The 10 Best Running Shoes for Stability in 2023
Pronation occurs every time you take a step and transfer weight from your heel to your toes. Your foot naturally rolls inward as part of your gait, whether walking or running; however, too much rolling can cause discomfort, pain, or injury.
Overpronating is most likely in runners with flat feet or low arches. Common issues for people who overpronate include plantar fasciitis, bunions, Achilles tendonitis, knee pain, and shin pain. The best stability running shoes are essential for runners with low arches or flat feet, as they provide specific support for this type of gait.
If you aren’t sure if you have low, medium, or high arches, check out our article on picking running shoes.
Today, we’ve rounded up ten of the best stability running shoes that will help you correct your gait and prevent potential injury.
Top 3 Best and Favorites
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Best Overall
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Best Overall
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Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23
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Best Motion Control
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Best Motion Control
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Brooks Beast/Ariel 20
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Best for Light Support
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Best for Light Support
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Saucony Guide 16
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Best Overall
1. Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23
The Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23 uses a non-intrusive GuideRails system to provide excellent support for overpronators. You’ll hardly even feel it while running!
What We Like
Gone are the days of chunky medial posts to keep your feet from rolling. The Adrenaline GTS 23 uses a subtle GuideRails system, consisting of two firm bits of foam along each heel. It’s unobtrusive and hardly noticeable, yet it keeps your feet in a neutral position.
One of the greatest things about this system is that the GuideRails only kick in when they’re needed. So your feet stay comfortable but are supported on both the lateral and medial sides when they need to be.
The full-length DNA Loft midsole offers support for the arch and effective shock absorption. It’s on the firmer side, but that makes it great for runs of all distances and types.
To help you keep your balance, the wide, molded toe box offers plenty of space for your toes to splay. The plush interior helps with comfort.
A stable, firm heel helps lock the foot in so you can get all the support system benefits. Another helpful feature is the stiffness of the sole, which effectively prevents twisting, once again stopping that rolling of the foot.
The shoe has a fairly flat outsole with plenty of rubber to keep you steady on many different surfaces. Its naturally wide platform provides inherent stability, and a segmented crash pad adds some flexibility in the forefoot for easy transitions.
Other features that make the shoe comfortable and practical are a redesigned, highly breathable upper, lightly supportive overlays, and reflective strips for improved safety in low light conditions.
Why We Like It
The Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23 offers strong but unobtrusive support for overpronators. It’s soft yet responsive and available in multiple widths to suit almost every runner.
What to Consider
The 23 is noticeably firmer than the 22 in the midsole. The GuideRails are also stiffer than the previous version, so the shoe is not as soft as the previous version. If you’ve run in the GTS 21 previously, you may not like the feel of this shoe.
What’s New
The Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23 has had one big change to the midsole, which now consists entirely of DNA Loft foam. This change has also helped the shoe shed a small amount of weight.
PROS:
- A versatile daily trainer that you can use on easy runs, medium-paced, or long runs
- Midsole cushioning is soft, supportive, and responsive
- GuideRails provide additional support and help keep the foot in a neutral position
- Wide, molded toe-box and plush interior
CONS:
- Some may find this shoe to be stiff, firm, and uncomfortable
Top Motion Control
2. Brooks Beast/Ariel 20
These two shoes are motion control shoes, which means they offer a higher level of support than regular stability running shoes. They’re designed for severe overpronators who need strong support.
What We Like
Both the Beast—the men’s shoe—and the Ariel—the women’s—are designed to offer solid support and keep the feet from moving unnaturally without compromising on comfort.
Both of them are comfortable straight out of the box, with plush BioMoGo DNA midsoles, engineered mesh uppers, and a roomy but locked-in fit.
They’re both designed on a straight last, which offers inherent stability. The BioMoGo DNA foam in the midsoles adapts to your unique stride to provide the underfoot support you really need.
They also use GuideRails to gently guide your feet into the right position. But they’re slightly differently designed to come more into the midsole to stop sideways movement, which protects your feet and your knees.
A segmented crash pad on the outsole makes the shoe hard-wearing enough to last for a long time and adds some flexibility to the sole where you need it. The rest of the sole remains stiff to prevent twisting.
