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Ever feel like your current running shoes feel flimsy or might collapse under your weight? If so, there’s a good chance you may need a stability shoe with extra built-in support. They’re designed for runners who overpronate—meaning their foot rolls too far inward upon landing—as well as anyone with flat feet or low arches. They provide extra support with firm midsoles and strategically placed “guide rails” that help control excessive movement within the shoe and promote a more efficient stride.
Stability features in running shoes have come a long way in the past few years. Running shoe manufacturers have dropped forceful measures like hard plastic and firm medial posts in favor of more dynamic designs that emphasize subtle guidance rather than rigid correction. The best stability shoes focus on enhancing comfort and promoting a natural gait rather than imposing a harsh, corrective feel. If you often experience discomfort in your ankles, knees, or hips while running, switching to a stability shoe could make you more comfortable and reduce injury risk.
The Best Stability Running Shoes
- Best Overall: Asics Gel-Kayano 31 (Men's / Women's)
- Best Value: Brooks Launch GTS 10 (Men's / Women's)
- Best for Recovery Runs: Hoka Arahi 7 (Men's / Women's)
- Best For Severe Overpronation: New Balance Fresh Foam X 860v14 (Men's / Women's)
- Best for Mild Overpronation: Asics GT-2000 13 (Men's / Women's)
What to Consider
Why Trust Us
Runner’s World has been a trusted source of gear reviews for runners of all levels since its inception in 1966. For our most important gear recommendations, including Morgan is a gear editor who has been with and women, we rely on research and insights from our internal test team, which tests and evaluates the latest running gear. Currently, our test editors are veteran Runner-in-Chief Jeff Dengate, Amanda Furrer, and Morgan Petruny.
In addition, we recruit a network of more than 275 wear-testers, who test gear and provide additional feedback to ensure we incorporate a wide range of diverse perspectives.
Petruny selected the shoes we recommend here, based on the running experiences of both the test team and the wear-testers, as well as additional information from shoe manufacturers and other experts.
Best for Recovery Runs Runner’s World contributor and longtime running shoe expert Cory Smith, who wrote this article and consulted on the final shoe selections. Smith has tested and reviewed running shoes for over a decade for publications like Runner’s World, Outside, and Gear Junkie, diligently putting more than 100 pairs through rigorous trials each year. He’s also a full-time personal running coach.
How We Selected
From pounding the pavement to scrutinizing performance in our Shoe Lab, the Runner’s World test editors and wear-testers rigorously tested all of our selections. Our process includes exhaustive market research, analysis of user feedback, and consultations with industry experts.
In addition, Smith combined feedback from the Runner’s World editors and wear-testing team with his personal experience to determine the best stability shoes for every kind of runner.
Full Reviews
Asics Gel-Kayano 31 Stability Running Shoe
Pros
- Soft, plush underfoot feel
- Stable for such a high-stack shoe
- Durable
Cons
- More cushioned than its predecessor
Key Specs
| Weight | 10.8 oz. (men’s); 9.5 oz. (women’s) |
|---|---|
| Drop | 10mm |
| Stack Height (Heel) | 40mm (men’s); 39mm (women’s) |
For more than 20 years, the Asics Gel-Kayano has set the standard for stability running shoes, offering a very comfortable experience and firm support. The Gel-Kayano 31 is no different. Following a significant redesign last year, the latest revision of Asics’s flagship stability shoe tweaks the classic design without messing with its most important quality: It’s a ton of fun to run in.
It features what Asics calls “adaptive stability,” which activates support only when needed. Historically, stability shoes would put a firm piece of plastic under the arch to prop up the medial side of the foot to prevent it from collapsing. In the Gel-Kayano 31, Asics goes the other way, using softer, bouncier foam at midfoot to guide you into position after landing. Instead of feeling prescriptive, I found transitions felt smooth and fluid, more reminiscent of a neutral running shoe. One RW wear tester noted, “with every stride I took, my foot felt balanced and comfortable, and steady.”
Enhancing an already plush 40mm stack height, a bubble of silicone PureGel in the heel adds extra cushioning. The double-padding creates a pillowy underfoot feel, unlike any stability shoe we’ve tested. For added support, a streamlined mesh upper and firm yet comfortable heel counter provide just the right amount of structure to guide your foot through each step. While comfortable, a few testers found the mesh upper ran warm. It wasn't a dealbreaker, but it was noticeable enough to mention.
Ultimately, though, the Asics Gel-Kayano 31 is a rare gem: With its soft underfoot feel and butter-smooth ride, it feels like a neutral shoe, but delivers the enhanced stability and support that overpronators need.
