Shoe shopping can feel daunting when comfort, exercise needs and daily wear all compete for attention. For people who overpronate, choosing footwear that supports natural movement can be especially important because excessive inward rolling may place added stress on muscles, tendons and ligaments.

Some pronation is normal because the foot rolls inward slightly to absorb shock during walking and running. Overpronation becomes a concern when that movement is excessive, potentially increasing the risk of pain, plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinitis, shin splints, knee pain, bunions, hammertoes and lower back discomfort.

Dr. Dan Phan said possible contributors include flat feet, uneven leg lengths, previous injuries, repetitive stress, loose ligaments and muscle imbalances. The issue may also become more noticeable with age, while runners can experience excessive pain in the first toe joint.

Flat feet and overpronation are not identical. Flat feet are structural and may be visible while standing still, while overpronation is dynamic and appears when the feet are moving, according to Phan and Dr. Nicole M. DeLauro.

Wear along the inside edges of shoes can be a common sign of overpronation, DeLauro said. However, DeLauro and Phan said a formal gait analysis by a podiatrist is the best way to know for certain whether excessive inward rolling is occurring.

The goal is not to eliminate normal pronation completely, according to Dr. Peter Talisse. Instead, supportive footwear should limit excessive movement that causes discomfort and could damage foot tendons, contribute to chronic pain or eventually require surgical intervention.

DeLauro recommends stability or motion control features, firm heel counters and reliable arch support. Dual density midsoles can further reinforce the arches, while a wide and stable base, rigid midfoot section, sidewalls or internal stability systems may help keep feet closer to neutral alignment.

Cushioning alone does not guarantee support, according to Dr. Holly Spohn-Gross. Shoppers should seek comfort without sacrificing stability, and shoes described as offering maximum support may be more suitable than models marketed with balanced support or structured stability.

Among the recommended options, the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25 combines cushioning, arch support and GuideRails technology designed to restrict excessive rolling. Talisse highlighted its balance of stability and support, while multiple width choices allow shoppers to find a more comfortable fit.

The Asics Gel Kayano earned praise from Talisse and CNN Underscored updates writer Ellen McAlpine as a versatile stability shoe. McAlpine favored its firm support and padded ankle collar, while its streamlined construction keeps it from feeling excessively bulky or plush.

Brooks also offers the Glycerin GTS 23 with GuideRails and more cushioning for a bouncier feel. The standard Glycerin 23 omits that stability system, offering balanced support, plush cushioning and room for wider feet, although CNN Underscored associate testing writer Maxwell Shukuya found it heavier than lighter tempo running shoes.

Hoka’s Arahi uses the brand’s H-Frame technology to stabilize the feet during movement. CNN Underscored editorial director Chelsea Stone found the Arahi reliable and supportive for flat feet after experiencing plantar fasciitis, while regular, wide and extra wide options broaden its appeal.

For walking, Phan recommended the Brooks Addiction Walker 2, which combines leather uppers, cushioning and maximum support intended to encourage neutral alignment. Former CNN Underscored contributing editor Marissa Miller found its higher ankle position delivered added stability and a useful balance between rigidity and cushioning.

People with severe overpronation may benefit from the Asics GT-4000 4, which Phan described as highly stable. The shoe provides additional support through the middle of the foot, weighs just under 10 ounces and has an 8 millimeter drop from heel to toe.

Phan also recommended New Balance shoes with Fresh Foam X midsoles and Stability Plane technology, along with the Fresh Foam 1440x4 and its Rollbar system. The 1440x4 includes removable insoles, allowing wearers to substitute their own orthotics, and contains at least 70% domestic materials.

Oofos Ooahh recovery slides offer another supportive option for home use. Talisse said they provide better underfoot support than going barefoot, while Stone praised their cushioning for workout recovery, household wear and managing discomfort associated with plantar fasciitis.

Proper fit remains as important as stability technology because shoes that are too narrow, wide or long may permit excessive movement. Trying shoes on in person and walking around in them can help confirm that they feel comfortable immediately, while a podiatrist can evaluate fit at a future visit.

Minimalist shoes, soft shoes without structure and footwear with worn midsoles are generally poor choices for overpronators. Barefoot style shoes offer little structural correction, and experts said their limited stability may overwork smaller foot muscles and increase the likelihood of sprains and strains.

Persistent pain after changing shoes warrants professional evaluation. Spohn-Gross said weakness, arch pain or arch collapse affecting only one foot should also prompt a podiatry consultation because supportive footwear alone may not address the problem.