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.

29.09.2026
Close-up of the feet of a running person on a wooden boardwalk at sunset; the water reflects orange light. They are wearing blue athletic running shoes with a white sole.

 

If you run regularly or are active in sport, you’ve probably heard of overpronation and supination. These terms describe how your foot rolls as you walk or run – and that directly affects your performance, comfort and injury risk. Pronation is entirely natural, but too much or too little can strain ligaments, tendons and joints. The good news: with the right running shoes you can balance stability, cushioning and comfort. In this guide we’ll help you understand your running style and, with a smart shoe choice, move more lightly, safely and efficiently.

 

With overpronation, the foot rolls inwards too much as you stride. Common causes include fallen or flat arches, weak connective tissue, excess body weight or muscular fatigue. The result: your body has to compensate, placing unnecessary stress on knees, hips and lower legs. The right running shoes act like a smart helper: they provide gentle stabilisation, spread impact forces more evenly and let you roll through more in control. Look for balanced cushioning, secure midfoot guidance and a breathable upper – this keeps your stride natural while protecting your structures.

 

Supination is less common – the roll is focused too much on the outside of the foot, which reduces natural cushioning. That can irritate the periosteum or the Achilles tendon. It’s crucial to choose shoes that reduce pressure peaks, provide ample cushioning and still remain flexible. Here’s how to proceed: analyse the wear patterns on your soles, check for a centred foot strike when trying shoes, and opt for breathable, moisture-regulating materials. Models like Wool Peak and Wool Trek X offer exactly this balance of comfort, grip and guidance – for a smooth, motivating ride that propels rather than hinders you.

 

Wool Peak

Ready for your best run? Wool Peak returns noticeable energy with every step – thanks to a specially engineered midsole with extra-soft cushioning. Our specially developed, highly durable WOOLFINITY merino upper keeps the shoe shape-retentive, flexible and ready for many training kilometres. The merino lining reliably wicks moisture outwards and keeps your feet pleasantly dry, while the grippy rubber outsole delivers security on slippery surfaces. Width G fits normal to wider feet: ideal for comfort without compromise. Experience the run that takes you further – natural and dynamic.

Left image: A woman with her hair up, in a light green quilted gilet and beige leggings, stands on an alpine meadow in front of a mountain panorama. She is wearing grey sporty trainers. Right image: A man in a blue running jacket and grey shirt jogs along a waterfront promenade, with a skyline and a bridge in the background. He is wearing dark blue athletic running shoes.


Wool Peak Women
Wool Peak Men

 

Wool Trek X

When adventure calls, Wool Trek X is ready: the quick lacing secures in seconds, the padded tongue prevents pressure points, and the water-repellent yet breathable upper keeps you comfortably on track in changeable weather. Inside, supple merino jersey naturally regulates climate – warm in winter, cool in summer and naturally odour-neutral. The grippy high-performance sole gives you stability on any terrain; the EVA midsole and cushioned removable footbed with a merino layer are gentle on your joints. With its clean look, it masters outdoor trails just as confidently as your active everyday life.

Left image: A woman in a dark denim jacket and black trousers sits on a wooden bench in a green space in front of office buildings. She is wearing cream-white sporty trainers. Right image: A man in a black overshirt and black trousers stands in front of a concrete wall with a reflecting pool. He is wearing light grey sporty trainers.


Wool Trek X Women
Wool Trek X Men

 

Protect your feet with good preparation

Choosing the right shoes is not a luxury but an investment in your health. It can be key to preventing issues caused by overpronation or supination and to increasing your running enjoyment. Combine this with targeted strengthening exercises to build your foot muscles, and enjoy the feeling of being optimally prepared. 

 

What do our customers say?

Tanja — ★★★★★
Giesswein shoes are the most comfortable I’ve had so far, and the Wool Peak Women are no exception. They’re super comfortable, well made, well ventilated and look great. You can also rely on the sizing. I’d buy them again.

Werner — ★★★★★
I’m very satisfied with Wool Peak Men. The sports shoes feel great for walking and running.

 

 

Related articles:

A close-up of the feet of a person wearing dark trousers, standing on wet stone steps amongst yellow autumn leaves. They are wearing grey merino wool boots with a high shaft and laces.

Top 4 autumn shoes. How to stay warm and stylish this autumn!

A person’s crossed legs are resting on a rust-red velvet sofa, with a window front bathed in evening light in the background. An open book lies on their lap. She is wearing light grey merino wool trainers.

Healthy nails, fresh feet: Why breathable shoes matter

A top view of a pair of grey merino wool slippers with a knitted upper and a dark blue sole on a beige carpet; next to them, an open book, a maple leaf and a coffee cup on a wooden tray.

Feel-good update: Find your perfect slippers for home

← Previous article / Next article →