Underpronation isn’t a very common issue, but if you do happen to be a part of the percentage of the population that suffers from it, then you could be at risk of having some very nasty things happen to your feet and legs.

Thankfully, a good pair of running shoes can be very helpful when it comes to dealing with underpronation.

In this article, we are going to look at some of the best running shoes for underpronation. Every shoe that we have reviewed is available for both men and women. If you want our opinion on the best running shoe, we recommend the Nike Air Zoom Vomero 13 Running Shoes.

 

A Spotlight On Some of The Best Running Shoes For Underpronation 2020

 

Best Running Shoes For Underpronation Reviews:

Brooks Ghost 11

We mentioned it in our intro, but we should say again that every shoe that is being reviewed on our best running shoes for underpronation review list has both a men’s and a women’s version. With that being said, let’s review the first entry on our list of the best running shoes for underpronation, the Brooks Ghost 11. Everything we mention in this review will apply to both versions of the shoe.

Firstly, we have to mention how well the outside of this shoe is made. Much like many of the other really high-quality shoes that you will encounter on our best running shoes for underpronation list, the Brooks uses the highest quality imported fabric.

The end result of this is a pair of shoes that are both very comfortable and very strong. That last part is very important in particular because let’s face it, everyone hates when running shoes wear out quickly. So, the fact that these will be a staple of your daily run for years is great.

How well do these shoes do when it comes to helping with underpronation? Quite well, actually. They have an extra cushioned sole and heel, both of which help to absorb the shock that would normally be transferred directly to your ankle and foot. The overall tightness and form-fitting aspect of the shoe also help a lot to prevent underpronation as well.

So, to sum it all up, you get a really nice, form-fitting shoe that absorbs a lot of impact, which leads to a smoother running experience. In other words, what’s not to love?

Mizuno Wave Rider 22 Running Shoe

For the next shoe on our best running shoes for underpronation review list, we have the Mizuno Wave Rider 22 Running Shoe. This shoe is available in both a men’s and a women’s version (with a variety of colors to choose from for each type). This is an incredibly high-quality running shoe that will help you with your underpronation.

First off, the shoe is very well-made. The exterior is made from soft, yet strong imported fabric. This provides a durable exterior for the shoe that ensures that you will get quite a few years of use out of your pair of Mizuno Wave Rider 22 Running Shoes.

Now, given the topic of this article, the main thing that you all want to know is how it helps to avoid the effects of or mitigate the effects of underpronation. The shoes do a few different things on this front. First off, they come with a really high-quality rubber sole, to help absorb some of the initial impact generated by stepping on the ground.

Secondly, both the men’s and women’s version of the shoe has what Mizuno calls the “articulated heel zone.” This is just their way of saying that the heels of the shoe are designed in such a way to help facilitate the proper rolling of your heel and ankle when running. It also helps prevent too much of the shock from being directly transferred to your heel and ankle.

Finally, the shoes have specially designed mesh that is designed to fit very snuggly on your feet. As we will talk about later on in our buying guide, poorly fitting shoes, especially running shoes, is one of the main causes of underpronation.

So, the fact that these shoes are designed to adaptively fit onto your feet can be really helpful. However, some may dislike the really “snug” feeling of the shoes.

Nike Air Zoom Vomero 13 Running Shoes

Nike is a brand that needs absolutely no introduction. It also goes without saying that they have earned that reputation by making some pretty good pairs of running shoes. So, with all this being said, the next pair of shoes that we want to take a look at are the Nike Air Zoom Vomero 13 Running Shoes. You can find these shoes in both men’s and women’s version, as well as in a dozen or so different colors.

As you might expect from a brand like Nike, these are some absolutely well-made shoes that are definitely deserving of being featured on this list of the best running shoes for underpronation. Why are they so good? Well for starters, they make use of some unique features found only in Nike shoes. A good example of this is the flywire cables used in the shoe.

What these cables do is keep your feet secure and prevent foot slipping when running. This not only makes for a more comfortable running experience, but it also helps with underpronation.

It also features a very well-made foam sole. The foam is extremely soft and provides really great cushioning for you when running. The shock absorption that this shoe provides is almost unparalleled. You can run for hours in these shoes and you will barely feel any discomfort. The bottom of the shoes also really gives you good traction, which helps to ease the impact on your feet as well.

