How long do running shoes last?

You should replace your shoes every 350 to 500 miles. You should also assess your shoes after a long run by asking yourself these two questions: "Do the shoes feel supportive?" and "Do they feel breathable?" If not, you should replace them. Underpronators can experience shin splints and plantar fasciitis with worn-out shoes.

Are running shoes good for walking?

Some running shoes will work for walking. When shopping, look for shoes with as little a flared heel as possible, especially if you underpronate. Many running shoes have a flared heel, but you don't need this for walking.

How do you clean running shoes?

You can spot-clean your shoes with a mixture of 70% alcohol and water; spray directly onto your shoes, blot any stains, and allow to air dry. You might want to keep a bottle near the door to spray your shoes immediately after returning home. This keeps you from bringing dirt and bacteria from outside into your home.

Can I wear running shoes when hiking?

Running shoes can work for hiking, if you're not on challenging terrain or hiking for days at a time (for example, trekking in mountainous regions). To shop for running shoes that you can use for hiking, make sure you can bend the shoe in your forefoot, and choose a waterproof shoe for the inevitable mud you will experience.

How do I know if a running shoe fits?

Because your feet swell when running, you should purchase a shoe that leaves a half to a full thumb's width of space at the top of your foot. Underpronators want a snug fit with lots of extra cushioning; you will want to avoid thin, super-flexible shoes.

The 6 Best Men's Running Shoes for Underpronators

Our running coach loves the Mizuno Men's Wave Rider 25 Running Shoes

By

Christine Luff, ACE-CPT

Updated on May 20, 2022

Reviewed by

John Honerkamp

We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best products—learn more about our process. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.

Underpronation is a foot movement in which the heel leans outward, causing a runner to put more weight on the outer edge of the foot which can cause severe injury and pain. Fortunately, there are many running shoes on the market that can help accommodate underpronation and prevent injury. The best running shoes for underpronation are well-fitted, provide ample support, and fit within your budget.

If you are an underpronator, look for shoes labeled "neutral" that offer foam cushioning and a good range of motion. Extra cushioning helps neutralize stiffness and lack of flexibility in the foot. Breathable materials like mesh or canvas are also ideal to look for since they promote ventilation and are easy to clean. We researched popular running shoes with these helpful features in mind.

Here are the best men's running shoes for underpronators as recommended by a running coach.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Mizuno Men's Wave Rider 25 at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Budget:

ASICS Men's Gel-Cumulus 19 Running Shoes at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Moisture Control:

ASICS Men's GEL Nimbus 17 Running Shoes at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Lightweight:

Brooks Ghost 11 GTX Men's Running Shoes at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Cushioning:

Saucony Men's Triumph Running Shoes at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best for High Arches:

Brooks Glycerin Men's Running Shoes at Amazon

Jump to Review

In This Article

Our Picks
What to Look For
FAQ
Why Trust Verywell Fit

4.7

Mizuno

Mizuno is a trusted running shoe brand and the Wave Rider is one of their classic styles. We chose it as our best overall selection for it's cushioning and responsiveness, especially for long distance runners. The Wave Rider 25 has a full-length midsole made of Mizuno's Enerzy foam that provides plenty of support and cushion and the WAVE plate that distributes energy to provide more stability throughout the shoe.

The Wave Rider 25 is durable and lightweight and comes in 11 different color combinations and sizes 7-16, including Wide.

Price at time of publication: $140

Courtesy of Amazon

Another excellent shoe from Asics, the GEL Cumulus get high marks from runners for its cushioning and comfort, saying they truly live up to the "Cumulus" name. It has rearfoot and forefoot Gel cushioning, providing comfort and support through your complete stride as well as a Guidance Trusstic system for stability.

The Gel-Cumulus 19 is a good every-day trainer. It fits snugly and has a soft ride and is durable enough to last a long time. Runners do recommend sizing up at least a 1/2 size for a proper fit. The Gel-Cumulus 19 comes in 24 different color combinations and sizes 5.5-14.

Price at time of publication: $155

Courtesy of Amazon.com

This running shoe from Asics absorbs shock, cushions, and energizes the neutral to underpronating runner. Long-time wearers rave about how lightweight and comfortable they feel. The ComforDry insole helps keep your feet dry and blister-free.

Courtesy of Amazon

The Brooks Ghost Running Shoe is a triple threat of balance, cushion, and lightweight materials. BioMoGo DNA in the shoe's midsole offers adaptive cushioning while staying more flexible. Runners love the Brooks Ghost as a comfortable, supportive shoe, especially for those training for a half or full marathon.

Courtesy of Amazon.com

Runners love the Saucony Triumph for its wide toebox, cushioning, comfort, and great support for long distance running or walking. Triumphs have a high brand/model loyalty: Many runners report wearing Triumphs for years and swear they'll never switch.

Courtesy of Amazon

These shoes from Brooks are great for men with high arches who run high mileage and like a cushioned shoe. They also have some extra room in the toebox if you have a wide forefoot.

Price at time of publication: $210

What to Look for in a Running Shoe for Underpronators

Fit

If you have high arches, ensure you purchase a shoe with a snug fit. Underpronators have heels that lean outward when running, and need extra cushioning. It's always best to have your running shoes professionally fitted so that you can get help choosing a shoe that works for your gait and foot shape, especially if you wear orthotics, like insoles for flat feet.

Cost

If you are on a budget, call running stores to find out if they offer any clearance sales that move out old product. This tends to happen at the end of the year when the stores need to stock new brands and models. Look at stores that offer a return policy in case you find the shoes uncomfortable after a couple of long runs. You don't want to feel that you have to stick with a shoe that's not right for your foot because you've already invested in it.

Fabric

If you are a marathoner or trail runner, consider shoes made with canvas or mesh fabric, which are easily cleaned. You can even put them in the washing machine (avoid the dryer).

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do running shoes last?

You should replace your shoes every 350 to 500 miles. You should also assess your shoes after a long run by asking yourself these two questions: "Do the shoes feel supportive?" and "Do they feel breathable?" If not, you should replace them. Underpronators can experience shin splints and plantar fasciitis with worn-out shoes.
Are running shoes good for walking?

Some running shoes will work for walking. When shopping, look for shoes with as little a flared heel as possible, especially if you underpronate. Many running shoes have a flared heel, but you don't need this for walking.
How do you clean running shoes?

You can spot-clean your shoes with a mixture of 70% alcohol and water; spray directly onto your shoes, blot any stains, and allow to air dry. You might want to keep a bottle near the door to spray your shoes immediately after returning home. This keeps you from bringing dirt and bacteria from outside into your home.
Can I wear running shoes when hiking?

Running shoes can work for hiking, if you're not on challenging terrain or hiking for days at a time (for example, trekking in mountainous regions). To shop for running shoes that you can use for hiking, make sure you can bend the shoe in your forefoot, and choose a waterproof shoe for the inevitable mud you will experience.
How do I know if a running shoe fits?

Because your feet swell when running, you should purchase a shoe that leaves a half to a full thumb's width of space at the top of your foot. Underpronators want a snug fit with lots of extra cushioning; you will want to avoid thin, super-flexible shoes.

Why Trust Verywell Fit

As a writer and editor, Christine has held positions at Reader's Digest and Ladies' Home Journal, and she has written for Women's Health, Cosmopolitan, Allure, Sports Illustrated for Women, Asics.com, and Rodale Online, to name a few.

Christine offers experience as both a runner and a coach, and she is certified as a personal trainer and a fitness nutrition specialist by the American Council on Exercise.

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