We Found and Tested the Best Motion Control Shoes for Overpronators

Best Overall

Brooks Women's Glycerin GTS 20

View On Zappos $120 View On Dick's $160 View On Brooksrunning.com $100

Our Ratings

• Fit
  5/5
• Cushioning/Knee Protection
  5/5
• Comfort
  5/5
• Responsiveness
  5/5
• Stability
  5/5

Key Specs

Sizes: 5 to 12 | Weight: 9.4 ounces | Cushioning: Soft but responsive | Drop: 10 millimeters | Our Overall Rating: 5/5

Who They’re For

Best for runners, walkers, or anyone who spends a lot of time on their feet and needs a stable, comfortable shoe.

Why We Love Them

A solid motion control shoe from a well-loved brand, Brooks’ Glycerin GTS 20 is our top overall pick. We love that this sneaker has received the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) Seal of Acceptance, meaning a panel of podiatrists has determined that its design actually promotes good foot health.

With an ideal blend of soft, adaptive cushioning and excellent arch support, we loved wearing the Glycerin GTS 20 for our daily runs. Brooks’ unique GuideRails support system on the sides of the shoe gently corrected our alignment while also cutting down on side-to-side foot movement. Compared to previous versions, the Glycerin GTS 20 also has a wider platform, delivering a more stable feel and smoother transitions. 

As we tested this pair, we noticed its superior fit right away. It hugged our feet in all the right places, with just the right amount of space between our longest toe and the top of the toe box. And the pillowy cushioning didn’t just feel great underfoot—we also noticed that it reduced our fatigue and felt ultra-responsive, pushing us forward with each step. It all adds up to a pair of shoes that makes us want to run longer and farther every time we put them on. 

Also available in men’s sizes at Amazon, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and Brooks.

Potential Flaws

• We noticed that the mesh upper feels thin. Although we haven’t noticed any wear or tear yet, we wouldn’t recommend these for running on trails or rough terrain with lots of debris. 

Best Budget

Brooks Launch GTS 10

View On Amazon View On Zappos $100 View On Dick's $110

Our Ratings

• Fit
  5/5
• Cushioning/Knee Protection
  4.8/5
• Comfort
  4.5/5
• Responsiveness
  4.8/5
• Stability
  4.5/5

Key Specs

Materials: Nylon mesh upper, nylon lining, foam footbed, rubber outsole | Sizes: 5 to 12 | Weight: 8.2 ounces | Cushioning: Firm and responsive | Drop: 10 millimeters | Our Overall Rating: 4.8/5

Who They’re For

Best for people with flexible arches who want an energetic, lightweight shoe. Also great for anyone with knee pain.

Why We Love Them

For a more budget-friendly option, we like Brooks’ Launch GTS 10. As we tested this pair, we were impressed by how stable and supportive they felt despite their lightweight design. Like our top overall pick, this pair also has Brooks’ GuideRails system, which aligns the foot to help promote our natural walking and running gait. 

We like that the Launch GTS 10’s cushioning is firm but responsive, allowing for smooth transitions between strides. While running, we noticed that the midsole felt springy, propelling us to the next step and absorbing shock to protect our joints. One of our editors—who has a history of shin splints—even found that these shoes helped keep her symptoms at bay. As an added bonus, the nylon mesh upper feels breathable and doesn’t have any irritating seams, reducing your risk of blisters and chafing. 

Also available in men’s sizes at Amazon, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and Brooks.

Potential Flaws

• Although we like that these shoes feel lightweight, we found that the thick sole is on the bulkier side. 
  

Best for Long Runs

Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23

View On Amazon $140 View On Zappos $140 View On REI $140

Our Ratings

• Fit
  4.8/5
• Cushioning/Knee Protection
  3.9/5
• Comfort
  4.5/5
• Responsiveness
  3.3/5
• Stability
  4.5/5

Key Specs

Materials: Mesh upper, nylon lining, foam footbed, rubber outsole | Sizes: 7 to 15 | Weight: 10.1 ounces | Cushioning: Firm | Drop: 12 millimeters | Our Overall Rating: 4.3/5

Who They’re For

Best for people with plantar fasciitis or anyone who spends a lot of time on their feet.

Why We Love Them

Brooks’ Adrenaline GTS 23 is our favorite motion control shoe for long distances. With a smooth ride and a supportive midsole, it’s an excellent shoe if you have flat-to-medium arches. When testing this pair, we immediately noticed how well they fit, with a wide toe box that gave our toes plenty of room to spread out.

Complete with Brooks' signature GuideRails support system, this sneaker has firm cushioning and a flexible, breathable mesh upper that's built for daily runners. But you don’t have to take our word for it, because the Adrenaline GTS 23 is also an APMA Seal of Acceptance winner. Whether you’re a fitness walker or a dedicated runner, this is our favorite motion control shoe for combating overpronation and getting the most out of our miles. 

Also available in men’s sizes at Amazon, Dick's Sporting Goods, and Brooks.

