7 Best Stability Running Shoes in 2024

Jens Jakob Andersen
Jens Jakob Andersen on
7 Best Stability Running Shoes in 2024
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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 running shoes in our lab to pick out the best models in several categories.

How we test running shoes

It is our mission to save you time in picking the best shoe out of 100+ 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.
  • We purchase all the shoes with our own money to prevent bias and brand loyalty.
  • We test run at least 30-50 miles in each pair before we deliver our 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.

And the best stability running shoes make it here.

Best stability running shoes overall

What makes it the best?

The Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23 is a versatile workhorse with plush cushioning that tackles all of our daily runs with ease and a level of comfort not often associated with stability shoes.

The GuideRails technology provides the shoe with an above-average level of torsional rigidity that we scored 4 out of 5 in our manual assessment. This provides us with support for overpronation by subtly curtailing excessive lateral movements, thus keeping our base nice and level from landing to toe-off. On the other hand, our longitudinal stiffness test shows that the shoe is actually 41.6% more flexible than the average shoe. This means that the shoe is easily able to conform with the bending of our foot during test runs, keeping us comfy for miles on end.  

The Adrenaline GTS 23’s midsole strikes a perfect balance between softness and stability that suits any type of run, whether short and speedy or long and drawn out. The DNA Loft v2 foam is 19% softer than average, according to our durometer, with a ride that feels nice and plush underfoot with a good level of energy return. Meanwhile, the width of the midsole offsets how soft it is and provides us with a robust and stable platform, measuring 117.3 mm at the forefoot and 96.9 mm at the heel versus their respective averages of 113.2 mm and 90.1 mm. 

With a steep 12.6 mm heel drop, the Adrenaline GTS 23 is definitely more suited to heel-striking runners than their forefoot-striking counterparts, for whom we recommend looking for shoes with a low to medium drop height of up to 8 mm for more comfort and less risk of injury. 

Pros

  • Excellent stability without being intrusive
  • Ideal for easy miles
  • Specifically designed for heel strikers
  • Outstanding breathability
  • Comfortable and cushioned
  • Availability in narrow and wide sizes
  • Capable of handling tempo paces
  • Not expensive at all

Cons

  • The engineered mesh upper lacks durability
  • Lacks cushion for forefoot strikers
Full review of Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23

Best stability running shoes for daily training

Hoka Arahi 7
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What makes it the best?

Based on our lab and run tests, Hoka Arahi 7 is the best daily trainer among stability running shoes. Why? This basically sums it up: it blends subtle support with generous cushioning all in a lightweight package. 

The Arahi 7 deviates from the standard stability shoe by maintaining an airy build. While the average stability shoe in our lab weighs 10.3 oz (293g), this Hoka is significantly lighter at 9.4 oz (266g). It kept our feet and ankles free from the heavy load.

That lightness is also amazing considering the shoe's substantial stack of 34.2/27.9 mm. While it’s not a maximalist, we felt it was generous enough for comfort and protection during long runs. 

To ensure stability, our lab results reveal Arahi 7's three main pillars: 1) the firm 26.6 HA midsole, 2) the wider-than-average landing base, and 3) Hoka’s J-Frame technology. All these elements work together to guide our foot alignment without being too intrusive.

Because of the midsole’s firmness, runners seeking a dynamic ride may find Arahi 7 dull. Those who prefer more bounce should look elsewhere.

Pros

  • Premium and comfy upper
  • Still surprisingly light
  • Subtle yet effective stability features
  • Versatile for all footstrikes
  • Reasonably priced
  • Excellent fit and security
  • Plush tongue
  • Cushioned

Cons

  • Limited breathability
  • Low energy return
  • Slightly snug fit
Full review of Hoka Arahi 7

Best stability running shoes for speed training

Saucony Tempus
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What makes it the best?

Saucony Tempus redefines stability shoes with its cushion striking the balance between comfort and responsiveness. It allows us to go insanely fast and far in a sure-footed manner without being too disruptive. Our lab and run tests show it’s the best speed trainer among stability shoes.

