What are some good running/athletic shoes for someone with severe overpronation?

Asked by Schyler Orr at 9:13 PM on April 5, 2010

Best Answer So Far

Posted by Tony de Castro at 11:55 PM on April 7, 2010

i don't have a problem with overpronation (at least i don't think i do) but i just picked up a pair of Vibram Five Fingers which simulate barefoot running and am loving them. this review is written by a guy who has overpronation problems and who tried the motion control shoes that Bill talks about but didn't like them and went with the VFF check it out http://www.madetorun.com/running-equipment/alternative-brands/vibram-five-fingers-product-review/

also here's a link to the product http://www.vibramfivefingers.com/

they've become extremely popular lately and so are always sold out but definitely do some googling on it as there are many many articles about them.

Read 16 answers, Answer this question or See more Gear questions.

16 Answers

Bill Shaw | April 7, 2010 3:51 PM

You need a motion control sneaker. You can find good reviews at runnersworld.com but just because someone else likes a sneaker doesn't mean you'll find them comfortable.

Voting... Voted Vote as Best Answer

Dave D. | April 7, 2010 5:25 PM

You're best bet is to go to a real running store, where they'll--at the very least--watch you run and check out your gait. (The best stores have treadmills with cameras hooked up that will analyze your gait with precision.) Then let them fit you.

Runner's World, recommended above, is a good starting point. They also might have a way to help you locate a proper store.

Voting... Voted Vote as Best Answer

2 people voted for this

Goose | April 7, 2010 5:26 PM

Like Bill said, they are not the same for everyone. With that being said, I over-pronate and run quite a bit, and I like my GEL-Kayano 16s. http://www.asicsamerica.com/products/product.aspx?PRODUCT_ID=240012904&TITLE_CATEGORY_ID=250001542&PARENT_CATEGORY_ID=250001538

Voting... Voted Vote as Best Answer

Tony de Castro | April 7, 2010 11:55 PM

also here's a link to the product http://www.vibramfivefingers.com/

they've become extremely popular lately and so are always sold out but definitely do some googling on it as there are many many articles about them.

Voting... Voted Vote as Best Answer

1 person voted for this

Shawn Do | April 8, 2010 8:06 AM

Either VFF's or check out Terra Plana Vivo Barefoot if the VFF's look too weird for you.

I've been reading a lot about foot problems related to running and the "barefoot movement" has converted me. It originally sounded a bit hippie/newage-y but there are actual studies that back this up.

A few links:
http://nymag.com/health/features/46213/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hXRe0N1hejE

The second link is a talk from the author of "Born to Run"

Voting... Voted Vote as Best Answer

Sean Ruhs | April 9, 2010 3:36 AM

http://store.nike.com/index.jsp?country=US&lang_locale=en_US&sitesrc=uslp#l=shop,pdp,ctr-inline/cid-1/pid-204354

I was told i am a sever overpronator and i know i have severely flat feet and when i tried these on i thought i was literally walking on a cloud. i bout them right away. thought $115 was a little much for some generic looking shoes until i tried them on. so amazing.

Voting... Voted Vote as Best Answer

Todd | April 9, 2010 11:56 AM

I have the same problem and agree with Sean's recomendation, which is Nike's first attempt at shoes built for stability. I would stay away from Vibrams and any of the Nike Free products. New Balance has always been my go-to brand with a ton of options. they may not look great, but you will avoid injuries.
http://www.holabirdsports.com/m//Running-Shoes_Men/New-Balance/p1/043036.htm

Voting... Voted Vote as Best Answer

Answer This Question

Please provide links to products you recommend or your answer will not be accepted.
Use this code to make a link. "Product Name":http://www.example.com (Put product name in quotation marks, followed by a colon, then the URL. No spaces.)