Wendy Bumgardner is a freelance writer covering walking and other health and fitness topics and has competed in more than 1,000 walking events.
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Overpronators and heavy walkers have loved this shoe for years. The CS3 is significantly lighter than previous versions, which tended to be very heavy. The GRID Stabil has more cushioning than many motion control shoes. It also is more flexible than many motion control shoes. But it only comes in regular width.
For walkers who need stability, the Brooks Adrenaline is an excellent choice. It comes in narrow, regular, and wide widths, and even comes in a GTX waterproof trail version. Consistently good year after year, it has earned awards from running publications and many walkers have found it a go-to favorite.
This is an eco-friendly shoe for the severe overpronator who needs serious motion control. The mid-sole is biodegradable. Wearers cite the comfort and stability of the shoe. And even though it's biodegradable, the outsole is durable. The Brooks Addiction comes in widths, although this model tends to run narrow.
The Beast is a perennial favorite for motion control, especially for heavy walkers and severe overpronators. It is built to take a pounding and is known to be a more durable model. The Beast is the men's model of this shoe, although some women will find it works well for them once they know which size to buy. They come in regular (D), wide (2E), and extra wide (4E) and sizes from 8 to 16, making it the choice of "bigfoots" who need motion control.
The Ariel is the women's version of the Beast. Like the Beast, it is built for motion control, especially for heavy walkers and severe overpronators. It is a more durable shoe. It even comes in wide and extra wide for those who need even more width. It also comes in sizes up to 13. Some men will find that the Ariel fits them better than the Beast, so don't be afraid to try on both.
Featuring the ultimate in pronation control, the New Balance Women’s WR1011 Motion Control Running Shoe is the cream of the crop when it comes to functional footwear for runners who overpronate. These popular New Balance shoes boast breathable mesh, a firm rubber sole, and thickly padded linings, in addition to cutting-edge Abzorb technology to provide shock absorption to those who need it most.
On your next long walk or run, keep your feet stable, cushioned, and supported—and help prevent injuries and painful blisters—with the New Balance 1011 sneakers.
The Vionic Orthaheel Walker is a patented, orthotic walking shoe. It helps improve your posture and realign your foot with a special footbed system, arch support, and a deep heel cup. It has received the American Podiatric Medical Association Seal of Acceptance. These shoes come in neutral colors you can wear every day, including black, tan, white, and beige.
At first glance, you might dismiss the Gaviota as having a huge, clunky sole. But this is deceptive as they actually have a flat profile with a deep, cushioned heel cup and a tiny 5-millimeter heel-toe drop. You’ll be amazed at how lightweight they are, ounces less than most motion-control shoes. They build guidance and a rocker motion into the frame while keeping it all flexible. These features make them suitable for walking as well as running.
Many buyers said they were very comfortable to wear if you are on your feet all day. Several wearers also said their orthopedic surgeon or podiatrist recommended the Gaviota for their foot problems, and many said they found this shoe good for their plantar fasciitis. They are available in regular and wide. They come in some flashy colors if you want to stand out. On one popular running shoe site, 98% of wearers said they would recommend them to a friend.
Degree of overpronation: Chances are you’re looking into motion-control shoes because you tend to overpronate when you walk, meaning your feet roll inward too much. The extent of your overpronation will play a large role in determining the right shoes for you—the more you overpronate, the stiffer and more supportive your shoes will need to be.
Weight: Because motion-control shoes are quite firm and sturdy, they are generally heavier than other sneakers. You’ll want to consider the weight of the shoes you’re buying, as very heavy sneakers may be uncomfortable.
Firmness: While all motion-control shoes are designed to keep your foot in proper alignment as you walk, certain designs are more firm than others, especially in the sole. Test out various shoes to determine whether they are too firm and cause discomfort as you walk. It’s a balancing act of finding footwear that provides adequate support, yet will still keep you comfortable.
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