7 Best Stability Trail Running Shoes in 2023
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Why trust us
From enjoying your local trails to racing in rugged mountain terrain, we can help you find that perfect stability trail running shoe that matches your feet and stride. For trail runners with hyper-pronated feet, wearing the right stability shoe gives you more confidence for a comfortable, stable ride.
We’ve rounded up 20+ stability trail running shoes available in the market, from Salomon to Hoka to ASICS. We tested all of them and selected our best picks in different categories, from the best overall and most popular options to best-cushioned and budget-friendliness.
Head on to have a quick look at our fantastic selections that deliver on value and meet whatever stability concerns you might have.
How we test trail running shoes
We spend hours on the trails and in our testing lab scrutinizing every single trail running shoe release. We even spend our own money to buy all the shoes on this list to stay unbiased and preserve the integrity of our comprehensive reviews.
- We cut the shoes into little pieces to see what makes them tick.
- We measure over 30 parameters of each model far beyond weight and stack.
- We test each model in various terrains, and in different training and racing conditions. We take them in short or long runs in the trails averaging 30 to 50 miles per pair.
- We gather more information from trail running experts and actual reviews from regular users. We put them in a summary to save your time.
Finally, all comparable data we’ve gathered are reflected in our CoreScore system, showing a number from 1 to 100 assigned to each model. This gives you the best idea of how a particular shoe is rated as compared to other brands.
Stability trail running shoes with best cushioning
Salomon XA Pro 3D V8
88
Great!
What makes it the best?
The Salomon XA Pro 3D V8 is a trail running shoe that easily doubles as a hiking companion. It is a great option for outdoorsies looking for a hybrid of a running/hiking shoe that would keep them comfortable and supported no matter what the adventure brings. This Salomon shoe offers reliable protection and grip that help you stay in control on any type of trail.
Pros
- Highly stable and supportive
- Great for hiking and backpacking
- Grippy on various surfaces
- Durable construction
- Versatile: trail-to-road
- Lots of foot protection
- Generously padded inside
- Breathable mesh
- Quick and easy lacing
Cons
- Stiff and bulky for running
- High heel-to-toe drop
Today's best price
Men
Women
Any color
Amazon
Free shipping
$98
Backcountry
Free shipping
$98
REI
Free shipping
$130
Shoebacca
Free shipping & returns
$130
Road Runner Sports
Free shipping
$130
Sun and Ski
Free shipping
$130
Best stability trail running shoes for long distance
Salomon XA Pro 3D GTX
88
Great!
What makes it the best?
The Salomon XA Pro 3D GTX is a durable and worthwhile trail shoe for those looking to go for a hike, head into the woods for a weekend backpacking trip as well as for an adventurous runner who needs heavy-duty footwear to tackle the more arduous challenges.
Pros
- Outstanding waterproofing
- Highly durable
- Stable platform
- Solid grip
- Also great for hiking
- Roomy toebox
- Convenient lacing
Cons
- Heavy
- Stiff sole
- Narrow midfoot
Today's best price
Men
Women
Any color
Amazon
Prime & free shipping
$170
Zappos
Running Warehouse
REI
Best stability trail running shoes overall
ASICS GT 2000 9 Trail
86
Great!
What makes it the best?
The ASICS 2000 9 Trail is the off-road version of the acclaimed 2000 9 stability shoe. It carries over all of its beloved features in a a more durable package with a more aggressive outsole. That makes it a cushioned trail shoe with arch support.
Pros
- Excellent support
- No break-in
- Versatile
- Comfortable straight from the box
- Good amount of impact protection
- Smooth road to off-road transitions
Cons
- Not for technical trails
Today's best price
Men
Women
Any color
Amazon
Prime & free shipping
$60
Zappos
Running Warehouse
REI
Best stability trail running shoes with wide toebox
ASICS Gel Trabuco 9
85
Good!
What makes it the best?
The ASICS Gel Trabuco 9 is a trail shoe that embodies the perfect mix of ruggedness and comfort. It's a solid choice for daily runs on the trails or grass. And for races, it's an excellent selection for sub-marathon and marathon distances. For anything longer, it falls short of cushioning. Experts advise going for the ASICS Trabuco Max instead.
Pros
- Excellent outsole grip
- Durable
- Impact-absorbent
- Supportive
- Lightweight
- Comfortable upper
- Well-fitting
Cons
- Lugs collect rocks
- Excessively roomy toe box
- Short laces
Today's best price
Men
Women
Any color
Amazon
Free shipping
$70
Zappos
Running Warehouse
REI
Best stability trail marathon running shoes
La Sportiva Bushido II
89
Great!
What makes it the best?
The La Sportiva Bushido II is a moderately cushioned shoe that offers high road feel. With stability features for mild overpronators, the shoe won't disappoint on light to moderate trail. The performance, lightweight design, grip, and responsiveness of this shoe earn it high marks, as long as you have the foot type to fit in it!
Pros
- Rock plate
- Good ground feel
- Responsive
- Feels lighter
- Excellent traction
- Supportive
Cons
- Narrow and tight
- Break-in period
Today's best price
Men
Women
Any color
Outland USA
Free shipping
$93
Amazon
Prime & free shipping
$117
Backcountry
Free shipping
$117
Moosejaw
Free shipping
$117
Zappos
Free shipping & returns
$118
REI
Free shipping
$155
Best value stability trail running shoes
ASICS Gel Kahana 8
86
Great!
What makes it the best?
The ASICS Gel Kahana 8 received high praise from users and expert reviewers. They felt that it was able to provide them with quality and reliable service on the great outdoors. Overpronators rejoiced because of its stability mechanics. For many, the components were efficient, and the running experience was satisfying. But it disappointed a few consumers, who had their own gripes about this version.
Pros
- Durable fabrics and overlays
- Debris protection
- Great impact resistance
- Efficient stability
Cons
- Poor traction
- Lugs came off too easily
- A bit narrow
Today's best price
Men
Women
Any color
Amazon
Prime & free shipping
$50
Zappos
Running Warehouse
REI
Most popular stability trail running shoes
The North Face Ultra 109 GTX
87
Great!
What makes it the most popular?
The North Face Ultra 109 GTX offers a great blend of toughness and flexibility. This stability trail running shoe performs very well on wet or tricky surfaces and keeps the user’s interest engaged in running owing to its excellent all-around features. For its future versions, however, it is recommended that the shoe does a bit more work on its design in terms of the long-term durability.
Pros
- Highly comfortable
- Underfoot protection
- Enhanced breathability
- Rugged build
- Superb traction
- Affordable
- Waterproof
Cons
- Lacks durability
- Not waterproof
Today's best price
Men
Women
Any color
Zappos
Free shipping & returns
$119
ASOS
Free shipping & returns
$119
Running Warehouse
REI
Comparison of the 7 best stability trail running shoes
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