Potential Flaws

• We noticed that the additional padding in the shoe’s heel can feel tight, meaning you may want to order one width larger than your usual. Luckily, there are four widths to choose from: Narrow, Regular, Wide, and Extra Wide. 
  

Best Cushioning

Hoka Gaviota 5

View On Zappos $175 View On REI $175 View On Dick's $175

Our Ratings

• Fit
  4.8/5
• Cushioning/Knee Protection
  5/5
• Comfort
  4.8/5
• Stability
  4.5/5
• Value
  4.8/5

Key Specs

Materials: Mesh upper, recycled nylon and recycled polyester laces, foam midsole, recycled polyester midfoot brace, rubber outsole | Sizes: 6 to 12 | Weight: 9.1 ounces | Cushioning: Maximum | Drop: 6 millimeters | Our Overall Rating: 4.8/5

Who They’re For

Best for runners with flexible arches who want a soft, super-cushioned shoe. 

Why We Love Them

If you need a shoe that’s soft without sacrificing stability, you’ll appreciate the stellar support and cushioning in Hoka’s Gaviota 5. It comes with the brand's H-frame structure that prevents the foot from rolling inward, as well as a wider platform that adds even more stability. And like some of our other top picks, the Gaviota 5 has also earned the APMA’s Seal of Acceptance for its comfortable, functional design. 

The shoe’s thick cushioning offers us cloud-like comfort and excellent shock absorption, whether we’re running on pavement or sidewalks. When testing this pair, we found it to be extremely stable and easy to wear—we felt like we were running in the shoe, not on it. We were also impressed by the shoe’s snug and comfortable fit; our feet never slipped or slid around. The Graviota 5 has a thick rubber outsole and a plush, padded collar and tongue, creating a sneaker that’s just as comfortable as it is effective. 

Also available in men’s sizes at Dick’s Sporting Goods and Hoka.

Potential Flaws

• These shoes are pricier than most others on our list, but we think they’re worth the additional investment if you prefer thick, soft cushioning. 
  

Best for Marathon Running

Asics Gel-Kayano 30

View On Amazon $120 View On Zappos $120 View On Dick's $160

Our Ratings

• Fit
  4.6/5
• Cushioning/Knee Protection
  4.7/5
• Comfort
  4.5/5
• Responsiveness
  3/5
• Stability
  4/5

Key Specs

Materials: Knit upper, foam and gel midsole, rubber outsole | Sizes: 7 to 15 | Weight: 9.3 ounces | Cushioning: Maximum | Drop: 10 millimeters | Our Overall Rating: 4.2/5

Who They’re For

Best for runners with flat feet who are looking for a supportive shoe with maximum cushioning.

Why We Love Them

Asics’ Gel-Kayano 30 Running Shoe is our top pick for distance runners who need a dependable shoe with motion control. It's packed with soft cushioning but still helps us tackle long runs with confidence and ease. The Gel-Kayano 30 features the brand’s 4D Guidance System, an extra piece of foam on the inside of the midsole that repositions our arch after each step for a smooth, natural gait. It also has a wider, stable base, a beveled heel for smoother transitions, and a sculpted midsole that’s built to compress the foot from both sides. 

We like that these sneakers are ultra-cushioned: In testing, we noticed that the thick foam and gel absorb shock well, especially in the heel. The lightweight mesh upper is highly breathable, while the grippy outsole has a deep tread for solid traction. Comfortable and ultra-padded, they’re built to go the distance, so you can focus on staying motivated—and not on how your shoes feel.

Also available in women’s sizes at Amazon, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and Asics.

Potential Flaws

• Unlike other sneakers on our list, the Gel-Kayano 30’s upper hasn’t conformed to our feet over time. Instead, we've found that the thick sole provides more of a platform feel. 
• We noticed that this midsole isn’t as responsive as others we tested, likely due to how soft the cushioning is. 
  

Best for Speed

Mizuno Wave Inspire 19

View On Amazon $140 View On Zappos $140 View On Shoppremiumoutlets.com

Our Ratings

• Responsiveness
  4.8/5
• Stability
  4.5/5
• Fit
  4/5
• Value
  5/5
• Comfort
  4.7/5

Key Specs

Materials: Textile and synthetic upper, textile lining, textile and synthetic footbed, synthetic midsole, synthetic outsole | Sizes: 6 to 12 | Weight: 8.6 ounces | Cushioning: Thin and responsive | Drop: 12 millimeters | Our Overall Rating: 4.7/5

Who They’re For

Best for runners with flexible arches who need a lightweight motion control shoe for sprints and other speedwork. Also a good choice for anyone with plantar fasciitis. 

Why We Love Them

If your weekly run schedule is filled with sprints and shuttle runs, we suggest a lightweight motion control shoe like Mizuno’s Wave Inspire 19. As we tested this pair, we were impressed by their springy cushioning that absorbs shock well. Although the foam feels soft, we found that it’s also very responsive and propelled us forward to each next step. 

