Best Stability Running Shoes – Asics, Nike, Brooks, Saucony, Mizuno, ON

In today’s post, we’re going to be taking a deep dive into some of the best stability running shoes for men and women in 2022

Believe it or not, stability shoes are the most popular running shoes in the world. Statistically speaking, 75% of runners wear some kind of stability running shoe for training and racing.

A lot of stability shoes in the past used to have plastic heavy-duty TPU heel counters, medial posting, torsion bars, you name it. But the great news is we are really in a new age of stability shoes.

So most of the shoe companies we’re going to review below are innovating in the way they provide stability through their shoes.

I’m going to do things differently this time. Instead of talking about the uppers and outsoles, I’m just going to talk about the midsoles and how each shoe is providing stability.

Without further ado, let’s dive right into it…

Related:

For runners looking for reliable running shoes for flat feet, exploring stability running shoes is a wise decision, as they provide essential support and comfort. To delve deeper into this topic, be sure to check out our related article.

Best Stability Running Shoes

Brooks Adrenaline GTS

The Adrenaline is definitely a mid-cushion Swiss army knife that has a reputation for being a comfortable reliable stability shoe. In fact, the Brooks Adrenaline is the stability partner of the Brooks Ghost which is their neutral companion. 

The Adrenaline is meant to provide guidance for anybody who overpronates (rolls inward) and even anybody who supinates (rolls outward) thanks to the innovative and reliable Guide Rail support system.

Guide Rails are walls of foam along the medial and lateral sides of the shoe designed to prevent excessive inward or outward rolling to help reduce the effects of overpronation and underpronation.

What the Guide Rail system does is if you’re neutral and you land normal in your gait cycle, it’s not going to really affect you. But if you overpronate or supinate, it’s going to keep you back on that center and keep you moving nice and smooth through your stride.

The Adrenaline is a dependable go-to everyday training shoe for runners seeking stability and support. It provides generous impact absorption without feeling overly stiff, heavy, or clunky.

While the latest version of the Adrenaline remains true to its roots as a comfortable stability shoe, a redesigned midsole and a refined upper make it a little bit more of a comfortable experience.

Here’s our detailed comparison of the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22 vs 21.

… and Brooks Ghost 13 and 14.

Related:

The Adrenaline GTS 23 seems to offer a solution for runners looking for shoes with a narrow heel area and wide toe box. 

Midsole

Previous versions of the Adrenaline featured a mix of DNA Loft and BioMogo DNA midsole. But the GTS 22 is made with 100% DNA Loft which is Brooks’ softest midsole cushioning ever.

DNA Loft is made up of EVA foam, rubber, and air ensuring a soft, lightweight, softer, and smoother ride than previous versions.

Although the midsole feels slightly softer than previous versions of the Adrenaline, it still offers the same reliable supportive fit.

Their segmented crash pad, which is a system of shock absorbers placed underneath the forefoot, offers maximum protection while helping you rebound off the ground.

Pros

• Great DNA Loft midsole
• Cushioned yet supportive
• Great GuideRail support system
• Comfortable & smooth through transitions
• Accommodating plush upper
• Comes in multiple widths
• Fits true to size
• Durable

Cons

• High drop (not an issue if you’re used to that)
• A bit heavy

Related:

• How to Break in Your New Running Shoes

Asics Gel Kayano

The Asics Gel Kayano 28 started in 1993 and it’s still keeping that quality stability experience that people have been coming to this shoe for time and time again.

To create stability, Asics are no longer using that posting on the medial side of the shoe. Instead, dual-density foams are used to stabilize the runner and prevent overpronation.

Asics calls this their Dynamic DuoMax and this has been a feature on the Kayano for a long time now.

In addition to the dual-density cushioning, you also get something called 3D space construction. What that means is that there’s geometric shapes that are designed to collapse in a certain way within the midsole that guide your foot in a stable manner.

Overall, previous Kayanos had overbuilt heel counters, a lot of plastic, and a lot of hard foams that kind of would slap your foot into place and really just jolt the whole process.

However, the Asics Kayano 28 is a little more smooth, a little more fluid, and it still gives you that stability that you’re looking for.

