Motion-Control Trail Shoes

Best trail-running shoes for overpronators

Runners with flat arches have a tendency to overpronate, meaning that the foot rolls inward too much each time it hits the ground. Overpronation that is not corrected can lead to running injuries, so these runners should look for motion-control trail-running shoes that prevent excessive pronation. Most trail-running shoes are inherently stable, and experts agree that mild overpronators will do fine in most trail-running shoes. Runners with serious overpronation should look for a trail-running shoe with additional motion control features.

The Adidas Supernova Riot (*Est. $100) is the clear favorite among trail-running shoes designed for overpronators. Outside magazine picks the Adidas Supernova Riot as a Killer Value, recommending it for heavy runners and overpronators. Testers for Outside praise the cushioning, although runners with narrow feet may find the wide fit too cumbersome. Trail Runner magazine also recommends it as a good all-around trail-running shoe, and Fitness magazine picks it as one of the best trail shoes for cross-country running. Trail Runner testers like the spacious toebox, but complain about a lack of padding on the tongue, which has a tendency to irritate the top of the foot. A handful of reviewers on RoadRunnerSports.com also confirm that the tongue is thin.

Consumers are generally positive about the Adidas Supernova Riot in about a dozen owner-written reviews compiled by Buzzillions.com. This trail-running shoe is said to provide good stability for both uphill and downhill running, with lots of cushioning. However, one runner mentions that you can easily feel rocks and branches underfoot, and a number of testers for Runner's World find this trail-running shoe too soft. It comes in both men's and women's sizes.

The Salomon XA Pro 3D Ultra GTX (*Est. $135) is another option for trail runners needing pronation control. National Geographic Adventure picked this trail-running shoe in its fall 2008 shoe guide, with testers liking the one-pull laces and waterproof Gore-Tex upper. In addition, the Salomon XA Pro 3D Ultra GTX receives excellent reviews from owners. Buzzillions.com compiles over 60 individual reviews from three online shoe retailers, mainly Zappos.com and REI.com. In these owner-written reviews, the Salomon XA Pro 3D Ultra GTX receives accolades for its waterproof upper, with one reviewer mentioning that his feet stayed dry even after three hours in the snow. Numerous reviewers mention that the waterproofing is top-notch, even if the shoes are submerged in water up to the tongue.

Some waterproof trail-running shoes don't breathe well in hot weather, but several reviewers find their feet stay cool in the Salomon XA Pro 3D Ultra GTX even during trail runs in warm weather. Reviewers praise the protected toebox, good arch support and lacing system. Those who are unhappy with this trail runner cite an annoying squeak that develops after several runs. If you don't run in wet weather, Salomon also offers the Salomon XA Pro 3D Ultra (*Est. $115), an identical shoe with the exception that it doesn't have the Gore-Tex waterproofing -- saving you $20.

Jason Mitchell, proprietor of FeedtheHabit.com, writes a detailed personal review of the Salomon XA Pro 3D Ultra and finds it offers great pronation control for his flat feet. Even though Mitchell typically runs with orthotics, he finds that the standard Ortholite insoles on the Salomon XA Pro 3D Ultra "provided more support out-of-the-box than any other trail shoe I've worn." The GTX version comes in men's and women's sizes, while the non-Gore Tex version is only available in men's sizing.

National Geographic Adventure picks The North Face Wolf Ridge (*Est. $110), available for both men and women, as the best trail-running shoe for overpronators and runners with low arches. They cite a medial post as providing good motion control, while still allowing their feet to feel the trail. Testers for Running Times find that the motion control makes the shoe relatively inflexible, with inadequate cushioning in the forefoot, so it is best for serious overpronators.

The New Balance 875 (*Est. $100) is not a pure motion-control shoe, but it is recommended for heavier runners who need extra protection. It wins the Best Update award from Runner's World, earning praise for a rubber-lugged outsole that performs well on rugged trails. Although fit is highly subjective, testers find that the redesigned overlays improve the fit over previous versions. The New Balance 875 also scores an Editor's Choice award from Women's Adventure magazine, with testers praising the cushioning. Running Times finds it may be "too much shoe" for lighter or efficient runners.