The major issue with these Nike shoes is their cost. Depending on your own personal budget, it may not end up being that big of a deal, but for some, it may be an issue. The price is not only because of the quality of the shoe but also because of the famous brand name, which is something that we haven’t seen yet on this best running shoes for underpronation list.

Hoka One One Clifton 5 Running Shoes

Moving on with our list of the best running shoes for underpronation, we want to draw your attention to the Hoka One One Women’s Clifton 5 Running Shoes. Regardless of whether you go with the men’s or women’s version, you are going to be getting a really high-quality running shoe that really helps with underpronation.

The main draw of these running shoes is how lightweight they are. They are made using a strong, but still very light synthetic material. This makes running a lot easier on you if you suffer from either underpronation or overpronation. It gets to the point where the shoes are so light, that you actually struggle to remember that you are even wearing a shoe at all when running. They are that light and unobtrusive.

Despite being lightweight, these are still a very cushioned shoe. There is enough cushioning to absorb the impact created by you running on hard surfaces. So, you don’t have to worry about things like sore feet or ankles.

New Balance Fresh Foam 1080v7 Running Shoe

To end off this list looking at the best running shoes for underpronation, we wanted to do a review of the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 1080v7 Running Shoe. While this brand isn’t as well-known as something like Nike, they have still made a good shoe that has versions for both genders.

This is just an all-around great running shoe. The interior of the shoe has some really great cushioning (especially around the heel area), which really helps to deal with many of the issues caused by underpronation. By using these shoes, you will be significantly reducing your chances of suffering physical injuries while running.

It is also a very well-made shoe, as you would expect given that this is a best running shoes for underpronation list. It doesn’t rip or tear easily. It also doesn’t wear out quickly, even if you go running every day, the shoes should hold up quite nicely.

Running Shoes For Underpronation Buying Guide

There’s a lot of confusing, contradictory, and hard to understand information out there about underpronation. This includes what it is, what its causes are, and why a good pair of running shoes can help with it. So, to help combat all the information floating around, we wanted to include this buying guide alongside the reviews that we did above.

The idea is that in addition to showing you some of the best running shoes for underpronation, we also wanted to make sure that everyone reading this article is on the same wavelength when it comes to underpronation.

What Is Underpronation?

 

To first understand underpronation, you have to be familiar with what is referred to as the “gait cycle.” See, the gait cycle is the technical term for the basic act of walking or running; in other words, it refers to the way that we physically propel ourselves forward.

During the gait cycle, there is a step called “pronation.” During this stage, your ankle rolls slightly inward to help absorb impact and get your body ready to properly forward. Pronation sounds bad, but it is a necessary step for walking or running.

Now that you know what pronation is, you can probably guess what underpronation is. Medically, if your ankle rolls inward less than 15%, you suffer from underpronation. Likewise, even though this article is dedicated to looking at the best running shoes for underpronation, we should also mention that there is a thing called overpronation. As you can probably guess, this is when the ankle rolls too much when it lands.

What Are The Dangers Of Underpronation

 

A lot of people may suffer from underpronation and never realize it because the dangers of it aren’t immediately apparent. It isn’t like you take a step and suddenly your leg hurts. A person could run a marathon with underpronation and possibly never end up knowing it. However, underpronation can cause some pretty significant problems if left untreated, especially if the person in question is starting to age.

First off, underpronation can lead to a variety of physical injuries, ranging from minor things like rolled ankles, swollen ankles, and general soreness in the foot and ankle area, to more major injuries like sprained ankles, torn ligaments, torn muscles, and much more.

Secondly, underpronation can also be responsible for a number of long-term conditions that can plague a person for years, if not longer. For example, untreated underpronation can lead to a person developing plantar fasciitis, a very serious issue that impacts the main ligament in the foot.

Other major issues that can arise from untreated underpronation include things like bone spurs, heel spurs, bunions, and hammertoes (deformed toes).

So, as you can see, you really do need a pair of the best running shoes for underpronation because the effects of leaving underpronation untreated are quite severe.

What Causes Underpronation?

