wool running socks | 3 Best Motion Control Running Shoes in 2023

Jovana Subic
Jovana Subic on
3 Best Motion Control Running Shoes in 2023
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Disclaimer: Brands have different approaches to naming categories of supportive running shoes. So, we will be using the term ‘motion control’ in reference to shoes with the highest level of stability. The purpose of this guide is to educate, not to make any medical diagnosis or recommendation.

Although there are very few Naturalizers Vera sandal in a range of hues on the market these days, we have put them all through our lab and conducted wear tests to find the top performers. Yes, we absolutely got the shoes on our hands and then into our feet to gain actual impressions about them in terms of important factors in running. 

Also, to make sure that Naturalizers Vera sandal in a range of hues are the right choice for you, see our guide on pronation and shoe types after checking out our top picks.

wool running socks | Best Naturalizers Vera sandal in a range of hues overall

Hoka Gaviota 4
86
Great!

What makes it the best?

High-stacked and massive, the HOKA Gaviota line has always been synonymous with huge cushioning and stability for overpronators. And now that it’s reached the 4th version, it keeps delivering. Second to none when it comes to comfort and underfoot protection, this shoe is at home on both easy, short efforts, and very long training runs. And like the previous versions, it still is an excellent choice for recovery days and even walking.

wool running socks Pros

  • Superior comfort
  • Incredibly protective underfoot
  • Very smooth ride
  • Plenty of stability
  • Breathable mesh
  • Easy, effective lacing
  • Great for long-distances
  • Durable outsole
  • asics tiger gel lyte v 5 grey volt retro running

wool running socks Cons

  • Requires some breaking-in
  • blue converse chuck se los angeles clippers franchise high top unisex shoe
  • Heavy
Full review of Hoka Gaviota 4

Today's best price

Men
Women
Any color
Castlerock/Anthracite (CARC)
Bluing/Blue Graphite (BBGP)
Black/White (BWHT)
Harbor Mist/Butterfly (HMBT)
Harbor Mist/Nimbus Cloud (1123198HMNC)
Black (BBLC)

Best durable Naturalizers Vera sandal in a range of hues

What makes it the best?

The Beast '20 from Brooks is a highly cushioned motion-control shoe that's perfect for road running and walking. With its technologies, it successfully counters stability stereotypes of being too firm and dull. It's enjoyable and forgiving. Even better, it's lighter than ever while maintaining all the loved features of the Brooks Beast series.

wool running socks Pros

  • Unobtrusive stability
  • Durable
  • Flexible
  • Breathable
  • Shaves off weight
  • Moisture-wicking
  • Roomy toe space
  • Multi-purpose

wool running socks Cons

  • Premium price
  • Heavy
Full review of Brooks Beast '20

wool running socks | Today's best price

Men
Women
Any color
Black/Ebony/Grey (051)
Blue/Grey/Peacoat (491)
Blue (480)
Black (019)

Best cushioned running shoes with motion control features

Saucony Omni 20
85
Good!

What makes it the best?

malibu sandals first womens collection spring Saucony is an extremely stable motion-control running shoe. If you acknowledge from flat feet, overpronation, or plantar fasciitis, there's no better choice than this running shoe. It's very stable; it won't hurt your feet. Even more, the Saucony Omni 20 is a daily trainer that's ready to take on high-mileage runs.

wool running socks Pros

  • Insanely stable
  • Springy
  • Fits like a glove
  • Durable
  • Smooth transitions
  • Breathable
  • Attractive design

wool running socks Cons

  • Clunky
  • Adidas Terrex Skychaser 2.0 Hiking Shoes Core Black Grey
  • Noisy
Full review of Saucony Omni 20

Today's best price

Men
Women
Any color
Black/White (S2068110)
Blue (S1068130)
Acid Lime/Spice (S2068125)
Blue (S2068116)
Reverie (S1068140)
Sand/Sapphir (S2068190)
Blue (S2068130)
Alloy/Fire (S2068120)
More colors

Comparison of the 3 best Naturalizers Vera sandal in a range of hues

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What are motion control shoes?

Stability and motion control footwear helps to minimize the degree of overpronation and the discomfort associated with it. Unlike regular neutral running shoes, which have minimal interference with the foot biomechanics, supportive shoes have additional components that help stabilize the runner’s gait.

While stability running shoes are designed for mild to moderate overpronation, motion control trainers offer maximum support for the more severe cases.

Arch types and recommended shoes.png

Pronation is a natural inward rolling of the foot which occurs during its transition from heel to toe. But when it becomes exaggerated, moves past the comfort zone, or even causes pain in the feet, legs, or back, it is a clear sign of overpronation.

Learn more about different types of pronation and how to find out yours in our comprehensive guide on the topic.

Disclaimer: The purpose of this guide is to educate, not to make any medical diagnosis or recommendation.