We love the additional padding underneath the heel, which also makes these sneakers a great option for runners with plantar fasciitis. We noticed that the shoe’s sturdy rubber outsole feels stable on everything from grass to paved trails—so you’ll feel the benefits whether you like to pick up the pace indoors or out. 

Also available in men’s sizes at Amazon and Mizuno.

Potential Flaws

• We realized these shoes may run small during testing—we had to order a size up from our usual. 
• During testing, the heel tab and collar felt a bit stiff at first. But we noticed that wearing thick socks for the first few wears helped our feet get used to them.
  

Best Lightweight

Hoka Arahi 6

View On Amazon $190 View On Zappos $140 View On REI $113

Our Ratings

• Fit
  4.5/5
• Cushioning/Knee Protection
  5/5
• Comfort
  4.5/5
• Responsiveness
  4/5
• Stability
  4/5

Key Specs

Materials: Synthetic upper, recycled mesh lining, synthetic footbed, synthetic midsole, synthetic rubber outsole | Sizes: 7 to 15 | Weight: 7.6 ounces | Cushioning: Maximum | Drop: 5 millimeters | Our Overall Rating: 4.5/5

Who They’re For

Best for people with low arches or flat feet.

Why We Love Them

Hoka’s Arahi 6 is the lightest shoe on our list—but that doesn’t mean it’s any less supportive. When we tested this pair, we immediately noticed that they’re built for stability, with the brand’s J-frame technology that gently corrects overpronation without feeling too stiff. The insole has low-profile cushioning that doesn't weigh us down. And we like that the breathable mesh upper fits like a glove, without any irritating seams or uncomfortable tight spots. 

The Arahi 6 also has a curved sole that helps us roll through our entire foot for a smooth, efficient stride. And with the APMA’s Seal of Acceptance, you can be confident it’s designed to help you perform and feel your best. If you’ve tried other motion control shoes only to be disappointed by heavy, clunky sneakers, we highly recommend giving this pair a shot. 

Also available in women’s sizes at Dick’s Sporting Goods, REI, and Hoka.

Potential Flaws

• Since this shoe has the lowest heel-to-toe drop on our list, it may be better for walkers and occasional runners. If you run every day, we recommend Saucony’s Omni 21 instead.
• The outsole’s traction is not as grippy as other shoes we tested, so it might not be the best choice for running in the rain.

Best for Moderate Pronation

ASICS Men's GT-2000 12 Running Shoes

View On Amazon $140 View On Zappos $140 View On Dick's $140

Key Specs

Materials: Mesh upper, polyester and mesh lining, gel and foam cushioning, rubber outsole | Sizes: 7 to 15 | Weight: 9.5 ounces | Cushioning: Moderate | Drop: 8 millimeters | Our Overall Rating: 4.6/5

Who They’re For

Best for runners who need a little more stability in a lightweight shoe that can do it all.

Why We Love Them

If you have mild or moderate overpronation, you can benefit from wearing a shoe with lighter support, like Asics’ GT-2000 12. The inside of the shoe’s midsole features firm foam and gel that gently supports your arches and ankles to prevent rolling. Asics’ latest version of the GT-2000 also has a larger heel bevel and flares out more at the forefoot, creating a wider base that provides even better stability and support. 

We like that it comes in three widths, so you can find the right fit. Plus, the mesh upper is made of around 50% recycled materials, making this sneaker both breathable and more sustainable. Reflective details also make the GT-2000 12 a safer choice for running or walking at night.

Also available in women’s sizes at Amazon, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and Asics.

Potential Flaws

• The wide base may feel more stable, but it can also feel too wide and bulky for some runners. 

Best for Trail Running

On Running Running Shoes

View On REI $180 View On Dick's $180 View On On-running.com

Key Specs

Materials: Recycled polyester mesh upper, recycled polyester knit lining, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Sizes: 7 to 14 | Weight: 10.4 ounces | Cushioning: Moderate | Drop: 6 millimeters

Who They’re For

Best for trail runners who need a protective sneaker that doesn’t skimp on support.

Why We Love Them

If you're an overpronator searching for trail running shoes, we highly recommend On’s Cloudultra 2. With a reinforced panel in the midfoot and a grippy rubber outsole, they’ll keep you feeling sure-footed and confident on technical terrain. We also love the nylon board underneath the midsole, which protects your feet from debris and provides an extra pop of energy with each step. Meanwhile, soft foam cushioning absorbs impact from uneven surfaces, so your legs stay feeling fresh and ready for the next mile. 

Made with extremely durable rubber, the outsole has multi-directional tread patterns for exceptional traction on wet or loose surfaces. The shoe’s two-layer mesh upper is protective, yet still breathable, thanks to ventilation throughout. We also like that the upper uses a foot-hugging, sock-like construction that provides additional support and keeps dirt out. 

Also available in women’s sizes at On Running, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and REI.

Potential Flaws

• Although it’s one of the priciest shoes on our list, we still recommend the Cloudultra 2 for its high-quality construction and trail-friendly features, as long as you have the budget to splurge a little.