 

So, given that you now know both what the effects of underpronation are and what the condition actually is, your next question is likely what the causes are of this issue. Unfortunately, there isn’t a simple answer to this. Underpronation can have a variety of causes, ranging from things that are completely within your control to things that you can’t do anything about.

Improper Footwear

 

One of the most common causes of underpronation is badly fitting footwear. This may include shoes that are too tight, not tight enough, the wrong size, or ones that don’t offer enough arch support.

This is why it is so important to buy quality shoes for things like running, because if you are planning on doing something that puts a lot of stress on your ankles, then you need footwear that can help absorb the impact of running. This is also why we emphasized the importance of shock absorption when doing our best running shoes for underpronation list.

Poor Running Form

 

Another common cause of underpronation can be poor running form. A lot of people run incorrectly simply because they have never been taught the proper way of doing so. Thankfully, it actually isn’t a particularly difficult thing to fix. A quick look online and some practice sessions should have you running properly in no time.

When combined with a pair of the best running shoes for underpronation, and you should be at a significantly reduced risk of developing the condition.

Genetics

 

Another one of the more common causes of underpronation is sadly not fixable. Genetics play a big role in just about everything, so it shouldn’t come as a surprise that it can also cause underpronation. Some people just have longer legs, which makes underpronation or overpronation a lot more common. If you are on the taller side, you definitely want to be careful as you could be suffering from one condition or the other.

While genetics can’t be fixed, you can help to reduce your chances of suffering from the negative effects of underpronation. As you might have guessed, one of those ways is by using one of the pairs of shoes on our best running shoes for underpronation review list.

Picking Out Shoes For Underpronation

 

To end off the buying guide, we wanted to tackle what you as a consumer should look for if you are trying to pick out your own pair of the best running shoes for underpronation. Obviously, you want to consider all the usual things that you would consider when shopping for other running shoes.

Is the shoe made of really good material that is going to hold up? Does the shoe feel comfortable? Does the shoe provide enough space for my feet? These are all important factors to consider and you should make sure to keep them in mind.

However, when trying to find running shoes specifically to help with underpronation, the main thing that you want to focus on is shock absorption. As we said at the beginning of the buying guide, the main danger of underpronation comes from the fact that it reduces your ankles’ ability to absorb shock.

So, getting running shoes that really help to pick up the slack when it comes to absorbing shock and impact can make your life a lot easier going forward.

Conclusion

 

If you still have some questions regarding our best running shoes for underpronation review list, we would heavily encourage you to make use of our comment section.

Many people begin running to live a healthier lifestyle. Afterall, runners can lose weight and tone their body while clearing their mind and enjoying the outdoors. Runners also increase their bone density with regular runs and can even strengthen their immune system through regular exercise. Sounds great, right?

It is. But, some runners can experience pain in their knees while running. And others may stay away from running because of “bad knees.” Whether they’ve had problems with knee pain in the past or have tried running and experienced knee pain that didn’t go away, it can be a deterrent to keep running or to try running again in the future.

However, whether you have bad knees or experience knee pain while running, you don’t have to avoid the activity. Instead, you probably just need a better pair of running shoes. Sometimes, simply changing your running shoe style or brand can be enough to get you ready to run again. It’s also important to realize not all running shoes are made the same.

In fact, there’s dozens of styles and options when it comes to running shoes. Finding the style and features that make you feel comfortable on the road or on a dirt trail can be difficult. But we’re trying to make it easy. We’ve done the research for you, so you don’t have to. Here’s a list of the best running shoes for bad knees.

Shopping Tips to Avoid Knee Pain with the Right Running Shoe

If you’re nursing an old injury, have arthritis, or suffering from training injuries caused by running badly, you can get back to running with less or no knee pain when you choose a style and size that meets your needs. When we say “your needs,” it can mean something different to you than anybody else.

Men and women have bio-mechanical differences in their feet, so the same running shoes might not work for a husband and wife running duo. Where you run, how fast you run, and the type of weather where you run can also effect the shoes that are best to protect your knees. Keep reading to learn more about determining what running shoes are right for your running style.

Below, we’ve made a list of features to consider when shopping for the best running shoes for bad knees. But before we go over those shopping tips, you need to understand more about why wearing the wrong running shoes can make your bad knees worse and cause other body pain too.

