Finding a comfortable pair of shoes is a whole lot easier if you know a little bit about your feet.
Below, we’ll be highlighting some of the best shoes for underpronation (which we will be explaining in a moment), so if you’ve already identified this as your problem, then you are definitely in the right spot.
Let’s jump right into our definition.
What Is Underpronation?
Everyone pronates to a certain degree when they walk. It’s completely normal.
Unfortunately, not everyone pronates at the proper angle, which is why we have you overpronators (your feet roll too far inward as you walk or run) and underpronators (your feet roll too far outward as you walk or run). Since you’re on the hunt for underpronator shoes, we’re guessing that someone has already assessed the problem for you.
The terms can get a bit confusing, so here is what’s happening when you underpronate throughout the gait cycle:
When you take a step, your heel is the first part of the foot to strike the ground. As it continues to move forward, the majority of your weight is transferred to the outside of the foot where it remains throughout the entire stride. This puts a lot of strain on the muscles and tendons that stabilize your ankles, so we guessing that if you’re an underpronator, you’ve suffered from a twisted ankle or two (your definitely more prone to them).
What Type of Shoes Do I Need?
For starters, decide if you need a pair of walking shoes or running shoes. We’ll be focusing on running shoes below, but as a rule of thumb, underpronators should look for the following types of shoes:
- Neutral Shoe
- Cushioned Shoe
Whichever type you choose (running or walking), your goal as an underpronator is get a lightweight, flexible and well-cushioned shoe.
Since your foot rolls outward at an excessive angle, you need a shoe that can help it roll inward at a proper angle, which is exactly what a flexible shoe will do for you.
Top 6 Shoes for Underpronation Table
Top 3 Best Shoes for Underpronation Reviews
1. Brooks Glycerin Running Shoes
Type of Shoe: Cushioned
The Glycerin shoes from Brooks are great for those with medium to high arches and for running on paved surfaces.
It features a rounded heel that helps minimize the stress on your joints (it helps everything align better), 3D Fit print overlays which add flexibility and structure (again, great for those of you who underpronate) and the outsole has pressure zones that help disperse impact away from the body (this means the ride is smoother for you).
Runners love the support they get when wearing them and the durability. If you’re an avid runner who puts a lot of miles on your shoes in a week, then the Brooks are a good investment.
2. Nike Zoom Vomero Running Shoes
Type of Shoe: Cushioned
The Nike Zoom Vomero running shoes are flexible and lightweight. They feature Nike’s Zoom Air units in the heel and forefoot, which give you low profile cushioning from heel strike to toe-off throughout the gait cycle. In order to provide you with a more custom fit, these shoes also feature the Flywire cables that wrap the midfoot and arch, a form of adaptive support that moves with you as you run.
These are perfect for running in the summer. The uppers really help the air flow around your feet as you run. Plus, it’s hard to look bad in a pair of Nikes!
3. Mizuno Wave Rider Running Shoes
Type of Shoe: Neutral
This is a very lightweight shoe with plenty of flexibility in the forefoot. It has a secure fit around the heel and midfoot, giving you a custom glove-like feel as you wear it.
This is the upgraded version (the former being the Wave Rider 17) and even Mizuno admitted that the 17 had a few flaws that they needed to fix. Runners who were loyal to the brand noticed some changes for the worse, but thankfully Mizuno listens to their customers.
With the Wave Rider 18, they took all of the favorite features from some of the previous versions and combined them: great toe spring, a firmer midsole to provide you with a smoother toe-off and superb flexibility.
Definitely one of the best versions yet of this shoe and some of the best shoes for underpronation!
