Finding the best golf shoes for your pronation - under, neutral and overpronation

Do parts of your feet hurt or ache during a round of golf—or does discomfort travel up to your knees or hips by the ninth hole?

If you have underpronation (supination) or overpronation, the right shoes can do more than ease pain—they can enhance your performance, improve stability, and reduce injury risk.

Pronation refers to the way your foot rolls when you walk or run. If your foot rolls too far inward (overpronation) or outward (underpronation/supination), it can throw off your alignment—and your game.

Why golfers should pay attention to their pronation

Many golf shoes seem to focus on grip, lateral stability, and swing posture rather than considering foot alignment, shock absorption, or gait correction.

Yet being able to maintain a strong stance through each swing puts your feet under constant strain. So if your foot alignment is off, it can impact everything from your weight shift to your joint health - resulting in discomfort, reduced swing stability, or even increased risk of ankle, knee, or hip injuries.

Research (Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, Stude & Gullickson, 2001) shows tailored footwear or custom orthotics can significantly improve stability and reduce injury risk for golfers with pronation issues.

Golf shoes that work with orthotics

If you already use orthotics tailored to your pronation type, pair them with neutral golf shoes. These provide a stable base without adding extra correction, allowing the orthotic to do its job.

Want help finding neutral shoes? See our Checklist: Features of ‘neutral’ shoes - for underpronation, neutral pronation and orthotics

Here are some examples neutral golf shoes which have balanced cushioning and support.

• New Balance Striker v3
  Balanced cushioning, neutral footbed, waterproof upper. Comfortable and versatile.

• Adidas S2G SL
  Comfortable, lightweight, balanced cushioning. ideal for neutral foot alignment.

• Nike Air Max 90 G
  Versatile grip, balanced cushioning, comfortable for neutral foot mechanics.

• ASICS GEL-Course Glide
  Adaptive cushioning provides balanced comfort suitable for neutral foot posture.

Aim to find the shoe and try it on, so you can test there is room for the orthotic (and your feet!) in the same shoe,

• Look for extra depth and toe space.

• Try shoes on in the afternoon, when your feet are naturally a little more swollen.

• If possible, remove the factory insole (unless it’s thin and designed to stay in) and replace it with the orthotic.

• Walk around to check for rubbing, slipping or heel lift.

While few golf shoes are explicitly marketed by pronation type, certain brands and models offer clues or features that help.

Want help using orthotics in golf shoes? See our related post Using orthotics: Tips for underpronators and overpronators to find the best shoes

Golf shoes - designed for under and overpronators

You can also match your golf shoes to your pronation type to significantly enhance comfort, stability, and performance on and off the course. A good starting point is reliable sports brands who have extended their general pronation expertise into a golf shoe range.

Tip: If you already wear ASICS, Nike, New Balance or Adidas for walking or running, you may find their golf models fit similarly well. These brands often carry over pronation support technologies (like GEL, Zoom Air, or Fresh Foam) into their golf shoe lines.

Golf shoes for underpronators (supinators)

Here are some examples of golf shoes for underpronators that offer enhanced cushioning, shock absorption, and flexibility.

• New Balance Fresh Foam PaceSL - Fresh Foam cushioning provides optimal shock absorption and flexibility.

• Adidas ZG23 - Lightstrike cushioning offers superior shock absorption and responsive flexibility and comfort.

• Nike Air Zoom Infinity Tour NEXT% - Zoom Air technology delivers high-impact cushioning.

• ASICS GEL-Course Ace - Gel cushioning system offers exceptional comfort.

Golf shoes for neutral pronators

Here are some examples of neutral golf shoes that offer balanced cushioning and support.

• New Balance Striker v3 - Balanced cushioning and neutral footbed is designed for comfort and versatility.

• Adidas S2G SL - Comfortable, lightweight, and balanced cushioning promotes neutral foot alignment.

• Nike Air Max 90 G - Balanced cushioning is comfortable for neutral foot mechanics.

• ASICS GEL-Course Glide - Adaptive cushioning provides balanced comfort.

Golf shoes for overpronators

Here are some examples of golf shoes for overpronators that offer enhanced arch support, structured stability, and motion control.

• New Balance Fresh Foam Contend (Golf Variant) - Structured midsole and medial arch support limits excessive inward rolling.

• Adidas Tour360 24 - TPU torsion bars and Boost midsoles enhance midfoot stability and arch support.

• Nike Air Zoom Victory Tour 3 - Stable, structured outsole and supportive midsole work to maintain proper foot alignment.

• ASICS GEL-Kayano Ace Golf Shoe - Structured heel counters and targetted arch support are designed specifically for overpronators.

Tip: adjust your game habits

As well as having golf shoes specifically aligned with your pronation type, there may be small yet impactful adjustments you can incorporate into your golfing routine:

• Realistically plan your rounds, adjusting the number of holes played if fatigue sets in.

• Use a push trolley to maintain balanced walking if you're on the course.

• Quickly adapt to discomfort mid-round by adjusting laces, adding/removing orthotics, or changing shoes.

• Pay attention to course conditions (wet or uneven terrain) and adjust footwear accordingly.

• For indoor golfers, ensure supportive footwear and incorporate regular breaks to relieve repetitive stress.

Summary – key takeaways

Selecting your best shoes for your golf game is a straightforward way to boost golf comfort, stability, and performance.

• Underpronators (supinators)
  Focus on shoes offering flexibility and generous cushioning to absorb impacts effectively.

• Neutral pronators
  Prioritize comfort, balanced cushioning, and versatility in your golf shoe selection.

• Overpronators
  Select shoes providing structured stability, enhanced arch support, and consider adding orthotics for additional customization.

Know your pronation, adjust your gear, and step onto the course with more control—and less discomfort.

Related resources

For help identifying neutral shoes, see our Checklist: Features of ‘neutral’ shoes - for underpronation, neutral pronation and orthotics

For tips on using orthotics see our post Using orthotics: Tips for underpronators and overpronators to find the best shoes

Disclaimer

The information provided here is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. If you have persistent foot pain, discomfort, or suspect you have pronation issues affecting your golf game, please consult a qualified healthcare provider or podiatrist for personalized assessment and advice.