Overview
Have you been noticing greater wear on the outside edges of your shoes? Do you additionally suffer from arch pain, ball of foot pain, arch sprain, or are prone to stress fracture? If you answered yes, these symptoms can be some of the telltale signs of a less familiar condition, known as ‘Underpronation’, or Oversupination of your feet. While it is more common in runners and athletes, the biomechanical irregularity, once diagnosed, can be very effectively treated with podiatrist-recommended orthotics for underpronation.
During a normal stride, underpronation happens when the foot rolls more outwards (more than ~15% outward rolling than normal) rather than being balanced in the center. As a result, the ankles lean outward, and more body weight is put on the outside edges of your foot. People with high arches, tight Achilles tendons, hammertoes, shin splints, or those who have injuries with changes in gait are at a greater risk of underpronation.
Orthotics for underpronation is highly effective in restoring normal activity performance by reducing stress and improving overall foot health. These, along with supportive shoes specifically designed for underpronators, realign proper foot mechanics, strengthen the muscles and tendons, and thus protect from future injuries.
Selection Criteria
Our candidates for this review and testing included underpronators or supinators who either had high arches, or plantar fasciitis or were prone to ankle sprains and stress fractures. The testers also included professional runners.
While selecting the best orthotics for underpronation, good support and optimum cushioning were our highest priority. Other factors taken into consideration are whether the orthotics:
- has extra shock absorption qualities,
- allowed proper foot motion,
- have flexible inner sides,
- support high arches,
- can endure many miles of wear and tear, etc.
Based on these, we searched and tested 25+ podiatrist-recommended insoles for underpronation that can accommodate your unique gait type. Out of these, the following are the top 7 best orthotics for underpronation:
1. ProTalus T100 Elite
Rating:
Comfort 5/5 Support 4/5 Corrective 4/5 Value 4/5 Durability 5/5
Why do we like it?
With an exceptionally comfortable fit, our testers unanimously agree that the ProTalus T100 Elite is a rare find for correcting underpronation. Quite specifically, its unique design targets the subtalar joint to fine-tune inversion and eversion of foot mechanics.
In fact, you can feel the difference on the very first day of installing these insoles with supportive shoes for underpronators. We also tested it for over a month and could feel an overall improvement in body alignment, with noticeable stress relief in the ankle area.
Additionally, the ProTalus Elite treats painful plantar fasciitis, Morton’s neuroma, and other general foot discomfort. On the downside, the design may be a little narrow for some foot types.
Product Details:
- Ideal Shoe Type: Casual, Running, Dress, Tennis, and other shoes (try the Protalus M100 Elite for boots, big heel cup, and heavy-duty work).
- Available sizes: Men – 5.5 to 15. Women – 5.5 to 12.5. Kids – 3 to 3.5.
- Unique features: Targets pain points with pressure distribution technology. Patented heel cup design. Tri-planar alignment system. Good support for reducing pressure. Also, improves alignment by 31% more than generic insoles.
- Materials: Pad
- Color: Green/Gray.
- Price: $64.95.
2. Powerstep Pinnacle Insoles for High Arches
Rating:
Comfort 4.5/5 Support 4.5/5 Corrective 4/5 Value 4.5/5 Durability 5/5
Why do we like it?
We noted that the Powerstep Pinnacle Insoles has a firm and flexible support, which makes it optimal for underpronaters who have high arches. If you also experience pressure or pain in the ball, heel, and the outer edges of your foot, these insoles will definitely be a good choice.
It has a deep heel cradle and a signature arch shape – made to effectively control motion and improve alignment. Our testers tried these insoles with a variety of shoes. After weeks of use, the PowerStep Pinnacle orthotics effectively reduced pain while standing, walking, or performing low to medium-level physical activities.
Nonetheless, the high-quality orthotics for underpronation also alleviates pain and stress on ankles and joints. For the best results, use the Pinnacle insoles with supportive shoes like Asics Novablast 4, Nike Pegasus 40, New Balance, or others that are specifically designed for underpronators.
Do note that the Pinnacle insoles provide only mid-level cushioning.
Product Details:
- Ideal Shoe Type: Casual, Hiking, Workout, or Athletic shoes, Work boots.
