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Top 10 Stability Shoes

By , About.com Guide

Updated March 20, 2013

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Stability shoes are more flexible than a motion control shoe while providing good support and durability. These shoes are for people who do not have severe motion control problems and mid-weight people. They tend to have a thick heel, which is not needed by walkers. The shoes listed are quality shoes with a good track record. Get your shoes fitted by an expert to find the pair that is right for you.

1. New Balance 846

New Balance 844courtesy of Pricegrabber

This series from New Balance has been a favorite for cushioning and stability among walkers polled. They cite comfort and flexibility, making it the shoe they buy again and again.

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2. Saucony ProGrid Omni 11

Saucony ProGrid Omni 11Courtesy of Pricegrabber
This is the running version of the Omni. For fall, 2012 they have reduced the weight and the heel drop, making it better for walkers, who need a lower heel than runners. This trend in running shoes should benefit walkers who like to wear them. It provides good stability and still isn't exactly a lightweight shoe, so it should hold up for those of us carrying extra pounds.
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3. Mizuno Wave Alchemy

Mizuno Wave Alchemycourtesy of Pricegrabber
The Alchemy is consistently rated as one of the best stability shoes on the market, year after year. The 12 edition has more cushioning, although it still feels very firm. It has a new lacing system for a tighter fit. It's a shoe that will last longer for larger walkers.
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4. Saucony ProGrid Guide 5

Saucony ProGRID Guide 5Courtesy of Pricegrabber

The Guide is flatter than most walking/running shoes, with an 8 mm heel drop, while still providing stability and cushioning. Flatter shoes are better for achieving a good heel plant and roll through your step with a powerful walking stride. The Guide is also lighter in weight than many stability shoes. It comes in both medium and wide widths.

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5. New Balance WW860 Walking Shoes

New Balance WW860 ShoesCourtesy of Pricegrabber

The New Balance 860 is an update to their 760 series. The shoes are lightweight, flat and flexible, perfect for a walking stride. They have a Stride Bar to provide motion control. As with most New Balance shoes, they come in widths for a better fit. I found them to be very comfortable, but are best for people who overpronate and need motion control.

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6. Asics GT-2000

Asics GT-2000 ShoeCourtesy of Pricegrabber
Asics renumbered its shoes and this is the update to the GT-2170. This walking shoe is flat and flexible but also provides stability and cushioning. It is available in widths. It also comes in a trail version if you want to take it off-road.
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7. Saucony GRID Omni

Saucony GRID OmniCourtesy of Pricegrabber
A wide forefoot makes this a favorite for women. The Running Network gives it their Gold Medal Award among stability shoes. It now comes in two versions for stability and ultimate stability.
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8. Brooks Trance

Brooks TranceCourtesy of Pricegrabber
The Trance provides stability with lots of cushioning. It has lots of toe room. It has and enough cushioning and structure for medium to large sized walkers and runners. The list price is expensive but you can often find it on sale.
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9. Brooks Adrenaline GTS

Brooks Adrenaline GTSCourtesy of Pricegrabber
The Adrenaline is a well-cushioned stability shoe. It is very flexible in the forefoot, as is needed by walkers. As expected for a traditional stability shoe, it is not lightweight, weighing in at 11 ounces per shoe. It provides a feeling of arch support for those who need it. If you like the regular version, it also comes in GTX waterproof version.

10. New Balance 870v2

New Balance 870v2 ShoesCourtesy of Pricegrabber
Great stability but lightweight? Yes, New Balance is using REVlite foam, reducing shoe weight by 30% With the 870v2, the shoe weight is down to 8.4 ounces. This shoe also provides some motion control for overpronators. For those who need wide shoes, they also come in wide.
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