Moderate Pronation and Excessive Overpronation – Different Shoe Needs

By Al M. Kind

Pronation is the natural rolling of the foot as it impacts the ground. This motion which starts from the outside of the heel allows the foot to efficiently absorb the shock of each foot fall. This makes runners run quickly without destroying their lower body structure.

As the foot rolls from the outside of the heel towards the inner center of the foot there comes a point when it becomes excessive. Experts have measured the angle of this inward roll to a maximum of 15 degrees. Extending beyond that measurement would lead to excessive overpronation.

Pronation is vital in keeping our feet, knees, legs and lower back free from any injury when running. A little bit of pronation helps but excessive pronation will severely degrade a runner’s efficiency. With excessive overpronation injuries like plantar fasciitis, Iliotibial Band Syndrome (ITBS), shin splits and many more have a greater tendency to surface.

Overpronating runners will need a very supportive pair of running shoes. A running shoe that prevents the excessive rolling of the foot beyond 15 degrees is ideal. Shoes designed for excessive overpronation feature devices that limit the twisting of the midsole. This is usually accomplished with a torsion mechanism (roll bar) in the shoe or by using a denser midsole.

Furthermore, the rigidity of the arch region must prevent the arch from collapsing. This is a common problem in low arch or flat footed runners. The demands of excessive pronation make shoes of this type among the heaviest running shoes.

Shoes which cater to moderately pronated runners are a bit lighter. Flexibility is an important factor in this type of shoes. The needs of a moderate pronator require shoes to have more pliability especially in the midsole region. Too much “give” on the medial part of the shoe will encourage too much roll. It is vital that shoes for moderate pronation feature arch support as well. But they should not be as tough as those for excessive overpronation.

Different levels of pronation in runners require different types of shoes. Heftier and supportive shoes are a must for those who suffer from overpronation excessively. While a moderate pronator would require shoes with a little less support. It is also vital that the shoe is structured well enough to still hold their moderate arches in place.

Find out more about Stability Running Shoes, the type Moderate Pronators need. Check out the top picks on them at http://www.stabilityrunningshoes.info

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