Choosing a good pair of running shoes is key to your comfort and performance, particularly if you need a little extra support.
Stability running shoes are perfect if you have flat feet or a tendency to overpronate, which is when your ankle rolls too far inwards when you land.
They provide extra support in the midsole or arch area, helping your feet maintain a neutral position.
This can prevent certain issues that often come with overpronation, such as plantar fasciitis and shin splints.
Choosing the best stability running shoes, however, isn’t easy.
There are now so many different ways in which manufacturers add structure to shoes that the terminology can be baffling, making it tough to work out which will be best suited to your needs.
So I’ve designed this guide to help, sharing our recommendations for the best stability running shoes from all the leading brands and taking a closer look at their pros and cons.
First, though, let’s explore some of the stabilization features you can expect to see in supportive running shoes.
The 10 Best Stability Running Shoes in 2023
1. Best Stability Shoes from Altra: Paradigm 6
2. Best Stability Shoes from ASICS: Gel Kayano 30
3. Best Stability Shoes from Adidas: Solar Control
4. Best Stability Shoes from Brooks: Adrenaline GTS 22
5. Best Stability Running Shoes from New Balance: 860 v13
6. Best Stability Running Shoes from Mizuno: Wave Inspire
7. Best Stability Running Shoes from Saucony: Guide 16
8. Best Stability Running Shoes from HOKA: Gaviota 5
9. Best Stability Running Shoes from ON: Cloudrunner
10. Best Stability Running Shoes from Nike: Structure 25
Methods Used to Add Structure to Stability Shoes
Posting – either in the midfoot or rearfoot – has traditionally been one of the most common methods used to add structure to a shoe.
This involves the use of dual-density foam, where the midsole will be firmer on the medial or inner side of the shoe to add extra support.
But new stability and guidance technologies are being introduced all the time and there are lots of alternative methods to look out for.
These include:
- GuideRails – Built into the midsole, these are firm pieces of foam that help center the foot and act like the stabilizers on a bike, stopping the foot from leaning too much to one side.
- Sole flare and geometry – This simply involves an increase in width to the base of the shoe, particularly at the midfoot – to provide a broader landing platform and to prevent the foot from rolling.
- Rods and plates – Often used for propulsion, these also add rigidity to the sole and help prevent side-to-side movement.
- Heel counters – These are stiff components of the heel – usually made from plastic but padded for comfort – that cup the heel and ankle, guiding the position of the foot.
- Sidewalls – An upward extension of the midsole, these enhance the structure of the shoe to guide the foot forward and keep it centered.
The 10 Best Stability Running Shoes
#1. Best Stability Shoes from Altra:
Paradigm 6
Stack Height: 30 mm, Heel Drop: 0 mm, Weight: 10.8 oz, Cushioning: Maximal
| Pros | Cons |
| Good combination of comfort and support | Unique foot shape design and zero drop won’t suit everyone |
| Wide toe box | |
| American Podiatric Medical Association certified |
Inspired by two-time Olympian Kara Goucher and developed with her input, Altra’s Paradigm 6 uses a GuideRail support system.
Similar to that used by Brooks, it comprises guide rails on the midsole’s medial and lateral sides that engage only when needed.
These encourage natural foot placement, as does the signature FootShape design that gives your toes room to splay out.
The Balanced Cushioning™ platform, meanwhile, promotes great form by positioning your heel and forefoot at an equal distance from the ground.
The Altra EGO™ MAX midsole has a light, luxurious, and surprisingly bouncy feel with added durability, while the grid-like grooves in the midsole provide plenty of flexibility to promote natural movement.
#2. Best Stability Shoes from ASICS:
Gel Kayano 30
Stack Height: 40 mm, Heel Drop: 10 mm, Weight: 10.7 oz, Cushioning: Maximal
| Pros | Cons |
| Unintrusive but effective support | Less responsive than some competitors |
| Comfortable for long runs | |
| Durable |
The Gel Kayano is Asics’ range-topping model and longest-standing running shoe.
This latest iteration features PureGEL technology for better shock absorption and an even more responsive feel.