Related:

• Asics Kayano vs. Nimbus

Midsole

Asics included FlyteFoam Blast which is the same midsole compound featured on the Novablast 1 and 2. A lot of people seemed to love that shoe for the energy return and the cushioning that it provided.

On the Kayano 28, you get a huge chunk of it in the forefoot and a small sliver as it goes towards the heel area. This means the shoe is going to be more energetic, bouncier, and softer as you go through your stride compared to FlyteFoam Propel on previous versions.

This is the Gel Kayano, which means there should be gel here. Gel is primarily on the outside of the heel area and you do get this for shock protection. But unlike most other Asics shoes with Gel, the Kayano 28 also has some gel hidden underneath your forefoot for more shock absorption.

In the middle of the shoe, you get something called a Trusstic system. It’s essentially a plastic plate that keeps the shoe from twisting as you run and gives you just a little bit more stability.

Pros

• Consistent, smooth, & stable ride
• Cushioning is softer than before
• Roomy toe box
• No medial post
• Durable
• Comfortable upper
• Comfortable foot lockdown

Cons

• Might feel a bit tight through the midfoot for some
• Not very responsive
• Heavy

Hoka Arahi & Gaviota

The Arahi 5 is a modern take on stability and continues that tradition of being lighter but now more protective than ever before. The shoe is using an innovative support system called J-Frame instead of that intrusive more traditional medial posting that just comes right up into your arch.

The shoe has a denser firmer EVA foam in this J-shape from the medial side all the way to the lateral side as well. This system is going to give you that inherent stability that helps stop you from rolling in a little bit and helps you just stay fluid and more natural throughout your whole stride.

Pros

• Super plush and superbly comfortable
• Great for wide feet
• Provides great support in a sleek and attractive package
• Heel strikers enjoy the added stability
• Lightweight despite being a stability shoe
• Breathable & durable
• Far better than version 4
• Grippy outsole

Cons

• Might feel sloppy around turns for some

So, the stability provided by the Arahi 5 isn’t overbearing like you would find in the Gaviota 3.

The Arahi is a comfortable lightweight stability option that’s going to be great for daily miles, great for your long runs, and great to just take day in and day out.

Overall, the Arahi 5 is a really solid shoe that I believe mild-to-moderate overpronators as well as neutral runners will really enjoy for their recovery runs and long daily training runs. It’s excellent when your legs are feeling a little heavy and need a little extra protection from that high cushioning on the midsole.

You can read our detailed comparison of the Hoka Arahi vs Gaviota.

Pros

• Upper is plush & comfortable
• Midsole is responsive
• Great cushioning for heavy runners
• Wide fit is great for wide feet
• Super stable & secure
• Incredibly durable

Cons

• Heavy
• A bit too stiff

Brooks Glycerin GTS

First, there are two Glycerin 19s. You have the regular Glycerin 19 which is an update on the Glycerin 18, and the 19 GTS is a brand-new Glycerin model that includes Brooks stability components. Also, the Glycerin GTS actually replaces the Transcend in Brooks’ lineup

Just like the Adrenaline GTS above, the Glycerin GTS is using Brooks’ Guide Rails technology which is an innovative take on stability.

Guide Rails are good for overpronators and underpronators as well because they provide stability on the lateral side and the medial side to mitigate the effects of excessive pronation and underpronation.

What we really love about the Guide Rails though more specifically is that you don’t really notice them until you need them. They just keep you in line without causing any hiccups in the ride.

So, if in one stride you find yourself rolling in a bit more than normal, you’re going to notice immediately that Guide Rail is going to bring you back into a natural neutral position.

Overall, the  Glycerin GTS 19 is a stability road running shoe in the maximum cushion running shoe category and it’s designed for everyday training runs, recovery runs, and long runs.

Related:

• Brooks Regular Glycerin vs. Glycerin GTS

Midsole

The Glycerin 19 delivers what we have always loved about the Glycerin and that is that buttery soft smooth ride and premium cushion.