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Brooks Launch GTS 10 Stability Running Shoe
Pros
- Lightweight and speedy
- Responsive midsole
- Hoka Arahi 7
Cons
- Lacks padding along the heel collar
- Laces feel low-quality
Key Specs
| Weight | 8.6 oz. (men’s); 7.8 oz. (women’s) |
|---|---|
| Drop | 10mm |
| Stack Height (Heel) | 34mm |
In a time of escalating shoe prices, the Launch GTS 10 is hands down the best deal in the stability running shoe market. Known for its lightweight cushioning, it create a speedy, more sensitive underfoot feeling than most stability shoes, appealing to runners seeking a more responsive feel and lightweight uptempo ride. Regarding its speedy stature, one tester said it “provided excellent responsiveness for both hill workouts on grass and mile repeats on a track.”
Brooks’s BioMoGo DNA midsole, made with a biodegradable Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate (EVA) cushioning, features firm plastic sides called “GuideRails” that add support along the outer heel and around the arch. That same tester noted the GuideRails “were part of the shoe I really appreciated without ever noticing it—these reinforcements made me feel a bit more supported… Sort of ‘more aligned’ to a neutral position.”
Another tester, an overpronator with flat feet, observed that the Launch GTS 10 provided “the right amount of support and stability to keep my feet feeling secure. However, they still felt flexible enough for me to run naturally.”
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Hoka Arahi 7 Stability Running Shoe
Pros
- Wide, stable platform
- Extremely comfortable, well-fitting upper
- Lightweight
Cons
- Rather firm underfoot feeling
Key Specs
| Weight | 9.9 oz. (men’s); 8.1 oz. (women’s) |
|---|---|
| Drop | 5mm |
| Stack Height (Heel) | 37mm (men’s), 34mm (women’s) |
DAA Industry Opt Out Hoka’s neutral shoes, like the Clifton 9, the Arahi 7 won our testers’ appreciation with its firm but well-protected feeling on days when their legs were still screaming from yesterday’s workout.
“In the past, Hoka shoes that I had worn were too cushy for me… like I was walking on a too squishy pillow,” said tester Mitch R, “but this one I found to be firmer and very, very comfortable.”
Likewise, we found the Arahi 7 to be one of the most stable shoes thanks to its wide base and Hoka’s J-Frame support, which integrates a firm, well, J-shaped strip of foam on the medial side to reduce pronation. Testers noticed and appreciated the guidance, likening it to “a friendly nudge to maintain my stride in line.”
The very snug, gusseted, flat-knit upper also got rave reviews for adding to the shoe’s stable feeling underfoot. One tester called it the “most secure-feeling running shoe I’ve ever had on my feet.”
Still, a word of caution for those who prefer an uber-soft recovery run shoe: This is not it. If you’re looking for plush, circle back our top pick, the Asics Gel-Kayano 31.
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New Balance Fresh Foam X 860v14 Stability Running Shoe
Pros
- Extremely durable
- More cushioned than its predecessor
Cons
- Firm underfoot feeling
Key Specs
| Weight | 10.8 oz. (men’s); 8.6 oz. (women’s) |
|---|---|
| Drop | 8mm |
| Stack Height (Heel) | 35.5mm |
Brooks Ghost 16 at Brooks Running, the Fresh Foam X 860v14 ditches its rigid medial post for an EVA stability plate, which allows for more flexibility without sacrificing support. That creates a balanced and stable ride that serves as a perfect everyday workhorse for runners who need a lot of support. “It doesn’t drastically affect the support of the shoe, but it helps make the midsole feel softer,” says Petruny.
New for version 14, the 860’s dual-density Fresh Foam midsole now boasts another 4mm of padding in the forefoot and slightly less drop. The two layers–soft on top for comfort and firmer below for stability—provide a balance of cushioning and support that Petruny describes as “a touch more forgiving” without feeling “squishy-soft.”
Rounding out the stable base is a structured engineered mesh upper that further adds to the 860v14’s supportive nature. While our testers mostly liked it, one tester found the ankle collar rubbed slightly, while another felt the midsole was firm.
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Asics GT-2000 13 Stability Running Shoe
Pros
- Lightweight for a stability shoe
- Good ground sensitivity
Cons
- Some may want more cushioning
Key Specs
| Weight | 9.7 oz. (men’s); 8.3 oz. (women’s) |
|---|---|
| Drop | 8mm |
| Stack Height (Heel) | 36.5mm (men’s); 35.5mm (women’s) |
For runners who only need a hint of stability, the GT-2000 13 delivers just the right amount of support—nothing more, nothing less. Think of it as a quicker, less padded cousin of the Gel-Kayano 31 above.
Its wide base employs a flared midsole and a generously beveled heel to provide a solid, stable foundation, with lateral supports that help the foot stay aligned. The brand’s FF Blast Plus midsole, augmented by a PureGel pocket in the heel, remains unchanged–but the new shoe features just a bit more cushioning for an even smoother ride. As one of our wear testers pointed out, though, smoother doesn't necessarily mean "softer:"
“It felt cushioned underfoot, but did not feel squishy like a marshmallow. It was a 'firm cushioning,' if you will,” said the tester.
