Where to start? Finding casual shoes in a retail shop suitable for underpronators or supinators
You walk into a shoe store looking for a comfortable casual shoe, but there’s little guidance on what works best for underpronation. Where do you start?
It helps to be clear about your needs and how you will use the shoes. For example, will you be walking on hard surfaces and standing for long periods, or just wearing them occasionally?
For occasional use, you may be able to compromise on some features without risking too much stress on your feet and body. (It’s easier to overlook missing features if you’re not wearing them for long durations or frequent walking.)
For all-weather, long-duration wear, durability, support, and comfort and foot-health become essential.
Tips: 10 tips to evaluate casual shoes
These tips help to identify and evaluate shoes. Allow time, as finding the right pair make take a while.
1. Sole shape – the shape test
Look for a slightly curved or ‘straight last’ soles to encourage the natural walking motion of the foot. They often have wider toe areas to help your toes spread naturally.
Avoid aggressive inward-curved (‘banana-shaped’) shoes that push the foot inward and can limit the natural gait.
To learn more about sole shape of ‘lasts’, see https://flowfeet.com/blog/post/54/understanding-shoe-lasts-shoe-fitting
2. Cushioning – the press check
Check cushioning by pressing on the sole to see if the insole has some bounce.
Soft, shock-absorbing materials help underpronators by reducing impact stress.
3. Sole flexibility – the flex test
Test flexibility by gently bending the shoe. You want the shoe to flex at the ball of the foot - this helps the foot move naturally through its stride and push off into the next step.
Avoid overly stiff soles that restrict motion and cause discomfort. Some ‘heavy’ soled shoes are like this.
4. Medial post – inner side check
Make sure the inner side of the shoe allows for some inward rolling.
Avoid a firm, rigid inner side that prevents natural motion.
5. Heel counter – back of the shoe test
Press the heel of the shoe’s upper to see if it is firm and not overly rigid. A stable heel helps reduce foot strain.
Avoid casual shoes with a soft, unsupported back or no back.
6. Arch support – is there enough arch support?
Check if the insole’s arch shape supports your foot. Underpronators often have high arches, benefiting from neutral to slightly higher arch support.
Or see if you can insert your own removable insoles to allow for custom support.
7. Heel height – how high is the heel?
See if the heel height will help your foot positioning. (Running shoes often demonstrate a nice height to aim for.)
Avoid completely flat shoes, or those that are too high.
8. Weight and feel – how heavy is the shoe?
Pick up the shoe to see if it feels light yet sturdy.
Avoid heavy, stiff shoes that may worsen underpronation.
9. Walking test – try the shoe on and walk around the store
Pay attention to how naturally your foot rolls through each step.
Look for signs of a poor fit—your foot should not feel pushed outward, nor should there be heel discomfort.
Note, this is a chance to add your removable inserts or custom orthotics to see if they work with the shoe. And you may need to go up in sizing to fit orthotics.
10. Product Information – Research online or check packaging
Look online for any product details such as material used, sole construction, and customer reviews. (Sometimes packaging and labelling provides valuable information too.)
Helpful resources - explore more
Retail shops - look out for sports shops, and work and school footwear providers who may have suitable casual shoes worth checking out. There are also fashion brands to explore which include:
Vionic: Offer styles that provide support without altering natural foot mechanics, and cater to those seeking comfort and neutral alignment in casual and dress shoes.
Clarks: Often have designs that promote natural foot movement, with anatomically designed footbeds that support a neutral stance without corrective elements.
Ecco: Emphasize natural foot movement, with flexible soles and anatomical designs that cater to a neutral foot position, provide comfort and avoid unnecessary support structures.
OutwardStride resource - there is more information and features from our own site to support
Final thoughts and summary - key takeaways
Everyone’s underpronation issues and needs are unique, and finding a casual shoe suitable for underpronation or supination can require extra effort. Learning what to look for, then applying it in practice means you can complete your own in-store evaluation. Even though there is an element of trial and error, this may help you to make better choices over time.
Be patient—finding the right pair takes time, but the long-term comfort and investment in your foot health is worth the effort.
Get in touch - have your say
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Disclaimer - a note of caution
This blog provides general information for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional advice. Always consult with a qualified professional regarding your specific situation.