The Best Running Shoes for Underpronation
Written By: SportsShoes
Getting the right shoe for your gait is one of the most important things to get right as runner, whether you’re a neutral runner, an overpronator or (less commonly) an underpronator. In truth, only a very small percentage of people suffer from underpronation - research suggests around 10-15%, with most runners overpronating.
So, what type of shoe is best for a runner who underpronates?
First off, it’s important to understand how underpronation (or supination) differs from normal, biomechanically efficient pronation. When the foot pronates normally, the arch flattens and the foot rolls inwards – the body’s natural way of absorbing shock. Underpronators tend to have high rigid arches, meaning that the arch fails to flatten and the gait lacks inwards roll, placing additional stress on the outer edge of the foot. For that reason, runners who underpronate are best to opt for neutral, high cushioned models that both allow the foot to pronate more easily and help compensate for the foot’s lack of natural shock absorption.
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*PLEASE NOTE: THE FOLLOWING SHOES ARE NOT LISTED IN RANK ORDER*
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- ASICS Gel Nimbus 25
- Brooks Glycerin 20
- New Balance 1080v12
- Saucony Triumph 20
- Mizuno Wave Sky 6
- Nike ZoomX Invincible Run Flyknit 3
- ASICS GEL-CUMULUS 24
- Brooks Ghost 15
- New Balance Fresh Foam X 860v13
- HOKA Bondi 8
- Mizuno Wave Rider 26
- Saucony Ride 15
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Here are our top-of-the-range recommendations for underpronators and neutral runners:
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1. ASICS Gel Nimbus 25
The new ASICS Gel-Nimbus 25 is specifically designed to provide maximum comfort and cushioning to help you feel like you're landing on clouds. This upper material is made from a premium soft engineered knit which offers integrated support, increased breathability and an improved fit for extra comfort. There is 24% Bio Material in the midsole and it features full length FF Blast+ Eco Foam which is 20-30% more sustainable than the industry average foams.
Price: RRP £174.99
Weight: 290g
Drop: 8mm
Features: Incredible comfort and cushioning, Flytefoam Blast Plus midsole for lightweight impact absorption and a responsive energy return., PureGEL for soft and bouncy shock absorption.
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Check out our ASICS GEL-NIMBUS 25 shoe review here
SHOP ALL ASICS GEL NIMBUS 25 ROAD RUNNING SHOES HERE
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2. Brooks Glycerin 20
The Brooks Glycerin 20 has a redesigned midsole and outsole giving a widened platform for increased stability and smoother transitions. Brooks' super-soft cushioning offers supreme comfort and distraction-free miles.
Price: RRP £155.00
Weight: 282.8g
Drop: 10mm
Features: Soft DNA LOFT v3 cushioning, an updated, improved fit and silky smooth transitions and mesh upper for comfortable fit and exceptional breathability.
SHOP ALL BROOKS GLYCERIN 20 ROAD RUNNING SHOES HERE
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3. New Balance 1080v12
Strive to be the best in the new and updated New Balance 1080v12 which provides luxurious comfort for the long run. Featuring responsive underfoot Fresh Foam paired with a soft, selectively stretchy knit upper, which offers 360-degree comfort. Also available in an extra-wide B fit.
Price: RRP £101.49
Weight: 292g
Drop: 3mm
Features: Highly breathable Hypoknit stretchy upper for maximum comfort and bootie construction swathes the foot in seamless, sock-like comfort plus repels debris.
SHOP ALL NEW BALANCE 1080 V12 ROAD RUNNING SHOES HERE
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4. Saucony Triumph 20
Everything about the Saucony Triumph 20 feels just right and every detail supports maximum comfort and softness that lasts. With an ultra-plush bed of PWRRUN+ cushioning and a cloud-like lightness, it's designed to provide lightweight and breathable support.
Price: RRP £154.99
Weight: 274g
Drop: 10mm (Heel: 37mm/Forefoot: 27mm)
Features: PWRRUN+ cushioning with soft EVA foam in the midsole, Mono Mesh for enhanced breathability and FormFit for a personalised fit and feel.
SHOP ALL SAUCONY TRIUMPH 20 ROAD RUNNING SHOES HERE
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5. Mizuno Wave Sky 6
You'll feel like you're floating in the soft and smooth Mizuno Wave Sky 6Wave Sky 6 , a neutral all-round running shoe. Featuring Mizuno Enerzy Core and Mizuno Enerzy Foam, it provides an even softer landing and amazing energy return. This is combined with Mizuno Wave technology to enhance stability. By using a lot of cushioning and two Wave Plates, you experience ultimate comfort during your run. The renewed sole makes the shoe very suitable for runners who are looking for a floating feeling.
Price: RRP £159.99
Weight: 325g
Drop: 8mm (Heel: 37mm/Forefoot: 29mm)
Features: Mizuno Enerzy technology, Mizuno Wave plates, XPOP PU Foam, Mizuno Wave Foam and X-10 Carbon Rubber for durable grip.
SHOP ALL MIZUNO WAVE SKY 6 ROAD RUNNING SHOES HERE
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6. Nike ZoomX Invincible Run Flyknit 3
The Nike ZoomX Invincible Run Flyknit 3 sports a slab of thick cushioning to help you stay on your feet today, tomorrow and beyond. It's super springy and bouncy, so that you can propel down your preferred path and come back for your next run feeling ready and reinvigorated.
