability and great traction underfoot, like Apex’s Trail Runner Active Shoe. With a more rigid design than many of our other top picks, this sturdy pair earned high scores for lateral stability and support during testing. 

In testing, we found that the Trail Runner doesn’t compromise on fit, either. The tall, wide toe box gave our feet room to swell at the end of a long day. A high collar adds extra ankle support, while the midsole is designed to prevent your feet from shifting or rolling inward. For a shoe that balances traction, stability, and support, this pair earns our vote. 

Also available in men’s sizes at Amazon and Apex.

Potential Flaws

  • Since the Trail Runners are made from stiffer, sturdier materials than most other shoes on our list, they feel fairly heavy. 
  • They’re also not very responsive—but we think this is a fair trade-off for how stable and secure they left us feeling on the trails.

Best for Plantar Fasciitis

Orthofeet Coral Stretch Knit Shoe

Orthofeet Women's Coral Stretch Knit Shoe

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Cushioning
    5/5
  • Responsiveness
    5/5
  • Stability
    5/5
  • Fit
    5/5
  • Value
    5/5
Pros
  • Adjustable arch insert

  • Extra cushioning underneath the heel

  • Comes in 4 widths

Cons
  • May run wide

Key Specs

Materials: Synthetic knit upper, fabric lining, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Cushioning: Foam | Weight: 9.5 ounces | Closure: Lace-up | Our Overall Rating: 4.7/5

Who They’re For

Best for anyone who likes a stable shoe with customizable support. 

Why We Love Them

If you’re an overpronator who also deals with plantar fasciitis, we recommend Orthofeet’s Coral Stretch Knit Shoes. They have great arch support and extra cushioning underneath the heel that makes them ideal for combatting heel pain. But what sets them apart is their adjustable arch insert and three insoles, so you can adjust the midsole based on your needs and preferences. They’re also available in four widths, giving your feet plenty of room to breathe. 

From the moment we laced these sneakers up, they felt incredibly comfortable and stable. During test walks, we were surprised by how responsive the midsole was, making longer laps around the neighborhood less taxing on our legs and feet. For overpronators who also have plantar fasciitis, we think it doesn’t get any better than this sneaker.

Potential Flaws

  • The roomy toe box is ideal for anyone with wide feet or bunions. But since there are no narrow widths available, this shoe may be too wide for some.
Orthofoot Coral Stretch Knit Sneaker displayed with their packaging on carpet

Verywell Fit / Gabrielle Renslow

Best for Long Walks

Brooks Addiction Walker 2 Shoe

Brooks Addiction Walker 2 Shoe

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Cushioning
    5/5
  • Responsiveness
    4.5/5
  • Fit
    4/5
  • Value
    5/5
  • Blister Protection
    5/5
Pros
  • APMA Seal of Approval

  • Slip-resistant outsole

  • Diagonal bar adds stability

Cons
  • Heavy

  • Not as breathable

Key Specs

Materials: Leather upper, mesh lining, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Cushioning: Foam | Weight: 14.5 ounces | Closure: Lace-up | Our Overall Rating: 4.8/5

Who They’re For

Best for severe overpronators who spend a lot of time on their feet, especially if you have wide feet. 

Why We Love Them

For long walks or hours spent standing, Brooks’ Addiction Walker 2 Shoe is our top pick. When we first tried them on during testing, we immediately noticed how well they fit—the snug upper and deep heel cup prevented our feet from sliding around as we walked. With four widths to choose from, we especially recommend this sneaker for anyone with wide feet.

A diagonal bar in the arch of the shoe gently aligns your feet, correcting overpronation while providing plenty of stability. We also like that the slip-resistant rubber outsole offers great traction, for walking safely across wet or uneven ground. And it’s worth noting that the Addiction Walker 2 has received the American Podiatric Medical Association’s (APMA) Seal of Acceptance, meaning a panel of podiatrists has determined that wearing this shoe is beneficial to the health of your feet.

Also available in women’s sizes at Amazon, Zappos, and Brooks.

Potential Flaws

  • This sneaker is one of our heavier picks since it has more stability features built into the midsole. 
  • The leather upper isn’t as breathable as others we tested.

Best Cushioned

Vionic Walker Classic Sneaker

Vionic Women's Walker Classic Sneaker

Vionic

Our Ratings
  • Cushioning
    5/5
  • Responsiveness
    4/5
  • Stability
    5/5
  • Fit
    4.5/5
  • Value
    4.5/5
Pros
  • APMA Seal of Acceptance

  • Great ankle support

  • Removable insoles

Cons
  • Heavy

  • A lot of seams

Key Specs

Materials: Leather upper, mesh liner, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Cushioning: Foam | Weight: 13 ounces | Closure: Lace-up | Our Overall Rating: 4.8/5

Who They’re For

Best if you prefer a soft shoe with stellar ankle support. 

Why We Love Them

Another APMA Seal of Acceptance winner, Vionic’s Walker Classic Sneaker is highly cushioned and ultra-comfortable. The midsole is padded all the way through to the toe box for a plush feel underfoot. 

