7 Best Stability Running Shoes in 2023

Jens Jakob Andersen
Jens Jakob Andersen on
7 Best Stability Running Shoes in 2023
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Stability running shoes are helpful in providing runners the additional arch support, especially if they feel that the lack thereof is preventing a natural and comfortable movement. As a beginner, it could be a worthy investment for you, but make sure to identify first if the features are truly beneficial to your run.

In this article, we define stability shoes and the top-rated stability running shoes on the market to help you narrow down your choices.

We have tested 100+ stability shoes in our lab to pick out the best models in several categories.

How we test running shoes

It is our mission to save your time in picking the best shoe out of 250+ stability running shoes on the market. Here is how:

  • We research hundreds of studies on foot biomechanics and running footwear to understand what a good stability shoe is.
  • All shoes are purchased with our own money to prevent bias and brand loyalty.
  • Our testers run at least 30-50 miles in each pair before delivering their feedback.
  • With our RunRepeat lab, we cut each shoe into pieces and measure 30+ different parameters that contribute to its performance. From cushioning softness to lace slippage.
  • We also gather all available user and expert reviews (nearly 1,000,000) from the web to keep our reviews comprehensive.

In the end, each shoe receives a CoreScore, a number in the 0-100 range. The higher the number, the better the shoe is.

And the best stability running shoes make it here.

Best stability running shoes overall

What makes it the best?

The Kayano 29 from ASICS is a stability running shoe that goes from brick-like to foot-friendly. Now on its twenty-ninth iteration, the ASICS Gel Kayano offers support that mixes in more comfort. And if you're looking to clock up the miles for your next road run, its impact-eating midsole and tank of an outsole will help you reach new distances.

Pros

  • Stable but not harsh
  • Cushy for long miles
  • Awesome impact protection
  • Supportive fit
  • Glides you forward
  • Lighter than it seems
  • Built to last

Cons

  • An oven for the feet
  • Expensive
Full review of ASICS Gel Kayano 29

Today's best price

Men
Women
Any color
Deep Ocean/Cherry Tomato (1011B440401)
Black/White (1011B470002)
Electric Blue/White (1011B440400)
Sheet Rock/Amber (1011B440020)
Spice Latte/Black (1011B440600)
White/Deep Ocean (1011B440101)
Metropolis/White (1011B440021)
White/Velvet Pine (1012B272100)
More colors

Best stability running shoes with wide toebox

Saucony Tempus
88
Great!

What makes it the best?

The Tempus from Saucony is a stability running shoe for a variety of paces and distances. Whether you're running slow (just not recovery-day slow), picking up the pace, or running short or long miles, this shoe can handle it. Even more, it's not the type of support shoe that's reserved solely for overpronators (whose feet roll inward). The Saucony Tempus also welcomes neutral runners who want stable strides all the way.

Pros

  • Stable but not aggressive
  • Responsive ride
  • Smooth transitions
  • Outsole is super solid
  • Bites on wet roads
  • Snug and secure fit
  • Breathable on warm days
  • Roomy toe box
  • Not heavy

Cons

  • Not for recovery paces
  • Causes heel rubs
  • Expensive
Full review of Saucony Tempus

Today's best price

Men
Women
Any color
Alloy/Topaz (S2072015)
Black (S2072005)
Gold (S1072016)
Hydro/Poppy (S2072018)
Mars (S2072035)
Blue (S2072025)
Fossil/Moss (S2072017)
White (S2072086)
More colors

Stability running shoes with best cushioning

What makes it the best?

One of Brooks’ most revered and popular stability shoes gets a well-needed modern update for 2022. This daily runner is loved by many because it’s seen as the Jack of all trades running shoe thanks to a bi-directional correction for different over-pronation. With fresher looks, it’s now an even more attractive option.

Pros

  • Fits true to size
  • Promising durability
  • Stability for all directions
  • Improved aesthetics
  • Phenomenal grip
  • A firmer, faster midsole
  • Consistent in all conditions
  • Reliable daily runner

Cons

  • High price point for stability aimed at beginners
  • Midsole is too hard for some
Full review of Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22

Today's best price

Men
Women
Any color
Coral/Latigo Bay/White (680)
Black/Blue/Orange (034)
White/Oyster/Brilliant (160)
White/Red/Green (127)
Arctic/Red/Titan (004)
Magenta/White/Raspberry (568)
Oyster/India Ink/Blue (023)
Peacoat India Ink Grenadine (435)
More colors

Best stability running shoes for long distance

What makes it the best?

