7 Best Stability Running Shoes in 2024

The Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23 is a versatile workhorse with plush cushioning that tackles all of our daily runs with ease and a level of comfort not often associated with stability shoes.

The GuideRails technology provides the shoe with an above-average level of torsional rigidity that we scored 4 out of 5 in our manual assessment. This provides us with support for overpronation by subtly curtailing excessive lateral movements, thus keeping our base nice and level from landing to toe-off. On the other hand, our longitudinal stiffness test shows that the shoe is actually 41.6% more flexible than the average shoe. This means that the shoe is easily able to conform with the bending of our foot during test runs, keeping us comfy for miles on end.  

The Adrenaline GTS 23’s midsole strikes a perfect balance between softness and stability that suits any type of run, whether short and speedy or long and drawn out. The DNA Loft v2 foam is 19% softer than average, according to our durometer, with a ride that feels nice and plush underfoot with a good level of energy return. Meanwhile, the width of the midsole offsets how soft it is and provides us with a robust and stable platform, measuring 117.3 mm at the forefoot and 96.9 mm at the heel versus their respective averages of 113.2 mm and 90.1 mm. 

With a steep 12.6 mm heel drop, the Adrenaline GTS 23 is definitely more suited to heel-striking runners than their forefoot-striking counterparts, for whom we recommend looking for shoes with a low to medium drop height of up to 8 mm for more comfort and less risk of injury. 

Saucony Tempus redefines stability shoes with its cushion striking the balance between comfort and responsiveness. It allows us to go insanely fast and far in a sure-footed manner without being too disruptive. Our lab and run tests show it’s the best speed trainer among stability shoes.

The springy cushion is a game-changer, proving not all stability shoes are dull. Its energy and rocker geometry make forward strides more effortless. This pair can take endurance runs with its plush foam that’s 23.0% softer than average. 

Its wide base and stiff heel counter serve as guides to subtly keep our feet in place. In our lab test, the heel counter’s rigidity stands at 4/5, while the average is 2.7. The higher the number, the stiffer it is. Meanwhile, the midsole measures 4.3 and 4.4 mm wider than average in the forefoot and heel area — giving our feet more room to land steadily.

Gone are the days when a stable shoe is automatically heavy. At 9.4 oz (266 g), this trainer is even lighter than the 9.5 oz (268g) average of media running shoes. It’s also way lighter than the 10.5 oz (298.3g) average of stability shoes.

Unfortunately, the rigid heel counter lacks padding and may cause heel rubs to other athletes.

After conducting our lab and run tests, we’ve concluded that the ASICS Gel Kayano 29 offers the best cushioning currently found in a stability shoe. The soft yet sturdy midsole stack offers outstanding comfort and excellent impact protection, while the upper and outsole provide ample amounts of support and durability, respectively.

The Kayano 29 doesn't have a crazy high stack height; its 33.1 mm heel stack and 24.5 mm forefoot stack are right on par with the average for running shoes. But the Flytefoam Blast+ midsole is 14.7% softer than the average running shoe, which helps provide comfort for long-distance miles. Moreover, that soft midsole still delivers a lot of impact protection, as our legs felt surprisingly fresh following a long run.

The Kayano series is known for its stability, and the 29 is no different. The midsole material provides an abundance of stability, while the upper adds to the support as it keeps the rearfoot and midfoot snug. We gave the Kayano 29's heel stiffness a 4 out of 5 in our lab test, so it is solid enough to hold the ankle tight. 

And the outsole showed tremendous durability as we saw little wear on the outsole after our runs. With the outsole rubber measuring 0.7 mm thicker than average, the Gel Kayano 29 should take a while to wear down.

However, the Kayano 29 does feel quite hot due to a heavily padded upper. We measured its tongue at a whopping 9.7 mm, which is 3.9 mm more than usual. Runners looking for more breathable stability shoes should look elsewhere.

Based on our lab and run tests, Antonia satin sandals Yellow is the best lightweight option among stability running shoes. Why? The shoe blends subtle support with generous cushioning all in a lightweight package.

The Arahi 7 deviates from the standard stability shoe by maintaining an airy build. While the average stability shoe in our lab weighs 10.3 oz (293g), this Hoka is significantly lighter at 9.4 oz (266g). It kept our feet and ankles free from the heavy load.