During test walks, we felt the support from Vionic’s Active Motion System technology, a combination of a removable orthotic insole, a molded midsole, and a thermoplastic heel that works to keep your feet properly aligned. We also like the higher collar, which offers additional ankle support. Choose from two widths and a range of neutral colors to find the pair that matches your feet and your wardrobe.

Also available in men’s sizes at Amazon and Vionic.

Potential Flaws

  • With a leather upper and some serious support built-in, these shoes are one of our heavier picks.
  • We noticed in testing that the upper has a lot of seams, which could cause irritation or blisters (although it’s worth noting we didn’t experience this ourselves).

Best for Maximum Support

Apex Boss Runner Active Shoe

Our Ratings
  • Cushioning
    4/5
  • Responsiveness
    3.5/5
  • Fit
    4/5
  • Value
    4/5
  • Blister Protection
    4/5
Pros
  • Wide toe box

  • Comes in 3 widths

  • Removable insoles

Cons
  • Heavy

  • Not as responsive

Key Specs

Materials: Mesh and leather upper, mesh lining, rubber outsole | Cushioning: Not listed | Weight: Not listed | Closure: Lace-up | Our Overall Rating: 4.4/5

Who They’re For

Best for severe overpronators, especially if you wear custom orthotics, have wide feet, or have bunions. 

Why We Love Them

Apex’s Boss Runner Active Shoe combines maximum support with excellent stability. It’s a favorite among the podiatrists we spoke with because the removable insole and roomy silhouette allow you to customize the level of arch support. Plus, the tall, wide toe box and three width options make the Boss Runner a solid choice for anyone with bunions or wide feet. 

We appreciate that the inside of the shoe is lined with antimicrobial mesh to prevent unpleasant odors from building up over time. And even though the upper is mostly leather, mesh areas on the toe box and midfoot encourage airflow to keep your feet cool and dry. If previous pairs of walking shoes have left you with achy arches, we recommend giving this one a try. 

Also available in men’s sizes at Walmart and Apex.

Potential Flaws

  • As with other highly supportive shoes on our list, the Boss Runner is on the heavier side. 
  • They aren’t very responsive, but they do have plenty of thick padding in the midsole.

Compare

Cushioning Responsiveness Fit Value Blister Protection
New Balance Made in USA 990v5 Core
Best Men’s Overall:
New Balance Made in USA 990v5 Core
4.5 4.5 5 4 4
Zappos Asics Women's GT-2000 12
Best Women’s Overall:
Asics GT-2000 12
4.5 4.8 5
Nike Motiva Women's Walking Shoes
Most Responsive:
Nike Motiva Walking Shoes
4.8 5 5 5
Vessi Cityscape Classic Waterproof Shoes
Best Waterproof:
Vessi Cityscape Shoes
5 5 4.8 4.9
Skechers GO WALK Joy Sensational Day Sneaker
Best Slip-On:
Skechers GO WALK Joy Sensational Day Sneaker
4.5 4.8 5 5
Best for Travel:
Kizik Women's Athens
4.4 4.3 5 4.7
New Balance Women's 1540v3 Running Shoes
Best for Everyday Wear:
New Balance Women's 1540v3 Running Shoes
5 4 5 4 4.5
Apex V753 Trail Runner Active Shoe
Best for Trails:
Apex Trail Runner Active Shoe
4.5 3.5 4 4 4.5
Orthofeet Women's Coral Stretch Knit Shoe
Best for Plantar Fasciitis:
Orthofeet Coral Stretch Knit Shoe
5 5 5 5 5
Brooks Addiction Walker 2 Shoe
Best for Long Walks:
Brooks Addiction Walker 2 Shoe
5 4.5 4 5 5
Vionic Women's Walker Classic Sneaker
Best Cushioned:
Vionic Walker Classic Sneaker
5 4 4.5 4.5
Best for Maximum Support:
Apex Boss Runner Active Shoe
4 3.5 4 4 4

Walking Shoes for Overpronation We Also Tested

We’ve tested dozens of walking shoes for overpronation, but only a few pairs scored high enough to earn a spot on our list. Although we liked some aspects of this pair, it didn’t make the cut: 

  • We wish Vionic’s Fortune Sneaker had better ankle support and a more secure fit. The bungee cord around the shoe caused it to slip off of our heels, causing uncomfortable blisters during testing. 

Where We Stand

After testing dozens of walking shoes, New Balance’s 990v5 Running Shoes and Asics’ GT-2000 12 are our favorite pairs for overpronation. Both sneakers are comfortable, responsive, and well-cushioned, with great support for flat or fallen arches. We continue to test all of these shoes at home, and we’ll update our recommendations if we notice anything new that we haven’t already touched on here.

