So you’ve read our article ‘Are Running Shoes Worth It?‘, had a gait analysis and have been told you overpronate?
Join the club. Plenty of us have that outwards foot roll as we make contact with the ground – it’s not a big deal, but ignoring it might be.
If you overpronate, the chances are that a stability shoe will help prevent common injuries like iliotibial band syndrome (usually known as ITB), or shin splints.
Here’s my pick of five great shoes for those that overpronate.
If I overpronate will my shoes be heavier?
361 Sensation 3, £119.99
361 is relatively new to Europe but has had considerable success in China where the brand was launched in 2003.
The Sensation 3 is a key part of their offering and offers added stability for over-pronation pronators. It is an exceptionally comfortable shoe and doesn’t feel bulky or heavy as some stability shoes might.
It is designed as a dynamic high-mileage running shoe which makes it ideal for half iron distance and above. It boasts a Qu!K Spine fibre glass plate in the mid-foot and a blend of rubber and foam in the mid-sole to maximise both cushioning and responsiveness. They have also taken care over the tongue to ensure it does not irritate on those longer runs.
Weight: 278g
Drop: 9mm
Are all overpronation shoes fluoro colour schemes?
New Balance 990 v4, £129.31
The 990 series has been going for more than three decades and while looks alone will not ensure that kind of longevity, it has certainly helped.
New Balance’s 990 v4 is a great mix of stability and cushioning and while it tips the scales at 385g, the durability of the shoe is reassuring for those who like to put the miles in and get your money’s worth.
It comes in four muted colour schemes: black, nave with silver, grey with castlerock, and black with silver.
Weight: 385g
Drop: 12mm
Will I still feel ‘fast’ in overpronation shoes?
Nike Air Zoom Structure 21, £104.95
Perhaps the clue is in the name, but the Air Zoom have long held a reputation for fast shoes.
The Structure 21 offer medium stability in the arch to support runners who pronate but are not a heavy pair at 295g and the air pockets in the forefoot give a spring to your step that feels quick.
Previous incarnations of this shoe have been comfortable and reliable but criticised for its weight. That has now been sorted without the positive aspects being undermined.
Weight: 295g
Drop: 10mm
Are new technologies changing the overpronation market?
Hoka One One Arahi 2, £115
Hoka One One has challenged the market since it burst on the scene a few years ago. The dramatic styling is one thing but the combination of low drop and lightness is another completely.
The company calls the approach Dynamic Stability and claims t supports the foot by guiding it through its natural cycle rather than shoring it up with stiff, heavy and unforgiving materials.
It certainly feels great on the feet and the low drop encourages good technique while the cushioning gives welcome relief when pounding tarmac for a while.
Weight: 264g
Drop: 5mm
Is there a great all-rounder for those of us who overpronate?
Salomon Sonic RA Max, £120
The Salomon RA Max is popular because it is a shoe for all seasons.
It offers good comfort with the extra cushioning and the midsole gives a nice bouncy feel due to the levels of energy return. It is a nice snug fit on the foot and transitions well from heel to toe with a good damping effect to absorb vibration.
At 265g it is not a heavy shoe but feels stable on the foot for those of us who’s feet might slide over the sole in a less structured piece of footwear.
Nice colour options too with black, navy and a light, bright blue.
Weight: 265g
Drop: 10mm
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