Best Running Shoes for Supination or Underpronation in 2023
Runners who underpronate (or supinate as it’s also called) are at injury risk if their shoes don’t support their arches.
You may have heard that the best running shoes for underpronation are neutral shoes. While this is true, you still need to ensure there’s adequate support for the foot.
We have reviewed 15 excellent shoes to support an underpronating or supinating foot. Our top choice is the Brooks Glycerin 20. It offers a high level of cushioning, is perfect for high arches, and rovides good support.
Let’s look at the best running shoes for supination or underpronation.
How We Chose These Shoes
When looking for running shoes for supination, there are two key features we looked for: cushioning and a neutral shoe.
When your foot supinates as you run, it rolls outward, putting excess pressure on the outside of your foot. Normally, your foot should roll in and your arch will help absorb some of the pounding from running. But that doesn’t happen when you supinate, so you need a cushioned shoe to do that for you.
Secondly, you want a shoe that’s categorized as neutral. Basically, this means it doesn’t have any features that prevent your foot from rolling in (usually this is something called a medial post or Guide Rails). But for supinators, you don’t want stability features in the shoe to prevent your foot from rolling in – it should roll out naturally.
We also looked for shoes that are durable and offer good value. Good value doesn’t mean it’s cheap or inexpensive. Instead, we want shoes that will protect your feet and last a long time.
Top 3 Best and Favorites
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BEST OVERALL
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BEST OVERALL
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BROOKS GLYCERIN 20
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Top Value
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Top Value
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Brooks Launch 9
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Most Cushioned
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Most Cushioned
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Hoka Bondi 8
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CHECK MEN’S PRICECHECK WOMEN’S PRICE |
Best Overall
1. Brooks Glycerin 20
The Brooks Glycerin 20 is a plush neutral shoe that’s an excellent choice for a runner with high arches.
What We Like
The Brooks Glycerin 20 is a neutral shoe designed for runners with medium to high arches. This makes it perfect for supinators or underpronators.
A layer of DNA Loft foam provides the arch support and cushioning. It’s Brooks’s softest running shoe, so runners will feel comfortable on each step while remaining well-supported.
A spacious toe box gives your forefoot space to spread out. A luxurious layered mesh upper molds to your feet and provides support from the outside, though it runs a little warm in hot weather.
The outsole is slightly wider than the previous version, but it has less rubber, which means it wears away a little quicker.
The shoe does lack peppy energy return, so it’s best for runners who prefer long-distance, comfortable runs rather than speedy ones.
Why We Like It
This shoe is cushioned with excellent support, ideal for underpronators. It has a wide platform and extra stability.
What’s New
There are not a lot of changes between the Glycerin 19 and 20. On the upper, the 20 has a slightly more snug woven material, creating a more secure wrap on the top of the foot. The 20 also has a somewhat shallower toe box than the 18.
The DNA Loft foam is a bit softer underfoot in the new version, and the surface area of the Glycerin 20 is about 5 mm wider on the outsole, creating a more stable platform.
PROS:
- Luxurious layers of mesh mold to the shape of your foot
- Allows your foot to work through your gait cycle naturally
- DNA Loft foam is supportive and provides all-day comfort
- Provides a softer, smoother ride
CONS:
- This shoe lacks responsive energy return
Top Value
2. Brooks Launch 9
The Brooks Launch 9 costs less than most running shoes but performs well, especially during short, fast runs or races.
What We Like
The Brooks Launch 9 is a lightweight shoe, just 8.2 ounces for an average-sized men’s shoe. It’s fast and responsive for a zippy ride.
It’s ideal for underpronators and supinators. The midsole consists of BioMoGo DNA foam, which offers the perfect combination of comfort and responsiveness.
There’s full-length, 3.7 mm rubber on the outsole, which offers dynamic traction on many different surfaces. Blown rubber near the forefoot grips to the ground and helps you to toe off explosively.
Like all Brooks shoes, there’s a wide toebox to allow your toes to splay. A newly designed air mesh upper offers excellent ventilation.
Why We Like It
The Brooks Launch 9 has enough cushioning and support for supinators – with a friendly price tag.