It really feels like a spa day for your feet and that’s what makes the Glycerin such a great choice for just your everyday runs, long runs, and recovery runs. It’s just a shoe to put in the bulk of your training miles.

We have a layer of Brooks super soft DNA Loft cushioning that runs the length of the entire shoe. Despite packing in all this extra foam, the shoe is actually still surprisingly lightweight.

To sum up this shoe and what it’s best for, I’d say this is not the fastest shoe in your toolbox, but it’s a very durable one that is excellent for most of your miles.

Again, if you’re looking for a premium stability running shoe with a luxurious underfoot feel and you’ve never tried the Glycerin before, this is your chance with the addition of the GTS version.

The GTS delivers the same experience as the regular old Glycerin but with the addition of the Guide Rail technology.

Pros

• Ride transtions are smooth & seamless
• Comfortable upper/midsole combo
• Luxurious upper material & accommodating toe box 
• Very stable laterally and medially
• True to size
• Durable

Cons

• Lacks responsiveness
• Not very breathable

Related: 

• Brooks Glycerin vs. New Balance 1080

New Balance 860

The 860 is a daily training workhorse that’s made for your daily effort miles that you need to get to those workouts or to those race days including longer runs and easy runs. It is going to be just a smooth consistent ride the entire time and you’re not going to feel like you’re dragging your feet.

To create stability, the 860 uses an extra medial posting in the midsole and a few other overlays for structure.

So I would recommend this shoe to any runner that overpronates or just needs that extra little bit of support and is really just looking for a shoe that they can take day in and day out.

The 860 is a shoe that doesn’t have a whole lot of innovation to it and isn’t extremely exciting, but it’s that shoe that I think most runners need in their lineup to get to those faster efforts and to get to those harder workouts.

Related:

• New Balance 860 vs. 880

Midsole

The midsole is composed of a Fresh Foam X topsole which is a newer compound from New Balance and it’s just going to add plushness and softness to that initial step in.

Under that Fresh Foam X topsole is a firmer denser foam compound that’s going to add some more resilience to the midsole.

It’s going to add some structure and just make the whole underfoot experience of the 860 more trustworthy and a shoe that is going to be durable and last for a very long time.

I can see myself taking this shoe month after month mile after mile because that foam is so resilient and feels so nice when you first put it on.

Pros

• Excellent stability & underfoot comfort
• Ride is consistent in any condition
• A daily workhorse
• Simple yet effective
• Plush/firm midsole combo
• Durable & definitely built to last
• Grippy outsole

Cons

• Might feel too breezy in winter
• Might feel stiff on longer runs
• Runs small

Mizuno Wave Horizon

The Wave Horizon 5 is a welcome update to the Mizuno stability shoe lineup.

To create stability, Mizuno don’t use any kind of medial post and there’s no Wave plate there anymore. The Horizon 5 just uses this geometric placement throughout the Wave midsole to maintain that stable platform for overpronation and keep you from rolling too far to the inside without being overly intrusive.

This stability approach is great if you don’t want a shoe that feels like it’s pushing your instep completely up and not allowing you to naturally pronate at all.

The heel counter is nice and stable, plush, and thick, and really feels like a gloved hand holding your heel in there. You’re going to be locked in from the second you put the shoe on.

Again, the Horizon 5 gives you enough support when you need it and it’s not overly burdensome if you don’t.

Related:

• Mizuno Size Charts

Midsole

The midsole completely changes in the Horizon 5 with a full-length Mizuno Enerzy midsole. Enerzy is combined with the X-POP and the U4icX foams, which makes for an incredibly soft stable bouncy ride.

There looks to be some sole flaring throughout the entire length of the shoe both on the medial and on the lateral side giving you a very stable landing platform that is evident as soon as you put the shoe on.

All three layers of foam run the full length of the shoe combined to deliver optimal shock-absorbing durability and a superior ride that is innovatively light, well-cushioned, responsive, and quite resilient.

Pros

• Outstandingly stable & durable
• Upper is supportive
• Really comfortable right out of the box
• Offers smooth heel-toe transitions
• More pleasant than it looks
• Soft rear cushion
• Traction & grip are reliable

Cons

• Heavy
• Lacks energy return
• Might feet sloppy for narrow feet

Don’t miss our comprehensive guide, showcasing top shoe recommendations for runners with narrow feet.

