7 Best Stability Shoes for Women 2025

The Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25 isn’t just another stability shoe—it’s a mileage-crushing companion engineered for runners and walkers who demand both support and a buttery-smooth ride. With its nitrogen-infused DNA LOFT v3 cushioning, this model elevates comfort to a new tier, delivering plush, responsive landings that stay consistent over long distances. The signature GuideRails Holistic Support System shines by gently corralling excess motion without restricting natural stride patterns—making it ideal for overpronators seeking uninterrupted, pain-free movement.

In real-world testing, the GTS 25 proves its mettle across pavement, treadmills, and even light trails. The engineered mesh upper breathes well during summer jogs, while the flat-knit collar enhances lockdown around the ankle, reducing heel slippage. At 9.1 ounces (size 9), it strikes a smart balance between lightweight agility and structured support, handling tempo runs and recovery walks with equal ease. However, on technical terrain or wet surfaces, the outsole’s rubber placement offers moderate grip, so trail enthusiasts should look elsewhere.

Compared to the Glycerin GTS 22, the Adrenaline GTS 25 trades a bit of maximum plushness for a more versatile, responsive profile—making it a better all-rounder for daily training. It outperforms the ASICS GT-1000 13 in cushioning refinement and midfoot guidance, though it comes at a higher cost. Ideal for runners logging 20+ miles weekly or walkers needing all-day stability, this shoe stands as the gold standard in balanced support—a true “do-it-all” performer that blends innovation with reliability.

The Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24 remains a stability stalwart, offering a refined fusion of responsive cushioning and targeted motion control that’s hard to beat for runners upgrading from basic trainers. Its nitrogen-infused DNA Loft v3 midsole delivers a plush-yet-lively ride, absorbing impact without feeling mushy—an ideal setup for moderate overpronators clocking steady miles. The GuideRails Holistic Support System continues to impress, reducing knee and hip strain by keeping excess rotation in check, especially during fatigue-heavy long runs.

On pavement and concrete, the GTS 24 shines with consistent cushioning return and a stable heel-to-toe transition. The engineered air mesh upper offers just-right breathability, though it can feel snug in the midfoot for wider feet—something the wide versions of the Glycerin GTS address better. At 9.2 ounces (size 9), it’s not the lightest in class, but the durable outsole rubber ensures longevity, easily surpassing 400+ miles in testing. That said, the ride feels slightly less dynamic than the GTS 25, especially in forefoot responsiveness.

When stacked against the New Balance 860 V14, the GTS 24 offers superior holistic support thanks to GuideRails, while the 860 leans more on medial post stability. It’s a smarter choice than the ASICS GT-1000 13 for runners needing advanced alignment control, though it lacks the GTS 25’s fit upgrades. Best suited for runners transitioning to stability shoes or those prioritizing proven reliability over cutting-edge flair, the GTS 24 is a wise value upgrade that still holds its ground.

If cloud-like cushioning and rock-solid stability had a love child, it would be the Brooks Glycerin GTS 22—a max-cushion marvel built for runners who want soft landings without sacrificing control. The DNA Tuned midsole uses dual-cell foam architecture: larger cells in the heel for pillowy impact protection, and smaller, denser cells in the forefoot to deliver a snappy toe-off. Paired with the GuideRails system, it offers exceptional motion management, making it perfect for those with mild to moderate overpronation who still crave a plush ride.

During testing, the Glycerin GTS 22 excelled on long, slow runs and recovery days, where its broad platform and stable base absorbed fatigue like few others. The double jacquard knit upper hugged the foot with flexible, breathable comfort, accommodating slight foot swelling over time—ideal for all-day wear or marathon training. At 9.6 ounces (size 9), it’s on the heavier side, which makes it less ideal for speedwork, but the smooth heel-to-toe transition keeps strides efficient. While the cushioning is luxurious, it can feel overly soft for runners who prefer a firmer, more grounded feel.

Compared to the Adrenaline GTS 25, the Glycerin GTS 22 offers more cushioning but less responsiveness, positioning it as a long-haul cruiser rather than a daily trainer. It outcushions the New Balance 860 V14 by a wide margin but lacks its crisp stability plane. For runners seeking maximum plushness with reliable support, especially in wide widths, this shoe is unrivaled in comfort—a floating fortress for high-mileage days.

The New Balance Fresh Foam X 860 V14 is a precision-engineered stability machine, blending firm medial support with surprisingly plush underfoot comfort—a rare combo that works wonders for runners seeking structured guidance without a stiff ride. Its standout Stability Plane technology delivers lateral and medial control through a dual-density midsole, effectively countering overpronation while maintaining a smooth, rocker-assisted transition. The Fresh Foam X midsole, now with 3% bio-based content, feels softer and more adaptive than previous versions, offering a sustainable yet supportive stride.

