Overpronation while running is a concern that can elevate your risk of injury and hinder your ability to achieve your full potential as a runner. Fortunately, there are numerous solutions available to assist runners dealing with pronation problems. Most running shoe brands offer stability shoe options designed to mitigate ankle rolling, promote correct foot strike, and enhance rebound without excessive pronation. In this article, I will explore the best Altra shoes for overpronation, presenting zero-drop alternatives for runners seeking stability in their road running shoes.
What Are the Best Altra Shoes for Overpronation
To help prevent overpronation, Altra offers two road running models in their lineup. Both utilize the brand’s GuideRail™ technology to deliver support throughout the shoe. As the brand states, this technology ‘encourages natural foot placement by providing guidance, but only when it’s needed’.
You can read about the difference between overpronation vs under pronation here.
Both models feature Altra’s signature zero drop, but beyond that, the Provision and Paradigm are very different shoes. They offer different stack heights, cushion ratings, and internal features that make them unique. So below, I’m going to go through each of the models and provide the pros and cons for each, focusing on the ‘stability’ and overpronation prevention of each shoe.
I’ve also done an in depth review comparing the Altra Paradigm vs Provision which you can read here.
Altra Provision
Weight: 9.60 oz / 274 g
Fit: Standard
Drop: 0
Stack Height: 28 mm
Cushion: High
Features: Altra Ego Midsole & FootPod Outsole
Link: Official Link Click Here
The Altra Provision is the lighter of the two support road running shoes offered by the brand, standing on a 28 mm stack height with the brand’s signature zero drop. They also have the lower stack of the two. Altra lists the Provision as having their ‘standard’ foot shape design with ‘high’ cushioning. To prevent overpronation, the Provision features GuideRails running internally through each shoe. This does add to the shoe’s weight, and I wouldn’t consider them light. They also feature good support through both the arch and heel of the shoe, which is a nice feature, especially for those with high arches.
Pros: Good balance of cushion to weight. Lighter of the two stability shoes offered by Altra, but still features plenty of cushion. Good heel lock, medium arch support, and toe box.
Cons: If you like a wider shoe, you may want to half to full size up. Can take getting used to if you have never run in zero drop running shoes before. Lack of overall color options and the colors they do have are not my favorite.
Altra Paradigm
Weight: 10.8 oz / 307 g
Fit: Standard
Drop: 0
Stack Height: 30 mm
Cushion: Max
Features: Altra Ego Midsole & FootPod Outsole
Link: Official Link Click Here
Altra’s Paradigm is the brand’s max-cushioned corrective road running shoe, meaning it’s going to be a bit heavy and have a high stack height. Weighing 10.8 oz and standing on a 30 mm stack height, they, of course, feature a zero drop and GuideRails to prevent overpronation. The Paradigm is listed as having Altra’s standard foot shape and seems to have good room in the toe box compared to other brands. Overall, it performs decently as a running shoe but may be better as a walking or day-to-day shoe for people on their feet a lot for work.
Pros: Feature max cushion with a zero drop. Great for heavier runners and walkers. A great shoe walking and people on their feet all day.
Cons: A bit heavy and can feel a bit tall compared to other Altra running shoes. Turnover feels a bit slow. And I do have concerns about the overall durability based on reviews.
Conclusion – Best Altra Shoes for Overpronation
Considering that Altra offers only two different options for stability running shoes, I do wish they would provide a bit more variety. These two shoes are quite similar, with the most significant difference being their weight. That being said, if I had to choose, I’d probably go with the lighter of the two, the Altra Provisions. In my opinion, they are the better ‘running’ shoes of the two. However, if you’re a heavier runner/walker or someone in need of a good work shoe, the Paradigm might be a good choice.
If you have any opinions on the Provision or the Paradigm, or stability running shoes in general, please share them in the comments below!