MOTION-CONTROL SHOES are recommended for runners with low arches who are moderate to severe over-pronators and who need maximum rearfoot control and extra support on the medial (arch) side of their shoes. Also best suite for bigger runners who need plenty of support and durability.

ADIDAS ADISTAR CONTROL 5
A$220 NZ$270
WE SAY The updated Adistar Control is wider through the mid-foot, thanks to a new last (the footform around which a shoe is constructed). It comes with a thicker sockliner that supplies a cushier feel underfoot. This helps make the Control 5 the softest motion-control shoe in this guide, according to RW Shoe Lab tests. Adidas also replaced the previous version’s hard outsole material with softer rubber, since the old outsole was too noisy on pavement. Recommended for lightweight runners with
low arches.
WEAR-TESTERS SAY “I was really impressed with how well this shoe fit.”
– Kathy Heffelfinger, 32
“The support seems ideal for a lighter runner like me who needs added control.”
– Rebecca Boggs, 31
WIDTHS Standard
WEIGHT 360g (M) 305g (W)

ADIDAS RESPONSE CONTROL 7
A$150 NZ$200
WE SAY This update is roomier than its predecessor. It’s built on the same new last as the Adistar (left), but in the Response 7 the entire shoe has been broadened to a men’s 2E and women’s D. Not only does this supply more room for wide feet, but the larger midsole also provides the Control 7 a broad base of support. Also new are small plastic plates in the midsole under the heel. They give the shoe added stability by slowing the speed of the foot’s side-to-side movement at impact. Recommended for runners with wide, flat feet looking for a good bargain.
WEAR-TESTERS SAY “The shoe had excellent stability.” – Jon Freiburg, 37
“I liked the roomy toebox, but it was hard to tighten the shoe around my arch.”
– Jessica Kenyon, 25
WIDTHS 2E (M) D (W)
WEIGHT 320g (M) 270g (W)

NEW BALANCE 1011
A$200 NZ$240
WE SAY The 1011 is one stable shoe. While RW Shoe Lab tests showed it to be the firmest in this guide, its forefoot is surprisingly flexible. This is due to an updated flex-groove pattern that runs all the way across the width of the shoe. This, along with a new sockliner and an extra layer of foam, gives the 1011 a better fit and feel. The laces now connect to the midsole with four nylon bands (New Balance traditionally only uses two). Recommended for bigger runners with flat arches who need plenty of motion control.
WEAR-TESTERS SAY “The lacing system is awesome. Great arch wrap.”
– Brian DePath, 42
“They had good support, but they were too heavy.” – Margareta Hilton, 43
WIDTHS Standard–4E (M) Standard–D (W)
WEIGHT 403g (M) 335g (W)

NIKE CESIUM 2
A$220 NZ$260
WE SAY The Cesium uses a heel wedge angled three degrees outward to keep the foot to the outside and prevent the ankle from over-pronating, or rolling too far inward as the foot hits the ground. The design eliminates the need for more support under the arch, resulting in a motion-control shoe that isn’t as heavy and stiff as others in the category. Besides a new look, Nike has updated this version with a more snug lacing design. Recommended for over-pronators willing to try a different approach to motion control.
WEAR-TESTERS SAY “The shoe’s support was outstanding, but the heel took some getting used to.” – Brian Boos, 27
“The forefoot cushioning could have been softer.” – Sarah Melzer, 21
WIDTHS Standard
WEIGHT 303g (M) 249g (W)