During test walks, we felt the support from the shoe’s Active Motion System technology, which includes a removable orthotic, molded midsole, and thermoplastic heel. The higher heel cuff provided additional ankle support, which is ideal for those with sensitive ankles or previous ankle injuries. We also love that Ariel 20 is approved by the APMA (American Podiatric Medical Association)—a seal of approval given by podiatrists to shoes that meet specific criteria and are deemed to promote good foot health. If you're searching for sneakers with superior stability for overpronation, these are our favorites. With adjustable arch support, strong heel cushioning, and an ergonomic sole, the Orthofeet Coral Stretch Knit shoes are an excellent choice for anyone who overpronates—but they're especially good for those with plantar fasciitis. From the moment we laced them up, these shoes were incredibly comfortable and provided support without feeling heavy—which earned them a perfect score for both upper comfort and cushioning. That comfort remained throughout all of our walks. Cushole S-257 and Combination Last utilizes a fiber board in the rear portion of the shoe to promote stability, and the forefoot is finished in a Strobel manner for additional cushion and flexibility.

We love that they come in six widths, so even runners with narrow or wide feet can find a pair that fits. However, they're one of the heaviest shoes on our list, so we don't recommend them for walking very long distances. And while they're on the more expensive side, we think their thoughtful design and stellar support are well worth the extra money. You can also try this wet test. “Wet the bottom of your feet, then step onto colored paper. An oval-like image on the paper indicates a flat foot or an overpronator. A skinny question mark-like image indicates supination (under pronation) and something in between these two images is what is considered a normal arch,” Dr. Pinker says. We then took some sneakers home to test them in the real world. To thoroughly test each pair, we wore them as part of our regular routines and walked in them on various types of ground, like roads, sidewalks, and a flat dirt trail. In total, we walked for over 100 miles in these sneakers to choose our favorites. If you’re looking for a supportive shoe that can be worn for miles, Brooks' Addiction Walker 2 is our top choice. When we tried them on in the Lab, we noticed how well they fit right away. They contoured our feet, with a snug upper and heel cup that prevented our feet from sliding around as we walked. Another aspect of these shoes that stood out to us was how supportive they felt, enabling us to walk with confidence. These shoes feature Brooks’ signature BioMoGO DNA midsole and GuideRails technology, which are designed specifically for overpronators who need extra support.The shoe should feel slightly snug at the heel and around the sides of the foot so that your foot doesn’t slide around, which could cause blisters. But the toe box should be roomy enough for your feet to swell a little, which can happen when walking for longer distances or in warmer weather. While stiffness isn’t traditionally a quality you look for in a walking shoe, it’s actually a good thing when you’re walking on uneven surfaces. The rigidness and strong arch support of this shoe earned it a perfect score for lateral stability and support. Loretta Logan, DPM, MPH, professor and chairman of the Department of Orthopedics and Pediatrics at the New York College of Podiatric Medicine & Food Center of New York, We selected which motion control shoes to test by reviewing dozens of top-rated shoes for overpronators from the best walking shoe brands on the market. To find out what to look for in these shoes, we interviewed five podiatrists including:

We like that the shoes are machine washable, come in four attractive colors, and are available in sizes 5-11 in both medium and wide widths. We tried the medium width, and thought it ran a little narrow. We also found that these shoes have a relatively snug and shallow toe box. If you have a wider foot or like a little extra room for your toes, you may want to try the wide version. MC Pod Configuration is a stabilizing midsole/outsole design used in Brook's motion-control shoes. This designs sets the foot up for an efficient, balanced heel-to-toe transition. Full-length DNA cushioning gel is a highly viscous liquid that changes to become more or less firm in response to each individual's weight, pace, biomechanics, and running environment.We recommend these to someone with mild to moderate overpronation. They are comfortable, responsive, budget-friendly, and stylish. However, not as supportive as some others we tested, so they work better for someone with some pronation, but not a significant amount. One thing that stood out to us in particular about these shoes is that they were more responsive than most motion control shoes we tested, making longer walks less tiring. The roomy toe box is perfect for anyone with a wider top foot or bunions, but they do run a bit wide for someone with an otherwise normal foot. New Balance's 1540v3 is not only great for walking, but transitions well to running errands, playing with your kids, or even for a long day on your feet at work. They’re comfortable, supportive, well-cushioned, and made of durable materials. The ENCAP midsole paired with the Rollbar system gives them one of the best lateral supports out of all the shoes we tested—earning them a perfect score for this feature—which is incredibly important for overpronators. When walking or running, it's normal for the arch of your foot to flatten slightly and for your foot and ankle to roll in a bit as your foot strikes the ground. “This is known as pronation and is a normal part of gait,” Loretta Logan, DPM, MPH, professor and chairman of the Department of Orthopedics and Pediatrics at the New York College of Podiatric Medicine & Food Center of New York, says. However, overpronation—or excessive rolling of the foot and ankle, along with arch flattening—can lead to foot fatigue, pain, and injury over time. If you’re looking for a maximum motion control shoe, we recommend Apex’s Boss Runner shoe. The Carboplast footbridge provides excellent stability and keeps your foot stable on uneven surfaces, which earned it a perfect score for lateral stability.

There are a number of indicators of overpronation. “One sign that you may overpronate is that you may have very low arches or flat feet when standing barefoot,” Dr. Logan says. After that, we wore each pair for test walks on and off a treadmill. We assessed how the cushioning and support features felt underfoot. Were our feet overheating, or did the upper circulate air to cool our feet? Did we feel stable, or did our feet move around inside the shoe?

Speed

Caterpillar Crash Pad is a segmented crash pad that flexes with the foot, offering customized cushioning and stability for a smooth heel-to-toe transition. A diagonal bar in the middle of the shoe gently aligns your feet, correcting overpronation and providing plenty of stability. And a slip-resistant outsole offers good traction, making these shoes a solid option for walking on wet or uneven ground. The Addiction 11 is a moderate feature, moderate motion control shoe designed for daily training and high mileage. It is built with a semi-straight shape. We love Sketchers’ Arch Fit Comfy Wave shoes for their superior support, comfort, and style, all at a budget-friendly price point. During test walks, we found them to be light, comfortable, and flexible—earning them a nearly perfect score for upper comfort—while still supporting our feet for several miles. Extended Progressive Diagonal Rollbar (PDRB) extending from the heel through forefoot is made of tri-density BioMoGo foam to reduce excess pronation.