Why We Like It
Both of these shoes offer excellent, stable support for severe overpronators. The GuideRails provide slightly more coverage, but they still do their job without being intrusive or annoying.
What to Consider
Some wearers have mentioned that the toe box is too roomy and feels a little sloppy. It may be best for those who specifically need a wide toe box. They’re both fairly heavy, which is expected from a serious stability shoe.
What’s New
The Beast has had an upgrade to the GuideRails. They now come further down the shoe and more into the midsole, offering improved support.
The Ariel has received an upper update, making it sleeker and lighter. The overlays have been reduced, which is the only change of note.
PROS:
- Comfortable straight out of the box
- BioMoGo DNA midsole molds to the shape of your foot and cushions landings
- A hard-wearing shoe that will withstand higher mileage
- Dependable stability gently guides your feet while reducing excessive sideways movement
CONS:
- The toe box may feel too spacious for those who don’t specifically want a roomy forefoot
- Both shoes are on the heavy side
Best for Light Support
3. Saucony Guide 16
Those who need light support for mild overpronation will appreciate the subtle support in this shoe. It’s comfortable and has plenty of space on the forefoot.
What We Like
There’s a TPU Hollow-Tech stability structure in the midsole of this shoe that provides light and fairly unobtrusive support. It works with contoured sidewalls and a “bucket seat” design to keep your foot safely in position without feeling restricted.
Underfoot, the PWRRUN foam in the midsole has been reworked to be lighter and softer. This helps to increase comfort and absorb shock, and an extra 2.5 mm of foam improves the stability of the shoe.
A comfortable, breathable upper hugs your foot, offering extra support from the exterior and Saucony’s classic spacious toe box. The heel is snug and supportive and works with the support features to keep your foot stable.
The shoe can handle different types of runs, making it an excellent choice for those who want a bit more support without compromising on performance.
There’s also thicker-than-average rubber on the outsole that increases both shock absorption and durability.
Why We Like It
The Guide 16 features a light, non-intrusive TPU support element that works with the heel counter, sidewalls, and bucket-sea-like midsole to keep your foot as stable as can be. Everything from the upper to the support is lightweight.
What to Consider
The shoe is on the firm side, and if you’re used to running in shoes with plush, soft cushioning, you may not enjoy the ride of the Saucony Guide 15.
What’s New
The Guide 16 has lost an ounce of weight since the 14, although it does have 2.5 mm extra foam in the midsole. The Hollow-Tech support is new and responsible for the reduced weight.
It also received an update to the upper, which is thinner and more pliable than before, helping to anchor the foot with a saddle lacing system. The midsole is also softer and more responsive than before.
There’s less rubber on the outsole than there was in the 14, which contributes to the shoe being light. You’ll also find a slightly differently angled flex groove, making it more flexible.
PROS:
- Breathable mesh upper hugs your foot
- PWRRUN midsole foam offers the perfect blend of softness and flexibility
- Unobtrusive stability that neutral-footed runners can also enjoy
- Increased stack height combined with a rockered sole offers a smooth ride
CONS:
- The shoe is quite firm and may be uncomfortable for some
Top for Wide Feet
4. New Balance 860v12
Wide-footed runners will appreciate this shoe’s width, stability, and reliability. Some useful updates have made the 860v12 an even better choice.
What We Like
This is New Balance’s best stability shoe, and it comes with its classic wide, stable platform and naturally wide fit. Wide-footed runners will appreciate everything this shoe has to offer.
A dual-layer Fresh Foam midsole provides soft and comfortable protection underneath the foot. It may be soft, but the double-layer nature of the midsole ensures that there’s a decent amount of responsiveness as well.
Extra stability is provided with the combination of a firm heel counter and a dual-density medial post. These keep your foot properly positioned and stop it from rolling when you step.
The heel counter is more effective than the last version, as it’s now a traditional heel collar, not the UltraHeel design from the previous iteration.
An updated upper provides comfort and breathability, locking your foot down well with a classic lacing system.
Blown rubber on the outsole gives you excellent grip, and flex grooves in the forefoot provide flexibility where you need it without compromising the stability of the sole.
