How much does a quality pair of motion control shoes cost?

You can expect to pay anywhere between $70-$150 for a high quality pair of motion control shoes. Cheaper sneakers probably won't be as durable and may not offer enough support for walkers who are on their feet all day long. More expensive pairs may have too much cushioning, but may have a more modern style. The cheapest pair on our list, Skechers Arch Fit Comfy Wave, is often available for under $90. And our top overall pick, Brooks Women's Ariel '20 Running Shoes, was $160 when we published this list.

What is overpronation and underpronation?

“Overpronation [occurs] when there is excessive rolling of the foot and ankle down and inward with excessive flattening of the arch” as you step, Dr. Logan says. Underpronation, typically referred to as supination, is the opposite, or “when the foot rolls toward the outside edge during each step,” she says.

How do I know if I overpronate?

There are a number of indicators of overpronation. “One sign that you may overpronate is that you may have very low arches or flat feet when standing barefoot,” Dr. Logan says. You can also try this wet test. “Wet the bottom of your feet, then step onto colored paper. An oval-like image on the paper indicates a flat foot or an overpronator. A skinny question mark-like image indicates supination (under pronation) and something in between these two images is what is considered a normal arch,” Bruce Pinker, DPM, AACFAS, FAPWCA, DABPM, FACPM , foot and ankle surgeon at Progressive Foot Care, says. The way your shoes wear may also help you determine if you overpronate. “Wear that is largely on the inside portion of the outer sole may indicate excessive pronation. You can also place your shoes on the floor and look at them from behind. If they tilt inward, this may mean that you overpronate,” Dr. Logan says. Pain in your heel and arch may also be a sign of overpronation, especially when combined with one of the above tests, though not all foot pain is related to overpronation.

How do you fix overpronation?

“Depending on the severity of the overpronation, it can be treated with pre-fabricated or custom orthotics (insoles), motion control shoes, and strength exercises to help support the arch of the feet and the muscles that support the arches,” Dr. Logan says. If you overpronate, you can start with motion control shoes, but you may also benefit from a visit with a podiatrist to determine the best treatment and support for your feet.

The 9 Best Walking Shoes for Overpronation of 2023

When walking or running, it's normal for the arch of your foot to flatten slightly and for your foot and ankle to roll in a bit as your foot strikes the ground. “This is known as pronation and is a normal part of gait,” Loretta Logan, DPM, MPH, professor and chairman of the Department of Orthopedics and Pediatrics at the New York College of Podiatric Medicine & Food Center of New York, says. However, overpronation—or excessive rolling of the foot and ankle, along with arch flattening—can lead to foot fatigue, pain, and injury over time.

Tested & Approved

One of our top overall picks, Brooks' Ariel 20, provides all-day comfort, with great shock absorption and a lightweight design. We also recommend New Balance's 990v5, which comes in six different widths and has an insert that provides plenty of support.

There are a number of things you can do to address overpronation, but wearing motion-controlled shoes is a good place to start. These shoes, also called stability shoes, “limit the range of motion of the foot, thereby blocking excess pronation,” Logan says. When shopping for a motion control shoe, look for a sneaker that has an inflexible heel and a thick midsole with good arch support.

To find the best walking shoes for overpronation, we interviewed five podiatrists to get their expert opinion on what to look for in a motion control shoe. After that, we researched dozens of shoes from the most popular and trusted brands. Then, we put the top shoes to the test by walking over 100 miles in them. These sneakers combine the best support, stability, and cushioning on the market:

Our Top Picks

Best Women's Overall:

Brooks Women’s Ariel '20 Running Shoes at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Men's Overall:

New Balance 990v5 Running Shoe for Men at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Budget:

Skechers Arch Fit Comfy Wave at Zappos

Jump to Review

Best for All Day Wear:

New Balance Women's 1540v3 Running Shoes at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best for Trails:

Apex Trail Runner Active Shoe at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best for Plantar Fasciitis:

Orthofeet Coral Stretch Knit Shoe at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best for Long Walks:

Brooks Addiction Walker 2 Shoe at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Cushioned:

Vionic Women's Walker Classic Walking Shoes at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best for Max Support:

Apex Boss Runner Active Shoe at Amazon

Jump to Review

In This Article

Our Picks
How We Selected
What to Look For
FAQ
Why Trust Verywell Fit

4.9

Amazon

Our Ratings

Cushioning

5/5
Responsiveness

4/5
Lateral Stability

5/5
Fit

4.5/5
Value

4.5/5

Pros

Good cushioning
Strong shock absorption
Lightweight

Cons

May run narrow

Our best women’s overall pick, these shoes earned our top spot thanks to their perfect score of 5 out of 5 for cushioning and stability—two very important features to look for in motion control shoes for walking.