The Wave Horizon 6 from Mizuno is a stability running shoe that's built ready for cruising long miles and giving your feet and legs the rest day they deserve during recovery sessions. Unlike other stability shoes, the Horizon 6 doesn't feel harsh. As a matter of fact, it's a very comfy shoe that will give you all the cushioning you crave.

Pros

  • Support that's not harsh
  • Impact-absorbing
  • Gives your stride a boost
  • Very comfy for recovery runs
  • Stable when cornering
  • Breathable
  • Keeps the foot in place
  • Grip that sticks

Cons

  • Long break-in period
  • Comes with a hefty tag
Full review of Mizuno Wave Horizon 6

Today's best price

Men
Women
Any color
Black (4113519073)
Smoke Blue Ebony (411351KBEY)
Estate Blue (411351UG73)

Best stability running shoes with plush cushioning

What makes it the best?

Stability runners rejoice! ASICS has redesigned how stability shoes should be built. Gone are the days of plates, posts, and brick-like motion control shoes that weigh more than a pair of ski boots. In comes the Gel Kayano Lite 2. Everything that’s great about the original Kayano without any of the junk. If you need a little support while you run, check out the Kayano Lite 2!

Pros

  • Durable
  • Comfortable
  • Long-lasting outsole
  • Wide toe box
  • Wide stable platform
  • Lightweight for a stability shoe

Cons

  • No gusseted tongue
  • Breathability
  • Got heavier from v1
Full review of ASICS Gel Kayano Lite 2

Today's best price

Men
Women
Any color
Black (1011B217001)
Grey (1011B217020)

Best value

ASICS GT 2000 10
88
Great!

What makes it the best?

ASICS updates their long-running, budget stability shoe and finally moves away from the plastic post design. This shoe is an ideal daily trainer for runners looking to get into the sport who pronate or have flat feet and want a product that’s comfortable, consistent, and lighter on the wallet than competing shoes.

Pros

  • Lightweight stability shoe
  • Responsive ride
  • Comfortable
  • Wide toe box
  • Good lockdown
  • Durable outsole
  • Price

Cons

  • Overly padded tongue
  • Thick ankle collar
  • Runs warm
  • Feels a touch long
Full review of ASICS GT 2000 10

Today's best price

Men
Women
Any color
Sheet Rock/Electric Blue (1011B185021)
Black/White (1011B185002)
Metropolis/Graphite Grey (1011B186020)
Lake Drive/White (1011B185401)
White/Black (1011B185100)
Glow Yellow Black (1011B185750)
Carrier Grey/White (1011B185023)
Metropolis Electric Red (1011B185022)
More colors

Comparison of the 7 best stability running shoes

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Best
CoreScore
Users rating
Experts
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Ranking
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# of colorways

Do I need a stability running shoe?

Yes and no.

If you are a beginner, or if you don’t have any pain in walking or running, a stability running shoe is not absolutely necessary. You may find that neutral shoes are comfortable enough and can get you across Point A to Point B without problems.

neutral-vs-stability-support.jpg

neutral shoe (Saucony Ride) vs. stability shoe (Saucony Guide)

However, if you have excessive inward foot movement or if you are experiencing injuries related to it, you might have overpronation. In this case, a stability running shoe could help alleviate these issues.

What is overpronation?

To better understand overpronation, we will first define pronation. Pronation is the natural movement of the foot as it lands, such as during walking or running.

Types of pronation.png

Normally, pronation is a side-to-side motion, which results in the foot rolling inward with each step. To some, this happens in higher degrees (could be mild or severe). When this occurs, you may have overpronation.

Neutral vs stability vs motion control shoes

For most runners, neutral shoes are the more common choice. This is relatively harmless, especially if you don’t have problems walking or running. On the other hand, if you have overpronation, stability shoes, or motion control shoes could be more beneficial. Here is a guide on how we can differentiate between neutral shoes, stability shoes, and motion control shoes.

