STABILITY SHOES are recommended for runners who are mild to moderate over-pronators and who generally have low to normal arches. These runners tend to need a shoe with a combination of good support and midsole cushioning.

ASICS GEL-3000
A$229.90 NZ$270
WE SAY This new shoe has a wider forefoot compared with other Asics shoes, such as the Kayano, giving the foot a broader base of support. Specifically designed for runners who have timing issues in their pronation, the firm foam stability device that runs along the inside of the shoe extends up into the forefoot. This adds to the shoe’s overall support, and delivers a great ride throughout the gait cycle. Finally, the shoe is slightly lower to the ground, which helps reduce the degree the foot sways inward just after heel-strike. Recommended for runners with low arches who want a
stable trainer.
WEAR-TESTERS SAY “Very comfortable, but heavy.” – Steve Schmilt, 22
“I liked the width of the toebox. It needs more heel cushioning, though.” – Michael Bender, 39
WIDTHS Standard–2E (M) Standard–D (W)
WEIGHT 340g (M) 275g (W)

ASICS GEL-KAYANO 14
A$259.90 NZ$300
WE SAY An outstanding update. The gel heel unit in the Kayano 14 is 25 per cent larger than the one found in the 13. According to our tests, the 14 is slightly firmer than its predecessor because of a plastic plate, which sits on top of the Gel unit and prevents the heel from feeling too mushy – our testers found the cushioning either perfect or firm; none said it was too soft. The midsole is made of new, lightweight foam that’s designed to bounce back more quickly. Recommended for runners who need a stable, well-cushioned shoe.
WEAR-TESTERS SAY “My new favourite shoe. The heel and toebox provided a perfect fit.”
– Helen Capparell, 40
“The cushioning was like running on a cloud.”
– Peter Butler, 46
WIDTHS Standard–4E (M) 2A–D (W)
WEIGHT 370g (M) 295g (W)

ASICS GT-1130
A$159.90 NZ$200
WE SAY This update boasts a redesigned upper that improves the shoe’s overall fit. The eye row, where the laces run through the upper, has been shifted back from the forefoot to provide more toe room and reduce the chance of irritation where the shoe flexes. Also, an additional section of foam in the collar helps hold the shoe snugly around the ankle. The 1130 controls over-pronation with a plastic mid-foot bridge and a firm foam post on the inside of the midsole. Recommended for runners with normal to high arches looking for a good price on a great everyday trainer.
WEAR-TESTERS SAY “I logged 290K, and the shoe shows no sign of wear.” – Mike Richmond, 42
“A terrific shoe without all the extra flash.” – Roger Pum, 61
WIDTHS Standard–4E (M) Standard–D (W)
WEIGHT 343g (M) 270g (W)

ASICS GT-2130
A$199.90 NZ$240
WE SAY Boasting an outstanding fit, the 2130 has been updated with the same improvements to the ankle collar and forefoot that Asics made to the 1130. The company also improved the shoe’s cushioning – which was confirmed by RW Shoe Lab tests – by using a new formulation of foam in the midsole and softer rubber in the forefoot outsole. The footbridge is thicker, which provides better support. Recommended for runners with normal arches or for lightweight runners with lower arches.
WEAR-TESTERS SAY “A great shoe. It fit comfortably right out of the box.” – Chris Evans Gartley, 34
“The shoe felt lightweight, but still had effective cushioning and support.” – Brian Potocki, 21
WIDTHS B–4E (M) 2A–D (W)
WEIGHT 335g (M) 270g (W)

ASICS GEL-KINSEI 2
A$299.90 NZ$350
WE SAY The updated Kinsei has a redesigned transition bridge that runs back into the heel to hold the gel units in place and extends forward on either side of the forefoot. This eliminates the feeling of falling off the heel cradle many runners experienced with the first Kinsei. The addition of Gel in the forefoot is another smart improvement, giving this update a softer feel. As the heaviest shoe in this guide, the drawback of the Kinsei continues to be its weight. Recommended for runners with normal to low arches looking for a durable, albeit expensive, everyday trainer.
WEAR-TESTERS SAY “I’ve never run in a shoe with a heel fit that’s as snug or as high as this.” – Cathy Brogan, 44
“Instantly comfortable, but they felt stiff on the road.” – Jeff Mallett, 45
WIDTHS Standard
WEIGHT 416g (M) 348g (W)

BROOKS INFINITI
A$260 NZ$300
WE SAY A terrific shoe, built for faster
runners looking for a soft fit with a bit of
added stability. The Infiniti curves up in the forefoot for a smooth toe-off. It features a stability unit positioned under the mid-foot to prevent faster runners, who land more forward on their feet, from rolling inward just after footstrike. One caution: the upper is snug in the forefoot, which turned off some of our wear-testers. Recommended for efficient runners with normal arches looking for a solid everyday shoe.
WEAR-TESTERS SAY “This shoe was stable but a bit narrow for my foot.” – Erica Wines, 22
“A nice lightweight running shoe – very comfortable.” – Jim Quaglio, 41
WIDTHS Standard
WEIGHT 345g (M) 289g (W)

