If you overpronate, have flat feet, or just feel more confident with a little extra guidance underfoot, stability running shoes are built for you. But the category has changed a lot in recent years. The old model — a dense medial post that forces your foot into a fixed position — has largely been replaced by softer, smarter approaches that guide your stride without fighting it.

The result is a generation of stability shoes that don't feel like stability shoes. They're cushioned, comfortable, and fast enough for daily training. The best ones in 2026 don't just correct your mechanics — they make every run feel better.

What Makes a Shoe a Stability Shoe?

Stability shoes are designed to control overpronation — the inward rolling of the foot during the gait cycle. Runners with flat arches or low arches tend to overpronate the most, but plenty of neutral-arched runners benefit from extra guidance too.

Modern stability technology comes in several forms. Brooks uses GuideRails — rails along the outer sides of the midsole that only engage when your stride moves outside its natural range. ASICS relies on a medial post, a firmer foam section on the inner side of the midsole. HOKA uses its H-Frame geometry to create a wider, more stable platform. On Running's Cloudrunner uses a new Cloud shape to optimize support at foot strike.

The common thread is support without restriction. The best stability shoes feel natural in motion — you only notice them when you need them.

Who Should Wear Stability Shoes?

You don't need a gait analysis to know if stability shoes might help you. Some common signs include knee pain that tracks inward during or after runs, excessive wear on the inside edge of your current shoes, flat arches that contact the ground completely when you stand, or a general feeling of instability when landing.

That said, stability shoes aren't only for overpronators. Many runners simply prefer the planted, controlled feeling of a guided shoe — especially on longer efforts where fatigue can cause form to break down.

1. Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25 — Best Overall

The Adrenaline GTS is the most trusted stability shoe in running. Version 25 adds a bit more DNA LOFT v3 foam underfoot for a softer ride, while the GuideRails system continues to do what it does best — quietly keeping your stride in check without feeling intrusive. The drop is 10mm, the fit is roomy without being sloppy, and the durability is exceptional. If you want one stability shoe that does everything well, this is it.

View Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25 specs on Cadence →

2. Saucony Guide 19 — Best for Everyday Miles

The Guide has evolved significantly over the years. Version 19 provides an inherently steady ride through its geometry rather than aggressive medial posting. PWRRUN foam gives it a soft, protective feel, and the new engineered upper with memory foam collar improves lockdown noticeably. For runners who want guidance without bulk, the Guide 19 is one of the best values in the stability category at $150.

View Saucony Guide 19 specs on Cadence →

3. HOKA Arahi 8 — Best for Max Cushion Stability

The Arahi 8 is a complete redesign and it's significantly better than its predecessor. The updated H-Frame system creates a stable ride through geometry — a wider base and structured foam placement — rather than intrusive posting. The midsole is highly cushioned but with a slightly firm character that feels controlled. For runners who want HOKA's signature plush cushion alongside dependable stability, the Arahi 8 delivers it in a package that feels lighter than you'd expect.

View HOKA Arahi 8 specs on Cadence →

4. New Balance Fresh Foam X 860 v15 — Best for High Mileage

The 860 is New Balance's go-to stability daily trainer, and version 15 is the most cushioned version yet. The Fresh Foam X midsole is plush and protective, with Stability Plane technology providing guidance without a traditional medial post. A gentle rocker profile promotes smooth heel-to-toe transitions, making it an especially good choice for runners logging high weekly mileage. Available in multiple widths — rare in the stability category.

View New Balance 860 v15 specs on Cadence →

5. ASICS GT-1000 15 — Best Budget Stability Shoe

At $115, the GT-1000 15 is the best value stability shoe on the market. It uses a traditional medial post combined with FF BLAST foam and PureGEL technology for a comfortable, protected ride. The stack is moderate — lower than most modern trainers — which gives it a more connected, grounded feel. For beginners, occasional runners, or anyone who wants dependable stability without spending over $150, this is the pick.

View ASICS GT-1000 15 specs on Cadence →

6. Mizuno Wave Inspire 22 — Best for Structured Support

Mizuno's approach to stability is unique. The Wave plate — a TPU structure built into the arch — prevents arch collapse and enables smooth weight transfer without using foam density changes. Version 22 adds a full layer of ENERZY NXT nitrogen-infused EVA foam for a meaningful cushioning upgrade while keeping the Wave's characteristic firm, connected feel. The highest drop on this list at 12mm makes it a natural fit for heel strikers.

View Mizuno Wave Inspire 22 specs on Cadence →

7. On Cloudrunner 3 — Best Modern Stability Shoe

On Running brings its signature Cloud technology to the stability category with the Cloudrunner 3. The new Cloud shape is specifically designed to optimize support at foot strike, giving overpronators a guided landing without the traditional bulk of a medial post. The ride is plush and bouncy — very much On's DNA — and the upper fits securely without any pressure points. The priciest shoe on this list, but for runners who want stability with a more modern aesthetic and feel, it earns it.

View On Cloudrunner 3 specs on Cadence →

How to Choose the Right One

Not sure which one matches your stride? Take the Cadence Shoe Finder Quiz — it cross-references your arch type, stability needs, foot strike, and budget to narrow it down to your best matches.

Browse All Stability Shoes on Cadence

Looking for more options beyond this list? Filter the full database by stability type, cushion level, and price on our All Shoes page.

Browse all stability running shoes on Cadence →