Determine Your Foot Strike

Did you know the way your foot hits the ground naturally is called foot strike? It is. It might not seem important to know that, but the truth is, if you have bad knees, you need to know whether you have a tendency to overpronate, supinate, or have a neutral stride. Understanding your foot’s fundamentals will help you choose the right shoe to decrease knee pain or protect your knees from injury.

Understanding Overpronation, Supination, and Neutral Strides

Runners who overpronate usually have high arches or extremely flat feet. The biomechanical design of overpronated feet causes overpronation and can increase supination too. Overpronation causes the ankle to roll inward. Supination causes the ankle to roll outward.

If you have a neutral stride, sometimes called a normal foot, you pronate and supinate normally, which means, lucky you, you’ll do really well in a number of shoe styles and sizes. Even better news, you’re unlikely to experience knee pain associated with wearing the wrong running shoes. You can likely get away with budget-friendly shop options and running shoes that don’t have a ton of features and technology.

On the other hand, if you choose the wrong running shoe for your foot strike, you’ll likely suffer painful consequences. Runners with flat feet have a tendency to overpronate. Runners with high arches have a tendency to underpronate, also known as supinate. If you are somewhere in between, you have a neutral foot strike. After you’ve determined your foot strike, it’s time to consider other critical factors.

Understanding Overpronation and Runner’s Knee

If you overpronate while running and have knee pain, you’ve probably heard your pain be described as “runner’s knee.” Runner’s knee pain, also referred to as an “IT band syndrome,” by doctor’s and physical therapists is pain around the kneecap and the area around the outside of the knee.

The best way to combat runner’s knee pain is to choose a running shoe that will provide you with a neutral or natural foot strike equally from your heel to toe. A neutral/natural foot strike will give you a better stride and body alignment that prevents stress on the knees. When your body alignment is corrected while running, you’ll have better body alignment, which means you can help prevent other runner injuries and may even be able to increase your speed or distance abilities.

Finding the Right Level of Running Shoe Comfort

After you’ve determined your foot strike, you need to think about comfort. Believe it or not, there is such a thing as too much comfort and extra cushioning when it comes to running shoes and knee pain.

Comfort levels aren’t the same for everyone, and you need to decide if you want your comfort in terms of materials, extra cushioning on the insole and heel, or a combination of all these features.

ASICS Women’s and Men’s GEL-Venture 5 Running Shoe

ASICS creates some of the best women’s running shoes for bad knees, and running in general. Likewise, the brand is also one of the most recognized for offering the best men’s running shoes for bad knees. The GEL-Venture 5 sneaker is a trail running shoe and great for those with a neutral foot strike.

Pros:

ASICS Rearfoot gel cushioning system
Water-resistant
Reinforced toes
Machine washable
Removable sockliner
Closed mesh upper to keep out debris
Rugged outsole
Reverse lugs for uphill and downhill runs

Cons:

Not very flexible
Can be extremely hot and uncomfortable on warm days
Doesn’t provide a great deal of arch support

Conclusion:

The men and women’s ASICS Gel Venture 5 are innovative and have a nice design. The neutral design of these running shoes makes it a great choice for people with all pronation tendencies and helps to create the proper body alignment for beginner and experienced runners. While this running shoe is popular with those trying to avoid or correct knee pain, it’s not created for use on all surfaces.

In fact, if you’re a road runner that usually tackles hard, flat terrain, this might not be the shoe for you. However, if you like to run in the woods on dirt trails with lots of debris, you may have found the perfect footwear for your running style. The ASICS shoe style is best use is for those trying to avoid knee pain on trail runs in fall temperatures.

Brooks Mens Adrenaline GTS 19 Running Shoe

Unlike ASICS, which is a well-known brand for runners and other athletes, Brooks concentrates on creating gear primarily for runners. In fact, Brooks claims the only sport they concentrate on is running. The men’s Adrenaline GTS 19 running shoe by Brooks is recommended for men and women with a flat to medium arch. The Adrenaline offers a modern fit and an innovative support system.