The 4D guidance system provides dynamic support to guide the foot out of a pronated state and adapts as your form changes over distance.
It combines an increased heel bevel, wider base, and energetic medial foam with a sculpted midsole that aids compression on impact and keeps the foot a little more supinated.
There’s also more high-performance FF Blast Plus Eco foam cushioning in the midsole to make your runs more comfortable than ever.
#3. Best Stability Shoes from Adidas:
Solar Control
Stack Height: 33 mm, Heel Drop: 10 mm, Weight: 12 oz, Cushioning: Mid Level
| Pros | Cons |
| Dual-density midsole with medial support | Heavy |
| Guides the foot into a neutral position without feeling intrusive | Reinforced upper isn’t very breathable |
| Minimum of 50% recycled content in the upper |
This model from Adidas uses a solid platform of EVA foam to stabilize your foot, along with LEP 2.0 (Linear Energy Push) technology to guide it into a neutral position.
Integrated with the outsole, it works by controlling the heel strike and providing support through the transition to a propulsive toe-off.
Added support comes from the targeted zones in the reinforced mesh upper, while the well-padded gusseted tongue helps you achieve a good lockdown with the laces.
The shock-absorbing BOOST midsole cushioning feels springy and responsive, and there’s a layer of durable Continental rubber across the outsole that gives great traction.
#4. Best Stability Shoes from Brooks:
Adrenaline GTS 22
Stack Height: 36 mm, Heel Drop: 12 mm, Weight: 10.2 oz, Cushioning: Mid Level
| Pros | Cons |
| Updated soft cushioning | Heel drop may be high for some |
| Supportive, breathable upper | |
| Durable |
A benchmark support shoe and a favorite with runners for more than 20 years, the Adrenaline GTS 22 uses GuideRails technology to provide dynamic support.
Comprising two pieces of firm foam on either side of the heel, this effectively reduces excess shin and heel rotation without overcorrecting your natural gait.
Ideal for both pronators and supinators, it also features a stiff but well-padded heel counter to lock your foot securely in place and a segmented crash pad for smooth heel-to-toe transitions.
The 100% DNA Loft v2 cushioning strikes the perfect balance between comfort and performance.
It’s soft, not squishy, and effectively absorbs shock while still providing the responsiveness you need.
#5. Best Stability Running Shoes from New Balance:
860 v13
Stack Height: 27 mm, Heel Drop: 10 mm, Weight: 10.9 oz, Cushioning: Mid Level
| Pros | Cons |
| High sidewalls for extra guidance | Heel counter could use more padding |
| High-volume forefoot with room for toe splay | Not ideal for very narrow footed runners |
| Reflective accents |
This is one of the few stability running shoes these days that still uses traditional medial posting to guide the foot, but it does so brilliantly.
The support sits in the bottom half of the cushioning, so it feels less intrusive and gives the shoe a much more natural feel.
The much-loved FRESHFOAM cushioning feels as plush and dependable as ever – if perhaps a little less responsive than some other shoes in this guide.
The upper is well reinforced with the logo, stiff toe guard, and robust heel counter.
There’s also some flare in the sole and the overall shape is wide, enhancing the feeling of stability and creating a comfortable shoe for steady, easy miles.
#6. Best Stability Running Shoes from Mizuno:
Wave Inspire
Stack Height: 37 mm, Heel Drop: 12 mm, Weight: 10.7 oz, Cushioning: Mid Level
| Pros | Cons |
| Smooth and responsive | High heel drop won’t suit everyone |
| Reasonably priced | Super long laces |
| Plush, breathable upper |
Popular with runners who suffer from plantar fasciitis, Mizuno’s well-established Wave Inspire features a WAVE plate sandwiched between the responsive ENERZY and regular foams.
Redesigned for this iteration and with a less intrusive feel, the plate is firm in the direction of impact to improve stability.
It also provides cushioning by absorbing shock and dissipating the forces across the shoe.
The engineered AIRmesh upper features printed overlays that provide both shape and structure.
There’s also a nicely padded heel collar, made even more comfortable by the fact that it wraps over the top of the shoe so the seam is on the outside.