What’s New
The Launch 9 is somewhat lighter than the 8. There’s more BioMoGo DNA foam that allows for snappy transitions. The upper is more breathable. And the outsole uses silica instead of petroleum for a more eco-friendly shoe.
PROS:
- Lightweight but supportive
- Newly designed, breathable upper
- Comfortable, responsive BioMoGo DNA midsole cushioning
- Blown rubber in the forefoot for a peppy toe-off
CONS:
- These shoes may be slippery on wet surfaces
Most Cushioned
3. Hoka Bondi 8
The Hoka Bondi 8 is an exceptionally cushioned shoe. Its wide base gives the shoe plenty of support, great for underpronators who want a soft and plush shoe.
What We Like
The Hoka Bondi 8 is a max cushioned shoe with tons of foam in the midsole. The women’s shoe has a bit less foam than the men’s, but both remain in the max cushioned category.
It’s Hoka’s most cushioned shoe and offers excellent shock absorption. The arch support is good and should be enough for most runners.
However, it’s not just underneath the foot that this shoe is plush. An air mesh upper with a thick, padded, memory foam tongue and collar offers a comfortable step-in feeling.
The wide platform provides a safe platform for those who supinate, preventing the feet from rolling outwards.
It has an early-stage meta-rocker in the sole, encouraging the foot to move through a natural gait without rolling.
The breathable mesh upper also features light TPU overlays around the midsole, providing subtle support for underpronating feet.
Why We Like It
This shoe is excellent for supination and underpronation and offers a huge amount of comfortable cushioning underfoot.
What’s New
The upper of the Bondi 8 has a new type of foam in the midsole – but don’t worry, it’s still soft and cushioned. It also has a thicker tongue and newly designed heel.
PROS:
- Extremely plush, cushioned shoe
- Early-stage meta-rocker for easy transition
- TPU overlays for support
- Breathable engineered mesh upper
CONS:
- Some people may not like the bulkiness of this shoe
- The midsole stiffness changes with the weather
Best Everyday Trainer
4. Brooks Ghost 15
Supinators and underpronators looking for an everyday trainer will appreciate the Brooks Ghost 15. It hits that perfect combination of weight, cushioning, and responsiveness.
What We Like
The midsole of the Brooks Ghost 15 is made of 100 percent DNA Loft foam. This foam adapts to your stride as you run, providing comfort and support that molds to your feet.
Like many Brooks shoes, the Ghost 15 has a stable platform and a wide toe box that allows for a natural toe splay.
The cushioning makes this shoe an excellent daily trainer for runners who want to do mid- to long-distance runs.
On the outsole, there’s a segmented crash pad that provides flexibility while helping to facilitate an easy heel-to-toe transition.
The 3D Fit Print upper offers structure and stability, but it does tend to run warm when you’re wearing these shoes in hot weather.
Why We Like It
The Brooks Ghost 15 is one of the brand’s most-loved shoes. It offers soft, comfortable cushioning for everyday training.
What’s New
The changes are subtle and include a more aerodynamic upper and a bouncier forefoot. However, the 15 is heavier than the 14.
PROS:
- 100 percent DNA Loft foam adapts to your stride
- Segmented crash pad provides easy toe-off
- Wide, stable platform for foot landing
- Soft, comfortable padding for recovery runs
CONS:
- These shoes may run warm
Most Supportive
5. Asics Gel-Nimbus 25
The ASICS Gel-Nimbus 25 is designed for underpronation and offers exceptional support for high arches.
What We Like
This shoe has multiple features designed to keep your feet stable and supported as you run.
The engineered mesh upper locks the foot down effectively, helping the cushioning mold to your feet to provide good adequate arch support.
In the midsole, Flytefoam and Flytefoam Blast cushioning provide both ideal cushioning and shock absorption as you run.
There’s a gel pod in the forefoot and heel, absorbing shock and protecting the feet as much as possible.
To help supinators, the shoe has a built-in Trusstic system, which is a plate that offers extra support and stability.
Why We Like It
With multiple support features, the ASICS Gel-Nimbus 25 provides excellent support for underpronating feet and shock absorption.
What’s New
The ASICS Gel-Nimbus 25 is more than half an ounce lighter than the 23. This is due to a redefined heel, more lightweight outsole, and a shaved-down midsole.
