Overpronation and supination: why the right shoes are crucial
Find out more about these foot misalignments and how you can specifically support your foot health with the right choice of shoes.
If you run regularly or are active in sports, you may have heard of overpronation and supination. These two foot misalignments can not only affect your performance, but also increase the risk of injury. But what exactly is behind these terms? Simply put, they are different ways in which the foot rolls when walking or running, which can have a direct impact on your joints and muscles.
Whether overpronation or supination - choosing the right shoes is crucial to prevent incorrect loading and avoid discomfort. In the following sections, we explain what these foot misalignments are all about and how you can improve your foot health and running performance with the right shoes.
What is overpronation?
Pronation is a natural movement of your foot in which the inner edge of the foot drops slightly when rolling. This absorbs part of the impact when walking or running. With overpronation, however, the foot bends inwards too much, which can lead to overloading of ligaments, tendons and joints. Beginners or people with untrained muscles are particularly prone to overpronation, as the supporting apparatus is not yet strong enough.
Typical causes include
-Misalignments such as flat or fallen arches
- Weak connective tissue
- Overweight or muscular fatigue
The consequences range from knee and hip problems to twisting of the lower leg bones - problems that you can avoid with the right shoes.
What is supination?
Supination occurs less frequently than overpronation. In this case, the foot puts too much weight on the outside of the foot when rolling, which means that the natural cushioning is lost. This increases the risk of injuries such as periostitis or Achilles tendon problems. Common causes are
- A pronounced, rigid arch of the foot
-O-legs or muscular imbalances
- After-effects of ankle injuries
For supinators, incorrectly selected stability shoes can even make the strain worse.
The importance of the right shoes
Your shoes influence the way your foot strikes the ground and rolls. A lack of or incorrect cushioning, stabilisation and support can exacerbate foot misalignments. It is therefore crucial to adapt the shoe to your individual running style and your pronation or supination.
Three tips for choosing the right shoes:
1. pay attention to your running style
Observe how your foot strikes and rolls when you run. You can analyse this yourself by checking your shoe soles for wear patterns or taking a closer look at your running movement with a video recording.
2 Wear the right running shoes
Special running shoes for overpronators or supinators can compensate for misalignments. Our models such as the Wool Trainer, the Wool Trail X or the Wool Peak offer ideal properties: they combine support elements for gentle stabilisation with excellent cushioning. The breathable material also ensures a pleasant foot climate and optimum comfort - perfect for a natural running feel and less strain on your joints.
3. take a look at your shoes
Worn soles reveal a lot about your running style. Overpronation puts more strain on the inside of the sole, while supination puts more strain on the outside. Use this information when choosing new shoes.
Discover our models
Wool Trainer
The Wool Trainer combines dynamic cushioning properties with precise stability. Its secret lies in the combination of high-quality, natural wool and an innovative sole technology that not only provides outstanding shock absorption, but also gives you a feather-light ride. The breathable wool structure regulates the temperature of your feet, keeps your skin feeling dry and creates unrivalled comfort even on long training days. This shoe is ideal for versatile everyday use and is perfect for runners looking for lightness, flexibility and support in one model.
Wool Trail X
If you love outdoor adventures, the Wool Trail X is your perfect companion. It impresses with exceptional grip on a wide variety of terrain thanks to its high-profile, non-slip sole. The shoe combines a robust construction with the natural suppleness of wool, which offers breathable warmth and moisture management. The integrated stability structure promotes an ergonomic foot position without restricting natural mobility. Whether you're out and about on mountain trails or forest paths, this shoe gives you the confidence to face any challenge.
Wool Peak
The Wool Peak is specially designed for runners who value comfort and maximum cushioning. Its cushioned midsole absorbs every impact, protecting knees and joints. At the same time, the flexible, non-slip outsole offers optimum grip. The upper material made from breathable wool moulds to your foot, prevents pressure points and ensures a balanced foot climate. Ideal for long runs or intensive training on hard surfaces.
Protect your feet through good preparation
Choosing the right shoes is not a luxury, but an investment in your health. It can make a decisive contribution to avoiding complaints caused by overpronation or supination and increase your running enjoyment. Combine them with targeted strengthening exercises to strengthen your foot muscles and enjoy the good feeling of being optimally prepared.
