Overpronation while running is an issue that can both increase your injury risk as well as prevent you from reaching your full potential as a runner. Thankfully there are a lot of options to help runners with pronation issues. With most running shoe brands offering stability shoe options. Designed to help prevent the roll of the ankle, encouraging proper foot strike and rebound without roll. And today I will be looking at the best Altra shoes for overpronation. Providing zero drop options for runners seeking some 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 line up. Both use the brand’s GuideRail™ technology to provide support throughout the shoe. And as the brand states, “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. Offering 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” cushion. To prevent overpronation, the Provision features GuideRails running internally through each shoe. This does add to the shoes weight and 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 sit 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. And overall performs decent as a running shoe but may be a better walking / day to day shoes 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
With Altra only offering two different options for stability running shoes. I do wish they would have given us a bit more range. These two shoes compare very closely. With the biggest difference being the weight. That said, if I had to choose I’d probably go with the lighter of two in the Altra Provisions. To me they are the better “running” shoes of the two. That said, if you’re a heavier runner / walker or someone looking for 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. Let me know in the comments below!
What is overpronation vs suponation/underpronation? It seems it is correcting the opposite problem? If your foot tends to step INWARD, do you need a shoe that helps you step more outward, therefore is that an overpronating or underpronating shoe?
Hey Mike, here is a link with all the info you will need!
https://runbryanrun.com/overpronation-vs-underpronation-causes-injuries-treatments/
I’ll add this link in the article to help others too.