2011 Shoe (P)review Part 2: Stability and Motion Control Shoes

If you're looking at getting into running and have never gone and bought a pair of dedicated pair of running shoes, well maybe take a gander here. We covered shoes for neutral runners last time, and that one can be found here.  Today's post is going to cover shoes for stability.  Owen...thanks for reading these first few lines.

These are usually for those that pronate either mildly or a lot, they usually don't really have too many arch problems, but these will have good support and cushioning. 

I can't remember who the person at the human performance lab (HPL) here at the University of Calgary wrote a feature in the Herald the other day.  The community is still out on whether orthotics actually do any good.  But he said what has been show is that if you feel alright about what you're doing/using you're a lot less likely to get injured.  So if the shoes make you feel good, or that the orthotics make you feel better than so be it.  It ultimately serves the purpose of preventing injury.

Today's post is going to be on some stability running shoes, in the last part of this series next week, we'll look at performance oriented shoes.

Asics - Gel Evolution 6

Asics shoes are synonymous with comfort, and they really do make some great shoes.  The great thing with these shoes is that you get a TON of cushioning, coupled with firm support that will help correct the support for those of you that overpronate.  Like all stability shoes, they're going to be a bit heavier and this weight is going to be in the heel of the shoe, but like the first sentence says, imagine pillow on concrete, nice and soft with lots of cushioning.  For those that get injured a lot, or who have been injured lots this will probably be good for you.  Because there is so much stability, you might not even need your orthotics.

Cost: ~120

Weight (oz.): 13.6 (M) 11.6 (W)

Saucony Progrid Stabil CS 2

Another stability shoe, another tank of a shoe, another shoe filled with tech to give you that stability when you overpronate heavily.  There's a cushioning unit in the rear of this shoe as opposed to cushioniny material giving it a little bit of a harder landing (hardest out of these shoes).  A lot of people don't like this shoe because it's a lot harder and the cushioning doesn't work, some say that if you break it in it will be fine.  It's a firm but heavy shoe, and you may like it.  Stability is solid and flexibility is good too

Cost: ~120

Weight (oz.): 13.3 (M) 10.8(W)

Asics Gel-DS Trainer 16

This shoe is low to the ground, and offers some pleasant surprises.  It's super cushy even though you're low to the ground.  It's a little bit softer than some of the other version that they have offered in the past.  The nested heel (something you usually see on some racier shoes) gives you a nice snug fit and the shoe moves as an extension of your foot which is always nice.  The new design, and well balanced ride is great for having to do intervals and speedwork.  This will be a greater daily trainer for those that are a little bit on the lighter side or moderate weight.  Overall it's a lighter softer version of the old one

Cost: ~110

Weight (oz.): 10.5 (M) 9.0(W)

Asics Gel-Kayano 17

The Kayano puts a soft feel on a shoe with heavy support.  There's a really wide heel which gives you good stability while giving you the cushy fom and asic's Gel which is the normal response of a neutral shoe.  There's a smooth transition into the toe off, and the lacing pattern has been modified so it goes along the top of your foot.  The soft cushioning and the fit of this shoe are second to none.  Like all stability shoes, this one is a little bit on the heavier side, so heavier runners will benefit more from this shoe. 

Cost: ~140

Weight (oz.): 12.1 (M) 13.5(W)

Brooks Switch 4

The switch is brooks' stab at stability shoes and gives you modest cushion at a cheaper price.  The cushioning is a little bit less than some of the other Brook shoes but it's not bad and soft.  Some people say they don't like the ankle collar because it's a little bit low on the padding and fits funny.  It's not a bad basic trainer, but if you pile on the miles it's not for you.  Some people have found that these shoes start to break down over 100 miles. 

Cost: ~85

Weight (oz.): 11.7 (M) 9.6(W)

Brooks Trance 10

This is an unabashed update to stability shoes giving you a fell that is a tad firm and stiff.  The midsole gives overpronators a little bit of correction and the crash pad and pillow of soft foam is great for absorbing the pounding of many miles.  There's a new lacing feature that keeps the tongue that from moving down which is always nice.  This is good as a supportive trainer for average to heavyweight runners.  It's got good fit, and cushioning that's a bit thinner but still nice.

Cost: ~140

Weight (oz.): 11.9(M) 9.8(W)

Mizuno Wave Inspire 7

Another entry from one of my favorite companies.  This is a flexible shoe that feel fast, and there's an amount of corrective support that comes with it too.  It's got a firm underfoot in the heel, and it's gone on a diet too.  The upper portion does tend to wrap the toes a wee bit tighter, not quite enough for wriggle room.  This will be good for those that have low arches, and good for moderate distance and tempo runs.  It's got a great blend of support and cushioning, while having good fit and rolling from heel to toe easily.  I'm also a sucker for how mizuno's look, a little bit flashy but not too much.

Cost: ~100

Weight (oz.): 11.6(M) 8.9(W)

New Balance 860

This is one of New Balance's stabs at stability and it's a sequel to the 760.  There's good stability for overpronators and those that land a bit harder.  The outsole has been modified so that you're on the ground for a little bit longer and there's soft rubber to give you better cushioning.  The shoe is still firm and rigid.  The stiff ride is praised as is the snug heel.  The toe box surprisingly and in contrast with most other shoes is a little bit wide.  It can just take whatever mileage you pound at it, so have at er.

Cost: ~105

Weight (oz.): 12.2(M) 10.1(W)

Nike Zoom Structure+ 14

My first pair of running shoes was a pair of nike's when I was really really tiny.  Nike has come a long way in making shoes, I mean everyone will have heard of Nike.  This shoe is a big step for stability shoes as the midsole design is good for runners who have a slight pronation when they start and are full on pronated when they land.  It's also a lot softer and more flexbile than other shoes in this category.  There's a nice springiness and a good balance fit that hold the arch and heel firmly in place.  This is going to be a plush everyday trainer for eating up the mileage.  Also good for ditching the orthotics.

Cost: ~100

Weight (oz.): 11.5(M) 10.1(W)

So there you have it guys, all the shoes that you could ever want.... minus racing ones.  Those will be coming up next week.  If you ever have any questions and you're still reading at this point, feel free to comment below.

~Cheers