Mizuno Wave Inspire 17

Pros

• Offers moderate stability
• Enerzy cushioning is softer & lighter than before
• Fit is perfect & lockdown is impressive
• Comfortable seamless upper
• Versatile & breathable
• Quality construction

Cons

• Heavy for fast runs
• Higher drop
• Wave Plate might cause an inconsistent ride

New Balance Fresh Foam Vongo v5

The New Balance Vongo v5 is a premium daily trainer stability shoe that has a max cushion setup that’s been completely redone from the Vongo v4.

They redesigned the shoe and configured it to be more like the New Balance 1080v11. So, this is essentially the stability version of the New Balance 1080v11.

The stability element on the Vongo v5 has also been updated. The shoe now features something called a gradient posting method where essentially you have these small EVA pellets that get progressively harder as you reach the medial side of the shoe.

You can actually see they printed this marble-like pattern on the outside of the midsole, which shows you where the stability element is. It’s between the midfoot and the heel region.

New Balance said they use this gradient setup for stability to give the runner a more natural less intrusive stable experience.

Another important thing to note about the midsole is that it’s a little bit wider at the midfoot section. I think they added 5 millimeters of a width, which gives you a little bit of a wider platform and makes the shoe a little bit more stable.

So New Balance has simplified the Vongo v5 and made it a little bit more fluid and a little bit easier to run in while still giving you that stable platform you’re looking for.

Overall, I’m happy New Balance is trying to keep the lead by using this new gradient setup for that stability effort.

Midsole

The midsole is probably one of the bigger updates although they did redesign the entire shoe. The Vongo v5 now has Fresh Foam X which is now more closely aligned to what’s on the Fresh Foam More v3 vs 1080v11.

So with the Vongo v5, you get a little bit of a softer bouncier foam compared to the v4 which is much more firm. So the Vongo 4 gives you a little bit more responsiveness and the Vongo v5 just gives you a little more cushioning underfoot.

They also made the forefoot a little more flexible so you get a little bit more give. It just allows you to go through your running stride a little bit smoother.

The other thing they did was they added kind of a rocker to it. The shoe is now curved in the forefront section so you do get a little bit of a rocking motion.

Again, New Balance did a great job of making the Vongo 5 almost like a neutral runner but adding that great stability element to allow for people to get a similar experience while keeping a nice stable structure in place.

So, if you’re someone who’s a fan of the New Balance 1080, I think this is a great shoe to jump to. You do get that medial gradient density foam that kind of makes it a little bit more fluid or easier to run in while keeping the foot in place or aligned.

Pros

• Comfortable glove-like upper
• Well-cushioned & stable
• Less intrusive stability system
• Fresh Foam X stays smooth & consistent even on the longest runs
• Offers great heel security & secure fit
• Premium feel through the accommodating toebox
• Relatively flexible & too rigid
• Smooth underfoot thanks to the flex grooves & rocker geometry
• Plenty of underfoot protection 

Cons

• Outsole is not very durable
• Upper might feel too stretchy for some

Altra Paradigm & Provision

Here’s our latest comparison of Altra vs Topo. Make sure you check it out as well.

For a quick comparison, the Paradigm 6 is a max stability max cushioned trainer while the Provision 6 is essentially an everyday trainer with some mild stability elements built into the shoe.

Pros

• Upper offers plenty of room & breathability
• Soft & bouncy EGO Max midsole
• Surprisingly lightweight for a stability shoe
• GuideRial stability system is seamless & unobtrusive
• Grippy & durable outsole

Cons

• Upper might feel baggy in the midfoot for some
• Zero-drop feature requires some getting used to
• Slightly heavy

The Provision doesn’t have these overbuilt walls or mechanisms to provide a ton of stability. It just has a gentle guide rail on the medial side.