The springy cushion is a game-changer, proving not all stability shoes are dull. Its energy and rocker geometry make forward strides more effortless. This pair can take endurance runs with its plush foam that’s 23.0% softer than average. 

Its wide base and stiff heel counter serve as guides to subtly keep our feet in place. In our lab test, the heel counter’s rigidity stands at 4/5, while the average is 2.7. The higher the number, the stiffer it is. Meanwhile, the midsole measures 4.3 and 4.4 mm wider than average in the forefoot and heel area — giving our feet more room to land steadily.

Gone are the days when a stable shoe is automatically heavy. At 9.4 oz (266 g), this trainer is even lighter than the 9.5 oz (268g) average of road running shoes. It’s also way lighter than the 10.5 oz (298.3g) average of stability shoes.

Unfortunately, the rigid heel counter lacks padding and may cause heel rubs to other athletes.

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

  • Causes heel rubs
  • Expensive
Full review of Saucony Tempus

Best cushioned running shoes for stability

What makes it the best?

After conducting our lab and run tests, we’ve concluded that the ASICS Gel Kayano 29 offers the best cushioning currently found in a stability shoe. The soft yet sturdy midsole stack offers outstanding comfort and excellent impact protection, while the upper and outsole provide ample amounts of support and durability, respectively.

The Kayano 29 doesn't have a crazy high stack height; its 33.1 mm heel stack and 24.5 mm forefoot stack are right on par with the average for running shoes. But the Flytefoam Blast+ midsole is 14.7% softer than the average running shoe, which helps provide comfort for long-distance miles. Moreover, that soft midsole still delivers a lot of impact protection, as our legs felt surprisingly fresh following a long run.

The Kayano series is known for its stability, and the 29 is no different. The midsole material provides an abundance of stability, while the upper adds to the support as it keeps the rearfoot and midfoot snug. We gave the Kayano 29's heel stiffness a 4 out of 5 in our lab test, so it is solid enough to hold the ankle tight. 

And the outsole showed tremendous durability as we saw little wear on the outsole after our runs. With the outsole rubber measuring 0.7 mm thicker than average, the Gel Kayano 29 should take a while to wear down.

However, the Kayano 29 does feel quite hot due to a heavily padded upper. We measured its tongue at a whopping 9.7 mm, which is 3.9 mm more than usual. Runners looking for more breathable stability shoes should look elsewhere.

Pros

  • Exceptionally cushioned
  • Impressively stable with 4D Guidance System
  • Lighter than it seems
  • Top-notch breathability
  • Effective maximalist design
  • Superior durability and comfort
  • Ideal for high-mileage runners
  • Ultra-plush FF Blast+ foam
  • Amazing build quality

Cons

  • Actual drop exceeds stated measurement
  • Midsole might require a break-in period
Full review of ASICS Gel Kayano 30

Best lightweight running shoes for stability

Saucony Guide 16
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What makes it the best?

Saucony Guide 16 mixes traditional and innovative features of a stability shoe. Already in its name, it serves as a low-key guide  providing supportive elements without changing the way we run. It defies the old stability shoe with its cushion, flexibility, and airy build — claiming the best lightweight title among stability running shoes. 

A stable shoe doesn’t have to be heavy, as proven by Guide 16. At 9.7 oz (275g), it’s lighter than the 10.5 oz (298.3g) average of its counterparts. Standing out from the norm, it’s comfy and easy to maneuver because of its flexible midsole. Our 90-degree bend test validates it’s 32.8% more flexible than the average running shoe — encouraging more fluid toe-offs.

The shoe’s support mainly lies in its HOLLOW-TECH frame, which is carved out so that the foot lies inside and is embraced by the cushioning. Together with the sidewalls, rigid heel (scored the highest in our stiffness test), and firm cushion, all these elements supported our feet when pronating without being too invasive.

Guide 16 balanced support and comfort but missed the energy return needed for speedrunning. We recommend checking other options for runners who prefer a faster shoe.