- Available sizes: Men – 4 to 15. Women – 6 to 12.
- Unique features: High and neutral arch support. Deep heel cradle. Semi-rigid support shell. Also, provides good shock absorption and stress reduction at joints.
- Materials: PU Foam, EVA.
- Color: Blue/ Dark Green.
- Price: $49.95.
3. Spenco Rx Orthotic Insoles
Rating:
Comfort 4/5 Support 3.5/5 Corrective 3.5/5 Value 4/5 Durability 4.5/5
Why do we like it?
A mid-level entry in our list is the Spenco RX Orthotic Insoles. We love this one for its exceptional fit and support. All thanks to its moldable/flexible arch design!
The Spenco insoles are designed to keep your feet from rolling outwards. Thus, it reduces supination or underpronation, and improves overall stability. Even when we tried these on hard surfaces, the SpenCore cushioning system was very efficient at absorbing shocks. Additionally, the 4-way stretch top fabric prevents wear and tear or formation of blisters caused due to excessive friction or pressure from underpronation.
If you don’t like the full-length design, these insoles are also available in 3/4th length variants. So, it is great for avoiding crowding in the toe area and supporting conditions like hammertoes.
Product Details:
- Ideal Shoe Type: Golf, Running, Hiking, Sports, Work, Casual, Cross training, Casual shoes, or for prolonged standing.
- Available sizes: Men – 4 to 15.5. Women – 3 to 14.5.
- Unique features: Motion control, moldable arch inserts. Complete heel-to-toe comfort. Promotes healthy foot mechanics. All-day support. Also, it prevents blisters.
- Materials: Pad, Nylon.
- Color: Black/ Dark Green.
- Price: $39.99.
4. Birkenstock Blue Sport Footbed Insoles
Rating:
Comfort 4/5 Support 4/5 Corrective 4/5 Value 3.5/5 Durability 4.5/5
Why do we like it?
If you love Birkenstock casual shoes or other iconic brands with a great footbed, you will certainly love to install the Birkenstock Sport Footbed Insoles for added comfort. Though the insoles are 3/4th length, yet they give excellent heel stabilization and optimum damping.
Supporting the natural arch of the foot, the Birkenstock insoles create a natural environment to reduce discomfort during walking and other casual activities. The comfortable heel seat and the raised design also corrects the abnormal gait over time.
What’s more? The Birkenstock Blue Footbed insoles are made of 100% eco-friendly materials such as cotton!
Product Details:
- Ideal Shoe Type: Casual, Leisure, Business footwear. Best for shoes with up to 1.5” heel height.
- Available sizes: Men – 6 to 15.5. Women – 4 to 12.5.
- Unique features: Optimum cradling. Heel support. Anatomical footbed shape. Eco-friendly. ¾ th length. Available in Regular/Wide, Medium/Narrow, or Medium width options.
- Materials: Cotton.
- Color: Blue.
- Price: $59.95.
5. Pedag Correct Plus Insoles
Rating:
Comfort 4.5/5 Support 5/5 Corrective 4.5/5 Value 5/5 Durability 4/5
Why do we like it?
The Pedag Correct Plus insoles were recommended by one of our experts… and it was all worth our time and test! Handmade in Germany, these insoles have 3/4th length wedges, which makes them an ideal choice for every underpronater. Naturally, this design comfortably adapts to your foot geometry and provides the much-needed external rim elevation and support at the forefoot area.
Another good part, the Pedag insoles are made of natural materials such as vegetable-tanned sheep leather and natural rubber (and no silicones!) for firm support. Besides anything else, we definitely love it for its extreme comfortability, unique domain, and premium looks.
Pro tip: You can easily fix the Pedag Correct Plus to your shoes at the ‘self-adhesive points’ of the insoles.
Product Details:
- Ideal Shoe Type: Casual and Work shoes.
- Available sizes: S, M, L, XL (Men – 4 to 13. Women – 4 to 11).
- Unique features: Leather top. Corrects outward bending/ oversupination/ ankle joint axes. Relieves ankle, knee, and hip pain. Fixable.
- Materials: Leather, Rubber.