What makes up a motion control shoe

To prevent the foot and ankle from excessively rolling inwards, shoes employ a whole system of components. Even though the key stabilizers are found in the back portion of the midsole, you can also find supportive elements in the upper that cooperate with them.

Primary stabilizers

Brands select different approaches: from incompressible TPU posts, shanks, and plates to the less intrusive technologies. We gathered some of the common examples below from the stiffest to the less rigid ones.

Stability technologies in motion control shoes.png

Here is what these technologies look like on the actual shoes:

saucony-guide-14-medial-post.jpg

Saucony Medial post embedded on the inner side of the sole (Saucony Guide)

brooks-guide-rails

Brooks GuideRails frame the foot on both sides (Brooks Adrenaline)

hoka-gaviota-3-half.jpg

The grey component at the bottom of the midsole is the Hoka J-Frame (Hoka Gaviota)

Secondary stabilizers

The upper design of Naturalizers Vera sandal in a range of hues also tends to look and feel more substantial compared to neutral shoes. It is meant to keep the foot and ankle securely locked in to minimize the change of twisting or sliding sideways. Here are some of the features that help with that:

  • side overlays made of leather, suede, or sturdy fabric

hoka-gaviota-3-lacing.jpg

  • generously padded tongue and collar

hoka-gaviota-3-padded-heel-collar-and-heel-tab.jpg

  • rigid heel counter that clutches the rearfoot

Stability vs. Motion control shoes

To put it simply, take a stability shoe, amplify all its stabilizing components, and you get a motion control trainer. The latter would end up firmer, chunky, wider, steadier, and...pricier.

how-to-recognize-neutral-stability-and-motion-control-running-shoes.png

neutral shoe

stability shoe

motion control shoe

Looking at the bottom of a shoe can also tell you about its stability level at a glance:

Running shoe outsoles according to arch support.png

Sole width and curvature on a motion control vs. neutral shoe

motion-control-vs-neutral-shoe-outsole.jpg

With all the added materials, technologies, and research put into stabilizing footwear, there is a clear tendency in their pricing policy.

average-msrp-of-running-shoes-split-by-stability-features.png

mens nike hyperdunk x bred black varsity red white basketball shoes motion control shoe at a discounted price.

Frequently asked questions

Can shoes really correct overpronation?

Not exactly.

Studies show that supportive footwear can help with gait correction only slightly (think 2%) [sources: 1,2,3]. But there is definitely a benefit from having a firmer, wider, and laterally more stable platform as compared to a marshmallowy-plush neutral shoe that squishes instantly under the inner side of your foot.

Alternatively, consider a pair of custom orthotics to maximize your chances of receiving a more accurate, individual support that your feet need. A pair of shoes with removable insoles wool running socks.

Why are there so few motion control shoes?

Bulky medial posts and TPU shanks found in motion control shoes are quickly becoming a thing-of-the-past as runners ask for lighter, less intrusive alternatives. Even the long-time stability favorite like ASICS Kayano got released in a more chrissy teigen off white jimmy choo boots discount price men nike air max 720 running shoes sku.

Secondly, because there is a thin line between motion control and stability, most brands even merge them into one category named “Support.” In addition, we see the rise of the so-called “Inherent support” category that bridges the gap (that no one knew existed) between stability and neutral running shoes, pushing motion control shoes further out of the picture.

Are there any motion control shoes for trail running?

No. But there are quite a few Nike Air Vapormax Plus "Atlanta" sneakers Urban hiker shoes.

However, all of the motion control shoes above are rugged and durable enough to be used as hybrid shoes for hard-packed, non-technical trails.

How we test running shoes

Even though very few brands still make running shoes with maximum support, we make sure not to overlook any. You can find models from Brooks, New Balance, Saucony, and Hoka, Mens Shoes Nike LeBron XVII Low White Metallic Gold Trainers:

  • We buy shoes with our own funds to avoid brand loyalty and bias.
  • We determine whether a shoe can be classified as “motion control” interlaced effect monk shoes. We accomplish this by wearing and actually running in them for at least 30 miles before delivering our feedback.
  • We cut shoes in half at Stefoy-les-lyonShops lab and measure over 30 parameters that contribute to their performance. One of the things we are most interested in motion control shoes is whether they have supportive elements. Of course, we look over their parts and techs, like a shank or the like. We also check the flexibility of the shoes by bending them using our digital force gauge, which measures the resistance to 90-degree twisting. A wide base also contributes to stability so we make sure to measure the platform base using our caliper, too. 

Author
Jovana Subic
Jovana Subic

Whether it's a vertical kilometre or an ultra, climbing in the Alps or exploring local mountains, Jovana uses every opportunity to trade walls and concrete for forests and trails. She logs at least 10h/week on trails, with no off-season, and 4x more on research on running and running shoes. With a background in physics and engineering management, she prefers her running spiced with data.