BROOKS ADRENALINE GTS 8
A$200 NZ$240
WE SAY The midsole and outsole of the latest GTS are more segmented under the heel, which helps better isolate and disperse impact. RW Shoe Lab tests confirmed that this feature has improved the shoe’s cushioning. Brooks has also brought back the rounded heel outsole design that many runners liked in the GTS 6, so the heel rolls onto the ground more smoothly. Recommended for runners with low to normal arches seeking a soft, durable trainer.
WEAR-TESTERS SAY “Soft cushioning with a perfect amount of support. I love everything about the GTS 8.” – Tony Thomas, 29
“It’s well cushioned and stable.”
– Kevin Myers, 33
WIDTHS B–4E (M) 2A–2E (W)
WEIGHT 326g (M) 269g (W)

MIZUNO WAVE INSPIRE 4
A$199.99 NZ$239.95
WE SAY The latest Inspire uses a new upper design to better wrap the heel. Mizuno added a strip of stretchy fabric to the upper in front of the heel counter, which helps isolate the ankle’s outward motion and provides a more snug fit. Several wear-testers noticed a different heel fit that took a few runs to get used to. Recommended for runners with normal to low arches willing to try a new way to combat heel slippage.
WEAR-TESTERS SAY “Just the right amount of stability, but it could use more cushioning.”
– Michael McGann, 32
“After I got used to the heel fit, I really enjoyed running in these shoes.”
– Lizzy Ternes, 21
WIDTHS Standard–2E (M) Standard–D (W)
WEIGHT 320g (M) 270g (W)

MIZUNO WAVE NIRVANA 4
A$259.99 NZ$279.95
WE SAY As with the Inspire, the updated Nirvana is designed to have a better heel fit. Unlike its sibling, however, this shoe’s heel panels are completely independent. This makes the panels less susceptible to bulging outward, which gives the 4 more stability and a better fit. None of our testers noticed the new heel design, however, lab tests showed the Nirvana 4 to be slightly firmer than the 3, so we recommend it for runners with lower arches looking for a durable trainer with a great fit.
WEAR-TESTERS SAY “The gap under the heel trapped a bit of debris.”
– Kevin Murphy, 21
“It was comfortable, with good arch support.”
– Joe Hammond, 55
WIDTHS Standard
WEIGHT 370g (M) 300g (W)

NEW BALANCE 768
A$170 NZ$200
WE SAY New Balance has increased this update’s flexibility by removing a layer of rubber from the forefoot flex grooves. A longer midsole post, also new, makes the 768 more stable than the 767. Another welcome addition is the internal liner that backs many of the upper seams with mesh to reduce blisters and hot spots. A less-welcome change is the price increase. Recommended for runners with low arches looking for a durable everyday shoe.
WEAR-TESTERS SAY “Very stable, but it needed more cushioning.”
– Darleen Malkames, 51
“The shoe had a great fit.” – Mark Warner, 49
WIDTHS B–4E (M) 2A–2D (W)
WEIGHT 340g (M) 278g (W)

NEW BALANCE 858
A$170 NZ$220
WE SAY The 858 is built on a new last that’s broader in the forefoot and more snug in the heel for a fit that accommodates more runners. New Balance put a seam-free lining in the upper to help keep blisters at bay. Additional flex grooves in the midsole make this version slightly more flexible, according to RW Shoe Lab tests, while the plastic arch support now lies below a layer of foam to smooth out the feel underfoot. Recommended for runners with lower arches looking for plenty of support.
WEAR-TESTERS SAY “Good stability, but the upper needs to be more breathable.” – Sean Steffer, 22
“The inner liner definitely made my feet more comfortable, but the shoe felt heavy.” – Christopher Grages, 32
WIDTHS B–4E (M) 2A–2E (W)
WEIGHT 380g (M) 312g (W)

NIKE AIR EQUALON 2
A$240 NZ$280
WE SAY The original Equalon was a motion-control shoe, but this update is nothing like the original. We moved it into the stability category because it’s one of the softest shoes in the guide and it might not provide bigger runners the support they need. Using lighter-weight foam, Nike built this version lower to the ground. Despite the low profile, it still has a supportive midsole post to help control over-pronation. Also new in this update is a segmented heel designed to disperse impact forces. Recommended for lighter runners looking for a supportive shoe.
WEAR-TESTERS SAY “Fantastic. It had soft cushioning and good arch support.”
– Chris Hughes, 39
“I liked the way the shoe wrapped my arch.” – Rick Campa, 51
WIDTHS Standard
WEIGHT 345g (M) 300g (W)