The upper is made with a thin, breathable engineered mesh that’s more streamlined and much less bulky than its predecessor. A firm, supportive heel counter helps anchor and stabilize the back of your foot through touchdown. It runs a bit snug, but not so much that I’d recommend sizing up. A few testers found an issue with the thin tongue, wanting more padding to elevate the lacing pressure.
If you like the guidance of a stability shoe but find that most feel too firm, the Asics GT-2000 13 offers a smoother, less controlling alternative.
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Saucony Hurricane 24 Stability Running Shoe
Pros
- Best for Mild Overpronation
- Download Your Training Plan
- Well-padded upper
Cons
- Download Your Training Plan
- Bulky
Key Specs
| Weight | 10.6 oz. (men’s); 9.8 oz. (women’s) |
|---|---|
| Drop | 6mm |
| Stack Height (Heel) | 38mm |
As one of the most cushioned stability shoes out there, the Saucony Hurricane 24 is especially well suited to easing the burden on your legs as you push to the brink on high-mileage runs. This max-cushion monster puts 38mm of soft, bouncy foam under your heel. The high stack does add some bulk in this case, though I only noticed a meaningful difference on faster long runs where I needed to pick up the pace.
Its dual-density midsole pairs Saucony's very light and soft Pwrrun PB foam, made with Polyether Block-Amide (PEBA), and a firmer EVA-based material around the edges to create balanced medial and lateral support. The dual-foam design adds a little give in the center of the shoe, while providing medial and lateral stability when your feet need a guide.
“You have all the benefits of the cushion without that sloppy feeling that many cushioned shoes have,” noted one wear tester.
As you might expect from such a plush shoe, the mesh upper and tongue are well-padded and very comfortable. They also reduce breathability, though, so the shoe runs a little warm.
Finding a quality max-cushioned shoe isn’t difficult these days, but few are as stable and supportive as the Hurricane 24.
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Brooks Hyperion GTS 2 Stability Running Shoe
Pros
- Lightweight
- Responsive midsole
Cons
- The 10 Best Nike Running Shoes
Key Specs
| Weight | 6.9 oz. (men’s); 6.9 oz. (women’s) |
|---|---|
| Drop | 8mm |
| Stack Height (Heel) | 34mm |
Reminiscent of old-school racing flats, the low-profile, lightly cushioned Hyperion GTS 2 tops the charts for responsiveness, making it an ideal speedwork shoe. It features an updated version of the brand’s responsive DNA Flash v2 midsole, which is made with a nitrogen-infused EVA foam.
The second iteration of this speed demon receives an additional 4mm of foam for a slightly more cushioned ride. While the extra foam softens impacts, the Hyperion still runs firm compared to most trainers, maintaining its snappy, responsive, fast feel. “The midsole is responsive, providing a springy feel underfoot without being overly soft or mushy,” said one tester.
Like all of Brooks’s GTS (Go-to-Support) models, the Hyperion GTS features firm foam “GuideRails” along the medial and lateral sides that help align your foot and knee. The support is noticeable, but certainly not overbearing. One tester who overpronates noted, “the stability features were effective without feeling intrusive.”
The breathable mesh upper and semi-flexible heel counter do a great job of supporting you at the midfoot and the heel. Like its predecessor, the Hyperion runs a little snug, which isn’t uncommon for shoes designed for speed where you want a secure fit. That said, one tester found the tightness became uncomfortable on long runs.
Stability shoes are often bulky and slow, but the Hyperion GTS 2 breaks the mold with its lightweight, agile design.
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Saucony Endorphin Pro 4 Stability Running Shoe
Pros
- Very stable for a super shoe
- Midsole provides a lot of energy return
- One of the cheaper super shoes
Cons
- oz. men’s; 6.9 oz. women’s
Key Specs
| Weight | 7.5 oz. (men’s); 6.5 oz. (women’s) |
|---|---|
| Drop | 8mm |
| Stack Height (Heel) | 39.5mm (men’s); 31.5mm (women’s) |
Super shoes have fundamentally changed running. The combination of high-energy-return foam and a carbon fiber plate can make running fast easier and less damaging to your legs. While technically not a stability running shoe, the Saucony Endorphin Pro 4 delivers the most stable ride of any race-day super shoe, and we feel confident recommending it to runners with mild stability needs.
Made from a blend of Saucony’s two high-performance foams, Pwrrun HG and Pwrrun PB, the Endorphin Pro 4 delivers a “snappy and responsive ride,” said one tester. A full-length carbon fiber plate embedded in the midsole lends stiffness and assists in a more powerful toe-off. That, combined with extended midsole "flaring" that extends outward from the upper, creates a wider base of support. That stable foundation centers you in the shoe and creates a stable platform for the foot. Faster paces just seem to come naturally in this shoe.