Pros:

Provides optimal levels of support and cushioning
Responsive
Durable
Excellent running shoe option for overpronators

Cons:

Rubber at the heel breaks down quickly
Not ideal for fast runs
Don’t breathe well

Conclusion

The Brooks Mens Adrenaline GTS 19 running shoe is great for men or women who are looking for footwear that will help relieve or prevent knee pain. Brooks also offers the Adrenaline GTS 19 in women’s sizes. Brooks’ Guide Rail pronation support provides stability without pressuring the arch or changing your alignment.

Saucony Cohesion 10 Running Shoe for Men and Women

The Saucony Cohesion 10 running shoe can help reduce knee pain in men and women. The running shoe is made of 100% mesh and a rubber sole for incredible traction. Saucony installed a Heel Grid system that offers stable cushioning for runners with a variety of different heel strikes. Breathability is provided by mesh uppers and a plush tongue and collar that increases comfort while running.

Pros:

Ideal for jogging
Extremely comfortable
Neutral shoe

Cons:

Fits big
Not ideal for those with low arches
Extremely slippery on wet surfaces

Conclusion

It’s important to remember this is Saucony’s entry-level running shoe. It’s great for beginners and those that need a stable gym shoe; however, it might not be the best option for those that need more serious support and responsiveness.

Do you wear your favorite running shoes on every run you do? It’s technically okay to do this, but you can experience a better run, if you have the right shoes for a specific run. Therefore, if you’re hitting the trails, you can increase your comfort, protect yourself from debris and rocks, and get a better grip on trail terrain by wearing the best trail running shoes for women. Below, we’ll go over the different styles in the trail running shoe market, how you should choose great trail running shoes, and even recommend a few to help you get started.

Understanding Different Women’s Trail Running Shoe Styles

The first thing you need to understand about women’s trail running shoes is that there are several different styles to choose from and features that will make your run more comfortable on the trail. Things to consider when shopping include:

Minimalist feel

Extra cushioning

Extreme terrain grip

On and off trail designs

Price

Expected mileage

Tips for Choosing Trail Running Shoes for Women

You probably have a favorite running shoe style or brand. But, when you’re shopping for trail running shoes, you have to check for features that will make running on dirt trails with tree roots, big rocks, and even mud safer and more productive. Here are the traits you should look for when shopping for women’s trail running sneakers because these will make a huge difference in the quality of your runs.

Tip 1: Set Running Goals

When you begin shopping for women’s trail running shoes, you first need to set running goals. You may dream of running a 100-miler trail run someday, but if the near future includes 5-milers at your local park, you should shop for the now and buy another pair of running shoes in the future.

Tip 2: Check Shoe Width

If you never buy wide shoes, you might think you don’t need a wide trail running shoe, but that’s not necessarily true. If you plan on running long distances, you might need a shoe with a wide width. Why, you ask? Because a wide running shoe will give you plenty of room for your toes to stretch out, which is important for the comfort of distance, trail runners.

However, if you have a narrow foot, you want to make sure you don’t wear a wide trail running shoe. Wide running shoes on someone with narrow feet can cause clumsy stumbling on unpredictable trails. Instead, runners with narrow feet should choose a regular or narrow width shoe.

Tip 3: Inspect the Tongue

Have you ever worn a pair of shoes with an uncomfortable tongue? If you have then you’d know that it can be quite uncomfortable, especially for long periods of time. The other purpose of a shoe’s tongue is to keep rocks and other debris out of your shoe and away from your foot. When you’re shopping for women’s trail shoes, you want to choose footwear that will lay flat against your foot and the shoe without any gaps or uncomfortable rubbing during your foot’s running motions.

Now that we’ve gone over the different features of women’s trail running shoes and what to look for when shopping for this type of running shoe, we’re ready to help you choose the best footwear for your feet.

1. ASICS Women’s Gel-Venture 7 Trail Running Shoes

If you’ve been a runner for any length of time, you’re probably familiar with ASICS. The sports gear company has been around for decades and has a long history of providing women runners with a reliable tennis shoe. The women’s ASICS Gel-Venture 7 trail running shoe is an option. It features a comfortable rubber sole and brand-specific features that make it extremely comfortable to wear for long periods of time.