That lightness is also amazing considering the shoe's substantial stack of 34.2/27.9 mm. While it’s not a maximalist, we felt it was generous enough for comfort and protection during long runs. 

To ensure stability, our lab results reveal Arahi 7's three main pillars: 1) the firm 26.6 HA midsole, 2) the wider-than-average landing base, and 3) Hoka’s J-Frame technology. All these elements work together to guide our foot alignment without being too intrusive.

Because of the midsole’s firmness, runners seeking a dynamic ride may find Arahi 7 dull. Those who prefer more bounce should look elsewhere.

Guide 17 blends traditional stability with innovation, serving as a subtle guide without compromising our natural stride. Departing from the conventional stability shoe, our lab shows it offers generous cushioning and flexibility in a lightweight build, earning the best daily trainer title in the stability category.

A stable shoe doesn’t have to be a burden to lift and bend, as proven by Guide 17. At 9.7 oz (275g), it’s lighter than the 10.4 oz (296g) average. Its maneuverable midsole, validated by our bend test to be 24.5% more flexible than average, allows for smoother toe-offs, complemented by the rocker design for forward propulsion.

A stark contrast from the usual grounded and firm stability shoes, our caliper reveals an above-average 34.9/27.9 mm, while our durometer reveals a 22.3 HA reading that’s almost as soft as the average. The midsole feels comfortable for any footstrike and distance.

To boost stability, it has midsole sidewalls and sole flares that guide our feet so that we don’t move excessively. The landing base is exceptionally spacious, allowing us to find our footing during off-balance strides. Our caliper shows an extra 7.5/14.3 mm width vs. the average forefoot and heel.

Guide 17 balanced support and comfort well but missed the energy return needed for speed running. We recommend checking alternatives for runners who prefer a faster shoe.

Hoka Gaviota’s 5th version exceeds the traditional stability shoe by providing incredibly plush cushioning. It seamlessly blends comfort with stability features to ensure a steady and fun ride. Our lab numbers tell the story but our actual runs cemented Gaviota 5 as our top long-distance stability shoe.

The highlight goes to the balanced midsole, with its luxurious foam that’s 46.5% softer than average as per our durometer. It’s one of the softest we’ve tested and is effective in muting ground feel. What’s surprising is how it doesn’t feel wobbly at all. The midsole feels so supportive because of the firmer secondary foam that’s integrated into high-impact areas — the arch, heel, and tip — to improve balance.

Further enhancing a steady ride is the extremely wide base. Its 125.1/106.6 mm forefoot and heel measures 11.9/16.5 mm wider than average. That’s more than enough room for stable landings! Its H-Frame helps keep us centered as well, improving lateral stability.

With a 3.8 mm thick and tough outsole, Hoka smartly extends the shoe’s life. Our durometer measures the rubber at 83.1 HC (vs. the 80.2 HC average). This means it's harder and more durable.

With a low 2.2 mm heel drop, we don’t recommend Gaviota 5 to extreme heel-strikers and athletes with lower-leg problems.

Asics GT 1000 12 defies the old-school stability shoe, focusing on comfort and flexibility. It offers a premium upper and outsole for the affordable price of $100 vs. the $139 average of its counterparts — making it our top pick for the best budget stability shoe.

Each footfall lands on the buttery Flytefoam. Our durometer shows it’s 46.9% softer than average. Any wobble is offset by ASICS' GEL which is integrated into the outer heel for support. This inspires a securely planted sensation in a very natural way thanks to its loose build. It boldly exceeds the average by 60.4% in our flex test, making it one of the most flexible shoes we tested.

The outsole strikes the perfect balance between grip and durability. Its 74.8 HC rubber is softer than average (for more traction) but makes up for durability through its thicker material (4.8 mm).

Gone are the days when stability shoes are heavy since this pair boasts a light 9.6 oz (271g). Its upper is immensely breathable, with holes even in the medial section, which is quite rare. We’re not surprised it scored the highest rating on our breathability test.

With its focus on comfort, the midsole lacks energy return for faster paces. We recommend looking elsewhere if speed is a priority.