Best Stable Racing Shoes For Those With Stability Needs
By Matt Klein
Background
While the stability category in footwear is a shadow of its former self, many people still need some degree of guidance in their footwear. As this category shrunk, we have sought to find alternatives that still provide some level of stability/guidance for those who need it and coined the term "stable neutral" to categorize this. The stability category used to be so broad that it included stability racing shoes and a large number of stability lightweight trainers that often functioned as distance racing shoes for many. Those days are unfortunately gone. There are no longer any stability racing shoes and the lightweight stability category has almost completely disappeared. With the complete transformation of the racing category to super shoes, many runners with stability needs may be challenged to find fast shoes that work for them.
Are Super Shoes Normally Stable?
With the complete takeover of the racing category with super shoes, many runners may ask if there are stability options among these shoes. The answer is no. While we provide some stable neutral options below, super racing shoes are inherently unstable. While everyone likes to focus on the stiff carbon fiber plates, those are not the primary mechanism that makes these shoes super and is one of the only things that offsets the other factors that make them unstable. Super racing shoes are defined by the presence of a stiffening agent (some kind of plate), a maximal stack height and a resilient/highly cushioned foam. The maximal stack height is often a part of the instability as these super light shoes maintain their weight by making the platforms incredibly narrow. A tall and narrow platform is inherently unstable, the opposite of the many maximal training shoes that have a wide base. The soft bouncy foams are also inherently unstable given their highly compressible nature. Combine a soft foam with a tall and narrow platform and you have something inherently unstable that a plate will only slightly offset. This doesn't mean that those with stability needs can't use them, but that these shoes may be difficult to use especially over longer distances when fatigue sets in.
Are There Stability Racing Shoes?
As mentioned, there are no current stability super shoes. There are a few lighter stability options that are not super shoes and have a more traditional design like the Brooks Hyperion GTS 2 or lighter stability shoes with a superfoam like the Saucony Tempus 2. There are also some stable neutral super trainers like the ASICS Superblast 2 and the New Balance SC Trainer v3 that feature a tall stack height, plate and a super foam and are light but not as light as many super racing shoes.
Who Needs A Stable Racing Shoe?
While many people will be fine with the neutral and even some of the mildly unstable super shoes out there, those with stability/guidance needs may find they need a stable racing shoe. This is specific to those who either respond better to stability/guidance shoes in general or those who notice they fatigue or are uncomfortable in neutral shoes especially over faster or longer distances. Most super racing shoes are inherently unstable with their soft soles and narrow platforms. There are a few options that create stable neutral rides, which may work for those with mild to moderate stability/guidance needs. Others who find that not enough may want to look at the few lightweight stability trainers out there that may provide them enough guidance to get through longer and faster efforts.
Faster/Super Racing Shoes For Those With Stability Needs
Below is our list of faster shoes that are more stable on the market currently. This list will be updated frequently as we test new shoes. Note: At this time there are no true stability super racing shoes on the market.
Below is our list of faster shoes that are more stable on the market currently. This list will be updated frequently as we test new shoes. Note: At this time there are no true stability super racing shoes on the market.
Stable Super Shoes
Saucony Endorphin Pro 4
Review
Starting with version 3, Saucony has turned this series stable neutral. A wider midfoot, mild to moderate sidewalls and a stiff ride provide inherent stability / guidance throughout the length of the shoe. The upper is unique with its higher volume that will work for those who need more room. This shoe will work for those with mild stability / guidance needs and is one of only two current shoes in this category.
Hoka Rocket X 2
Review
The Hoka Rocket X 2 is one of the most stable super shoes on the market. The midfoot and entire sole are wide and it large sidewalls that keep the foot centered. The upper is lower volume, so those who need more room may want to either go a half size up or go with the Saucony Endorphin Pro 4. It is also low drop and feels even lower than the listed 5 mm drop, so those who like that will be at home here while those who want a higher drop may want to try the Saucony Endorphin Pro 4 or the Hoka Cielo X1 1.0 as long as it is still available. Regardless, it is a stable racing shoe and will work for those with mild to moderate stability/guidance needs.