NIKE AIR ZOOM STRUCTURE TRIAX 11+ (MEN’S ONLY)
A$200 NZ$240
WE SAY The latest Triax is built slightly lower to the ground, making it more stable. The outsole under the heel is further segmented to isolate impact forces and help the foot transition smoothly through the gait cycle. Also, the outsole lugs are thicker, allowing them to compress more and making the forefoot slightly softer underfoot. Recommended for bigger runners with normal arches looking for a soft, stable ride.
WEAR-TESTERS SAY “Outstanding stability-to-weight ratio, with lots of support.” – Mark Ljons, 34
“A good stable shoe.” – Thomas McNavage, 36
WIDTHS Standard–4E
WEIGHT 365g

NIKE AIR ZOOM STRUCTURE TRIAX 11+ (WOMEN’S ONLY)
A$200 NZ$240
WE SAY The women’s Triax is built on a new last that’s not as loose in the forefoot as the previous version. As one would expect, it’s softer and more flexible than the men’s because women are generally lighter. What is consistent with the men’s model is the slightly lower heel height for added stability and a softer forefoot. Recommended for women with normal to low arches who want a stable shoe with a good fit.
WEAR-TESTERS SAY “A very responsive shoe that moved well with my foot.” – Kimmy Marsh, 23
“The shoes were very comfortable and had a great lightweight feel.”
– Therese Blaszkowski, 21
WIDTHS Standard–wide
WEIGHT 305g (W)

NIKE AIR ZOOM ELITE 4+
A$200 NZ$240
WE SAY As with the 2007 Pegasus (September/October 2007), the new Elite 4 lost its full-length air sole to make way for the Nike+ speed-distance measuring chip. The air pad that used to stretch into the forefoot is now only in the heel. The other updates are minor, such as the welded upper overlays that reduce the chances of hot spots and blisters. Recommended as a training shoe for runners with good biomechanics or as a race-day
shoe for runners with low arches who need added stability.
“I love the fit and support.” – Adrienne Eastley, 30
“These shoes had a nice, snug fit, but the cushioning could have been softer.”
– Samantha Espindola, 21
WIDTHS Standard
WEIGHT 317g (M) 265g (W)

PUMA COMPLETE TENOS V
A$160 NZ$199.99
WE SAY The Tenos is more pliable under foot because of deeper outsole flex grooves. According to RW lab tests, the V is considerably more flexible than the IV. This update dropped nearly 56 grams, yet our testers didn’t notice a loss of stability. Puma also rounded the back of the heel, which helps slow down the foot’s inward roll. Recommended for runners with normal arches who desire a solid, lightweight training shoe with a bit of style.
WEAR-TESTERS SAY “The shoe was light and comfortable.” – Karen Gustafson, 24
“The lacing system did a good job cinching the shoe around the foot.” – Laurie Reinhart, 35
WIDTHS Standard–2E (M) Standard–2D (W)
WEIGHT 330g (M) 300g (W)

REEBOK PREMIER ROAD PLUS KFS V
A$180 NZ$200
WE SAY The Road Plus is extra stable, thanks to an updated heel counter and a plastic strut that reinforces the midsole post. Reebok’s stretchy KFS panel system now runs beneath the forefoot overlays. This allows the upper to stretch and better adapt to the shape of the foot. A cushier sockliner and an extra layer of foam give the Road Plus a softer feel underfoot. Recommended for bigger runners with low arches.
WEAR-TESTERS SAY “The shoe had good breathability, but the upper felt stiff.”
– Erica Polson, 30
“It fit well but made a slapping noise as it hit the ground.” – Gerald Hanson, 47
WIDTHS Standard–2E (M) Standard–D (W)
WEIGHT 320g (M) 265g (W)

SAUCONY PROGRID HURRICANE 10
A$239.95 NZ$239.90
WE SAY Saucony has improved the Hurricane’s soft cushioning with more independent outsole segments under the heel to better isolate impact force. Flex grooves under the forefoot are deeper to improve the shoe’s pliability, and RW Shoe Lab tests showed the 10 to be slightly more flexible than the 9. Saucony has also softened the arch wrap material for a better fit. Recommended for lightweight runners looking for a soft daily training shoe.
WEAR-TESTERS SAY “It fit like a glove.” – Christina Nichols, 44
“I’ve run in past versions, which were too stiff. The 10 has a much better feel.”
– Rob Krueger, 36
WIDTHS Standard
WEIGHT 343g (M) 283g (W)

SAUCONY PROGRID PARAMOUNT
A$279.95 NZ$N/A
WE SAY This new shoe has a full-length plastic plate in the midsole that provides a smooth transition from heel-strike to toe-off. Lying above the plate is Saucony’s Progrid cushioning system, which works like a tennis racket to supply a soft yet supportive landing, especially in the heel. RW Shoe Lab tests found the Paramount to be firm in the heel yet flexible in the forefoot. And wear-testers raved about the shoe’s breathable upper. Recommended for runners with normal arches looking for a firm, everyday training shoe.
WEAR-TESTERS SAY “A good, lightweight, comfortable shoe that breathes well.” – Joe Puluer, 48
“Good cushioning, but the shoe should be lighter.” – Kelly Stanton, 26
WIDTHS Standard
WEIGHT 343g (M) 295g (W)