Everyone’s foot is different. While a typical runner doesn't need a shoe with additional stabilizing features, people with flat feet or those whose feet roll with each stride (called 'overpronators') will benefit from stability running shoes. Read our recommendations for the best stability running shoes of 2023 (so far!).
Go to comments (2)Picking out the right running shoe is important since it’s going to be your primary piece of gear for a high-impact activity for a long time. If you overpronate, experience knee pain when running, or are dealing with injuries like shin splints, plantar fasciitis, or iliotibial band syndrome, you might benefit from the stabilizing features of a stability running shoe.
If you're not sure what overpronation is, watch our video below.
Everyone’s foot is different. Your best friend Jill’s favorite shoe may work great for Jill, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the right shoe for you. The best way to find out which shoe is best for is to get a gait analysis you and then try out shoes that complement your gait. So, visit your friendly neighborhood running store and try on some shoes!
That said, we’ve found these shoes work for a lot of people and are the best stability running shoes in 2023 so far.
Best Stability Running Shoes for Everyday Running
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23
It wouldn’t be much of an exaggeration to say that many running stores owe their existence to the Brooks Adrenaline GTS line of running shoes. Brooks’ GuideRails offer stability without feeling like they’re imposing their will on your stride. Working like bumpers on a bowling alley, they allow your foot to still move naturally while offering additional stability.
The Adrenaline GTS 23 brings subtle updates to an already outstanding shoe. The new full-length DNA Loft v2 midsole is lighter while still offering a soft ride and smooth transitions. The mesh upper (which was already more than adequate) has had its fit improved with a 3D Fit Print design process, cradling the foot with a more secure, supportive fit. This is a versatile stability running shoe with plenty of cushioning for long runs and everyday use.
HOKA Arahi 6
Thanks to Hoka’s J-Frame technology, the Arahi 6 is a stability shoe that doesn’t necessarily feel like a traditional stability shoe. It’s lightweight and feels fast thanks to the firmness of the J-Frame and metarocker shape. From the moment you step into the Arahi, you can feel the stability of the J-Frame cupping and supporting your heel.
Even though the Arahi 6 is nearly the same as the Arahi 5, it still belongs among the best stability shoes of the year because it’s just a really good shoe. The Arahi 6 has a ton of cushion that feels light on the foot and smooth on the run. In short, it’s everything Hoka’s known for, and it’s hard to go wrong with that.
Mizuno Wave Inspire 19
The Mizuno Wave Inspire 19 is one of the most stable running shoes due to the amount of structure in the heel and the general firmness and stiffness of Mizuno’s wave plate.
For the Inspire 19, Mizuno’s redesigned its signature wave plate, resulting in a smoother ride. The 19 feels less stiff but still offers plenty of support for overpronation. Additionally, the Inspire 19 has a thicker midsole which offers a softer overall feel than previous iterations.
At a 12mm heel-to-toe drop, the Wave Inspire 19 is the highest-drop shoe on this list. For this reason, the Wave Inspire 19 can be a good option for runners with a history of Achilles tendonitis or calf tightness.
Best Cushioned Stability Running Shoes
ASICS Gel-Kayano 29
The Gel-Kayano might have the most loyal following of any running shoe on the market. The Kayano 29 is the lightest version of the shoe yet thanks to the addition of FlyteFoam Blast+ foam in the midsole and a seamless upper. This shoe feels soft and bouncy with the same durability that loyal Kayano wearers have come to love.
After a few years of, frankly, feeling kind of stale, the Kayano now has the look and feel of a modern stability running shoe while retaining maximum stability for overpronators. It has done that without sacrificing any of the features – high cushioning, high stability, great durability – that have earned it a devoted following. There’s no doubt even more runners will be hopping aboard the Kayano bandwagon.
Adidas Adistar CS
The Adidas Adistar CS is a shoe designed to take as much of the impact out of long, slow distance runs as possible. It has a pronounced rocker, tons of cushioning in the heel, and a dense foam in the heel that cradles your foot for added support. Make no mistake, this is a lot of shoe, but it delivers with maximum cushioning and a smooth ride.
Thanks to a ton of cushioning and support in the heel, the Adistar CS is a great shoe for heel strikers and runners dealing with Achilles pain.
Best Stability Running Shoes for Faster Runs
Saucony Tempus
You don’t often associate the word “fun” with stability shoes, but that’s exactly what we have here. The Saucony Tempus is a true performance option for the stability running shoe category.
The Tempus features Saucony’s PWRRUN PB foam that is also present neutral, speed focused Saucony shoes like the Endorphin Speed 3. The result is a fast and responsive feel that works with the shoe’s PWRRUN cradle for a stable feel that will support overpronators.
Whether you’re looking for a fast shoe that offers stability or a highly cushioned shoe that will kick in with some support at the end of long runs, the Saucony Tempus is there to provide the support you need while keeping the fun in your run.
On Cloudrunner
On’s “running on clouds” reputation has long been a bit misleading since their shoes tend to be more responsive than most other brands on the market. The Cloudrunner definitely feels soft and cushioned, but thanks to the plastic speedboard and cloud elements, is has a certain get-up-and-go to it as well.
With the midsole cradling your foot combined with a wider base, the Cloudrunner has a bit of stability. If you find you need a lot of support in your running shoes, this might not be the shoe for you. But if you’re looking for a faster feeling shoe with a more supportive feeling than other lightweight shoes out there, the On Cloudrunner is worth a look.
Best Zero-Drop Stability Running Shoe
Altra Paradigm 7
Due to the minimalist ethos of zero-drop running shoes, there aren’t a ton of options in the stability category. But just because it’s one of only a few options doesn’t mean the Paradigm 7 isn’t a great shoe. It’s unmistakably Altra – if you’re familiar with the brand – with a roomy toe box, balance cushioning, and a soft, cushioned feel underfoot. And, with its new-and-improved upper, you can be sure of a snug and comfy fit.
The Paradigm 7 is a great running shoe for overpronators who want to try a zero-drop shoe or adopt more of a mid-foot strike without sacrificing any cushioning.
Neutral Running Shoes
If you don't think you need a stability running shoe then you will want to consider a neutral running shoe. And, if you need help understanding the difference, consider reading our article on neutral vs. stability running shoes here.
The Best Stability Running Shoes of 2023
Comments (2)
amazing
Hi I have achilles tendonitis. All of these heel-counters harm my achilles. But I need a stability show to stabilize my ankles that are weak. Do you know of any stability shoes that dont have these huge heel-counters that cause my achilles to quickly swing forth at a too-fast speed?
Thanks, Julie