This is a grippy shoe, too – even in wet weather – with a very durable carbon rubber outsole.
#7. Best Stability Running Shoes from Saucony:
Guide 16
Stack Height: 35 mm, Heel Drop: 8 mm, Weight: 9.5 oz, Cushioning: Mid Level
| Pros | Cons |
| Very versatile | Runs slightly narrow |
| Effective control at any speed | |
| Contoured footbed cradles your foot |
The lightest shoe in our guide – and even lighter than many neutral daily trainers – this model uses a HOLLOW-TECH stability support system.
This comprises a small, curved medial post made from hard plastic that provides relatively non-intrusive support for mild to moderate overpronators.
The generous stack of PWRRUN cushioning is firm but well-balanced while the slightly rockered forefoot assists with guidance and helps propel you forward.
The higher sidewalls provide a secure 360° fit and the heel counter keeps your foot centrally aligned.
These features, when combined with the flared sole, enhance stability and safely guide you through every step.
#8. Best Stability Running Shoes from HOKA:
Gaviota 5
Stack Height: 36 mm, Heel Drop: 6 mm, Weight: 10.9 oz, Cushioning: Maximal
| Pros | Cons |
| Plush, supportive cushioning | Unsuitable for speed work |
| Plenty of room for wider, high-volume feet | Outsole durability could be better |
| Wide, stable base |
With this model, Hoka has moved on from its signature J-Frame – a mechanism totally focused on stopping the foot from rolling inwards.
Instead, the Gaviota 5 uses H-Frame stability technology, with a firmer material running around the top of the midsole and joining at the center to create an ‘H’ shape.
Interlocking with the midsole, it provides excellent stability on both sides, while the foot sits comfortably within the high stack of cushioning – one of the softest Hoka has ever used in a stability shoe.
Add to this the rocker-shaped midsole that assists with guidance while boosting your forward momentum and you have a shoe that’s both luxuriously soft and incredibly supportive.
#9. Best Stability Running Shoes from ON:
Cloudrunner
Stack Height: Not Stated, Heel Drop: 9 mm, Weight: 10.6 oz, Cushioning: Maximal
| Pros | Cons |
| Mild rocker and wide platform | Not enough support for serious overpronators |
| Light and responsive | May need to size up if you have wider feet |
| Plush, engineered mesh upper |
ON isn’t a brand typically associated with supportive shoes and the Cloudrunner is focused more on stability than control.
Here it excels, with the midsole comfortably cupping the foot and the signature CloudTec cushioning – consisting of underfoot pods that flex with each step – providing multidirectional support.
It’s super comfortable, too, with the zero gravity foam designed to give you the soft and springy feeling of running on clouds.
The Speedboard technology in the midsole gives great energy return, but it’s a little wider in the Cloudrunner than other ON shoes to provide that extra bit of stability.
#10. Best Stability Running Shoes from Nike:
Structure 25
Stack Height: 37 mm, Heel Drop: 10 mm, Weight: 10.8 oz, Cushioning: Mid Level
| Pros | Cons |
| Extremely supportive fit | Some may find the arch support too prominent |
| Strategically placed cushioning | |
| Durable outsole with grooves for flexibility and stability |
The Structure 25 is Nike’s most stable running shoe, perfectly blending structure and support for comfortable high-mileage runs.
Motion control is provided by the shape of the soft cushioning which cups the foot in a similar way to guide rails, while the structured heel collar provides a supportive fit.
The stability is enhanced by the wider forefoot and base, along with the increased rocker to guide you smoothly through transitions.
There’s a Zoom Air unit in the forefoot for a springy toe-off and plenty of wiggle room in the toe box for natural foot placement.
The 10 Best Stability Running Shoes: Key Takeaways
A good pair of stability shoes can make a world of difference to your runs, giving support where you need it, minimizing the risk of injury, and providing the comfort that comes with proper foot alignment.
Whether you’re looking for the plush cushioning of On’s Cloudrunner or the versatility of Saucony’s Guide 16, I hope this article has helped you narrow down your options and identify the perfect stability shoe for your needs.