Pros

• Upper offers plenty of room & comfort
• Soft & bouncy EGO Max midsole
• Surprisingly lightweight for a stability shoe
• GuideRial stability system is seamless & unobtrusive
• Great for wide feet
• Durable construction & incredible grip

Cons

• Outsole traps debris
• Zero-drop feature requires some getting used to
• Forefoot might feel too wide for some

You can read more about these shoes in our detailed Altra Provision vs Paradigm comparison.

Asics Kayano Lite 2

The Kayano Lite 2 is a stability daily trainer. Asics said their goal was to reimagine stability in a way that Kayano fans would be familiar with and it would make the transition a little bit easier into this more modern version of the Kayano.

While the Kayano Lite is trying to be a stability shoe, it does this in a much lighter package using just one block of foam to provide stability. Asics used a single type of foam with 3D geometric shapes printed from the top down to try and guide the foot in a stable way.

This 3D space construction allows for even neutral runners to use the shoe without experiencing a super confined structure while still providing you with a stable ride.

So, if you want to fully maximize your stability, I would probably go with the original Gel Kayano. But if you want something that’s a little bit lighter, less intrusive, and more nimble, the Gel Kayano Lite might be for you.

The heel counter is definitely still very stiff and rigid and so there shouldn’t be any issues with that. Then on the inside, you do get quite a bit of padding, especially at the Achilles area, which should hold up over the long term and keep you nice and stable.

Overall, the Kayano Lite has enough stability features. The new 3D space construction, the dual-density foams, the Trusstic System, the 3D space construction, and the different design to the midsole itself really did a good job of giving you that stable ride without jolting your foot into the correct position.

Again, if you’re looking for a ton of stability, the FlyteFoam Blast in the forefoot might be a little soft and mushy for you. But the Lite does a great job of aligning your foot and keeping you stable without being too overbearing.

Midsole

This is where you get the majority of your stability from and this is what really separates the Gel Kayano Lite from the original Gel Kayano.

You still get FlyteFoam Blast foam, but it’s partially made up of sustainable organic fibers which are actually a byproduct of sugar cane. It’s also softer and has improved shock absorption compared to some other FlyteFoams on various other Asics models.

You also have that really wide heel area and forefoot which do a great job of keeping your foot controlled and offering great shock protection.

Again, the Kayano Lite is relatively simple, straightforward, and gives you the stability that you need.

Pros

• Lighter stability than regular Kayanos
• Offers responsiveness & a stable ride
• Great support & wide stable platform
• Great comfort & width through the upper
• Long-lasting & lightweight for a stability shoe

Cons

• Expensive
• No gusseted tongue
• Gained some weight compared to the first version
• Less stability than regular Kayanos

Nike Structure 24

Nike took their last true stability trainer, the Structure, and transformed it into a stable neutral trainer. I was really astonished at how different it was compared to previous Structures which were firm and stiff.

The Structure 24 definitely isn’t as stable as the Structure 22 or 23 and that’s because of how soft its midsole is. But it’s still an incredibly stable ride and it’s one of the most stable neutral shoes that you can buy.

The stability comes from its wide base and its built-up midsole on the medial side which prevents excessive inward ankle roll.

So if you prefer this modern less intrusive method of stability rather than the traditional firm medial posts which might poke into your arch, then the Structure is a great shoe for you.

The word that describes the ride of the Structure 24 best is balanced. It feels well-cushioned without being mushy or firm. It can be a daily trainer, a recovery shoe, or a long-run shoe.

It’s not the best shoe for speedwork though because of its flexible forefoot and its plush upper that makes it feel weighty, but it can do everything else.

Related:

• Nike Structure vs. Pegasus

Midsole

The Structure 24 is one of the only Nike trainers that use CMP-010 foam in its midsole. I think it feels softer and more spongy than the dense rubbery feeling of the more popular React. So, after the Nike Invincible Run, the Structure 24 is the next softest trainer in the Nike performance range.

There’s also a small Zoom Air unit in the forefoot situated under the ball of the foot unlike in the Pegasus and the Vomero where it covers the entire forefoot. I could still feel the prominent airbag in the forefoot and the ride feels supportive without being firm or stiff.