Pros:

Rearfoot GEL technology cushioning system

Ortholite sockliner

Molds to the shape of your foot

Internal heel counter

Cons:

Not recommended for those with plantar fascitis

Not very attractive design

Even the wide width isn’t very wide

Conclusion

If you want a budget-friendly womens trail running shoe and have an average to narrow foot width, you will probably appreciate everything the ASICS Women’s Gel-Venture 7 Trail has to offer. However, if you like your running shoes fashion forward and have a wide foot, or suffer from plantar fascitis, you may want to keep reading for other recommendations on the list.

2. Saucony Women’s S10483-2 Trail Running Shoe

Saucony is another brand runners have trusted for generations.
The S10483-2 trail running shoe features a rubber sole, has a low-top shaft to help the shoe keep its form over time, and comfortable upper materials. Saucony offers a solid rockplate to help you stay safe and protected on the trail and several color options that will satisfy your style desires. Keep reading to learn more about this Saucony budget-friendly trail running shoe.

Pros:

Extremely comfortable

Lightweight

Wide forefoot and narrow heel

Tongue is semi-connected to shoe to prevent debris from entering

Cons:

Not great for trail runs over 8 miles

Some runners experience hot spots in the heel area

Conclusion:

Saucony’s reputation brings many experienced trail runners to this particular brand. It’s a great entry-level running shoe for those new to trail running. However, it’s not made to stand up to serious trail runners that will put a ton of mileage on the sneakers quickly.

3. Salomon Women’s XR Mission Running Shoe

Salomon isn’t as well known as some of the other big brands on this list, but it is one of the best budget womens trail running shoes on the market. The running shoe is a bit more expensive than the first two options, but offers runners a bit more in terms of comfort and technology. Keep reading to learn more about the Salomon women’s XR mission trail running shoes.

Pros:

Made for road running and trail running

Contragrip outsole provides superior traction on trails

Quicklace secure lacing system

Cons:

May need to size up a 1/2 size to get the right fit

The unique lacing system isn’t for everyone

Low arch support

Large tongue sets on top of foot

Conclusion:

Most Salomon Women’s XR Mission Running Shoe pros and cons have to do with size. Salomon recommends sizing up in this shoe to get the right fit. It’s also important to wear the right socks while running on trails with these sneakers. If you follow these instructions and don’t have a low arch, you should be really happy with these shoes.

4. ALTRA Women’s Lone Peak 4 Trail Running Shoe

The women’s Lone Peak 4 trail running shoe from Altra is a comfortable sneaker that will help you maximize your runs. When wearing this trail shoe, your toes will be able to spread out naturally increasing your stability during downhill descents and uphill climbs. Altra designed this women’s running shoe with heel and forefoot heights that encourage proper form while running trails.

Pros:

Hook-and-loop tab

Toe cap

Drainage holes

Aggressive outsole

True to size fit

Cons:

Not ideal for wear on paved roads or indoors

No arch support

Can show signs of wear after 70ish miles or so

Toe pads can fall off with wear

Conclusion:

If you are a serious trail runner and are planning to tackle rocky, mountainous terrain on a regular basis, you’re going to need a women’s trail running sneaker that can handle that type of pressure and strain. However, if you want a sneaker that you can wear on and off rocky terrain, you might not like the Altra trail runner.

5. ASICS Women’s Gel-Kahana 8 Trail Runner

ASICS makes the list twice because trail runners love the reliability of the brand. The women’s Gel-Kahana 8 trail runner from ASICS offers a variety of features and technology that make it a must have on the list of the best trail running shoes for women. Not only is this a highly-sought after running shoe, it also offers durability and stability on and off the trail. Keep reading to learn more about this shoe’s pros and cons.

Pros:

Sport specific

Roomy toe box

Well fitting heels

Great stability for pronators

Cons:

Extremely slick on wet weather

Tread spacing can allow rocks to get stuck

Shoe is extremely stiff

Conclusion:

If you don’t need any arch support when running on trails, you’ll love the Asics Gel Kahana trail running shoes for dry runs on rocky, dirty trails. However, if it’s raining, icy, or snowy, you may want to skip the run or wear a different pair of shoes because these sneakers are extremely slippy on wet surfaces, which could prove to be dangerous.

By now, you’ve surely found a few great choices for the best budget trail running shoes. It’s important to know the terrain you’ll be tackling, the shape of your foot, and your running form. With all of this in mind, you’ll be able to score the best trail running shoe that will help you perform better and reach your running goals.