The Best Shoes for Overpronation

The best shoes for over-pronation include stability and motion control models such as the New Balance 860, New Balance 1540, SAS Tour, and Xelero walking shoes, because they deliver strong arch support and firm heel counters to keep the foot aligned. The key to correcting pronation is finding a shoe that offers these two features and matches your individual foot shape and gait. You can browse Van Dyke & Bacon’s full collection of supportive shoes online or visit one of our Baltimore-area locations for professional sizing and personalized service.

Since 1938, Van Dyke & Bacon has specialized in expertly fitted footwear, offering trusted brands and supportive features like arch structure and heel stability for healthier movement. We carry several stability and motion control shoes designed to reduce overpronation. Each model below combines strong arch support with firm heel counters to improve alignment and comfort.

New Balance Fresh Foam X 860v14

A reliable stability trainer that blends comfort with control. The 860 features Fresh Foam cushioning paired with a firm heel counter and medial guidance system to keep the foot centered. It’s an excellent choice for walkers and runners looking for steady support without added bulk.
Shop New Balance Fresh Foam X 860v14

New Balance 1540v4 (Motion Control)

The 1540v4 offers maximum support for severe overpronation. Its wide base, reinforced arch, and rigid heel counter provide unmatched stability, making it ideal for flat feet or collapsed arches. It also pairs well with custom or aftermarket insoles for added correction.
Shop New Balance 1540v4

New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v14

If your over-pronation is mild, the 1080v14 offers plush cushioning and a confident heel fit. While not a dedicated stability shoe, it gives good arch feel and a well-seated heel counter enough to help reduce inward collapse when used with proper fit or a supportive insole. A strong choice for runners or walkers who want comfort plus moderate correction.
Shop New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v14

SAS Tour and Tour Mesh (Walking)

These supportive walking shoes use Arcfit™ heel stabilizers and a SteadyTrac midsole to guide the foot with every step. Their firm heel counters and cushioned insoles make them perfect for all-day wear when comfort and stability are equally important.
Shop SAS Tour & Tour Mesh 

Xelero Walking and Fitness Shoes

Xelero shoes feature an advanced Stabilization System, which controls motion while promoting a smooth, natural stride. Their firm heel counters and supportive midsoles make them a strong choice for anyone seeking balance and alignment during fitness or daily walking.
Shop Xelero Shoes

Best Shoe Features for Pronation Support

Correcting pronation starts with two essentials: arch support and a firm heel counter. These features guide the foot into better alignment, reduce strain on joints, and help prevent issues like plantar fasciitis, shin splints, or knee pain. But even the best shoes won’t work if they aren’t fit and tied correctly.

Arch support for stable alignment

Arch support helps keep the midfoot from collapsing and spreads pressure evenly across the foot. For flat feet or fallen arches, strong medial support limits overpronation, while people with high arches benefit from cushioning that absorbs shock and prevents supination. If a shoe’s stock insole is too soft, an upgraded orthotic insert provides the structure needed for lasting comfort and stability.

Heel counters and rearfoot control

The heel counter is the firm cup at the back of the shoe that stabilizes the rearfoot and keeps the heel planted. By holding the heel in place, it helps control overall foot movement and reduces excess rolling. This stability supports proper alignment through the ankle, knee, and hip, which in turn allows the muscles and tendons of the leg to work more efficiently. Stability and motion control shoes rely on a strong heel counter to guide the gait cycle and keep the body moving in balance.

Proper shoe tying and fit

Most people do not realize how much lacing affects support. Would you believe that many people do not actually know how to tie their shoes correctly? Before tightening your laces, make sure your heel is fully seated in the heel counter by gently kicking your heel back into the shoe. This positions the foot so the built-in support can work as intended. From there, tie the laces snugly through the midfoot, using techniques like the runner’s loop or heel lock for extra security. Done properly, this prevents heel slippage, stabilizes the arch, and maximizes the shoe’s ability to control pronation.

Add Arch Support When Needed

Even the best stability shoes may need extra help. Orthotic insoles add targeted support for the arch and heel, improving alignment and comfort for flat feet, high arches, or plantar fasciitis.

• Vionic Relief Full-Length Orthotics – Podiatrist-designed with tri-planar motion control.
  

• Cadence Comfort+ – Contoured cushioning that eases pressure under the heel and forefoot.
  

• Biosole-Gel Sport Orthotic – Deep heel seat with gel cushioning for shock absorption.
  

Pro tip: Bring your everyday socks and any current orthotics to your fitting so the shoe–insole combo is tuned to your real-world setup.

What is foot pronation?

Pronation is the rolling motion of the foot as it moves from heel strike through toe-off. A slight inward roll is normal and helps absorb shock, but too much inward roll is called over-pronation, while too little or an outward roll is called under-pronation or supination. These patterns are often linked to foot types such as flat feet, fallen arches, or high arches. Some people casually describe their stance as pigeon-toed (inward turning) or duck-footed (outward turning), which can overlap with pronation issues. Understanding your pronation pattern is the first step toward finding supportive shoes with the right combination of arch support and heel stability.

Neutral pronation explained

Neutral pronation is the balanced inward roll that evenly distributes weight across the foot. It keeps the ankle, knee, and hip aligned and reduces strain on joints. People with neutral pronation often have medium arches and show even shoe wear. Supportive shoes with good cushioning, arch structure, and firm heel counters help maintain this healthy gait pattern.

Overpronation explained

Over-pronation happens when the foot rolls excessively inward, often linked to flat feet or collapsed arches. This shifts weight to the inside of the foot and can contribute to shin splints, knee discomfort, plantar fasciitis, or bunions. Shoes with strong arch support and firm heel counters stabilize the foot, reduce stress on joints, and encourage healthier alignment.

Under-pronation (supination) explained

Underpronation, or supination, occurs when the foot rolls outward instead of inward, limiting natural shock absorption. People with high arches often supinate, leading to outer-edge shoe wear and a higher risk of ankle sprains, Achilles strain, or stress fractures. Cushioned shoes with supportive heel counters absorb impact, improve balance, and reduce injury risk.

The Van Dyke & Bacon Difference

Since 1938, Van Dyke & Bacon has helped generations of customers find shoes that fit right and feel right. As a family-owned business, we specialize in comfort footwear, sizes, and widths that most stores do not carry, with trusted brands like New Balance, SAS, and Xelero. Our fitting specialists make sure you leave with the right shoe, the right width, and the right support, even down to how your shoes are tied.

You can explore our collection of supportive shoes online or stop by one of our Baltimore-area locations for professional service and personal attention. Either way, you will walk away with footwear that supports your lifestyle and helps keep pronation under control.