Brooks Ariels are technically considered running shoes, but they give walkers who overpronate everything they’d want in a shoe, and more. In fact, the running shoe design makes them more flexible and responsive than most other motion control walking shoes—which allowed our tester, who suffers from overpronation, to walk for miles at a time without fatigue or pain. Our tester's feet never felt tired or sore after any of the test walks, and she continued to wear the shoes all day.

While these shoes run a tad narrow, they offer a snug, comfortable fit and don’t rub or chafe in any spots due to the seamless mesh design, which earned them a perfect score of 5 out of 5 for blister protection. Another aspect of these shoes that stood out to our tester was how light they felt, especially compared to other motion control walking shoes we tested. They are soft, comfortable, and don't require any break-in period.

Testing Notes: “These were comfortable from the moment I put them on and continued to be for miles and miles. These should be a go-to shoe for walkers who want lightweight support and flexibility.”

These shoes feature Brooks’ signature BioMoGO DNA midsole and GuideRails technology, which are designed specifically for overpronators who need extra support. We also love that the shoes are approved by the APMA (American Podiatric Medical Association)—a seal of approval given by podiatrists who have tested the shoes—which means they meet specific criteria and are deemed to promote good foot health.

Price at time of publication: $160

^{Key Specs:
Materials: Engineered mesh upper | Cushioning: BioMoGo DNA midsole | Weight: 10.7 ounces | Closure: Lace-up}

4.9

Amazon

Our Ratings

Cushioning

4.5/5
Responsiveness

4.5/5
Lateral Stability

5/5
Fit

5/5
Value

4/5

Pros

6 width options
Good support
Comfortable

Cons

Expensive
Heavy

New Balance’s 990v5s earned our top spot for men thanks to their superior comfort and support—which earned them a perfect score of 5 out of 5 for both fit and stability. We particularly recommend these for long walks. During his walks, our tester found them to be responsive, yet well-cushioned, giving his feet the support they need for longer distances.

The Ortholite insert offers overpronators the stability they need to support feet, ankles, knees, and hips, whether you’re out for a short stroll, brisk walk, or plan to spend hours on your feet.

We also like that they feature a simple yet stylish design, so you can feel confident about what’s on your feet and won’t stick out if your walk takes you to a local coffee shop or even to brunch.

Testing Notes: “I would recommend these to a friend who suffers from overpronation, as they offer good arch support and they’re comfortable enough to wear all day.”

The New Balance 990s come in six different widths for sizes 7 to 16, so there’s an option for every shape and foot size.

Price at time of publication: $185

^{Key Specs:
Material: Foam midsole, mesh upper | Cushioning: Ortholite insert with foam | Weight: 13.7 ounces | Closure: Lace-up}

4.8

Zappos

Our Ratings

Cushioning

4.5/5
Responsiveness

5/5
Lateral Stability

4/5
Fit

4/5
Value

5/5

Pros

Stylish
Lightweight
Machine-washable

Cons

Run slightly narrow
Shallow toebox

We love Sketchers’ Arch Fit Comfy Wave shoes for their superior support, comfort, and style, all at a budget-friendly price point. During her test walks, our tester found them to be light, comfortable, and flexible—earning them a nearly perfect score of 4.5 out of 5 for upper comfort—while still supporting her feet for several miles.

Despite being lighter and much less visually bulky than many motion control shoes, they still offer good arch support with their Arch Fit insole system—a podiatrist-approved arch support system. The lower ankle cuff allows for more movement, which is desirable to some who walk for longer distances, but this also makes them a little too light for those who need additional ankle support.

Testing Notes: “I would recommend these to someone with mild to moderate overpronation. They are comfortable, responsive, budget-friendly, and stylish. However, not as supportive as some others I tested, so they work better for someone with some pronation, but not a significant amount.”

