Kit & Gear

The Best Running Shoes for Underpronation 2024

Getting the right shoe for your gait is one of the most important things to get right as runner, whether you’re a neutral runner, an overpronator or (less commonly) an underpronator.

In truth, only a very small percentage of people suffer from underpronation - research suggests around 10-15%, with most runners overpronating.

So, what type of shoe is best for a runner who underpronates?

First off, it’s important to understand how underpronation (or supination) differs from normal, biomechanically efficient pronation. When the foot pronates normally, the arch flattens and the foot rolls inwards – the body’s natural way of absorbing shock. Underpronators tend to have high rigid arches, meaning that the arch fails to flatten and the gait lacks inwards roll, placing additional stress on the outer edge of the foot. For that reason, runners who underpronate are best to opt for neutral, high cushioned models that both allow the foot to pronate more easily and help compensate for the foot’s lack of natural shock absorption.

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*PLEASE NOTE: THE FOLLOWING SHOES ARE NOT LISTED IN RANK ORDER*

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Here are our top-of-the-range recommendations for underpronators and neutral runners:

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1. ASICS Gel Nimbus 25

The new ASICS Gel-Nimbus 25 is specifically designed to provide maximum comfort and cushioning to help you feel like you're landing on clouds. This upper material is made from a premium soft engineered knit which offers integrated support, increased breathability and an improved fit for extra comfort. There is 24% Bio Material in the midsole and it features full length FF Blast+ Eco Foam which is 20-30% more sustainable than the industry average foams.

Price: RRP £174.99

Weight: 290g

Drop: 8mm

Features: Incredible comfort and cushioning, Flytefoam Blast Plus midsole for lightweight impact absorption and a responsive energy return., PureGEL for soft and bouncy shock absorption.

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Check out our ASICS GEL-NIMBUS 25 shoe review here

SHOP ALL ASICS GEL NIMBUS 25 ROAD RUNNING SHOES NOW

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2. Brooks Glycerin 21

If you're looking for supreme softness and ultimate comfort, the neutral Brooks Glycerin 21 running shoe provides an ultra plush ride thanks to even more soft, nitrogen-infused DNA LOFT v3 cushioning than before, plus a new streamlined knit upper that delivers structure and breathability.

SHOP ALL BROOKS GLYCERIN 21 RUNNING SHOES NOW

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3. New Balance 1080v13

If New Balance were to only make one shoe, it would be the Fresh Foam X 1080. With a unique combination of reliable comfort and high-performance properties, the shoes provide you with versatility to accompany you from every day to race day running. The shoes also have a rocker profile for a smoother, natural feeling transition.

Price: RRP £159.99

Weight: 262g

Drop: 6mm

Features: Soft and breathable upper with a secure fit for every runner, new Fresh Foam X midsole with increased cushioning and stack height and an integrated outsole design promoting forefoot stiffness.

SHOP ALL NEW BALANCE 1080V13 ROAD RUNNING SHOES NOW

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4. Saucony Triumph 21

Meet the Triumph 21. Unlimited comfort. Limitless movement. Saucony brings premium comfort - but the pace is yours to create. Featuring an upgraded flat-knit upper and PWRRUN+ cushioning for even more comfort as you build the best version of yourself.

Price: RRP £169.99

Weight: 279g

Drop: 10mm

Stack height: (Heel: 37mm / Forefoot: 27mm)

Features: PWRRUN+ cushioning with soft EVA foam in the midsole, Flat Knit Upper to keeps feet comfortable and cool and an updated fit that keeps you locked in.

SHOP ALL SAUCONY TRIUMPH 21 ROAD RUNNING SHOES NOW

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5. Mizuno Wave Sky 7

Offering a higher level of "floating run experience" than their predecessors, the Wave Sky 7 feature Mizuno Enerzy Core for excellent cushioning and energy return, Mizuno Wave technology for great stability, and woven materials for a soft and smooth fit.

Price: RRP £159.99

Weight: 309g

Drop: 8mm

Stack height: Heel: 41mm / Forefoot: 33mm

Features: Lighter than the Wave Sky 6, with a stretchy, breathable and comfortable upper, Mizuno Enerzy Core for exceptional cushioning and energy return for comfortable strides and Mizuno Wave which enhances stability without sacrificing the cushioning.

SHOP ALL MIZUNO WAVE SKY 7 ROAD RUNNING SHOES NOW

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6. Nike ZoomX Invincible Run Flyknit 3

The Nike ZoomX Invincible Run Flyknit 3 sports a slab of thick cushioning to help you stay on your feet today, tomorrow and beyond. It's super springy and bouncy, so that you can propel down your preferred path and come back for your next run feeling ready and reinvigorated.

Price: RRP £164.95

Weight: 278g

Drop: 9mm

Features: - Manufactured from Pebax, the ZoomX Midsole is Nike's lightest, most responsive foam yet and a rocker shape provides more support through the gait cycle.

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Check out our Nike ZoomX Invincible Run 3 shoe review here

SHOP ALL NIKE ZOOMX INVINCIBLE RUN 3 ROAD RUNNING SHOES NOW

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Here are our mid-range recommendations for underpronators:

If your budget doesn’t stretch to £150+ then try some of the following options which are still more than suitable for marathon distance training.

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7. ASICS GEL-CUMULUS 25

Experience a softer feel underfoot with the ASICS GEL-CUMULUS 25. It's a neutral everyday style of shoes and is a versatile choice for various running workouts and distances. Working in tandem to further cushion your landing and ensure the impact is absorbed, the shoes have a 2mm increased stack height providing the most underfoot cushioning to date. The midsection of the Gel-Cumulus 25s also utilises an Ortholite X-30 sockliner, which provides you with soft step-in comfort.