Again, if you find the Invincible Run too unstable and too fragile, The Structure 24 is a great stable alternative.

If you already have the Structure 23, then the Structure 24 is a version you can skip. But if you don’t have the Structure 23, the two versions are so similar that you can get the Structure 23 and save some money.

Pros

• Great lockdown
• Stable neutral shoe
• Well-cushioned without being mushy or firm
• Durable outsole
• Comfortable upper material & flexible forefoot
• Great value for money
• Reliable traction on wet and dry surfaces
• Does great on light trails
• Great for the gym

Cons

• Got fatter
• Les stable than Structure 23 (softer midsole)

ON Cloudflyer

Hoka has CMEVA, Newton has Pods, New Balance has Fresh Foam, Adidas has Boost, and ON has Clouds. Those pods or Clouds are meant to absorb energy and transfer forward motion.

ON are stepping outside of the normal running shoe box and creating something new and innovative. To be totally honest, they’re more successful here than I anticipated.

But how does the ON Cloudflyer offers stability?

ON has a very different perspective on this than other brands. Instead of that medial post, they have found two ways to make the shoe stable that still allows you to have a great running experience.

First, they made the heel and the whole platform six millimeters wider than any other ON shoe, which helps you to be stable.

The second thing is unique to ON’s technology. As you land, the outside two segments in the heel are softer and they collapse faster than the two inside elements that are harder. This will bring your foot back to its normal position if it tends to roll in too much.

However, the Cloudflyer is completely neutral through the midfoot and so a lot of neutral runners haven’t found this to be overly aggressive.

Then in the forefoot, they switch sides. They actually made the outside elements harder and the inside element softer so you’re coming back into your S-curve.

The Cloudflyer is responsive, slightly overweight but surprisingly nimble and closer to “unpoded” shoes. It is good for mid to long-distance runs and can also be used for intervals and tempos.

Midsole

The Cloudflyer is not just stable but it’s also very well-cushioned. ON provides cushioning not by adding more material but by actually making bigger holes into the elements.

It has got the Helion foam integrated with their CloudTec technology all the way through that midsole. By doing that, they were able to create a cushioned shoe designed to be absorbing and provide premium cushion to the ride.

They also added more extended pods through the forefoot, which allows for a more comfortable toe-off.

I was thinking these pods were going to be super annoying and that they weren’t going to transfer very well to my running form. But you don’t really notice the pods and the shoe begins to feel like any responsive running shoe specifically with technology meant for speed and efficiency in mind.

By splitting the Clouds down the center of the shoe, you’re able to flex this shoe in all sorts of directions, but you don’t necessarily feel the individual pods, which is fantastic.

Again, the updated ON Cloudflyer is a very comfortable and plush shoe for someone that requires a little bit of stability to knock out those daily miles.

Pros

• Feels luxuriously plush & responsive
• Snug & supportive on foot
• Very durable
• Great for high insteps
• Offers smooth transitions
• Great lockdown
• Lightweight for a stability shoe

Cons

• Outsole might catch rocks
• Expensive

Saucony Guide & Hurricane

The Guide series is known for its reliable moderate stability. With the newest version, we see some pretty big updates that still retain a lot of those original Guide philosophies.

The Guide 15 continues to elevate, and I think fans of the Guide are really going to enjoy this shoe because it’s even softer, it has even more cushioning, and it doesn’t gain any weight. So, you get a lot of benefits in a truly reliable daily trainer.

On the medial side, you have that evolving stability frame which is going to offer all that stability you need for mild-to-moderate overpronators. It is going to create a little bit of a more natural on-foot experience.

Pros

• Offers a supportive ride through a modest medial posting
• Unintrusive stability
• Rolls smoothly and offers tempo-friendly transitions
• Available in a lot of widths
• Comfortable & durable construction
• Lighter than before
• Great for summer

Cons

• Unnecessary upper layering
• Heel ruuber might feel too chunky for some

The Saucony Hurricane is a high-cushioned premium stability shoe.

Because they’re both support shoes, there’s a TPU Guidance Frame on the medial side of the foot for added stability and structure. This is a firm piece of plastic built on the inside of the shoe that is going to work with your foot if you are somebody who overpronates.

