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What Is Athletic Shoe Pronation?

As New Balance notes, "Pronation is simply a normal foot in motion." In relation to running and walking, pronation is significant since over- or under-pronation can lead to pain and injury.

  1. Features

    • When you walk or run, your heal usually hits the ground first. Then your arch flattens slightly. This part of the process is pronation.

    Over-pronation

    • Over-pronation occurs when "the arch and the bones of your feet flatten out and roll (excessively) inward" after your heel strikes the ground and before your toes complete the pronation process, according to University of Buffalo Sports Medicine.

    Under-pronation

    • Athletic shoe company New Balance notes that under-pronation occurs when too little inward motion occurs during pronation. This condition generally requires specially-cushioned shoes that promote natural pronation.

    Effects

    • Pronation problems can cause heel, Achilles' tendon and knee injuries. Pain can occur from your feet all the way up to your back, according to UB Sports Medicine.

    Expert Insight

    • Prevent pronation problems with good shoes.

      The American Academy of of Podiatric Sports Medicine rates athletic shoes based on the extent to which they prevent pronation problems. It recommends several shoes for walking and running, including the Brooks Addiction Walker for the former and the Mizuno Wave Renegade for the latter.

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