Arch types and recommended shoes.png

Differences between arch types

  • High-arched runners have a prominent rise on the bottom of their feet. Because it is high, the risen area has little to no ground contact. This results in the foot to move rigidly.
  • Runners with moderate arches have an underfoot rise that is neither too high nor too low. Their foot rolls inward to a certain degree, which lends them impact absorption upon landing.
  • Runners with very low arches usually possess flat feet. A runner with a flat foot does not get sufficient arch support. This means, as the foot lands on the ground, it tends to roll inward excessively.

Which type of shoe should you get?

  • High-arched runners are the most compatible with neutral shoes. These shoes are well-cushioned to make the runner feel more comfortable and their foot more flexible.
  • Stability shoes are for runners with mild overpronation. Runners with feet that tend to move inward will benefit from a shoe that offers support and controls the excessive rolling of the feet. Stability shoes offer adequate cushioning but have a firm midfoot area to reinforce arch support.
  • For runners with severe overpronation, motion control shoes are most suitable. These shoes are similar to stability shoes in that they provide support and keep the foot from rolling inward. However, motion control shoes have stiffer parts, especially in the heel area. The aim of this is to make the shoe a bit heavier to prevent the foot from moving inward extremely.

Types of arch support in running shoes from least to most supportive:

neutral-shoe.jpg

neutral or no support (Nike Air Zoom Pegasus)

stability-shoe.jpg

stability: support for mild to moderate overpronation (ASICS Gel Kayano)

motion-control-shoe.jpg

motion control: supports severe overpronation (Hoka Gaviota)

3 noteworthy attributes of stability running shoes

An efficient stability running shoe should be able to correct your pronation and alleviate any discomfort brought by the foot rolling inward. The listed qualities below help stability shoes achieve these goals.

A semi-curved shape

A stability shoe has a slightly curved shape, which allows it to provide a good balance of support and cushioning. In contrast, a neutral shoe has more curves, while a motion control shoe is almost straight. Below is an illustration for reference:

Running shoe outsoles according to arch support.png

On the left, the motion control shoe shows an almost straight layout with its shallow curves on the arch area. In the middle is the stability shoe, which is slightly curvier. On the right is the neutral shoe that displays the deepest curves among the 3.

Guide rails

A gradually increasing trend among stability running shoes, the guide rails are a special feature that prevents the inward rolling of the foot, which is the most apparent sign of overpopulation.

Guide rails of stability running shoes.png

Here you can see an illustration of how the guide rails are typically positioned within the stability running shoe. This layout effectively prevents the foot from rolling inward, as with overpronation.

brooks-guide-rails

GuideRails on Brooks Adrenaline

Overpronation correction.png

Heel support

A usual companion of the guide rails in stability running shoes is a firm (even stiff) and well-padded heel counter. It clutches the heel and ankle, preventing the foot from rolling inwards in the early stages of the heel-to-toe transition.

stability-shoe-heel-counter.jpg

Supportive heel counters on stability shoes. Left to right: Saucony Guide 14, Hoka Arahi 5, ASICS Gel Kayano 28

Frequently asked questions

Will a stability shoe correct my pronation permanently?

The answer is no, unfortunately. A stability shoe provides extra arch support and it stabilizes the foot to avoid unnecessary movements. However, the shoes are only meant to guide the feet towards a correct gait, but it does not permanently fix the condition. If you are looking for a long-term solution, you may try physical therapy and some exercises aimed at strengthening foot muscles.

Should I use stability shoes even when I am not running?

A stability shoe corrects the step of an overpronator by giving a sufficient amount of arch support. If you suffer from pain and injuries that are associated with overpronation, then a stability shoe can continue to be beneficial in your other activities that involve a lot of mobility.

Author
Jens Jakob Andersen
Jens Jakob Andersen

Jens Jakob is a fan of short distances with a 5K PR at 15:58 minutes. Based on 35 million race results, he's among the fastest 0.2% runners. Jens Jakob previously owned a running store, when he was also a competitive runner. His work is regularly featured in The New York Times, Washington Post, BBC and the likes as well as peer-reviewed journals. Finally, he has been a guest on +30 podcasts on running.