Why We Like It
The New Balance Fresh Foam 860v12 is a wide, stable, stability shoe. Overpronators who also have wide feet will feel secure and supported in this shoe.
What to Consider
This shoe weighs over 11 ounces. While being heavy used to be normal for stability shoes, many new shoes are coming out lighter, so this shoe’s weight may be a downside for some runners.
What’s New
The most noticeable change is the absence of the UltraHeel in the 12. Instead, it has a traditional heel collar that’s softer and more comfortable.
The midsole is also softer and smoother. While the men’s shoe remains the same weight, the women’s is slightly lighter.
PROS:
- Breathable mesh upper holds your foot in place with every step
- Two layers of midsole foam are responsive and offer more energy return
- Traditional heel counter helps reduce heel movement
- Dual-density medial post provides stability throughout your gait cycle
CONS:
- At over 11 ounces, this shoe is somewhat heavy
Most Comfortable
5. ASICS Gel-Kayano 30
The multiple types of cushioning in this shoe make it extremely comfortable. The ASICS Gel-Kayano 30 is a highly comfortable stability shoe between a dual-layer soft cushioning and added gel padding.
What We Like
While many stability shoes can be a little uncomfortable, the ASICS Gel-Kayano 30 is surprisingly comfortable thanks to its multiple levels of cushioning.
A double layer of cushioning in the midsole offers excellent padding and shock absorption. A layer of FlyteFoam and a layer of FlyteFoam Blast provides the best combination of softness and responsiveness.
On top of that, you’ll find gel cushioning in both the forefoot and the heel for the highest level of comfort.
As well as the comfort, you’ll find excellent stability features in this shoe. A dynamic DuoMax medial post stops the midsole from compressing on the medial side, effectively stopping you from overpronating.
A Trusstic System is also built into the midsole, preventing the shoe from twisting. This, in turn, helps your foot stop rolling, thanks to the stiffness and immobility of the sole.
Lastly, gender-specific 3D Space Construction technology provides varying levels of compression throughout the midsole to offer firmness on the medial side of the shoe. It also increases shock absorption.
Everything works together, and an external heel clutch keeps your feet in place firmly but comfortably. The features of this shoe make it comfortable for almost any type of run, pace, and distance.
Why We Like It
The multiple types of cushioning in this shoe create a high level of comfort. They also help reduce the discomfort of the built-in stability features.
What to Consider
This shoe is plush, but that means it may run warm in hot weather. If you live and run in a hot, humid climate, you may find that the shoe is too warm to be truly comfortable.
What’s New
The midsole has been updated from regular FlyteFoam to FlyteFoam Blast. It also has an extra millimeter of foam and has a bit of a larger forefoot.
The heel counter is more low-profile than the previous version. An update to the upper also means that it has a more dialed-in, secure fit.
Where you could easily see the support features in the outsole of the 27, the Trusstic system in the 30 is less visible. Some extra cushion covers it, which means the shoe has full ground contact rubber.
PROS:
- Designed to keep your feet comfortable at all paces and distances
- Highly cushioned and responsive midsole
- Dynamic DuoMax technology provides seamless heel-to-toe transitions
- Gender-specific support caters to the biomechanical needs of men and women
CONS:
- This shoe can run warm in hot weather
Top Lightweight
6. Brooks Launch 10 GTS
The Brooks Launch 10 GTS is unusually lightweight for a stability shoe, at 8 ounces for an average-sized women’s shoe and 9 ounces for a men’s.
What We Like
At between 8 and 9 ounces in weight, this shoe is an excellent choice if you need a stability shoe that doesn’t feel heavy on your feet.
Despite its lightweight nature, the shoe provides excellent support. It uses Brooks’ GuideRails system to provide both medial and lateral support, protecting your feet from overpronation.
The naturally wide platform also makes it inherently stable and secure. Paired with a stiff, untwistable sole, there’s very little chance of the feet rolling.
BioMoGo DNA foam in the midsole provides both softness and some energy return, allowing you to do different types of runs easily in these shoes.