We like that the shoes are machine washable, come in four attractive colors, and are available in sizes 5-11 in both medium and wide widths. Our tester, who tried the medium width, did note that they run a little narrow and have a relatively snug and shallow toe box. If you have a wider foot or like a little extra room for your toes, you may want to try the wide.

Price at time of publication: $88

^{Key Specs:
Material: Mesh fabric upper, synthetic outsole | Cushioning: Arch Fit insole | Weight: 10 ounces | Closure: Lace-up}

4.7

Nordstrom

Our Ratings

Cushioning

5/5
Responsiveness

4/5
Lateral Stability

5/5
Fit

5/5
Value

4/5

Pros

Good lateral support
Good cushioning
Durable, grippy sole

Cons

May feel stiff at first
Heavy

The New Balance 1540 is not only great for walking, but transitions well to running errands, playing with your kids, or even for a long day on your feet at work. They’re comfortable, supportive, well-cushioned, and made of durable materials. The ENCAP midsole paired with the Rollbar system gives them one of the best lateral supports out of all the shoes we tested—earning them a perfect score of 5 out of 5 for this feature—which is incredibly important for overpronators.

Testing Notes: “As an overpronator myself, I liked that these shoes provided ample support and became quite comfortable after the first walk.“

Our tester noted that they felt a little stiff at first, but after a few miles, they loosened up without losing their support. They’re available in five widths in sizes 5-13, making them a great shoe for a variety of foot shapes and sizes.

Price at time of publication: $170

^{Key Specs:
Materials: Mesh and synthetic upper, rubber outsole | Cushioning: ENCAP Midsole, ROLLBAR heel | Weight: 13 ounces | Closure: Lace-up}

4.4

Apex

Our Ratings

Cushioning

4.5/5
Responsiveness

3.5/5
Lateral Stability

5/5
Fit

4/5
Value

4/5

Pros

Good traction
Roomy toe box
Comfortable

Cons

Not very responsive
Heavy

If you’re hitting the trails, it's important to have a shoe that offers excellent stability and really good traction underfoot, and the Apex Women’s Trail Runner meets (and exceeds) those criteria.

While stiffness isn’t traditionally a quality you look for in a walking shoe, it’s actually a good thing when you’re walking on uneven surfaces. The rigidness and strong arch support of this shoe earned it a perfect score of 5 out of 5 for lateral stability and support.

Testing Notes: “These shoes are great for someone with moderate to severe overpronation who needs a lot of support. They have good traction and are made specifically for trails.”

Our tester also liked that the high and wide toe box gives your feet room to swell, which can happen on longer, harder trail walks. We like that the high ankle collar adds a nice touch for extra support—just be sure to wear higher socks to avoid any chafing or unwanted blisters.

Price at time of publication: $155

^{Key Specs:
Materials: Mesh and leather upper, rubber outsole | Cushioning: V-last | Weight: Not specified | Closure: Lace-up}

4.8

Amazon

Our Ratings

Cushioning

5/5
Responsiveness

4/5
Lateral Stability

4.5/5
Fit

4/5
Value

4.5/5

Pros

Highly customizable
Good heel and arch support
Sweat-wicking material

Cons

Limited colors and designs
Run wide

With adjustable arch support, strong heel cushioning, and an ergonomic sole, the Orthofeet Coral Stretch Knit shoes are an excellent choice for anyone who overpronates—but they're especially good for those with plantar fasciitis. From the moment our tester laced them up, these shoes were incredibly comfortable and provided support without feeling heavy—which earned them a perfect score of 5 out of 5 for both upper comfort and cushioning. That comfort remained throughout all of our tester’s walks.

One thing that stood out to our tester in particular about these shoes is that they were more responsive than most motion control shoes she tested, making longer walks less tiring. The roomy toe box is perfect for anyone with a wider top foot or bunions, but they do run a bit wide for someone with an otherwise normal foot.

Testing Notes: “I would recommend these shoes to someone who needs the ability to switch out to custom orthotics or wants a lighter shoe that still offers maximum support for overpronation and plantar fasciitis.”