I would categorize the Guide and the Hurricane as mild-to-moderate stability shoes but mostly towards the mild.

I think the midsole of the Hurricane actually plays a role in that stability aspect where Saucony curved the midsole around the foot just a little bit so you kind of sit on that sort of like Hoka.

Pros

• Very stable yet unobtrusive ride thanks to the good firmness-to-softness ratio
• Ride is energetic enough for a stability shoe
• Offers a plush snug wrap through the upper
• Great fit. Not too tight or too loose
• Responsive enough for fast-paced runs
• Grippy even in wet conditions

Cons

• Might feel clunky for some

If you want more details about these shoes, make sure you read our detailed comparison of the Saucony Guide vs Hurricane.

New Balance FuelCell Prism

The New Balance Prism v2 is a lightweight daily trainer that’s also a stability shoe. However, this is a unique stability shoe because it fits between a neutral daily trainer and a true stability shoe.

The Prism is super light but doesn’t have a ton of stability elements. It just has some slight posting on the medial side that does give you that stable experience.

However, it’s not like a true stability shoe where it’s super stable and kind of guides your foot in a very structured way. It’s more of a gentle reminder that there is some stability here for runners who might want it.

It’s a nice kind of change-up if you’re someone who just wants a little bit of stability maybe for recovery days or if your form starts to break down.

Other than that, the New Balance FuelCell Prism really does feel like a neutral shoe.

Midsole

The midsole is FuelCell foam. This is New Balance’s basically responsive bouncy foam, especially when compared to the Fresh Foam X on the 1080v11 and the More v3.

FuelCell comes in different forms and it’s kind of confusing because the FuelCell on the Prism v2 is different from the Rebel v2 for example.

The Rebel v2’s FuelCell is much softer and much bouncier where here it’s a little bit denser and a little bit more responsive I might say, but it does still retain some of those bouncy or energy-filled properties that you get from the FuelCell foam.

I think this is a great option for maybe neutral runners who just want that small hint of stability or stability runners who want to kind of experience something a little bit faster and a little bit lighter that is not overloaded with stability features.

So if you want a lightweight package but a true max stability experience, I don’t think this is for you.

Pros

• Rare combination of light & stability for a posted shoe
• Seamless post
• Stable platform yet lively, fast, bouncy, responsive ride
• Fit is really comfortable
• Handles all paces well
• Light engineered mesh upper
• Great versatility

Cons

• Forefoot cushioning might feel a bit thin and firm for some
• Runs small
• Might feel dull at slower speeds
• Not ideal if you’re looking for a true stability shoe

Skechers Forza 4

The Forza is known to be one of the lightest stability shoes on the market and version 4 is even lighter. Hyper Burst is now coming into the Forza 4 and so it makes it even lighter and more responsive.

But how do Skechers provide stability in such a lightweight package?

The magic there is with the sole. On the outsole and midsole, you have full-length Goodyear rubber coupled with two compounds. You have the denser and quite a bit firmer Ultra Flight foam on the medial side post and there’s the Hyper Burst on the lateral side.

Also, the heel is extended into the midfoot making it compliant. So, as the runner impacts on the heel, it slowly rolls and engages to the medial side a little bit slower.

That slows the rate of pronation. Skechers believe it’s not about stopping pronation, it’s about slowing it down and the geometry of that plus the posting of the Ultra Flight on the medial side helps to do that.

The closest comparative shoe would be the Hoka Arahi 5 which has a broader platform and is a bit softer. Another very good comparison is the Forza’s neutral partner, the Ride 8 which is an all-Hyper midsole with no medial Ultra Flight.

Pros

• A stability shoe neutral runners can enjoy as well
• Very stable on downhills
• Hyper Burst cushioning is fun yet stable and smooth through transitions
• Offers firm stability on the medial side without a post
• One of the lightest stability shoes
• Responsive rear feel
• Durable Goodyer outsole

Cons

• Stiff heel counter
• A bit firm right out of the box (break-in needed)

Asics GT 2000 & 1000

This is a completely new shoe. Asics have taken the GT-2000, deleted everything, and started from the bottom. But it still has all the identity of the GT-2000.