The cushioning also feels slightly softer but has good bounce. The Trusstic system has been repositioned which adds to the shoe’s comfort.
PROS:
- FlyteFoam and FlyteFoam Blast cushioning
- Forefoot and rearfoot gel for exceptional shock absorption
- 3D Space Construction to counter pronation
- Trusstic system in the midsole increases stability
CONS:
- This shoe is still heavy compared to similar shoes
Best for Long Runs
6. Mizuno Wave Creation 20
The Mizuno Wave Creation 20 is a comfortable, well-cushioned shoe designed specifically for supination or underpronation.
What We Like
This shoe is loaded with technology that’s excellent for preventing underpronation.
The Infinity Wave Plate design is clearly seen in the rearfoot, providing excellent shock absorption on every step. A Pebax Wave Plate above it offers exceptional stability and stops the foot from rolling or twisting.
U4ic foam molds to the foot in the midsole and provides great arch support. It’s also very comfortable, working with the shock-absorbing properties to make this shoe an excellent choice for long runs.
Dynamotion technology causes the upper to contour to your foot, creating a craddle feeling and making full use of the arch support.
You’ll also find Mizuno Intercool in the midsole, which helps to keep the foot cool as you run. Unique X10 rubber on the outsole will help to keep you safe on your feet and makes these shoes very durable, ideal for long runs.
Why We Like It
These running shoes offer enough support and cushioning to keep the legs fresh on long runs. They’re also designed for supinators.
What’s New
An Infinity Wave Plate for cushioning and Pebax Plate for stability have been added. Minor updates were made to the upper for breathability and a snug fit.
PROS:
- Designed for supination/underpronation
- Pebax Rnew technology stabilizes the foot
- Redesigned Infinity Wave geometry
- Dynamotion Fit technology for a great fit
CONS:
- These shoes are heavy in comparison to others
Most Comfortable
7. adidas Ultraboost 22
The Adidas Ultraboost is a stylish shoe that feels more like a comfortable sneaker than a running shoe. It’s exceptionally comfortable and lightweight.
What We Like
The Adidas Ultraboost 22 has a thick midsole made of Boost foam. It contains hundreds of Boost capsules, which compress and decompress to offer superb comfort, shock absorption, and energy return.
You can get a highly secure lockdown on your foot with the Primeknit upper and the TPU midfoot cage, which wraps around the midfoot.
The Linear Energy Push System—LEP—is a torsion control system that stops the shoe’s sole from twisting. This is effective against underpronation and also provides stability.
The Continental Better Rubber outsole gives you grip on multiple surfaces for durability and even more comfort on your feet.
However, the shoe does run slightly narrow, so you may need to order a size up if you want a roomy fit.
Why We Like It
The Adidas Ultraboost features a bouncy, comfortable midsole that adds to the comfort of the shoe and absorbs shock as you run.
What’s New
The women’s Ultraboost 22 has been redesigned to contour more to the female foot. It features a lower instep, a narrower heel, a shallower toe box, and redesigned outsole.
There have been some small changes across both the men’s and women’s shoes. The PrimeKnit upper is now reinforced with recyclable Primeblue material.
PROS:
- Boost midsole offers exceptional comfort
- Linear Energy Push system prevents pronation
- Continental Better Rubber outsole for stability
- High-performance Primeknit yarn upper with TPU overlays
CONS:
- These shoes run a little bit narrow
Best for Wide Feet
8. New Balance Fresh Foam 1080v12
New Balance shoes are well known to be an excellent choice for people with wide feet. They are relatively wide to begin with and come in EE and 4E widths to fit almost all feet.
What We Like
The New Balance Fresh Foam 1080v12 offers plush Fresh Foam cushioning in a wider-than-average fit.
Those with wide feet will find the platform solid and good for correcting an underpronating gait. A spacious toe box allows you to splay your toes naturally.
There’s also an internal heel counter, offering extra support and preventing the foot from falling outwards.
The Fresh Foam cushioning is lightweight and plush, but it offers excellent support for those with high arches.
Full-length rubber in a unique, lightly lugged design on the outsole keeps you safe on your feet on the road.
