The Best Running Shoes for Underpronation and Supination 2026
Choosing the correct shoe for your gait is one of the most important things to get right as a runner, whether you’re a neutral runner, an overpronator or (less commonly) an underpronator. The right running shoes can help improve comfort, reduce your risk of injury, and improve the efficiency of your running style.
If you have made your way to this article, the chances are you probably underpronate, also known as supination, or you are looking to learn a little bit more about it. In this guide, we will explain what underpronation is, how it affects your running, and what type of shoes are best suited to support your gait.
‘Gait’ refers to the way your feet and legs move as you run, particularly how your foot lands and rolls through each stride. Understanding your gait is essential for helping you choose a shoe which complements your natural movement.
SportsShoes offers a free and simple online gait analysis to help determine whether you underpronate, overpronate, or run neutrally.
ㅤ
What is underpronation or supination?
Pronation is a natural part of the running gait cycle. It describes how the foot naturally rolls inwards to absorb impact as it comes into contact with the ground. During normal pronation, the arch of the foot slightly flattens as the body helps distribute load efficiently through the ankles, knees, and hips.
Underpronation and supination both mean the same thing and describe when the foot does not roll inward enough during footstrike. Unlike overpronation (where the foot rolls inwards excessively during footstrike), underpronation is much less common. In truth, only a very small percentage of people suffer from underpronation — research suggests around 10–15%.
Instead of the foot rolling inward sufficiently to absorb impact, the foot of someone who underpronates remains more rigid and tends to place greater load on the outer edge during landing. This reduces the body’s natural shock absorption and can increase impact stress travelling up through the lower leg.
How to tell if you underpronate
A common trait in those who underpronate is a higher or more rigid arch, meaning the arch fails to flatten, which prevents natural biomechanical pronation and places additional stress on the outer edge of the foot.
There are also several common signs that may indicate you underpronounce:
Excessive wear on the outer edge of your running shoes
Frequent ankle sprains or tight calves
Shin splints or stress-related lower leg discomfort
Feeling like you land heavily on the outside of your foot
Limited flexibility through the foot and ankle
ASICS GEL-NIMBUS™ 28
The ASICS GEL-NIMBUS™ 28 continues to be one of the most cushioned running shoes available, combining ASICS most premium cushioning with PureGEL™ technology for softer landings and smoother transitions. The plush underfoot feel makes it particularly effective for runners who underpronate and land heavily on the outer edge of their foot.
| Weight | Men’s 281g / Women’s 242g |
| Drop | 8mm |
| Best For | Long-distance comfort, recovery runs and runners wanting maximum impact absorption |
Brooks Glycerin 23
The Brooks Glycerin 23 delivers a luxurious underfoot feel thanks to nitrogen-infused DNA LOFT v3 cushioning. They also offer the Brooks Glycerin Max, an ultra-cushioned shoe that also absorbs impact well.
Where the Glycerin 23 differs from the Max version is by providing a more balanced ride, making it an excellent choice for underpronators who want softness without losing that natural, stable underfoot feel. It's a great daily mileage trainer.
| Weight | Men’s 298g / Women’s 235g |
| Drop | 6mm |
| Best For | Plush daily mileage and long runs with maximum comfort. |
New Balance 1080v15
The 1080 built its reputation on its Fresh Foam X midsole, delivering soft, smooth cushioning that makes everyday miles feel easy. The v15 keeps that signature plush ride while introducing a new supercritical Infinion midsole that gives you extra bounce through toe-off. Paired with a rocker geometry for smoother transitions, the 1080v15 feels soft when you want it and responsive when you need it, making it a versatile option for underpronators.
| Weight | Men’s 298g / Women’s 235g |
| Drop | 6mm |
| Best For | Versatile cushioned training from easy runs through to marathon preparation. |
New Balance 1080v15
The 1080 built its reputation on its Fresh Foam X midsole, delivering soft, smooth cushioning that makes everyday miles feel easy. The v15 keeps that signature plush ride while introducing a new supercritical Infinion midsole that gives you extra bounce through toe-off. Paired with a rocker geometry for smoother transitions, the 1080v15 feels soft when you want it and responsive when you need it, making it a versatile option for underpronators.
