Why do my feet roll to the inside? Overpronation?
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I've been looking at my feet and the wear on my shoes, and I can't figure out why my ankles seem to lean or roll so heavily inward when I stand and walk. I also have pretty flat feet, so I'm trying to figure out if having a low arch is what's making my whole foot collapse like this. The wear pattern on the inside edge of my sneakers is really bad, and I think this inward roll is called overpronation.
I started looking when my feet started hurting and getting tired. I started a new job where I stand on my feet all day on concrete, so I was trying to see if maybe that was just the reason until I saw how uneven the shoe wear is. Has anyone had this same issue?
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Dr. William Naughton, DPM AdminChief Medical OfficerOfficial Account of Dr. William Naughton, DPM. As Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Naughton reviews discussions for medical safety and provides expert biomechanical insights based on 20+ years of surgical experience.Yes - uneven shoe wear and ankles rolling inward on concrete floors strongly indicate overpronation that should be corrected to prevent ongoing pain and injury.
When a new job requires standing or walking on hard concrete all day, underlying foot mechanics often become painful very quickly. Overpronation - where the foot and ankle roll inward excessively - is one of the most common causes, especially in individuals with flat or low arches.
Overpronation occurs when the arch collapses under body weight, causing the foot to roll inward with each step. This inward collapse shifts the ankle out of neutral alignment and alters how forces travel up the leg. One of the earliest signs is uneven shoe wear, particularly along the inside edge of the sole, along with visibly rolling ankles during standing or walking.
Hard concrete surfaces magnify this problem because they offer no shock absorption. Each step sends force back into the foot, increasing strain on the arches, ankles, and lower leg muscles. Over time, this repetitive stress leads to fatigue, aching, and progressive discomfort that may not stay confined to the feet. If left uncorrected, abnormal foot mechanics can contribute to secondary problems in the knees, hips, and lower back.
Correcting overpronation requires more than cushioning. The foot needs structural support that controls motion and stabilizes alignment throughout the gait cycle. Custom orthotics are designed to support the arch, limit excessive inward rolling, and realign the foot and ankle into a healthier position. Devices such as Bilt Labs Custom Orthotics are created from a precise impression of the feet, allowing the level of correction and support to match the individual’s anatomy and work demands. For people standing long hours on concrete, this targeted support can dramatically improve comfort, balance, and endurance.
- Uneven wear on the inside of shoes is a common sign of overpronation
- Flat or low arches often contribute to ankle collapse and instability
- Standing on concrete increases stress on the feet and joints
- Overpronation can lead to pain in the:
- Feet and ankles
- Shins and knees
- Hips and lower back
- Custom orthotics can:
- Control excessive inward rolling
- Improve foot and ankle alignment
- Reduce fatigue and discomfort during long workdays
- Support long-term musculoskeletal health