There’s plenty of rubber under the sole, increasing the durability of the shoe. The sole is made of eco-friendly Green Rubber, made of sand instead of petroleum.
Why We Like It
The Brooks Launch GTS 10 is one of the most lightweight stability shoes you’ll find, at between 8 and 9 ounces per shoe. It offers great stability features as well as an attractive weight.
What to Consider
The tongue of the Launch GTS 10 isn’t gusseted. Some runners may not find this to be a big deal, but others might find that it annoys them as they run as it moves out of place.
What’s New
The upper of the GTS 10 has been revamped, which makes it sleeker and about 4 grams lighter than the predecessor. Despite the lightweight nature of it, the new version has 2 mm more foam in the midsole.
The sole is a little stiffer than the 8, which is not a bad thing for overpronators. It’s also more eco-friendly than the previous version, using unique Green Rubber rather than normal rubber.
PROS:
- Unusually lightweight design allows you the freedom to move
- GuideRails System provides light and unobtrusive stability
- BioMoGo DNA foam in the midsole delivers energy return as well as softness
- The stiff, inflexible sole provides extra support against overpronation
CONS:
- The tongue is not gusseted, which could be annoying for some runners
Most Cushioned
7. Hoka Arahi 6
The Hoka Arahi 6 is a max cushioned stability shoe, Hoka’s best shoe that combines cushioning and support in a fairly lightweight package.
What We Like
With 35 mm of foam in the heel and 30 mm in the forefoot, the Arahi 6 is an extremely cushioned shoe. Not only does this create a plush, comfortable feeling on every step, but it also absorbs shock very effectively, protecting your feet.
Although it is soft, the midsole foam does offer some energy return. It’s also surprisingly lightweight for its size. It’s not likely to be suitable for sprinting or speedwork, but you can comfortably run a bit of a peppy short-distance run.
There’s a J-Frame built into the midsole for stability. It’s a section in the medial side of the shoe that’s made of more dense foam than the rest, resisting compression and stopping your foot from rolling or falling over as it does with overpronators.
An early-stage meta-rocker assists with a smooth transition and toe-off.
There’s a good bit of rubber on high-wear areas of the outsole, so the shoe is more durable than you might think. Take note that Hoka shoes run slightly wide, and narrow-footed runners may find them uncomfortable!
Why We Like It
The cushioning of this shoe is impressive. Not only does it substantially increase the comfort of the shoe, despite the J-Frame, but it does a great job of absorbing shock.
What to Consider
The stack height of this shoe is quite a bit higher than the average shoe. Runners who aren’t used to this level of cushioning may find that the height causes them to feel unstable on their feet.
It also has an early-stage meta-rocker. Although this often helps to speed up the push-off, it can also add an element of instability to runners who have never used a rockered shoe before.
What’s New
The cushioning of the Arahi has been beefed up in the 6, featuring a whopping 6 mm more padding than the 5. Despite this, it weighs less and is a bit more flexible.
PROS:
- J-Frame in the midsole offers inconspicuous stability that’s comfortable
- Plush, thick cushioning that delivers both soft comfort and energy return
- Unusually lightweight for such a max cushioned shoe
- Durabrasion rubber on high-wear parts of the outsole
CONS:
- The high stack height and meta-rocker sole may feel unstable for those who aren’t used to them
Best ASICS Shoe
8. ASICS GT-2000 11
If ASICS is your favorite shoe brand, then we recommend the GT-2000 11 to keep your feet in a neutral position.
What We Like
This shoe does away with the classic medial post design. It instead focuses on a combination of ASICS’ new Litetruss system—which prevents the shoe from twisting—and 3D Space technology that features foams of varying degrees of compression.
This combination is less intrusive than a medial post. The 3D Space Construction is also gender-specific, catering to slight differences in a man’s and woman’s gait.
You’ll also find that there’s excellent shock absorption, a high level of comfort, and some snappy energy return, thanks to the Flytefoam Propel midsole.
Gel padding in the heel also provides extra protection for the foot. The upper is plush and comfortable, boasting a thick heel collar that securely locks the foot into place.