Price: RRP £139.99

Weight: 266g

Drop: 8mm

Stack height: Heel: 37.5mm / Forefoot: 29.5mm

Features: FF Blast Plus for a more energised ride, PureGEL Technology which absorbs impact for soft landings and smooth transitions and AHAR LO and AHAR PLUS for durable grip and traction underfoot.

SHOP ALL ASICS GEL-CUMULUS 25 ROAD RUNNING SHOES NOW

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8. Brooks Ghost 15

The Brooks Ghost 15 is one of Brooks' most-loved running shoes. With a soft feel, smooth ride, and trusted fit, the Ghost 15 delivers the comfort and performance runners want. Perforations in the construction allow cool air to permeate, preventing an intolerable build-up of heat and keeping your feet cool and comfortable. The mesh actively and efficiently wicks away the build-up of excess sweat and moisture, keeping you dry as you strive for the best results and performance. Also available in an extra-wide fit.

Price: RRP £135.00

Weight: 282.8g

Drop: 12mm

Features: DNA Loft Cushioning for smoother transitions and softer cushioning and engineered Air Mesh upper hugs the foot for a secure but breathable fit.

SHOP ALL BROOKS GHOST 15 ROAD RUNNING SHOES NOW

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9. New Balance Fresh Foam X 860v13

The New Balance Fresh Foam X 860v13 was built to provide consistent performance for the neutral runner.

New Balance designed the 860 to keep up with the demands placed on shoes by the dedication of the stability-minded everyday runner. The latest entry in the series, the Fresh Foam X 860v13, augments the pinnacle cushioning experience of Fresh Foam X with a supportive medial post to provide essential stability. Built for reliability over the long haul and sustained comfort over all distances, the 860 is a true go-to shoe.

Also available in an extra-wide fit.

Price: RRP £139.99

Weight: 309g

Drop: 10mm

Stack height: Heel: 27mm / Forefoot: 17mm

Features: Fresh Foam X Midsole offers incredible comfort, a heel counter helps to control heel movements and an engineered jacquard mesh upper creates a second-skin feel for extreme comfort and breathability.

SHOP ALL NEW BALANCE FRESH FOAM X 860V13 RUNNING SHOES NOW

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10. HOKA Bondi 8

One of the hardest working shoes in the HOKA lineup, the HOKA Bondi 8 takes a bold step forward this season. Reworked using soft, lighter foam, and a brand-new extended heel geometry. The rear crash pad takes on a billowed effect to afford an incredibly soft and balanced ride from heel-strike to forefoot transition. The perfect blend of soft and bouncy, the Bondi 8 is an invitation for runners of all levels to take a joyride.

Also available in an extra-wide fit.

Price: RRP £149.99

Weight: 307g

Drop: 4mm

Stack height: Heel: 33mm / Forefoot: 29mm

Features: Lightweight Foam Midsole for exceptional cushioning, an engineered mesh upper for comfort and breathability and a durabrasion outsole for traction.

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Check out our HOKA Bondi 8 shoe review here

SHOP ALL HOKA BONDI 8 RUNNING SHOES NOW

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11. Mizuno Wave Rider 27

The legendary Wave Rider just keeps on Riding; Introducing the new Mizuno Wave Rider 27. Now 5g lighter than its predecessor, it also features an extra 2mm of cushioning in the midsole for even softer landings. While maintaining the comfortable characteristics of the Wave Rider 26, 27 has a revamped heel structure to provide a more secure fit, combined with a luxurious, seamless upper that gently wraps around the entire foot. Available in a range of different colours, including the option of a wider fit, the Mizuno Wave Rider 27 is a shoe for everyone, for every run.

Price: RRP £139.99

Weight: 285g

Drop: 12mm

Stack height: Heel: 38.5mm / Forefoot: 26.5mm

Features: Wave Technology and Pebax Rnew Wave Plate for dynamic stability and a responsive ride, Dynamotion Fit provides a fit that moves the way you do and SmoothRide which promotes a smooth, natural stride.

SHOP ALL MIZUNO WAVE RIDER 27 RUNNING SHOES NOW

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12. Saucony Ride 16

The redesigned Saucony Ride 16 delivers a comfort-first sensation that takes your run to new heights. Built using softer cushioning and a pillowy sockliner, it’s got more foam, less weight, and everything you need to get after it. With higher sidewalls, you sit into the shoe instead of on top of it, creating an incredible underfoot sensation.

Price: RRP 134.99

Weight: 250g

Drop: 8mm

Stack height: Heel: 35mm / Forefoot: 27mm

Features: PWRRUN but with 18% more cushioning in the midsole, a new ultra-lightweight breathable mesh construction and improved FormFit Technology which is a dynamic fit system that adapts to your individual gait.

SHOP ALL SAUCONY RIDE 16 RUNNING SHOES NOW

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13. adidas Supernova Rise

Like running through the cosmos!

The adidas Supernova Rise running shoe features Dreamstrike+ that's a 20% biobased midsole compound and gives you elevated cushion while delivering fast forward energy return. Bottom-loaded support rods provide more stability and durability and a light, airy mesh brings superior breathability. Perfect for everyday running, the Supernova Rise will help you reach your goals faster.

Price: RRP £129.99

Weight: 278g

Drop: 10mm

Features: Dreamstrike+ Cushioning provides more energy return and longer-lasting performance, Bottom-Loaded Support Rods stabilise every stride for ultimate efficiency and an elevated heel for amazing step-in comfort provides superior shock absorption on landings.

COMING SOON TO SPORTSSHOES.COM!

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