- Color: White/Cream.
- Price: $19.98.
6. PowerStep ProTech Medical Grade Insoles
Rating:
Comfort 4.5/5 Support 5/5 Corrective 4.5/5 Value 3.5/5 Durability 4/5
Why do we like it?
Not all prefabricated insoles provide a good level of support for underpronation issues. But if you ask us, – PowerStep ProTech Medical Grade Insoles provides something closest to a custom-like feel for treating supination/plantar fasciitis. When our testers used it, they experienced better back and arch pain relief as well.
The ProTech insoles are one step ahead of the Pulse and Pinnacle variants from PowerStep. Only premium materials are used here. They are podiatrist-recommended and designed according to your unique foot geometry. It is indeed very appropriate for underpronators as it has a comforting ‘2 degree-heel wedge’ support.
Its prescription-like, semi-rigid arch design and the shock-absorbing premium foam cushion, make a perfect balance for correcting outward rolling of the foot. However, since these insoles are quite expensive and you have other better options on the go, it is always a good idea to consult a good podiatrist before ordering.
Product Details:
- Ideal Shoe Type: Casual, Athletic, and Work shoes.
- Available sizes: Men – 4 to 15. Women – 6 to 12.
- Unique features: Proven clinically effective for supination. With a 20-heel wedge and heel cushion. Support high arch. Also treats plantar fasciitis, foot and heel pain, and sore, and aching feet.
- Materials: Polyester.
- Color: Blue/Black.
- Price: $74.99.
7. TreadLabs Pace Short Insoles
Rating:
Comfort 4.5/5 Support 4/5 Corrective 4/5 Value 4/5 Durability 3.5/5
Why do we like it?
If you have flat feet and underpronation, the bones in your forefoot (or metatarsals) are highly misaligned, due to which your feet collapse outward when you stand on them. The rare condition can worsen further when you are overweight.
To provide optimum relief to all overweight underpronators and those with extra heavy gait, the TreadLabs Pace Short Insoles are a good choice. It provides firm medical support with a precise fit. You need to wear these insoles for at least a week to experience the real performance and to improve foot alignment.
Though these insoles are great for casual activities, they performed just about average for high-impact activities, when compared to our top picks. Nevertheless, the good thing is that the brand promises replacements, with no questions asked if the insoles crack or lose their shape. Note that these insoles are thick and are best suited for shoes with greater width.
Product Details:
- Ideal Shoe Type: Dress and Casual shoes, Flats.
- Available sizes: Men – 4 to 14.5. Women – 5 to 14. Kids – 5 to 12.5.
- Unique features: Comes in different arch heights (Low, Medium, High, and Extra High). 2/3rd length fit. Suitable for extra heavy gait. APMA approved.
- Materials: PU, Foam.
- Color: Blue
- Price: $54.99.
Orthotics for Underpronation – What To Know
Since underpronation is a relatively less common foot condition, it might be difficult to find ready-made insoles. Whether you opt for custom-made orthotics for underpronation or choose from the above list, here are certain things to consider:
- Heel Height: Insoles for underpronation or oversupination should preferably have a 2-degree heel wedge design. This alleviates pain and also prevents feet from rolling outwards.
- Shoe size and Design: Always choose insoles that are complimentary to your shoe size. Wearing medium-firm shoes, specifically made for underpronators will give the most promising results.
- Shape: Orthotics for underpronation should mimic the shape of your foot. Look for insoles that match your arch height and fit properly to prevent your foot from rolling out. Note that most insoles designed for high arches are also suitable for underpronation, particularly if your condition is caused naturally by poor foot mechanics.
- Firmness and Durability: Depending upon the advancement of your condition, the insoles should have a medium to high degree of firmness. It should also be durable to resist all sorts of wear and tear.
About 10% of people in the US suffer from underpronation or oversupination. Yet, the options for corrective orthotics for this condition are very limited. It is important to note that no one size fits all, so most podiatrists will recommend wearing custom orthotics with the right shoe support.
Custom orthotics or underpronation are proven to give superior fit and comfort than the generics. Remember, the earlier you start the treatment, the lesser the chances of injury and future complications.
