The best tempo running shoes for overpronation
Fast, stable running shoes for tempo runs and speed sessions if you overpronate or have flat feet.
Quick answer
For tempo runs if you overpronate, our top pick is the adidas Adizero Boston 13: firmer, grounded ride and bouncy, propulsive foam. The Saucony Endorphin Azura and HOKA Mach 7 are close behind. Few fast shoes are true stability shoes, so we look for responsive foam on a wide, steady base.
Our picks
- Top match£140
Adizero Boston 13
- Firmer, grounded ride
- Bouncy, propulsive foam
- Built for road miles
Fit True to size, narrow fit
260g 6mm drop Nylon plate
- Strong alternative£140
Endorphin Azura
- Balanced cushioning
- Built for road miles
- A go-to for speed sessions
Fit True to size
240g 8mm drop
- Also great£140
Mach 7
- Balanced cushioning
- Built for road miles
- A go-to for speed sessions
Fit True to size
237g 5mm drop
Our picks
- Top match£140
Adizero Boston 13
- Firmer, grounded ride
- Bouncy, propulsive foam
- Built for road miles
Fit True to size, narrow fit
219g 6mm drop Nylon plate
- Strong alternative£140
Endorphin Azura
- Balanced cushioning
- Light at 212g
- Built for road miles
Fit True to size
212g 8mm drop
- Also great£140
Mach 7
- Balanced cushioning
- Light at 203g
- Built for road miles
Fit True to size
203g 5mm drop
How they compare
| Shoe | Price | Weight (men's / women's) | Drop | Plate | Wide fit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| adidas Adizero Boston 13 | £140 | 260g / 219g | 6mm | Nylon | No |
| Saucony Endorphin Azura | £140 | 240g / 212g | 8mm | None | No |
| HOKA Mach 7 | £140 | 237g / 203g | 5mm | None | Yes |
Fast and stable
Most stability shoes are built for everyday miles and feel heavy at speed. The best options for tempo work combine a light, springy foam with a wide base, firmer sidewalls or a plate that resists rolling inwards.
In a blinded trial of 372 runners, those with pronated feet had fewer injuries in motion control shoes than in standard ones. If a more supportive shoe feels better at pace, choose it.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a stability shoe for speed sessions?
Not necessarily. Many runners who use stability shoes for easy runs are comfortable in a neutral shoe at faster paces, where foot strike changes. Comfort is the best guide.
Do carbon plates help with overpronation?
A stiff plate can resist the foot rolling inwards a little, but tall, soft plated shoes can also feel less stable. Try before you race in one.
How we picked
Every shoe we track is scored on cushioning, stability, responsiveness, weight, drop, plate, width options and price. For this guide we ran that scoring for a typical runner with these needs and show the top three. No brand or retailer can pay to appear. How we rank.
Sources
- Malisoux et al. (2016). Injury risk in runners using standard or motion control shoes: a randomised controlled trial with participant and assessor blinding. British Journal of Sports Medicine 50(8)
- Nigg et al. (2015). Running shoes and running injuries: mythbusting and a proposal for two new paradigms. British Journal of Sports Medicine 49(20)
Header photo by Tom Morbey