The GT-2000 is a traditional workhorse from Asics for those of you looking to do some higher mileage and some easy runs but need that little bit of support underfoot.

It’s still a mild stability shoe that is lighter and more responsive than the Asics gel ­Gel Kayano franchise.

Asics completely changed how they create the stability in the GT-2000. Before, you had this plastic medial post that is designed to stop your motion and stop you from falling inwards.

Now, they’ve put another foam that’s harder on the inside of the shoe, which just helps support you in your running gait, which feels more natural to run in.

It’s not that the GT-2000 doesn’t give you the stability you need, It’s just more natural. I think this is a very important update that will be beneficial for almost every runner who needs a stability shoe through their strike.

So if you like the Gel Kayano but you want a lighter more responsive version of the shoe, maybe you should try the GT-2000 10.

Again, there’s no sort of obvious elements of support, but the shoe is still going to retain the firmer feeling beneath the arch to hold the foot up to stop any little bits of overpronation as you’re running.

Here’s our detailed comparison of the GT 2000 vs 1000.

Brooks Launch GTS

The Brooks Launch 8 is designed for speed workouts and for race day and it’s designed with budget in mind.

If you’ve been running in the Ravenna series in the last couple of years, you might be a little upset to hear there’s no longer a Ravenna. But don’t worry because now we have the Launch GTS 8.

The Launch takes a lot of those mild stability features of the Ravenna and brings it over to a platform very similar to the regular Launch.

In the midsole, we’re going to see that BioMogo DNA cushioning which is very similar to the regular Launch. It’s simple, it has just enough cushioning to go the distance but very reliable underfoot.

Really the only difference between the Launch GTS and the regular Launch is going to be in this Guide Rail stability system.

The Launch GTS has these raised sidewalls, which is just going to help create a little bit more inherently stable design for mild overpronators.

Pros

• Offers support through light GuideRail system
• Surprisingly comfortable through the upper
• Breathable yet warm enough for colder days
• Snug through the midfoot and roomy through toe box
• Secure tongue
• Widths available
• Durable & great value

Cons

• Some might experience heel slippage
• Quite a firm, dense ride

What’s the difference between neutral and stability running shoes? What is overpronation?

Let’s find out…

Neutral vs Stability Running Shoes

Neutral shoes are designed with even cushion throughout the midsole and very minimal added stability on either side of the upper. They are designed for people who roll evenly throughout the gait cycle and don’t need any added stability.

Stability shoes are designed with added support in the midsole and upper. These shoes usually have a stiffer or more supportive foam under the arch on the medial side and added stability on the medial and lateral side of the upper.

These are designed for people who overpronate or collapse inward on the arch throughout the gait cycle.

Now you might be asking what is pronation?

What is Pronation?

Pronation is the natural movement of the foot as it rolls inward. This movement absorbs shock by distributing the impact forces generated from the ground.

Typically, there would be some shifting of the ankle towards the inside, but the foot may not fully flatten to the ground. The amount of movement depends on arch height and flexibility of the person.

There is a big misconception that pronation is bad, but it’s actually necessary for shock absorption during the gait cycle.

Pronation is easily mistaken for being the cause of foot pain as too much of it can cause misalignment. This is called overpronation.

What is Overpronation?

Overpronating feet tend to fully splay and contact the ground. The ankle may also rotate inward at a significant angle. This is where we start to see the effects on biomechanics as the knees and hips also start to rotate inward and be misaligned.

This can cause more pull on the surrounding soft tissue structures and hence put more strain on them to create pain over time.

Excess foot movement can also cause friction on various areas of the foot, which results in pressure spots and callousing. All of this can result in conditions like Plantar fasciitis, Achilles Tendonitis, Shin Splints, IT Band Syndrome, and Runner’s Knee.

So there you have it. These were some of the best stability running shoes on the market in 2022. If you have a stability shoe that you swear by, please share your experience down below in the comments.

I hope you’re staying safe on your runs. See you in the next one 🙂