What is a supportive/stability shoe?
Sometimes customers come into the store asking for a "supportive" shoe. But often, they are confused about what "supportive" actually means; some people use it to mean "good" or "cushioned", and we want to clarify what a supportive shoe really is.
In the running shoe world, supportive shoes have built-in arch support, unlike neutral shoes. This support comes from a physical buildup in the midsole that props up your arches.
These shoes are typically best for people who over-pronate but don't need custom orthotics (or prefer not to wear them while running). A bit of pronation is natural, and if you're not experiencing any issues, stick with neutral shoes. We recommend having an experienced shoe fitter evaluate your gait to see if support shoes might be right for you. People who don't excessively pronate may find the support irritating over time.
Now that we understand the difference between supportive and neutral shoes, let's explore our awesome lineup of supportive shoes!
Brooks: a different approach to arch support
First up is Brooks, with the Adrenaline GTS 25 and the Glycerin GTS 22. Brooks' GTS (Go-To-Support) system sets these shoes apart from other brands. Beyond added arch support, they feature GTS guardrails that cup the back of the heel and provide extra correction as your feet tire on longer runs.
The Adrenaline GTS is a versatile everyday runner suitable for everything from walking to long-distance training, while the Glycerin GTS offers more cushioning. Though it can be used for walking and shorter distances, the Glycerin GTS is particularly comfortable for long-distance training if you prefer extra cushioning. The DNA Loft technology in the Glycerin GTS also makes it more responsive than most highly-cushioned runners, using denser cushioning in the forefoot compared to the heel for more propulsive toe-offs.
Traditional Support Shoes
Moving to more traditional support shoes, we have the New Balance 860 V14, the ASICS GT-2000 14, and the Mizuno Wave Inspire 21. These are comparable support shoes with a few key differences.
The GT-2000's cushioning feels more responsive and lighter, whereas the 860 has a softer, more cushioned midsole. The Wave Inspire strikes a happy middle ground between the two. Fit-wise, the GT-2000 and Wave Inspire run a bit narrower, while the 860 has a more generous toe box. On the run, the GT-2000 and Wave Inspire feel more responsive underfoot and make it easier to pick up the pace, while the 860 feels plusher and more protective—ideal for longer and recovery runs.
Maximalist Support
If you need a more supportive shoe but are also interested in a "maximalist" feel, the Hoka Arahi 8 may be perfect for you.
Built with a supportive H-frame, the Arahi offers arch support, higher stack height, and a rocker bottom. The benefits of a maximalist shoe include a stiff undersole and rocker that help correct your gait and reduce flexion at the front of your foot. This can decrease energy spent per step and prevent pain aggravation for those with forefoot issues.
Highest Cushioned Support
Last but not least, our highest-cushioned support shoe is the Asics Gel-Kayano 32.
This is one of the only running shoes that's truly both highly cushioned and supportive. While all the previously mentioned shoes work well for everything from walking to long-distance training, the Kayanos offer extra cushioning to provide even more relief, especially when tackling half and full marathon distances. The extra cushioning delivers more protection and relief as you rack up the miles.
There are many options for runners who appreciate built-in support. If you need support but want to explore even more options, consider adding supportive insoles or orthotics to neutral shoes. If you have orthotics, stick to neutral shoes only unless your medical professional advises otherwise. What works best for one person may not be ideal for you, so it's always a good idea to visit an experienced running shoe fitter for a gait analysis.
Visit us at Rackets & Runners to work with our experienced shoe fitters and try on different shoes, or check us out online at racketsandrunners.ca.