7 Best Running Shoes For Underpronation in 2024 (2024)

Running in the Deviate Nitro 2 felt like a dream with its cushion oozing pure delight, stiff and energetic midsole and grippy outsole that could last hundreds of miles. Backed up by lab results and our actual runs, this shoe claims the top spot for underpronation running shoes.

No matter what pace we ran, the foam felt gentle and delicate on our feet. Our arches were supported by the buttery-soft cushion — promoting a low-impact, smooth ride. We pressed into the foam with our durometer and it unsurprisingly came out 31.7% softer than average. We instantly recognized its comfort the moment we put our foot in.

Performance won’t be sacrificed! Its stiff carbon plate sprung us off pleasantly with every stride. In the lab, the shoe emerged a magnificent 93.4% stiffer than average! This explains why we were able to run faster with less effort since the midsole launched back more of the energy we placed upon landing.

Its outsole was reliable on any pavement. It felt like the rubber could last long at 8.8% thicker than average — great for supinators who tend to wear off the outer part of the sole faster.

Heel-to-toe drop of 5.6 mm is below advertised (6.0 mm) and average (8.9 mm). Runners who prefer higher drops should check other options.

Underpronators aiming for the long haul have a friend on the ASICS Gel Nimbus 25. A fluffy cloud lies underfoot, performing a smooth and protective ride that cradled our feet for countless testing miles.

Its towering profile immediately jumps out, and that’s where the Nimbus 25 banks its leg-saving wizardry. Our durometer ranked the midsole in the ethereal realm, with the foam’s 18.6 HA score meaning it’s 23.5% softer than average.

Now, the shoe is indeed massive. While the average running shoe presents a stack of 33.2 mm at the heel and 24.3 mm at the forefoot, the Nimbus 25 goes far beyond. With a heel stack of 38.0 mm and a forefoot stack of 30.2 mm, this ASICS falls easily into the max-cushioned range.

Daily trainers with similar cushioning levels average 292 grams (10.3 oz), and the Nimbus is right in that ballpark at 289 grams (10.2 oz). Yet, the distribution of its mass is marvelous, making the shoe feel way lighter on foot and far from cumbersome.

Still, we didn’t feel it responsive at all. We don’t recommend the Nimbus 25 for faster sessions or tempo runs.

Adizero Adios Pro 3 exudes pure speed with its peppy ride, light weight and excellent outsole! Underpronators don’t need to worry about wearing the outsoles or avoiding uneven roads. This racer kept us confident - directing all our focus to running fast which is why we find it to be the best race shoe for underpronators.

The midsole felt insanely responsive without the wobbly and sinking feeling. Its cushion is adequately rigid, measuring 50.0% stiffer than the average trainer. Even as a neutral trainer, it enhances stability with its wide landing platform and allows us to stride forward easily with its energy return.

This pair endures hot and humid days with its breezy upper receiving the highest score on our lab breathability test. Keeping things airy is its light weight of 7.7 oz (218g). That’s 18.9% lighter than average!

What boosts a feeling of security is its exceptional grip. This racer handles wet pavements and sharp turns with finesse. Our durometer measured its Continental rubber to be 30.5% softer than average — meaning more rubber sticks to the ground with every step, ensuring we don’t slip.

With an extremely thin tongue (0.9 mm vs. 5.9 mm average), it’s best to be mindful of lace bites or experiencing too much tension on the foot when locking down shoes.

Novablast 4 stands out in our lab and run tests, setting the standard of what a versatile trainer should be. Its stacked and soft FF Blast+ ECO hits the sweet spot of delightful comfort and support even at faster speeds. This lightweight sensation easily claims the best plush cushioning title among underpronation running shoes.

Our feet feel spoiled with an uber-soft platform and its monstrous, above-average stack. Our durometer shows the foam is 28.7% softer than average while its stack rises 5.7/5.6 mm higher in the forefoot and heel, respectively. That’s a generous amount of cushion to support us underfoot. It absorbs much of the impact of our landings and promotes a smooth, bouncy ride.

Despite the higher stack, the shoe is unbelievably light! At 9.1 oz (259g), it’s easier to run in than the 9.4 oz (266g) average of lab-tested shoes.

The pair shows minimal signs of wear after long miles — meant for supinators who tend to wear the outer sole first. Our Dremel proves the rubber is more resistant to abrasions as it shows less indentation than average in our test. The 3.9 mm outsole is also thicker than average, promising its longevity.

We recommend runners with narrow feet to explore other options since the midsole is significantly wider than average, especially in the forefoot (+9.6 mm).

A trustworthy tank, the Pegasus 40 has that limitless appeal. It’s responsive and protective, seamlessly teaming up with the foot during whatever workout we put ourselves to that day. For all this and more, the Nike Pegasus 40 is our ultimate daily trainer for underpronators.

On foot, the Pegasus 40 doesn’t force itself upon anything. It’s one of those kicks that naturally complement the runner’s gait, and we felt it delightfully liberating. With its tip locked, we bent its heel at a right angle and computed its resistance. Corroborating our instincts, the Pegasus emerged as an outstanding 47.5% more flexible than average.

Beneath our feet, the Pegasus’ engine did wonders. From our durometer, its midsole stands at 26.7% softer than average, falling far from the overly plush side in the name of a more reactive feel. This marvelous foam is remarkably protected by a mighty outsole, whose durometer readings foreshadow an endless lifespan—with an 86.0 HC hardness, this rubber effortlessly bullies the average 80.0 HC outsole.

Disappointingly, this Pegasus feels nowhere near a flying horse. It’s rather bulky even, with its 275 grams (9.70 oz) just surpassing the average weight for a running shoe.

Cruising over trails at supersonic speeds with unmatched confidence, we got the Hoka Tecton X. It sticks to the ground as quickly as it takes off, feeling utterly stable as a trail kick should be.

After countless miles in the woods, the Tecton X’s lugs show no sign of fatigue. Intact as they are, we expected a high density from the outsole material: our durometer unveiled an 86.7 HC hardness, just above the 85.1 HC for trail running. While it might not look like much, it’s just about enough to make the outsole last endlessly, allowing the lugs to remain as sticky as it gets.

Now, this is a stable shoe. The Tecton’s widened platform blocks any hesitation when landing, offering an extra 2.3 mm of width at the heel and 2.7 mm at the forefoot when compared to the average. On top of this, the dual-plate nestled within the midsole unleashed crazy bursts of power in each of our toe-offs, making the shoe a robust 62.3% stiffer than average.

The Tecton X’s experience comes with a hefty $200 price tag, demanding a significant investment when side by side with the $135 average for trail shoes.

The Saucony Axon 3 redefines an affordable shoe by delivering high-quality performance without the premium price tag. As we’ve seen in our test runs and lab trials, it’s a light, all-around shoe that's cushioned and sturdy enough for long miles. It comes at a sweet 100 bucks, making it a no-brainer for underpronation runners.

Its price tag falls below the $130 average cost of daily trainers. Not only that, it weighs lighter too! At a mere 8.6 oz (244g), it sheds off 12.5% of the average trainer’s weight. The result is a nimble ride that makes it easy to pick up the pace, as our streets came to witness.

Its generous cushion is another pleasant surprise, given its affordability. Axon 3 ensures a smooth ride as we run hours on foot. Our durometer confirms it’s 22.5% softer than average.

We’re immensely impressed with the reliable outsole, which stands steady on dry and wet surfaces and remains untouched after endless miles. Axon 3 combines a thicker and tougher than average rubber to ensure it lasts brutal training sessions.

For runners seeking a more natural feel, we recommend trying other options as Axon 3 is on the stiffer side.