Pros

  • Softer, more comfortable upper
  • Breathable
  • Excellent lockdown
  • Good guidance without being too intrusive
  • Protective and fairly responsive
  • Good grip
  • Natural-feeling ride
  • Roomy toe box
  • Lightweight
  • Best for daily miles and as a walking shoe

Cons

  • Uncomfortable for going sockless
  • Firm cushioning
  • Does not like to go fast
  • Durability is so-so
Full review of Saucony Guide 16

Best stability running shoes for long distance

Hoka Gaviota 5
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What makes it the best?

Hoka Gaviota’s 5th version exceeds the traditional stability shoe by providing incredibly plush cushioning. It seamlessly blends comfort with stability features to ensure a steady and fun ride. Our lab numbers tell the story but our actual runs cemented Gaviota 5 as our top long-distance stability shoe.

The highlight goes to the balanced midsole, with its luxurious foam that’s 46.5% softer than average as per our durometer. It’s one of the softest we’ve tested and is effective in muting ground feel. What’s surprising is how it doesn’t feel wobbly at all. The midsole feels so supportive because of the firmer secondary foam that’s integrated into high-impact areas — the arch, heel, and tip — to improve balance.

Further enhancing a steady ride is the extremely wide base. Its 125.1/106.6 mm forefoot and heel measures 11.9/16.5 mm wider than average. That’s more than enough room for stable landings! Its H-Frame helps keep us centered as well, improving lateral stability.

With a 3.8 mm thick and tough outsole, Hoka smartly extends the shoe’s life. Our durometer measures the rubber at 83.1 HC (vs. the 80.2 HC average). This means it's harder and more durable.

With a low 2.2 mm heel drop, we don’t recommend Gaviota 5 to extreme heel-strikers and athletes with lower-leg problems.

Pros

  • Remarkably stable
  • Breathable and comfortable upper
  • Lightweight for its size
  • Plushier than ever
  • Good stability option for forefoot strikers
  • Ideal for wide feet
  • Excellent for long runs

Cons

  • Low drop might pose issues for heel strikers
  • Performs poorly in colder conditions
  • Not for narrow feet
Full review of Hoka Gaviota 5

Best budget running shoes for stability

What makes it the best?

Asics GT 1000 12 defies the old-school stability shoe, focusing on comfort and flexibility. It offers a premium upper and outsole for the affordable price of £110 vs. the £150 average of its counterparts — making it our top pick for the best budget stability shoe.

Each footfall lands on the buttery Flytefoam. Our durometer shows it’s 46.9% softer than average. Any wobble is offset by ASICS' GEL which is integrated into the outer heel for support. This inspires a securely planted sensation in a very natural way thanks to its loose build. It boldly exceeds the average by 60.4% in our flex test, making it one of the most flexible shoes we tested.

The outsole strikes the perfect balance between grip and durability. Its 74.8 HC rubber is softer than average (for more traction) but makes up for durability through its thicker material (4.8 mm).

Gone are the days when stability shoes are heavy since this pair boasts a light 9.6 oz (271g). Its upper is immensely breathable, with holes even in the medial section, which is quite rare. We’re not surprised it scored the highest rating on our breathability test.

With its focus on comfort, the midsole lacks energy return for faster paces. We recommend looking elsewhere if speed is a priority.

Pros

  • Incredible value for the price
  • Cushioned and soft midsole
  • Offers great stability
  • GEL technology in the heel
  • Perfectly comfortable for cross-training or walking
  • Built to endure long-distance runs
  • Offers exceptional breathability
  • Durable outsole with a long lifespan

Cons

  • Flytefoam could offer better energy return
  • Upper lacks durability
Full review of ASICS GT 1000 12

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 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 could be more beneficial.

Here is a quick guide on how we can differentiate between neutral and stability shoes:

Arch types and recommended shoes.png

NOTE: Motion control shoes are now categorised as stability shoes.

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 stabilises 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.