Hoka Cielo X1 1.0 (not 2.0)
Review
The Cielo X1 1.0 was a surprise for the whole team. While not intended to be a stable racing shoe, the lateral cut-out made the shoe laterally biased and excellent for those with medial stability needs. The larger sidewalls classic to Hoka also make this surprisingly soft and bouncy ride also stable neutral for those with medial stability needs. The strong lateral bias will work great for those with medial support needs. The second version of this shoe is now available and this version is no longer in production, which is why technically, the Hoka Rocket X 2 and Saucony Endorphin Pro 4 are the only current stable racing shoes. Version 2 is not stable at all and will NOT work for those with heel or midfoot stability/guidance needs.
Brooks Hyperion GTS 2
Review
The lightest true stability shoe on the market, the Brooks Hyperion GTS 2 is the last lightweight light stability shoe. A wider sole and rear/midfoot guide rails provide light guidance/stability for those who need it. The lighter weight and moderate stack height make this a fun shoe to turn over in, but not a super shoe as the foam is more traditional and there is no stiffening agent. For those who do not like super shoe features but still want a lighter stable shoe that can pick up the pace, the Hyperion GTS 2 is all we have.
Have questions? Send us an email at doctorsofrunning@gmail.com
Thanks for reading!
Review
The Hoka Rocket X 2 is one of the most stable super shoes on the market. The midfoot and entire sole are wide and it large sidewalls that keep the foot centered. The upper is lower volume, so those who need more room may want to either go a half size up or go with the Saucony Endorphin Pro 4. It is also low drop and feels even lower than the listed 5 mm drop, so those who like that will be at home here while those who want a higher drop may want to try the Saucony Endorphin Pro 4 or the Hoka Cielo X1 1.0 as long as it is still available. Regardless, it is a stable racing shoe and will work for those with mild to moderate stability/guidance needs.
Hoka Cielo X1 1.0 (not 2.0)
Review
The Cielo X1 1.0 was a surprise for the whole team. While not intended to be a stable racing shoe, the lateral cut-out made the shoe laterally biased and excellent for those with medial stability needs. The larger sidewalls classic to Hoka also make this surprisingly soft and bouncy ride also stable neutral for those with medial stability needs. The strong lateral bias will work great for those with medial support needs. The second version of this shoe is now available and this version is no longer in production, which is why technically, the Hoka Rocket X 2 and Saucony Endorphin Pro 4 are the only current stable racing shoes. Version 2 is not stable at all and will NOT work for those with heel or midfoot stability/guidance needs.
Alternative Stable Performance Shoes
For those who find Super Racing shoes too aggressive or find the above options still not stable enough, there are several non-super shoe options, including super trainers, that may be viable alternatives that can still be used successfully for distance races.
ASICS Superblast 2
Review
The ASICS Superblast 2 is a solidly stable neutral shoe that features a responsive midsole, a stiff ride and a wider sole. The midfoot is quite wide, which combined with the stiffness and sidewalls make for a solidly stable neutral ride. The sidewalls are also particularly high, making this a great faster training / racing option even for those with mild to moderate stability / guidance needs. The upper is lower volume and may not work for those wanting more room, especially up front. However, this is one of the lightest stable shoes on the market for those who also want to run fast or race on top of training.
New Balance FuelCell SC Trainer v3
Review
While this is the heaviest of the shoes listed here, the New Balance SC Trainer v3 is a viable super trainer option for those wanting a shoe that can handle longer and uptempo efforts. Featuring one of the widest soles out there from the heel to the midfoot, the combined parallel layers of FuelCell with the large center guide line and stiff plate make the shoe highly stable. Mild sidewalls sit on both sides of the foot and a firmer ride for how tall the midsole is further stabilizes the shoe. The upper does fit slightly short and many people may want to go a half size up. Regardless, this shoe can handle faster efforts and is a great stable alternative for thsoe with mild to moderate stability needs.
For those who find Super Racing shoes too aggressive or find the above options still not stable enough, there are several non-super shoe options, including super trainers, that may be viable alternatives that can still be used successfully for distance races.