Orthofeet Coral Strech Knit shoes come in standard, wide, and extra-wide widths in sizes 5-12. They come with an adjustable arch insert, three insoles, and room for a custom orthotic, making them the most customizable shoes we tested.

Price at time of publication: $143

^{Key Specs:
Materials: Knit upper, rubber outsole, moisture-wicking polyester & PolyU foam inner sole | Cushioning: Innovative Ortho-Cushion | Weight: Not specified | Closure: Lace-up}

4.8

Amazon

Our Ratings

Cushioning

5/5
Responsiveness

4.5/5
Lateral Stability

5/5
Fit

4/5
Value

5/5

Pros

Good cushioning
Comfortable
Responsive

Cons

Warm
Run narrow

If you’re looking for a supportive shoe that offers comfort and flexibility, and can be worn for miles, the Brooks Addiction Walker 2 is a great choice. When our tester first laced them up, she felt the all-over cushioning and support but noticed that they didn’t feel as stiff as many other motion control shoes we tested. These qualities earned the shoe high scores of 4.5 or 5 out of 5 for almost every attribute we evaluated while testing.

Brooks’ signature BioMoGo DNA cushioning offers support along with flexibility, which helps propel you forward more easily on walks. This cushion is paired with an Extended Progressive Diagonal Rollbar for additional support for overpronators. The Addiction walkers are also slip-resistant and APMA-approved.

Testing Notes: “These are one of the more responsive motion controlled walking shoes on the market. My legs and feet didn’t feel tired at all after longer, faster walks as they did in some other shoes I tested.”

The one drawback of these shoes is that they are made with leather, which makes them a bit too warm to wear on hot summer days. These do run narrow, so if you have a wider foot, consider trying the wide width, even if you don’t usually buy wides.

Price at time of publication: $130

^{Key Specs:
Material: Leather, rubber slip-resistant outsole | Cushioning: BioMoGo DNA | Weight: 12 ounces | Closure: Lace-up}

4.5

Courtesy of Walmart

Our Ratings

Cushioning

5/5
Responsiveness

3/5
Lateral Stability

5/5
Fit

4/5
Value

4/5

Pros

Good support
Good all-over cushioning
Removable orthotic insole

Cons

Stiff
Not responsive

As soon as she laced up Vionic’s Classic Walking Shoe, our tester felt the benefits of the all-over cushioning. The cushioning extends to the toebox, providing extra comfort, and earning this pair a perfect score of 5 out of 5 for this attribute. However, the extra padding and use of leather material do come at a cost—it makes the shoes a little warm and a little stiff at first. This, combined with the fact that the shoes feature a significant number of seams, means that walking in them could lead to blisters if worn on a warmer day or for a longer walk, which is why they lost some points for blister protection.

During test walks, our tester felt the support from the shoe’s Active Motion System technology, which includes a removable orthotic, molded midsole, and thermoplastic heel. The higher heel cuff provided additional ankle support, which is ideal for those with sensitive ankles or previous ankle injuries.

Testing Notes: “These sneakers are great for someone who needs maximum support and prioritizes that over flexibility and responsiveness.”

On longer walks, our tester did note that it took a little extra effort to propel herself forward, but that’s a tradeoff a walker needs to make for the max level of cushioning and support a shoe can provide.

Price at time of publication: $110

^{Key Specs:
Material: Leather upper, mesh liner, PU foam base, rubber outsole | Cushioning: Active Motion System technology | Weight: Not specified | Closure: Lace-up}

4.4

Apex

Our Ratings

Cushioning

4/5
Responsiveness

3.5/5
Lateral Stability

5/5
Fit

4/5
Value

4/5

Pros

High and wide toe box
Room for custom orthotics
Removable insole for customization

Cons

Stiff
Heavy

If you’re looking for a maximum motion control shoe, we recommend Apex’s Boss Runner shoe. The Carboplast footbridge provides excellent stability and keeps your foot stable on uneven surfaces, which earned it a perfect score of 5 out of 5 for lateral stability.

The shoes are a favorite among the podiatrists we interviewed for their ability to be semi-customized, thanks to their removable insole and the fact that they offer plenty of room for a custom orthotic. The high and wide toe box makes them a great pick for someone with bunions, wider feet, or for someone who just likes extra room in their toe box for possible swelling.