Why We Like It
These shoes are ideal for those who have both wide feet and high arches. They offer exceptional comfort and support.
What’s New
The only small update to the shoe is a tighter mesh weave around the toe box. Everything else has stayed the same.
PROS:
- Lightweight, plush Fresh Foam midsole cushioning
- Spacious toe box and wide, flat platform
- Unusual lugged outsole design
- Excellent support for people with high arches
CONS:
- This shoe may have some heel slippage
Top Nike Shoe
9. Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 39
The Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 39 is a sleek-looking shoe, perfect for training, races, or just wearing casually.
What We Like
The Nike Air Zoom Pegasus is an all-round running shoe that offers exceptional cushioning and shock absorption.
A layer of React foam in the midsole creates a plush, soft feeling underfoot. It provides support for a high arch, which is perfect for underpronators.
In the fore- and rearfoot, you’ll find Air Zoom units that absorbs the shock of impact and delivers some rebound that gives you a peppy toe-off.
The toe box has been redesigned to be more spacious, allowing the forefoot space to spread out comfortably. It’s also quite wide on the outsole, offering an excellent foundation for landing.
Why We Like It
Nike fans will appreciate the latest Pegasus, the Nike workhorse. It offers great support for those with high arches and plush React foam, and an Air Zoom unit provides shock absorption and a bit of bounce.
What’s New
The 39 has lost some weight – about an ounce – compared to the 38, but still with double the Air Zoom units in the midsole.
PROS:
- Nike React foam in the midsole
- Air Zoom unit in the forefoot for a bouncy toe-off
- Spacious toe box allows your toes space to be comfortable
- High arch support helps supinators
CONS:
- This shoe may run slightly warm
Best Cushioned Trainer
10. Hoka Clifton 9
The Hoka Clifton 9 is a max cushioned shoe designed for everyday runs. Every part of the shoe is made to be soft and comfortable.
What We Like
The Clifton 9 is a max cushioned shoe with soft, marshmallow-like padding. Despite the softness, the thick EVA foam provides good support for high arches.
The sole is designed in a “bucket seat” style, where your foot sits inside the sole rather than on top of it. This helps to stabilize the foot and prevent rolling.
A meta-rocker bottom also helps to facilitate a smooth heel-to-toe transition and discourage supination.
The rubber on the outsole seems to wear away faster than most other shoes. So they aren’t as durable as some of the other shoes we’re reviewing.
Why We Like It
The Hoka Clifton 9 has a high amount of plush, cloud-like cushion that offers comfort and shock absorption as you run. The bucket seat helps stabilize the sides of the feet and prevent supination.
What’s New
The Clifton 9 doesn’t have a lot of changes from the 8. The only one that could make a difference is the flex grooves on the outsole, which are now diagonal.
PROS:
- Great daily trainer with plush cushioning
- Thick layer of EVA foam underfoot
- Bucket seat foot frame supports high arches
- Early-stage meta-rocker encourages a neutral gait
CONS:
- The rubber outsole is less durable than others
Most Durable
11. Brooks Levitate 5
The Brooks Levitate 5 is a highly durable. It’s a good choice for supinators or underpronators, but it does run slightly narrow.
What We Like
Thanks to the generous full-length rubber on the outsole and durable DNA Amp foam, the Levitate 5 will last many miles.
The midsole consists of DNA AMP foam, which is firm but has a good bit of energy return. It doesn’t break down the same way EVA foam does, making it more durable than other shoes.
You can choose between the regular upper and the Stealth Fit, which is sleeker and fits a bit tighter. Both uppers offer a snug, contoured lockdown for increased stability.
Why We Like It
The Brooks Levitate 5 is stable enough for underpronators to be steady on their feet. It also has a good amount of durable rubber on the outsole.
What’s New
The Levitate 5 is slightly heavier than the 4, and the upper is more supportive and more breathable. You also now have the option of two uppers, the regular or Stealth Fit.
PROS:
- DNA AMP midsole for energy return and firmness
- Excellent lockdown on the foot
- Two choices of upper
- Full-length rubber outsole for durability
CONS:
- This shoe runs a little narrow
Best Lightweight Shoe
12. Mizuno Wave Rider 26
The Mizuno Wave Rider 26 weighs just 10 ounces for an average-sized men’s, making it light on your feet. The responsive ride adds some zip for an effortless run.