In real-world runs, the 860 V14 excels on daily training routes, especially for runners logging moderate to high mileage on hard surfaces. The rocker profile encourages forward motion, reducing calf strain and making it a strong contender for injury-prone or rehab runners. At 9.4 ounces (size 8.5), it’s competitive in weight, though not as light as the ASICS GT-1000 13. The upper lacks the breathability of Brooks’ mesh designs, leading to slightly warmer feet in summer, but it provides secure midfoot lockdown.

When compared to the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25, the 860 V14 offers firmer, more direct stability—ideal for those who dislike the “sinking in” feel of plush shoes. It’s less cushioned than the Glycerin GTS 22 but far more agile. For runners who want a responsive stability shoe with excellent motion control, the 860 V14 is a top-tier choice—especially if you prioritize performance-focused structure over cloud-like softness.

The Brooks Addiction Walker 2 is the ultimate all-day armor for feet that endure long shifts, travel marathons, or daily walks demanding uncompromising support. Unlike running-derived stability shoes, this model is purpose-built for heel-to-toe walking mechanics, featuring the Extended Progressive Diagonal Rollbar (PDRB)—a dense medial post that guides the foot through pronation without overcorrecting. Combined with BioMoGo DNA cushioning, it delivers adaptive shock absorption that softens with impact, making concrete sidewalks feel surprisingly forgiving.

Worn through 10+ hour days, the Addiction Walker 2 proves its endurance pedigree. The full-grain leather upper resists scuffs and maintains shape, while the robust rubber outsole shows minimal wear even after months of urban use. The fit is roomy but secure, ideal for those with wide forefeet or needing orthotics. However, the heavier build (10.2 oz) makes it feel clunky during faster walks or light runs—this is a dedicated walker, not a hybrid. Breathability is also modest, leading to warmth in hot weather.

Stacked against the Adrenaline GTS 25, the Addiction Walker 2 offers superior arch and heel control for pure walking, though it lacks the GTS’s running versatility. It’s heavier than the New Balance 608 V5 but far more supportive. For nurses, retail workers, or anyone on their feet all day, this shoe is a non-negotiable support system—a workhorse with clinical-grade stability that outperforms most in its niche.

The New Balance 608 V5 is a no-frills workhorse built for comfort seekers who need reliable support without the running shoe premium. With its ABZORB midsole and injection-molded EVA foam, it delivers solid impact protection for standing, walking, or light gym work—perfect for casual wear or low-impact activities. The NDurance rubber outsole stands up to heavy use, especially in high-wear zones, making it a budget-smart pick for those who need durability without flashy tech.

In real-life use, the 608 V5 shines in environments like retail, light chores, or weekend errands. The cushioning is firm but effective, absorbing shock without collapsing—though it lacks the adaptive softness of Brooks’ DNA foams. At 10.1 ounces, it’s on the heavier side, and the breathability is minimal, leading to warmth during extended wear. It’s not built for running or fast walking, but as a stand-all-day shoe, it holds its own.

Compared to the Brooks Addiction Walker 2, it offers less arch support and motion control, but at nearly half the price, it’s a sensible choice for casual users. It’s more durable than the ASICS GT-1000 13 for non-running use but lacks its responsive cushioning. For those wanting a simple, sturdy shoe for light activity, the 608 V5 is a dependable, wallet-friendly option—a quiet performer that gets the job done.

The ASICS GT-1000 13 punches far above its price tag, delivering essential stability features in a lightweight, responsive package that’s perfect for budget-conscious runners who don’t want to sacrifice performance. Its 3D Guidance System provides adaptive midfoot stability, guiding the foot through the gait cycle with a firmer medial post and structured outsole—ideal for mild overpronators. The FLYTEFOAM midsole keeps weight down while offering surprisingly resilient cushioning, and the Rearfoot PureGEL unit dissipates impact beautifully at heel strike.

On roads and treadmills, the GT-1000 13 feels nimble and efficient, weighing just 8.8 ounces (size 12). The engineered mesh upper is soft and breathable, though it lacks the lockdown of pricier models—leading to slight heel slippage for some. The OrthoLite sockliner adds step-in comfort, but it compresses over time. While it handles daily runs well, the cushioning wears thin on long runs over 8 miles, and the outsole shows early wear in high-impact zones.

Versus the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24, the GT-1000 13 trades premium cushioning and holistic support for a lighter, faster, more affordable ride. It’s not as durable or refined, but for beginners or runners seeking a high-value entry into stability shoes, it’s unmatched. If you want essential support without overspending, this shoe is a smart, agile starter that delivers where it counts.