Our tester did feel like what you gain in stability you sacrifice in flexibility and responsiveness, which is why these shoes earned a lower score for our responsiveness attribute.

Testing Notes: “I would recommend these to someone with severe overpronation who needs a lot of support. I would also make sure that the person knows that you are sacrificing responsiveness for that extra support.”

Our tester also noticed that the shoes felt a bit heavy on her feet and felt a little stiffer at first compared to other shoes she tested. But for those with significant overpronation and related joint pain, these provide the support you need to be on your feet for hours.

Price at time of publication: $155

^{Key Specs:
Materials: Rubber outsole, synthetic upper | Cushioning: Carboplast footbridge for motion control and stability | Weight: Not specified | Closure: Lace-up}

		Overall Rating	Cushioning	Responsiveness	Lateral Stability	Fit	Value
Best Women's Overall: Brooks Women’s Ariel '20 Running Shoes	Amazon	4.9	5	4	5	4.5	4.5
Best Men's Overall: New Balance 990v5 Running Shoe for Men	Amazon	4.9	4.5	4.5	5	5	4
Best Budget: Skechers Arch Fit Comfy Wave	Zappos	4.8	4.5	5	4	4	5
Best for All Day Wear: New Balance Women's 1540v3 Running Shoes	Amazon	4.7	5	4	5	5	4
Best for Trails: Apex Trail Runner Active Shoe	Amazon	4.4	4.5	3.5	5	4	4
Best for Plantar Fasciitis: Orthofeet Coral Stretch Knit Shoe	Amazon	4.8	5	4	4.5	4	4.5
Best for Long Walks: Brooks Addiction Walker 2 Shoe	Amazon	4.8	5	4.5	5	4	5
Best Cushioned: Vionic Women's Walker Classic Walking Shoes	Amazon	4.5	5	3	5	4	4
Best for Max Support: Apex Boss Runner Active Shoe	Amazon	4.4	4	3.5	5	4	4

How We Rated the Motion Control Shoes for Walking

4.8 to 5 stars: These are the best walking shoes for overpronation we tested. We recommend them without reservation.

4.5 to 4.7 stars: These walking shoes for overpronation are excellent—they might have minor flaws, but we still recommend them.

4.0 to 4.5 stars: We think these are great walking shoes for overpronation, but others are better.

3.5 to 3.9 stars: These walking shoes for overpronation are just average.

3.4 and below: We don't recommend walking shoes for overpronation with this rating; you won't find any on our list.

How We Selected and Tested the Best Walking Shoes for Overpronators

We selected which motion control shoes to test by reviewing dozens of top-rated shoes for overpronators from the best walking shoe brands on the market. We also interviewed five podiatrists and asked them what to look for in shoes for overpronators. We then put our top 12 picks to the test.

Two testers tested each shoe by wearing each pair for three different walks: a 3-mile walk at a moderate pace, a 3-mile walk at a brisk pace, and a longer 5-6 mile walk at a moderate pace. All shoes, with the exception of the trail shoe, were tested on roads and sidewalks. The trail shoe was tested on a flat dirt trail.

After each walk, our testers rated each shoe on a scale of 1 (would not recommend) to 5 (best in class) for each of the following attributes: cushioning, responsiveness, shock absorption, upper comfort, fit, lateral stability and support, and blister protection. We also gave each shoe a value score by comparing the shoe’s cost to its overall quality.

What to Look for in Walking Shoes for Overpronators

Arch Support

A thick, stiff, supportive midsole will provide arch support, ensuring that your arch doesn’t collapse when you walk. Many shoe brands will refer to this as a “medial post.” A firm sole can also help provide additional support. Some people may also benefit from a custom orthotic or semi-custom insert for even more support. These can be worn with neutral shoes or motion control shoes based on the level of support you need.

Cushioning

The cushion of the shoe helps absorb the impact of the foot hitting the ground, which is especially important on faster walks. Overpronators benefit from extra cushioning in the heel and midsole. Look for foam and gel padding, which will absorb shock and feel soft underfoot. Most motion control shoes also have a thick sole at the heel, which is a good sign of additional cushion and support.

