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 do you feel fatigue? Or discomfort in your knees or hips by the ninth hole?

The way your foot rolls — whether underpronation (supination), neutral, or overpronation — plays a big role in how your body absorbs impact and stays stable during golf. And the right golf shoes may help ease pain—and even improve stability, reduce injury risk and enhance your golf performance.

Your gait and the way your foot rolls - too far inward (overpronation) or outward (underpronation or supination) - can throw off your alignment and your game.

Research (Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, Stude & Gullickson, 2001) suggests that for golfers, inserting custom orthotics in shoes may significantly improve gait patterns and improve performance in golfers.

Why golfers should pay attention to their pronation

Golfers need to be able to maintain a strong stance. Each swing puts your feet under 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.

What this means for golfers?

1. Find out if you have any gait issues? When you walk, do your feet tend to roll outwards (underpronation or supination) or inwards (overpronation)? Or do you have a healthy gait - with ‘neutral’ pronation? See our Diagnosis section for more about your gait, and how to find out about yours.

2. Review how your golf and your other activities may be impacting any pronation issues in our Lifestyle section.

3. Then learn how to select the right footwear for your game in our Footwear section.

If you already know your pronation type, read on….

Golf shoes for neutral pronators and those with orthotics

Generally ‘neutral shoes’ are recommended for those with neutral pronation, or if you use orthotics. Neutral shoes provide a stable base without adding extra correction for your pronation. And if you have orthotics, this means the shoe is allowing the orthotic to do its job.

If you already use orthotics tailored to your pronation type, check that you are pairing them with the right type of golf shoes. Generally ‘neutral shoes’ are recommended to using with orthotics. These provide a stable base without adding extra correction for your pronation, 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

• Or look for golf shoes that are clearly marked as ‘Neutral’.

• 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.

• Here are some examples of Sports brands who incorporate neutral shoes in their range, including for golfers. (Disclaimer, AI has helped to generate this list, but you need to investigate your own location.)

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

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

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

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

• Once you have selected your shoe, to we suggest you try it on - so 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.

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

If you know you are an under or over pronator and don’t use orthotics, you can also match your golf shoes to your pronation type. Again, a starting point is reliable sports brands who have extended their general pronation expertise into a golf shoe range.

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 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 another way to boost golf comfort, stability, and performance.

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

• Neutral pronators (and those using orthotics)
  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

AI has helped to generate product lists of shoes as examples.

And 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.