As with most race shoes, the upper is fairly minimalistic to reduce weight. The lightweight, breathable mesh and gusseted tongue provide excellent ventilation. If you generally wear stability shoes and you’re preparing for a competitive event, these are the ones to try.
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Puma ForeverRun Nitro 2 Stability Running Shoe
Pros
- Highly cushioned for a stability shoe
- Bouncy midsole
Cons
- Heavy upper
Key Specs
| Weight | 11 oz. (men’s); 8.9 oz. (women’s) |
|---|---|
| Drop | 10mm |
| Stack Height (Heel) | 38mm |
If you’re logging daily miles, a reliable daily workhorse is essential. You need a shoe that can handle the grind of distance runs while keeping your feet comfortable mile after mile. Enter the all-new Puma ForeverRun Nitro 2: A well-cushioned stability shoe that blends support with a smooth, comfortable ride.
On a run, the Nitro 2 feels more like a cushioned neutral trainer than a stability shoe. Puma’s nitrogen-infused foam midsole, which combines a softer inner core and a firmer outer rim frame, feels about as lively as possible for a cushioned stability shoe.
“The cushioning provided a good balance between softness and responsiveness,” pointed out one tester, adding, “It allowed me to maintain comfort without feeling fatigued.” A heel clip and strategically placed overlays on the upper provide additional support.
The Nitro 2 doesn’t have the most lightweight upper we’ve tested, but it’s comfortable. Heavy padding sewn into the heel cushions the back of your foot, providing extra comfort against the firm yet supportive heel counter. Plush padding all over has its drawbacks, though: “My feet were getting very hot and sweaty after 3-4 miles in these shoes,” said the same tester, noting that it might be a “tough wear in the summer.”
Despite its plush padding and supportive build, the ForeverRun Nitro 2 maintains a surprisingly springy ride. It may not be the lightest option, but the cushioned midsole and smooth transition make up for it, generating a stable yet surprisingly peppy experience.
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Brooks Cascadia 18 Stability Running Shoe
Pros
- Extremely stable and protective
- Great grip
- Secure fit from the upper
Cons
- Heavy
- Some may find it too firm
Key Specs
| Weight | 11.1 oz. (men’s); 9.9 oz. (women’s) |
|---|---|
| Drop | 8mm |
| Stack Height (Heel) | 33mm |
Trail running is inherently unstable. Between undulating paths and uneven terrain that can shift underfoot, every step requires a considerable amount of strength to maintain your stride. This can only exacerbate the impact of underpronation, overpronation, and other stability issues. The Brooks Cascadia 18 combats this with a suite of stability features that Brooks calls the “Trail Adapt” system, which includes a supportive yet responsive midsole, a dynamic rock plate that adds support, and an outsole designed to adapt to uneven ground.
The Cascadia 18 midsole is no different than its predecessor. It still uses DNA Loft 2 foam, which runs on the firm end of the spectrum. One tester called the midsole “a good balance of firm and supportive, which I liked.” The plate, paired with that midsole, provides some predictability and steadiness, counteracting the instability of trail terrain for a balanced and grounded ride.
The upper is a tough-skinned mesh that locks the foot securely. During twisty-turny descents down off-camber footing, I felt entirely in control and connected with the ground. My only gripe? The shoe’s a bit heavy: When the trail opened up for faster running, the weight left me feeling a bit sluggish through my stride.
My small nitpicks aside, I'll let this more holistic perspective from one of the testers be the final word: “The Brooks Cascadia is an all-around comfortable and very wearable trail shoe.”
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Q+A With Our Experts
Cory Smith is a running coach and journalist specializing in running and fitness-related content and gear reviews. He is the founder of Run Your Personal Best, an online running coaching business that has helped hundreds of runners achieve personal bests in distances ranging from 800 meters to 100 miles. Cory holds a USA Track & Field Level 1 and 2 Endurance Certification and was the former Head Cross Country/Track Coach at Penn State Brandywine. Over his running career, Cory has held three Maryland state records, was a two-time National Championship qualifier while at Villanova University, and holds personal bests of 4:03 in the mile and an 8:05 in the 3K.
Morgan is a gear editor who has been with Runner’s World since 2017. She started as an intern ghostwriting The Warmup, a bygone version of the daily RW newsletter. Now, she tests and reviews anything you might find on runners’ feet-from crew socks and compression boots to carbon-plated super shoes.
A lifelong runner and shoe geek, Morgan has been chasing the perfect pair of kicks since she joined her grade school cross-country team. Since then, she ran as a Division I walk-on for the cross-country and track & field teams at the University of Delaware, where she studied English and Biology. She has one full marathon under her belt, and has raced more halfs and 5Ks than she can count.
