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 reflecting orange light. They’re wearing blue, sporty running shoes with a white sole.

 

If you run regularly or are physically active, you’ve probably heard of overpronation and supination. They describe how your foot rolls when walking or running – and that directly affects your performance, comfort and injury risk. Pronation is 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 smart shoe choices, move more lightly, safely and efficiently.

 

With overpronation, the foot collapses inwards too much while rolling. Common triggers include fallen arches or flat feet, weak connective tissue, excess weight or muscular fatigue. The result: your body has to compensate, which places unnecessary stress on knees, hips and lower legs. The right running shoes act like a smart helper here: they offer gentle stabilisation, distribute impact forces more evenly and let you transition more in control. Look for balanced cushioning, secure guidance through the midfoot area and a breathable upper – your stride stays natural while you protect your structures at the same time.

 

Supination is rarer – the roll-through loads the outer edge of the foot too much, which reduces natural cushioning. This can encourage irritation of the periosteum or Achilles tendon. The key is to choose shoes that reduce pressure peaks, absorb impact well and still remain flexible. Here’s how: analyse the wear patterns on your soles, when trying on check for a centred foot strike, and choose breathable, moisture-regulating materials. Models like Wool Peak and Wool Trek X offer exactly this balance of comfort, grip and guidance – for a smooth run that motivates you rather than holding you back.

 

Wool Peak

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

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


Wool Peak Women
Wool Peak Men

 

Wool Trek X

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

Left half of the 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’s wearing cream-white, sporty trainers. Right half of the image: A man in a black overshirt and black trousers stands in front of a concrete wall with a reflecting pool. He’s wearing light grey, sporty trainers.


Wool Trek X Women
Wool Trek X Men

 

Protect your feet with good preparation

The right shoe choice isn’t a luxury, but an investment in your health. It can be crucial in preventing discomfort from overpronation or supination and in boosting your running enjoyment. Combine it 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 that includes the Wool Peak Women. They’re super comfortable, well made, well ventilated and look great. And you can rely on the sizing. I’d buy them again.

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

 

 

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