ASICS Superblast 2
Review
The ASICS Superblast 2 is a solidly stable neutral shoe that features a responsive midsole, a stiff ride and a wider sole. The midfoot is quite wide, which combined with the stiffness and sidewalls make for a solidly stable neutral ride. The sidewalls are also particularly high, making this a great faster training / racing option even for those with mild to moderate stability / guidance needs. The upper is lower volume and may not work for those wanting more room, especially up front. However, this is one of the lightest stable shoes on the market for those who also want to run fast or race on top of training.
New Balance FuelCell SC Trainer v3
Review
While this is the heaviest of the shoes listed here, the New Balance SC Trainer v3 is a viable super trainer option for those wanting a shoe that can handle longer and uptempo efforts. Featuring one of the widest soles out there from the heel to the midfoot, the combined parallel layers of FuelCell with the large center guide line and stiff plate make the shoe highly stable. Mild sidewalls sit on both sides of the foot and a firmer ride for how tall the midsole is further stabilizes the shoe. The upper does fit slightly short and many people may want to go a half size up. Regardless, this shoe can handle faster efforts and is a great stable alternative for thsoe with mild to moderate stability needs.
Saucony Tempus 2
Review
The lightest stability shoe with a super foam, the Saucony Tempus is a moderate stability lighter weight training shoe with a dual density PWRRUN and PWRRUN PB midsole designed to keep you centered. There is no plate but the ride is slightly stiff. Regardless, there is enough stability here throughout the length of the shoe from the internal geometry for those with mild to even higher stability needs. A snug fit keeps you locked on the platform and is especially good for those with narrow feet. The PWRRUN PB combo midsole provides a responsive but firmer ride for those looking to go long or faster.
Review
The lightest stability shoe with a super foam, the Saucony Tempus is a moderate stability lighter weight training shoe with a dual density PWRRUN and PWRRUN PB midsole designed to keep you centered. There is no plate but the ride is slightly stiff. Regardless, there is enough stability here throughout the length of the shoe from the internal geometry for those with mild to even higher stability needs. A snug fit keeps you locked on the platform and is especially good for those with narrow feet. The PWRRUN PB combo midsole provides a responsive but firmer ride for those looking to go long or faster.
Adida Supernova Solution 2
Review Coming Soon!
While the Adidas Supernova Solution 2 is meant as a training shoe, it has a much lighter weight than most stability shoes (rivaling the Tempus 2 above) and has a full-length Dreamstrike+ PEBA foam midsole. As one of only two lightweight stability shoes with PEBA midsole, the Supernova Solution 2 sits as a mild stability shoe with mild medial and lateral sidewalls and dual-density support rods that add structure to the midfoot and heel. The forefoot is more flexible, so those who can handle more motion and don't need a stiffening agent or plate will do best. The PEBA midsole does respond well and is softer, so those who want a normal to slightly wider fitting upper (it stretches a little) with a more forgiving ride may enjoy this over longer and faster miles.
Review Coming Soon!
While the Adidas Supernova Solution 2 is meant as a training shoe, it has a much lighter weight than most stability shoes (rivaling the Tempus 2 above) and has a full-length Dreamstrike+ PEBA foam midsole. As one of only two lightweight stability shoes with PEBA midsole, the Supernova Solution 2 sits as a mild stability shoe with mild medial and lateral sidewalls and dual-density support rods that add structure to the midfoot and heel. The forefoot is more flexible, so those who can handle more motion and don't need a stiffening agent or plate will do best. The PEBA midsole does respond well and is softer, so those who want a normal to slightly wider fitting upper (it stretches a little) with a more forgiving ride may enjoy this over longer and faster miles.
Brooks Hyperion GTS 2
Review
The lightest true stability shoe on the market, the Brooks Hyperion GTS 2 is the last lightweight light stability shoe. A wider sole and rear/midfoot guide rails provide light guidance/stability for those who need it. The lighter weight and moderate stack height make this a fun shoe to turn over in, but not a super shoe as the foam is more traditional and there is no stiffening agent. For those who do not like super shoe features but still want a lighter stable shoe that can pick up the pace, the Hyperion GTS 2 is all we have.
Have questions? Send us an email at doctorsofrunning@gmail.com
Thanks for reading!
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