Durability

A good pair of walking shoes should last for hundreds of miles. They should also hold up to all-day wear, if you’d like to wear them just as much for running errands as for fitness walks. All the shoes on our list are known for their longevity, so you can trust that they will hold up to lots of activity.

Fit

“A properly fitting shoe will feel good right from the start when you put it on, so there is no break-in period,” Grace Torres-Hodges, DPM, a podiatrist in Pensacola, Florida, says.

The shoe should feel slightly snug at the heel and around the sides of the foot so that your foot doesn’t slide around, which could cause blisters. But the toe box should be roomy enough for your feet to swell a little, which can happen when walking for longer distances or in warmer weather.

You also want about a half-inch of space from the toe to the end of your shoe (or about the tip of your thumb). If you wear custom orthotics (or special inserts), choose a shoe that has a removable insole and enough extra space to fit the thicker orthotic insert of your choosing.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a quality pair of motion control shoes cost?

You can expect to pay anywhere between $70-$150 for a high quality pair of motion control shoes. Cheaper sneakers probably won't be as durable and may not offer enough support for walkers who are on their feet all day long. More expensive pairs may have too much cushioning, but may have a more modern style. The cheapest pair on our list, Skechers Arch Fit Comfy Wave, is often available for under $90. And our top overall pick, Brooks Women's Ariel '20 Running Shoes, was $160 when we published this list.
What is overpronation and underpronation?

“Overpronation [occurs] when there is excessive rolling of the foot and ankle down and inward with excessive flattening of the arch” as you step, Dr. Logan says. Underpronation, typically referred to as supination, is the opposite, or “when the foot rolls toward the outside edge during each step,” she says.
How do I know if I overpronate?

There are a number of indicators of overpronation. “One sign that you may overpronate is that you may have very low arches or flat feet when standing barefoot,” Dr. Logan says.
You can also try this wet test. “Wet the bottom of your feet, then step onto colored paper. An oval-like image on the paper indicates a flat foot or an overpronator. A skinny question mark-like image indicates supination (under pronation) and something in between these two images is what is considered a normal arch,” Bruce Pinker, DPM, AACFAS, FAPWCA, DABPM, FACPM, foot and ankle surgeon at Progressive Foot Care, says.
The way your shoes wear may also help you determine if you overpronate. “Wear that is largely on the inside portion of the outer sole may indicate excessive pronation. You can also place your shoes on the floor and look at them from behind. If they tilt inward, this may mean that you overpronate,” Dr. Logan says.
Pain in your heel and arch may also be a sign of overpronation, especially when combined with one of the above tests, though not all foot pain is related to overpronation.
How do you fix overpronation?

“Depending on the severity of the overpronation, it can be treated with pre-fabricated or custom orthotics (insoles), motion control shoes, and strength exercises to help support the arch of the feet and the muscles that support the arches,” Dr. Logan says.
If you overpronate, you can start with motion control shoes, but you may also benefit from a visit with a podiatrist to determine the best treatment and support for your feet.

Why Trust Verywell Fit

A certified personal trainer, running coach, gym buff, and fitness writer, Christine Luff, ACE-CPT, spends countless hours researching and testing the latest exercise gear and gadgets. She only recommends products that she can genuinely stand behind and that she believes would be a good investment for her readers.

The Best Women’s Running Shoes for Overpronators, According to a Running Coach

The 9 Best Walking Shoes for Overpronation of 2023, Tested and Reviewed

Tested & Approved

Best Women's Overall

Brooks Women’s Ariel '20 Running Shoes

Best Men's Overall

New Balance 990v5 Running Shoe for Men

Best Budget

Skechers Arch Fit Comfy Wave

Best for All Day Wear

New Balance Women's 1540v3 Running Shoes

Best for Trails

Apex V753 Trail Runner Active Shoe

Best for Plantar Fasciitis

Orthofeet Coral Stretch Knit Shoe

Best for Long Walks

Brooks Addiction Walker 2 Shoe

Best Cushioned

Vionic Women's Walker Classic Walking Shoes

Best for Max Support

Apex Boss Runner Active Shoe

Compare

How We Rated the Motion Control Shoes for Walking

How We Selected and Tested the Best Walking Shoes for Overpronators

What to Look for in Walking Shoes for Overpronators

Arch Support

Cushioning

Durability

Fit

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Trust Verywell Fit