What to Look for When Shopping for Walking Shoes for Overpronation

  • Fit: New shoes should feel comfortable right from the start, with no break-in period needed, says podiatrist Grace Torres-Hodges, DPM. Look for a slightly snug fit at the heel and around the sides of your foot to prevent blisters. The toe box should be roomy enough for your feet to swell a little, which often happens when you walk long distances or in warm weather. If you wear custom orthotics or insoles, choose a shoe with removable insoles and enough space to accommodate your inserts. 
  • Arch Support: The level of arch support you need depends on your foot shape and how much you overpronate. Look for shoes with a firm midsole to prevent your arches from collapsing. Many shoe brands refer to this design as a “medial post.” You may also benefit from wearing custom orthotics or insoles for flat feet inside your sneakers for even more support.
  • Cushioning: A shoe’s padding helps evenly distribute the impact of your feet hitting the ground. Look for foam, gel, or a combination of both, which will absorb shock and feel soft underfoot. If you overpronate, make sure your sneakers also have thick cushioning underneath the heel. 
  • Durability: Look for shoes made with high-quality materials that will last for hundreds of miles. This is especially important if you’re planning on wearing your sneakers all day long. The sneakers on our list have thick rubber outsoles and tough uppers that can hold up to repeated wear and tear.
A person wearing Kizik Women's Athens Sneakers on sidewalk

Verywell Fit / Jodi Espinosa

How We Tested the Walking Shoes for Overpronation

To find the best walking shoes for overpronation, we’ve tested dozens of pairs from popular, trusted footwear brands. We often have two people test each shoe, to see how they fit and feel on different foot types. During testing, we evaluate each sneaker based on the following criteria.

  • Fit: When we first try the shoe on, we check to make sure there’s enough room in the toe box for our toes to spread out. We also assess how the sneaker feels around the heel and midfoot. These observations help us determine whether a shoe runs large, small, or true to size. 
  • Stability: While walking in each pair, we pay attention to how the arch support and midsole feel underfoot. Can we walk confidently, or do we slide around in the shoes? How do the sneakers perform on uneven terrain, like grass, sand, and gravel? 
  • Responsiveness: A responsive shoe has springy cushioning that propels us forward with each stride. During testing, we prioritize shoes that absorb shock and offer smooth transitions between steps. 
  • Cushioning: When evaluating cushioning, we consider how the midsole feels—is it soft and squishy or firm and dense? Does the shoe have any additional padding in the tongue, arch, or around the ankle? 
  • Comfort: A walking shoe needs to be comfortable to earn a spot on our list. From the first time we lace them up to the tenth mile of walking, we note how the shoe makes our feet, ankles, knees, and hips feel. Are they lightweight, or do they weigh us down? Do we notice any irritation or blisters? Do our legs feel energized after walking, or do we feel any pain in our joints?
  • Quality: We check the shoe’s quality right after we pull it out of the box. How durable does it feel? Does it appear to be made from high-quality materials? Then, at the end of the testing period, we reassess: Does the shoe show any major signs of wear and tear? 
  • Overall Value: To assign a score for overall value, we don’t check the shoe’s price until the end of the testing period, after we’ve evaluated it in all other categories. Based on its performance, do we think the shoe is priced fairly? Or would we only buy it if it went on sale? 

Our Experts

We consulted experts at every stage while researching and reporting this story. Some, like Grace Torres-Hodges, DPM, helped us understand how walking shoes should fit and feel. Others, like Loretta Logan, DPM, MPH, taught us how to identify and combat overpronation. Although we choose products independently, we use expert input to influence our choices. 

  • Grace Torres-Hodges, DPM, a podiatrist in Pensacola, Florida
  • Bruce Pinker, DPM, AACFAS, FAPWCA, DABPM, FACPM, foot and ankle surgeon at Progressive Foot Care in New York City
  • Loretta Logan, DPM, MPH, professor and chairman of the department of orthopedics and pediatrics at the New York College of Podiatric Medicine and the Foot Center of New York

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I overpronate?

There are a few ways to find out if you overpronate: You can check to see if your current walking shoes are more worn on the inside portion of the outsole, or if they tilt inward when you place them on the floor and look at them from behind, Logan says. You can also try wetting the bottom of your foot and stepping onto colored paper. If you see an ovular shape, you may overpronate—but if you see a skinny, question mark-like silhouette, you may underpronate, says Pinker. 

How do you fix overpronation? 

Depending on how much you overpronate, you can use orthotics, motion control shoes, or arch strengthening exercises to help combat overpronation, Logan explains. You may also benefit from visiting a podiatrist to determine the best plan of action. 

Do overpronators need stability shoes? 

It depends on your symptoms and how severe your overpronation is. Stability shoes can be helpful, but you may also need to wear orthotics or visit a physical therapist to correct imbalances in your anatomy or posture. 

Why Trust Verywell Fit

Sarah Anzlovar, MS, RDN, LDN, is a registered dietitian and avid runner. She’s been wearing stability shoes ever since a visit to the podiatrist nearly 15 years ago for help with hip and foot pain. A mild overpronator herself, Sarah knows how to find shoes that offer plenty of support. She’s tried many different sneakers over the years and is always keeping up with the latest releases.