Why We Like It
The GT-2000 11 is a fantastic stability shoe featuring both a Litetruss system and 3D Space Construction technology. If you like comfortable cushioning, it also features plenty of padding.
What to Consider
The thick heel collar and plush upper means that this shoe runs warm. If you’re going to be using it in a hot climate, you may find that it’s not as breathable as you’d like.
What’s New
The 11 features a renewed outsole with an extra flex groove for more flexibility and full ground contact rubber underneath.
Instead of a Trusstic system, this version has a Litetruss system, which also takes the place of the DuoMax medial post.
PROS:
- Litetruss system and 3D Space Construction provide gender-specific support
- Flytefoam Propel provides an excellent combination of comfort and responsiveness
- A thick, plush upper with a secure and comfortable heel collar locks the foot in place
- Gel padding in the heel for extra shock absorption
CONS:
- This shoe can run warm due to its thick, plush upper
Top Nike Shoe
9. Nike Air Zoom Structure 24
Technically, this shoe is a neutral shoe, classified by Nike as a “supportive, neutral trainer.” It’s a great choice for Nike fans who overpronate mildly and need a light stability shoe.
What We Like
This shoe may not fall under the stability shoe umbrella, but it offers enough light structural support for those who need mild support.
It uses Nike’s CMP 010 foam, which provides a soft feeling underfoot with a good amount of compression. However, there is extra firm built-up support on the medial side of the shoe to stop your feet from falling inward.
To keep your feet properly in place, an internal heel counter works with a substantial heel collar to add security and stability.
There’s a Zoom Air bag on the forefoot for better shock absorption and foot protection. The shoe is made more luxurious by the plush upper and interior.
Why We Like It
Mild overpronators will appreciate the light support in this shoe and the cushioning and strong heel support.
What to Consider
This shoe is definitely aimed at mild overpronators who need light support. It’s not for severe overpronators and won’t provide enough support to prevent a severe inward roll of the feet.
What’s New
The changes to the 24 are small and mainly aesthetic. However, it does have an extra 5 mm of foam in the midsole.
PROS:
- Supportive, neutral trainer offers light but effective stability
- Nike CMP 010 foam provides softness and comfort in the midsole
- A strong internal heel counter keeps the foot locked in
- Zoom Air bag in the forefoot for shock absorption and protection
CONS:
- This shoe is not suitable for severe overpronators
Best Mizuno
10. Mizuno Wave Inspire 19
The Mizuno running shoes offer unique stability features in the form of a Wave Plate embedded in the midsole of the shoe. It’s a versatile trainer that can handle multiple different types of runs.
What We Like
This shoe features a Mizuno Wave Plate in the midsole. It’s a double-fan-shaped unit that’s firm and provides support on the medial side of the arch. This prevents you from overpronating and distributing your weight more evenly on each step.
To keep the shoe comfortable, the midsole has a full-length layer of Enerzy foam. It’s both surprisingly soft and unusually springy, making the shoe versatile enough for many types of runs.
The brand is going more eco-friendly with this shoe, as the upper has been revamped to be made of recycled materials and is now seamless.
A generous layer of X10 rubber underfoot helps you stay safe on several different surfaces.
Why We Like It
These shoes offer light stability in a unique package. The Wave Plate technology is not intrusive and offers support underneath the plush midsole.
What to Consider
The laces of these shoes are unusually long. For some, this could be annoying, although it’s unlikely to affect your performance.
The easiest way to eliminate the annoyance is to switch them out with regular laces, although it’s a time-consuming activity you shouldn’t have to do.
What’s New
The 19 features a now-seamless upper that has lost a little weight. There’s also a full-length piece of Enerzy foam in the midsole.
PROS:
- New seamless upper made of recycled materials
- Mizuno Wave Technology offers unique stability and support
- The full-length Enerzy foam midsole is both soft and responsive
- Generous X10 carbon rubber on the outsole for excellent grip
CONS:
- The laces are extremely long and can get in the way
Buyer’s Guide – Best Stability Running Shoes
Support
The built-in support in stability running shoes is what provides protection against overpronation. Typically, there are two types of support that you’ll find: a medial post or guide rails.
