Top 11 Stability Running Shoes of 2024, Endorsed by Marathon Experts

27 July 2024 2073
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It goes without saying that the sneakers you choose to run in are crucial. But that doesn’t make selecting the perfect pair any easier, especially if you experience aches, pains, and even injuries from running. And, chances are if you're on the hunt for the best stability running shoes, you've probably experienced all of the above. Lucky for runners everywhere, the selection for more structured and cushioned running shoes has widened greatly, and there are a lot of stellar options out there to choose from.

“Over the last decade, the traditional lines that have segmented shoes — neutral, stability and motion control — have become more blurred as new materials, shoe construction methods, and consumer preferences have shifted,” says certified pedorthist Matt Gooch, MS, C.Ped, VP of product and innovation at Superfeet. “This evolution has also coincided with a growing body of scientific research that has shown the traditional motion control paradigm is outdated and in need of revision.”

As a result, stability shoes have had a pretty massive makeover in recent years. Rather than attempting to aggressively control your form, today’s models are more focused on boosting your comfort and reducing your risk of injury. If you’re a runner with flat feet or low arches; one who experiences back, ankle, shin, or knee pain; or one who overpronates — a stability shoe might help.

With all that said, Shape's team of marathon runners put hundreds of miles into testing dozens of the latest running shoes to find the best stability running shoes on the market. Read all about 'em below.

Designed for a plush ride, the Brooks Glycerin 21 adds more cushioning than previous versions, yet still has great structure and breathability to keep your foot in place and comfortable. Shape editors tested these out and kept them on their weekly rotation because the shoes have Goldilocks padding: not too squishy, not too firm. The support feels perfect for everything from short jaunts to long runs. And, unlike other stability shoes, they don't feel clunky, heavy, or super high up from the ground even with a 10mm drop.

The brand labels these as neutral support, but our running experts and marathoners agree that they provide much more than typical neutral options, which is why the Shape team is confident in its 'Best Overall' proclamation. Our testers agree that these soles have some magnetic pull to the ground that prevents any pronation or heel craziness from happening. It's magic.

'I've PR'd in these,' says Summer Cartwright, Shape's senior commerce editor and marathon runner. 'Name another stability shoe that you can say that for. You can't.'

Beginner runners, marathoners, and everyone in between will benefit from adding these Brooks to their weekly rotation.

Sizes: 5-12 | Width: Medium, Wide | Colors: 15

Designed for reliable stability over any distance, the 860v14 is a dream daily trainer for a wide range of overpronators that just keeps getting better. The built-in Stability Plane technology helps prevent your ankles and arches from rotating inward as you step, while the updated midsole foam compound is the softest to date. “Personally, I quite like the Fresh Foam which provides just the right amount of cushion for my runs from 3 to 20 miles,” says Amanda Brooks, a certified running coach and the author of Run to the Finish: The Everyday Runner's Guide to Avoiding Injury, Ignoring the Clock, and Loving the Run.

Sizes: 5–12 | Width: 2A, B, D, 2E | Colors: 4

First launched in the ‘90s, the Kayano series is a classic stability shoe — historic, even. After a massive overhaul last year — including a totally new, adaptive stability system in the midfoot — this update is simply a few subtle tweaks: a soft and breathable mesh upper replaces the previously used knit, while a new rubber outsole boosts traction while also creating a slightly softer feeling underfoot.

Sizes: 5–13 | Width: Standard | Colors: 10

Overpronators who need a little extra support to keep their feet aligned but still want to go fast will love this 2024 SHAPE Sneaker Awards winner. The Arahi 7s have enough cushioning to protect from the pounding, while still keeping you light on your toes — and the J-frame support in the midsole gently corrects your gait in a way that feels natural, not obvious and awkward.


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