Price: RRP £164.95
Weight: 278g
Drop: 9mm
Features: - Manufactured from Pebax, the ZoomX Midsole is Nike's lightest, most responsive foam yet and a rocker shape provides more support through the gait cycle.
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Check out our Nike ZoomX Invincible Run 3 shoe review here
SHOP ALL NIKE ZOOMX INVINCIBLE RUN 3 ROAD RUNNING SHOES HERE
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Here are our mid-range recommendations for underpronators:
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7. ASICS GEL-CUMULUS 24
The ASICS GEL-CUMULUS 24 shoe is a comfortable and versatile trainer designed for everyday use. Offering great cushioning, it’s the perfect companion for all your runs. Made with gender specific technology, and featuring FF BLAST™ foam technology for an energised run. From the upper to the foam underfoot, this shoe feels softer and more responsive.
Price: RRP £144.99
Weight: 286g
Drop: 8mm (Heel: 24mm/Forefoot: 16mm)
Features: FF BLAST cushioning in the midsole for more responsive energy return, ASICS Lite rubber outsole for supreme and traction and Gender-Specific 3D Space Construction which provides tailored compression for a smoother ride.
SHOP ALL ASICS GEL-CUMULUS 24 ROAD RUNNING SHOES HERE
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8. Brooks Ghost 15
The Brooks Ghost 15 is one of Brooks' most-loved running shoes. With a soft feel, smooth ride, and trusted fit, the Ghost 15 delivers the comfort and performance runners want. Perforations in the construction allow cool air to permeate, preventing an intolerable build-up of heat and keeping your feet cool and comfortable. The mesh actively and efficiently wicks away the build-up of excess sweat and moisture, keeping you dry as you strive for the best results and performance. Also available in an extra-wide fit.
Price: RRP £130.00
Weight: 277g
Drop: 12mm
Features: DNA Loft Cushioning for smoother transitions and softer cushioning and engineered Air Mesh upper hugs the foot for a secure but breathable fit.
SHOP ALL BROOKS GHOST 15 ROAD RUNNING SHOES HERE
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9. New Balance Fresh Foam X 860v13
The New Balance Fresh Foam X 860v13 was built to provide consistent performance for the neutral runner.
New Balance designed the 860 to keep up with the demands placed on shoes by the dedication of the stability-minded everyday runner. The latest entry in the series, the Fresh Foam X 860v13, augments the pinnacle cushioning experience of Fresh Foam X with a supportive medial post to provide essential stability. Built for reliability over the long haul and sustained comfort over all distances, the 860 is a true go-to shoe.
Also available in an extra-wide fit.
Price: RRP £134.99
Weight: 309g
Drop: 10mm (Heel: 27mm/Forefoot: 17mm)
Features: Fresh Foam X Midsole offers incredible comfort, a heel counter helps to control heel movements and an engineered jacquard mesh upper creates a second-skin feel for extreme comfort and breathability.
SHOP ALL NEW BALANCE FRESH FOAM X 860V13 RUNNING SHOES HERE
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10. HOKA Bondi 8
One of the hardest working shoes in the HOKA lineup, the HOKA Bondi 8 takes a bold step forward this season. Reworked using soft, lighter foam, and a brand-new extended heel geometry. The rear crash pad takes on a billowed effect to afford an incredibly soft and balanced ride from heel-strike to forefoot transition. The perfect blend of soft and bouncy, the Bondi 8 is an invitation for runners of all levels to take a joyride.
Also available in an extra-wide fit.
Price: RRP £144.99
Weight: 307g
Drop: 4mm (Heel: 33mm/Forefoot: 29mm)
Features: Lightweight Foam Midsole for exceptional cushioning, an engineered mesh upper for comfort and breathability and a durabrasion outsole for traction.
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Check out our HOKA Bondi 8 shoe review here
SHOP ALL HOKA BONDI 8 RUNNING SHOES HERE
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11. Mizuno Wave Rider 26
One of the best-selling running shoes of all time has had a serious upgrade. The Mizuno Wave Rider 26 now features an extra 2mm of soft, responsive Mizuno Enerzy foam along the entire length of its midsole. Combined with a snappy new outsole, luxurious upper and a raft of recycled materials, this really is a special version of Mizuno's most iconic shoe. Available in a range of different colours, including the option of a wider fit, the Mizuno Wave Rider 26 is a shoe for everyone, for every run.
Also available in an extra-wide fit.
Price: RRP £139.99
Weight: 285g
Drop: 12mm (Heel: 36mm/Forefoot: 24mm)
Features: Wave Technology for dynamic stability and a responsive ride, Dynamotion Fit provides a fit that moves the way you do and SmoothRide which promotes a smooth, natural stride.
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Check out our Mizuno Wave Rider 26 shoe review here
SHOP ALL MIZUNO WAVE RIDER 26 RUNNING SHOES HERE
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12. Saucony Ride 15
The completely redesigned Saucony Ride 15 is exactly what happens when softness, fit, and lightness all come together for an unbelievable running experience. Newly formulated PWRRUN gives you more soft cushioning with less weight, and new fit and contouring means you can expect a wildly smooth ride out of this go-to shoe.
Price: RRP 129.99
Weight: 249g
Drop: 8mm (Heel: 35mm/Forefoot: 27mm)
Features: PWRRUN but with 18% more cushioning in the midsole, a new ultra-lightweight breathable mesh construction and improved FormFit technology.
SHOP ALL SAUCONY RIDE 15 RUNNING SHOES HERE
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