Medial Post
A medial post is the most traditional way of adding extra support to stability shoes. This is a section of firm, less compressible foam or plastic in the midsole, located on the inside of the foot, where it usually rolls inwards.
If you’re only a mild overpronator, the strong support of a medial post may feel intrusive and cause your shoes to feel uncomfortable.
Pros:
- Provides good support against overpronation
- Creates stiffness in the shoe that prevents twisting
Cons:
- A medial post can make the shoe heavier
- As the other foam wears out, the medial post may provide the wrong kind of support
Guide Rails
Guide Rails are a newer type of support that’s a less-intrusive alternative to a medial post. They are plastic support strips built into the midsole around the heel, which guide the foot into the correct position and prevent it from rolling.
These are often much more comfortable than a medial post, although they may not provide enough support for severe overpronators.
Pros:
- Provide good support for mild overpronators without being intrusive
- They don’t add a lot of extra weight to the shoe
- Guide rails don’t wear out as quickly as a medial post
Cons:
- Not as supportive as a medial post for severe overpronators
Heel Counter
Whether you choose a stability shoe with a medial post or guide rails, the shoe you choose should have a stable, rigid heel counter that supports the rearfoot and holds the heel firmly in place.
This will reduce the amount of movement in the ankle, which can help to keep the foot in the most stable position possible.
Room for Your Toes
If the toe box of your shoe is cramped, your toes can’t help to provide support every time your foot lands. Choose a shoe with enough room in the forefoot for your toes to splay naturally.
This helps increase your stability as you run, as your toes can spread out to keep your balance and help you push off effectively.
A Wider Footprint
A wider platform delivers more natural stability than a narrow one. Choosing a shoe with a wide platform will help you stay balanced and prevent twisting or rolling.
Take note that this doesn’t mean you should choose a shoe that has a naturally wide fit. While some do—and those with wide feet should choose one of these—make sure that the width of the shoe still provides a snug fit.
Plenty of Cushioning & Arch Support
Your shoe should have more than enough cushioning to absorb shock as you run. It should also provide optimal support for your arch.
If you prefer short, speedy runs, you should choose a responsive shoe with some bounce. But a softer and more comfortable cushion is preferred if you prefer longer, easier runs.
Sidewalls in the Upper
Not all shoes will have sidewalls, but they can help keep your feet in the correct position. They are an extension of the midsole up into the upper, which helps to provide side support.
Full Ground Contact Outsole
A full-ground-contact outsole helps to provide a more stable landing and push-off. A rocker sole can be unstable, so choose a shoe with a full-contact sole over a rocker sole.
FAQs
When Do I Need a Stability Shoe?
Any runner who overpronates will likely want a stability running shoe. If your foot rolls inward on each step or you have excess wear on the inside edge of your shoes, a stability shoe could be helpful.
While the idea that not wearing a stability shoe will cause injuries has been debunked (and don’t let a pushy salesman tell you otherwise!) – most runners who overpronate will find a stability shoe to be much more comfortable than neutral shoes.
If you’re only a mild overpronator, you could get away with wearing a neutral shoe. The key is finding a comfortable shoe that supports your feet enough to prevent the rolling motion.
How Do Stability Running Shoes Work?
Stability running shoes have extra built-in support to stop the arch of the foot from collapsing and the foot from rolling during the stride.
Most of them use a medial post—a section of dense, less compressible foam or plastic underneath the arch on the medial side. This effectively stops the foot from rolling inwards on each step.
Some stability running shoes use guide rails or similar technology instead of a medial post. This locks the rearfoot in place, reducing any chance of the foot twisting and the arch collapsing.
Are Stability Shoes Good for High Arches?
In general, those with high arches should not be wearing stability shoes. Runners with high arches often tend to suffer from the opposite of overpronation—underpronation or supination, which isn’t helped by stability running shoes.
A stability shoe may be more uncomfortable than helpful for runners with high arches. We advise choosing a neutral instead if you have high arches.
What Is Posting in Stability Shoes?
Posting is a term used to describe the presence of a medial post in the midsole. This more dense foam section serves as extra support to prevent the foot from rolling during your gait.