| Weight | Men’s 298g / Women’s 235g |
| Drop | 6mm |
| Best For | Versatile cushioned training from easy runs through to marathon preparation. |
Saucony Triumph 23
Saucony’s premium neutral cushioned running shoe, the Triumph 23, combines a thick stack of highly responsive PWRRUN PB foam with a plush, energetic ride feel. Designed for luxurious comfort over longer distances, the soft cushioning effectively absorbs impact, while the smooth geometry and flexible outsole encourage natural transitions through the gait cycle.
| Weight | Men’s 286g / Women’s 263g |
| Drop | 10mm |
| Best For | High-mileage training and recovery-focused running. |
Mizuno Wave Sky 9
The Wave Sky 9 combines Mizuno’s most premium cushioning with their Wave technology, a wave-shaped plate structure designed to absorb impact and distribute force more evenly across the shoe, rather than relying solely on soft cushioning alone. Providing stable transitions throughout the gait cycle and a highly cushioned ride to protect the knees, hips and ankles of those who underpronate.
| Weight | Men’s 290g / Women’s 245g |
| Drop | 6mm |
| Best For | High-mileage training and recovery-focused running. |
HOKA Bondi 9
The Bondi 9 continues HOKA’s reputation for maximum cushioning, offering an even smoother, more refined ride. Its broad platform and plush foam help soften impact effectively for runners who land heavily on the outer edge of the foot.
| Weight | Men’s 297g / Women’s 263g |
| Drop | 5mm |
| Best For | Easy runs, recovery days and highly cushioned comfort. |
Versatile neutral running shoes for everyday mileage
Not every runner who underpronates wants maximum cushioning underfoot. These shoes offer a more balanced and agile ride while still delivering enough cushioning and flexibility to help reduce impact stress.
ASICS GEL-CUMULUS 28™
ASICS’s ultra-cushioned GEL-NIMBUS™ often gets most of the attention, but sitting right alongside it is the GEL-CUMULUS™, a great option for runners who still want comfort without that overly plush, max-cushioned feel.
The GEL-CUMULUS™ 28 delivers a solid mix of cushioning and responsiveness, making it ideal for everyday runs. It feels lighter and a bit more versatile underfoot. Making this reliable all-rounder a good choice for longer miles and daily training for underpronators.
| Weight | Men’s 259g / Women’s 223g |
| Drop | 8mm |
| Best For | Daily training with balanced cushioning and versatility. |
Saucony Ride 19
With each new version, the Saucony Ride continues to feel lighter and more comfortable. This moderately cushioned shoe works best for short to medium-distance runs, offering a smooth, responsive and versatile ride without feeling overly soft.
The adaptive cushioning provides a flexible fit that helps the shoe move naturally with your stride, making everyday miles feel easy and consistent for runners who underpronate.
| Weight | Men’s 255g / Women’s 220g |
| Drop | 8mm |
| Best For | Lightweight daily training, for short to medium-distances. |
adidas Supernova Rise 2
The adidas Supernova Rise 2 is a solid option for runners who underpronate and want something comfortable and affordable. It combines Dreamstrike+ cushioning with Support Rod technology to deliver a smooth, stable ride on everyday runs.
The cushioning feels balanced rather than overly soft or bulky, making it great for underpronators who want protection without feeling disconnected from the ground.
| Weight | Men’s 255g / Women’s 220g |
| Drop | 8mm |
| Best For | Lightweight daily training, for short to medium-distances. |
Interested in the latest shoes, apparel and technology? Then head over to our Kit & Gear category for more reviews, tips, advice and product releases.
Welcome
Welcome to SportsShoes Kit & Gear Hub! Here you'll find all the information and advice you need about the very latest kit, technology and gear.
Read More
Share this
Featured Articles
View All