What We Like
This shoe is light and comfortable, making it easy to wear for long runs or speed work.
In the midsole, two layers of Enerzy foam offer a nice bit of bounciness, with a peppy toe-off for some speed.
In between the foam, you’ll find the Wave Plate. It’s been redesigned for more effective shock absorption and excellent stability, which is a must for underpronators.
There’s also a roomy toe box for forefoot comfort and abrasion-resistant X10 rubber on the outsole for high durability and safety.
Why We Like It
The Mizuno Wave Rider 26 is lightweight and comfortable. Thanks to the Wave Plate, it has exceptional stability, which keeps you from underpronating.
What’s New
The changes to this shoe are subtle. It has a slightly reshaped Wave Plate, sandwiched between two Enerzy foam layers. The upper is a tad thinner and a small change to the outersole.
PROS:
- Wave Plate stabilizes the shoe effectively
- Bouncy Enerzy foam midsole cushioning
- Abrasion-resistant X10 rubber outsole
- Wide, rounded toe box for space to splay
CONS:
- The heel-to-toe drop feels higher and can place strain on the legs
Top for Heel Support
13. Asics Gel-Cumulus 24
The ASICS Gel-Cumulus 24 is a super supportive daily trainer that offers fantastic heel support and shock absorption.
What We Like
The ASICS Gel-Cumulus has plenty of features that make it ideal for supination and underpronation. That starts with a sturdy internal heel counter that locks your heel in place and stabilizes the rearfoot.
There’s also exceptional cushioning underneath the heel. A combination of Flytefoam, FF Blast, and Gel technology absorbs the shock as you run.
It also offers great arch support, keeping your foot aligned so there’s less chance of underpronation.
3D Space Construction technology is not only gender-specific for better comfort and support, but it offers improved impact absorption and a more bouncy toe-off.
One thing to note is that the midsole foam may stiffen up in the cold and soften in the heat, so take this into consideration.
Why We Like It
This shoe features a sturdy heel counter and extra cushioning under the heel, keeping the foot stable and straight.
What’s New
The bottom of the 24 features a new outersole that’s more durable but lighter than in past versions.
PROS:
- Designed for supination or underpronation
- 3D Space Construction technology
- Flytefoam and Gel cushioning for shock absorption
- Internal heel counter for stability
CONS:
- The midsole may stiffen up in the cold
Most Versatile
14. On Cloudsurfer 6
The On Cloudsurfer 6 is a racing shoe, which means it’s exceptionally lightweight and sleek. However, it can be used for a variety of different runs.
What We Like
The most prominent part of these shoes is the Cloud Pods in the midsole. These provide excellent shock absorption as they compress and release.
There’s a combination of things that provide fantastic support for supinators. A Speedboard in the midsole makes the shoe quite firm, but it prevents the shoe from twisting as you run, stopping supination.
A decoupled outsole also helps by providing two clear and strongly supportive sections along the medial and lateral sides of the shoe, which don’t allow for underpronation.
Zero-Gravity foam provides good arch support and the Cloud pods beneath the shoe absorb shock effectively.
Why We Like It
The Cloudsurfer 6 provides exceptional stability for underpronators. It can be worn as a racing shoe or a training shoe.
What’s New
The biggest change in this new version is the wraparound tongue, which provides a better fit and fixes the problem of the previous version’s tongue moving around too much.
PROS:
- Rebound rubber Cloud pods for energy return
- Zero-Gravity midsole foam with good arch support
- Speedboard offers stability
- Decoupled heel on outsole offers excellent support
CONS:
- This shoe may run a bit snug
Top Wide Toe Box
15. Altra Paradigm 5
Runners who want a wide toe box will appreciate the Altra Paradigm 5. It’s foot-shaped design means your toes can spread out, mirroring a barefoot feel.
What We Like
The Altra Paradigm 5 has a GuideRails system built into the shoe to provide excellent support for the foot, stopping it from falling over either inward or outward.
