Supination Shoes

Supination, the opposite of pronation, refers to the outward rolling motion of the foot.  A walking foot that supinates strikes down on its lateral or outward side (opposite side of the arch). This condition is most commonly associated with high arches, but it’s not limited to this foot type. Excessive supination puts strain on the knees and on the lateral (outer) side of the foot and ankle. Left unchecked, it can affect the ankles, knees, hips and back. Foot fatigue and arch pain are common symptoms.

To check for supination, examine the wear patterns along the soles of your old shoes. Visible wear along the lateral side of the shoe (opposite side of arch) is an indication of supination and you may be a candidate for proper supination shoes.

Do you know your arch type? It’s as easy as stepping out of the shower or bath. With completely wet feet, simply step onto a piece of heavy paper that has been placed on a hard, flat surface. Step off and look at the prints left behind. See video below for directions.

Supination becomes problematic over time because of the strain on muscles, tendons and ligaments. Extreme supination pushes the knees apart in a bow-legged position, dispersing most of the body’s weight onto a very small portion of the feet. This excessive pressure not only adversely affects the body, but it can even cause shoes to break down prematurely.

1. Begin with good shoes for supination that feature a sturdy foundation. Today shoe designers recognize that the real benefit shoes can offer actually comes from the foundation of the shoes. Just like a building, the structure itself receives better support if the foundation is solid and firm. Likewise our feet need functional footwear to supply fundamental support to our ankles and the rest of our body. For example, the New Balance 927 walking shoe, prescribed by doctors more than any other shoe in our catalog, is built with a broad, total-contact outsole that disperses body weight over a much larger surface area, creating fewer pounds per square inch. This, in turn, reduces strain on the ankles and knees, making the 927 among the best shoes for supination. Among the best running shoes for supination is the 1540 which is well-known for its deeper fuller fit, its extra-firm midsole that resists breakdown, and its total-contact outsole.
   

2. A good insole for supination is the Motion Control insole which counteracts mild-to-medium supination. Its special blend of polymer material that runs from the midfoot thru the heel area, adds more structure to the footbed and resists breakdown.

3. A Lateral Wedge can alleviate supination by redistributing weight. By design, this wedge is built-up on the lateral side to counteract the foot’s outward rolling motion. It promotes a more natural inward motion that results in a healthier stride. The Lateral Wedge slips easily into your shoes beneath the removable insole.
   

4. Custom orthoses are recommended when over-the-counter solutions don’t provide relief. Our ABC certified pedorthists, available at our St. Louis and Washington store locations, can fill your physician's prescription for these orthoses and support your recovery plan.

5. Avoid walking barefoot, even around the house. The easy-to-wear 801 Slide, provides the comfort of a slipper with the support of an athletic shoe. It features a removable footbed which allows this versatile slip-on to accommodate accessories including the lateral wedge, a Motion Control insole, and even most custom orthoses.

6. Exercise your feet to strengthen and condition muscles. Our Step Stretch system can be used daily to improve muscle strength and endurance.