For a long time, if you needed more stability out of your running shoes, you would probably have to reach for a shoe with a maximalist set-up. These max setups were meant to (unnaturally) force a runner’s foot into a safe range of motion, and avoid overpronation. Nowadays, stability running shoes are much more streamlined.
Thanks to advancements in sneaker tech and biomechanical research, stability running shoes no longer push your foot and modify your gait. Running shoes in this era are meticulously designed to maximize your comfort, no matter what your particular running style may be.
When we are sifting through the many pairs of running shoes we test every year for the best stability running shoes, what we are looking for is a blend of support, comfort, and consistency. Comfort and support are obviously essential, but the shoes should be able to maintain those characteristics over time. With this in mind, our expert testers have put together the ultimate list of the best stability running shoes currently available.
Updated: 5.16.2022
Best Stability Running Shoes:
Brooks Glycerin GTS 19
The Brooks Glycerin 19 is a great all-around shoe, and there isn’t much to complain about, really. The first thing you will notice when you first lace them up is the soft midsole. The Brooks Glycerin GTS 19 features what Brooks calls DNA Loft and it runs the full length of the shoe. Plush foams often don’t hold up after hours of use, but this one will. The traction will get the job done and has a lot of flex grooves that help you run more fluidly. Remember to reach for the GTS version for extra support as it adds Brooks’ GuideRails which help prevent excessive sideways movement. The Brooks Glycerin GTS 19 is one of the best stability running shoes available. Most will want to go true to size. Read the full review. Price: $150
Saucony Endorphin Pro 2
The Saucony Endorphin Pro 2 is close to perfect. The fit on the Endorphin 1 was amazing, and the Endorphin 2 improved on the heel lockdown. The shoe features Saucony’s PWRRUN PB foam which is squishy but not too squishy and their SPEEDROLL technology, a rocker action that helps propel you as you run. On top of that, the traction grips very well in all conditions. It’s also built to accommodate wider feet than Nike’s Alphafly and Vaporfly. At $200, it’s on the lower end of championship-worthy shoes. This is the most stable race day option currently available. Read full review. Price $200
Mizuno Wave Rider 25
The Mizuno Wave Rider 25 is a solid all-around running shoe. Even though it’s not built as a support shoe, it has great support features. It’s got a nice ride that prevents side-to-side motion.
The Wave Rider line, in general, is very consistent and the Wave Rider 25 is one of the better models. It’s very comfortable with responsive cushioning but the cushioning isn’t plush. Although it’s a bit on the narrow side, Mizuno makes a wide version. A shoe doesn’t need to be marketed as a stability running shoe to be super stable. Price: $140
Hoka Arahi 5
The Hoka Arahi 5 is actually one of Hoka’s best running shoes currently on the market. On top of that, it offers a ton of support, which is great for runners that need it. The Arahi 5 also features the soft and responsive cushioning Hoka is known for. It’s a versatile shoe that’s plush enough for long distances, light enough for short distances, and ready for the occasional fast workout. It’s the best Hoka stability running shoe. Price: $130
Hoka Rincon 3
The Hoka Rincon 3 is a well-balanced running shoe. The Rincon 3 is very lightweight but still offers a ton of cushioning thanks to the cushy Hoka EVA. The lightweight build works well with Hoka’s meta rocker to really make the shoe glide. The Rincon 3 made this list because on top of all of this, it’s got a wide base and is a very supportive shoe. If you’re looking for a shoe that goes fast while still offering solid support, look no further. Price: $120
Asics Gel-Nimbus Lite 3
The Asics Gel-Nimbus Lite 3 is a very decent shoe all-around, with some shortcomings, but the stability of the shoe made us include it on this list. With the Asics Gel-Nimbus Lite 3, you get a very comfortable upper, a wide stable base, and a very durable outsole. On the other hand, the cushion is ok, not amazing, and this shoe is definitely not well suited for winter runs. But if you’re looking for stability, this is a great option. Price: $160
Nike Air Zoom Vomero 16
The Nike Air Zoom Vomero 15 never got a wide release in the US, but the Vomero 16 did. It feels like a more plush, more comfortable version of the Pegasus 38. The shoe features a ZoomX core, a very durable outsole, and a comfortable upper. If we add in the top-notch support features (beefy heel counter & wide base), we have a winner of a shoe. It’s on the more expensive side, so that’s something to consider. Version 16 is only an upper change from the 15 with the main difference being that it now has a thick, padded tongue which makes it feel more luxurious and comfy. Price: $150
Nike React Infinity Run 2
With the Nike Infinity Run 2, Nike solved most of the reported issues from the original Nike Infinity Run. You still get a thick slab of full-length React foam, amazing traction (even in wet conditions), and excellent support features.
The Nike React Infinity Run 2 features a wide midsole and TPU clip. The heel clip extends from the heel to midfoot on the lateral and medial sides of the shoe. On top of that, the shoe features a more padded Flyknit upper than the original Nike Infinity Run. Great support in a comfier package. That’s a win. Read our full comparison with the original Infinity Run. Price: $160
Puma Eternity Nitro
The Puma Eternity Nitro is part of Puma’s new line of running shoes. Puma was out of performance running for a while and jumped back in with a bunch of good models. Puma designed the Eternity so that it offers support with every step. The Puma Eternity Nitro is intended to be a daily training shoe but with the stability kicked up a notch for those that need it.
As a running shoe for runners who require more support and stability, the Puma Eternity Nitro combines Puma’s technologies and cutting-edge materials. Puma’s Nitro foam, a runGUIDE system, and the PumaGRIP rubber compound all work extremely well. This is a great option for a versatile stable running shoe.
Brooks Launch GTS 8
The Brooks Launch 8 is a great all-around running shoe if what you are looking for is extra support. The Brooks Launch 8 features a standard internal heel counter, fuse logos at the side, as well as a wide base, and a stiff midsole to avoid any instability. The shoe corners well and feels completely stable on foot. The GTS version of the shoe adds GuideRails for extra stability.
The one drawback is the cushion, however, so this might not be the best option if you are a heavier runner or looking for a long run shoe. Read the full review. Price: $90
Mizuno Wave Inspire 18
The Mizuno Wave Inspire 18 is a great shoe. It’s a stable, moderately priced, and extremely versatile shoe that can handle almost everything thrown at it. Think of it as a great everyday trainer with a little extra stability thrown in for good measure. Our only complaint was that the laces were too long. But, since it’s a well-fitting shoe with near-perfect lockdown we can overlook the minimal flaws. Read the full review. Price: $140
Got any suggestions for shoes we should add to our best running shoes for flat feet list? Comment below or message us on Twitter or Instagram with your suggestions.