The toe box is the classic Altra Footshape, allowing more than enough space for the toes and forefoot.
The outsole also features a design that mirrors the feet’ ligaments, bones, and tendons, allowing the foot to move more naturally through its gait.
Plush Altra EGO foam in the midsole makes this shoe comfortable and cloud-like to walk and run in.
Why We Like It
This shoe has a comfortably wide toe box that allows plenty of space for your toes to splay and can accommodate bunions and other foot conditions. It’s also stable enough for underpronators.
What’s New
A GuideRail system has been added, and the StabiliPods have been firmed up for more support.
PROS:
- Altra classic wide FootShape toe box
- Stabilipods and GuideRails for light stability
- Footpod outsole for more flexible movement
- Plush, comfortable cushioning
CONS:
- This is a stability shoe, which may be uncomfortable for some runners
Buyers Guide – Shoes for Supination and Underpronation
If you are an underpronator, that means that your foot rolls outward and is marked by wear along the outer edge of your shoe. This results in insufficient impact reduction when you land on the ground. Not very many runners underpronate—also known as supination—but you will need shoes with good cushioning and flexibility if you do.
Lots of cushioning
Underpronators are susceptible to shock-related injuries and need lots of cushioning: midsole cushioning to provide extra shock absorption, cushioning along the outside of the shoe to attempt to counter the outward roll of the foot, and cushioning in the heel.
Neutral category shoe
In addition, it is also important that you choose a neutral category shoe as an underpronators. Flexible shoes will help you to evenly distribute the impact. Neutral shoes tend to provide the best amount of cushioning and help encourage pronation.
Arch Support
Supinators often have high arches, so choose a neutral shoe that offers good support for high arches. If the shoe is for low to medium arches, it won’t be suitable.
Ankle & Heel Support
Choose a shoe that supports and stabilizes the heel and the ankle. It should cup your heel and hug your ankle. This will prevent lateral movement or twisting, potentially leading to peroneal tendonitis.
Wide Toe Box
A wide toe box will help relieve pressure on the forefoot, so your toes can splay naturally.
As supination already creates pressure on the metatarsals, a wide toe box will prevent excessive force from being placed on your forefoot while you run.
FAQs
What is underpronation?
Also known as supination, underpronation occurs when the foot rolls outward at the ankle. It is normal to experience some underpronation during exercise, but it can produce serious pain and damage to the tissue in the feet if it is excessive.
Are neutral shoes good for underpronators?
Yes, they are, as there is no specific shoe designed for underpronators, who are a small portion of runners. Neutral shoes are good for underpronators, as they are lightweight and have a good amount of flexibility, which underpronators need.
How do I know if I underpronate or not?
You may be able to tell if you underpronate by the pain that you feel. The most common symptoms of underpronation include pain in the arch of the foot and pain in the heel. If you feel this kind of pain, you may underpronate.
But perhaps the easiest way to tell if you underpronate is to try the wet feet test. Simply wet your feet, walk onto a flat surface, and see what the footprint look like. If you can see very little of your footprint, you probably underpronate.
Why Are My Calves and Achilles Tight When Running?
Your calf muscles and Achilles tendons may be tight if you often exercise or go for a run without warming up properly. However, it varies from one person to the next.
Some common reasons for tight calves and Achilles tendons include:
- Not stretching properly or enough before activity
- Not cooling down properly after exercise
- Incorrect running form
- Overuse injury
If you supinate or pronate, the unnatural movement of the foot can place excess pressure on the calf muscles, the Achilles tendon, and the peroneal tendons, causing pain and tightness.
How Can I Prevent Tight Calves When Running?
Wearing the right running shoes for supination and underpronation can help reduce the load on the tendons and ease tight calf muscles.
You should also stretch properly before exercising so that your muscles are warm and can move through their full range of motion. You can also incorporate calf stretches as part of your recovery.
Why Trust Us
Ben Drew is a long time runner and former owner of a running store. While working at the store, he found that runners who supinated ran their best and felt most comfortable in cushioned, neutral shoes. While there are many shoes that fit those criteria, Ben used his own personal experience running neutral cushioned shoes and feedback from his former customers to find and review these running shoes. To learn more about our review and test process, click here.
