From sports trainers to physical therapists, the best motion control shoes come with sports technologies that ensure that their wearers get the support and comfort they need while still keeping in style.
The list below was compiled considering the most important criteria for choosing such shoes, including their match with various running styles and road conditions or their convenience for different foot types.
7. New Balance 1340v2
- Material: Synthetic/Mesh
- Breathability: Yes, with breathable mesh on the upper
- Durability: Rubber compound called NDURANCE to achieve maximum durability even on uneven areas
- Stability: Dual density post with T-Beam to control pronation
- Traction/Balance: Outsole has blown rubber located on the forefront to provide traction wherever needed
- Comfort: Uses polyurethane foam inserts
- Water resistance/ Waterproof: No
- Colors: Blue/Silver
- Special Features: N2 Cushioning technology and ABZORB crash pad for the heels
One of the newest New Balance shoes, 1340v2 is branded as an “optimum control shoe,” and is reliable, which is why it deserves to be a part of the best motion control shoes list.
The loose-knit material, also present in the shoe support, has control properties that include a drawn-out web system to provide additional cushion for the wearer. Plus, a polyurethane insert, along with the patented ABZORB cushioning for the forefront, makes this shoe one of the most comfortable options available.
6. Asics Gel Fortitude 7
- Material: Synthetic
- Breathability: Extremely breathable upper and ComforDry to eliminate moisture
- Durability: AHAR rubber on the outsoles and SpEVA foam in the midsole and upper to prevent early deterioration
- Stability: Guidance Line technology in the shoes’ outsoles with anti-slip features
- Traction/Balance: Average traction through AHAR rubber
- Comfort: Trusstic System for reduction of weight of the soles
- Water resistance/ Waterproof: No
- Colors: Black/White/Yellow, Mix Gray/Black/Red, and Indigo Blue/Silver/Orange
- Special Features: Guidance Line, gel cushioning system for both rear- and forefeet, Trusstic System, AHAR rubber, DuraSponge (outsole), and SpEVA midsole foam
Most of the best motion control shoes in this list are slightly taller than the Asics Gel Fortitude 7, but what it lacks in height, it makes up for its great features. It is highly recommended for runners with severe over-pronators and is specially designed for those who like an extra cushion with every step they take.
The upper is extremely breathable with sewn-in toe cap and reinforcement overlays, and the insides have the patented ComforDry, famous for its moisture-wicking abilities. Its removable insole can be useful for wearers who need customized orthotics. These shoes come with GEL cushioning in the forefoot and heel.
5. The North Face Ultra 109 GTX
- Material: Leather
- Breathability: Poor breathability with upper and lower parts covered
- Durability: UltrATAC outsole with dense EVA foam in the midsole, allowing it to withstand harsh running environments
- Stability: Highly compressed foam in the midsole for additional stability
- Traction/Balance: Large lugs at the undersides prevent slipping
- Comfort: Mostly comfortable except for the EVA material in the midsole
- Water resistance/ Waterproof: Yes, with Gore-Tex membrane
- Colors: Various color schemes available
- Special Features: Lace-up closure, UltrATAC outsole with huge treading, EVA foam compression molded in the midsole, Gore-Tex membrane in the upper portion for water resistance, toe guard
The main selling point of the North Face Ultra 109 GTX is its stability, which makes it an excellent option for trail runners. It has a somewhat aggressive tread and an outsole with UltrATAC material, designed to withstand high abrasions.
The shoe is on this list mainly because of its high durability, which makes it a top option for uneven terrains. It also has a TPU Snake Plate. Used in the forefoot, it ensures an added protection to high wear areas.
4. Mizuno Wave Legend 3
- Material: Fabric/Synthetic
- Breathability: AirMesh breathable upper
- Durability: AP+ midsole for sturdy shoes
- Stability: Quite stable with big and deep flex grooves found in the forefoot
- Traction/Balance: Good traction
- Comfort: Forefront cushioning with Dynamotion Fit to ensure maximum comfort
- Water resistance/ Waterproof: No
- Colors: Various color schemes available
- Special Features: Rubber sole, padded collar, and tongue, responsive EL8 midsole cushioning, non-marking outsole with rubber material
This is one of the best motion control shoes currently available because it offers additional correction to prevent foot fatigue and injury. It has excellent support, which makes it ideal for those who typically run longer distances. The EL8 midsole is the reason behind its responsive cushioning, while the Parallel Wave Technology allows better midfoot transitioning.
This shoe is a huge improvement from its predecessor, especially with the thicker cushioning beneath the forefoot. It also comes with Dynamotion Fit in the upper part that goes well with the ported mesh material below the thinly woven AirMesh.
3. Brooks Adrenaline GTS 18
- Material: Manmade mesh
- Breathability: Delicate 3D Print overlays contribute to a breathable upper
- Durability: Durable enough for daily road-running use
- Stability: With Stable Pod Configuration for guaranteed stability in the transition from heel to toe
- Traction/Balance: Top-notch traction that secures balance even on wet surfaces
- Comfort: Improved Progressive Diagonal Roll Bar gives better support when transitioning, so the body stays aligned, which prevents discomfort because of over-pronation
- Water resistance/ Waterproof: Yes
- Colors: Various color schemes
- Special Features: Shoe shaft is approximately three inches from the arch, flexible and breathable mesh, synthetic materials in the upper make it structurally supportive
The Brooks Adrenaline GTS 18 is the pick for people searching for running shoes with great support combined with fantastic performance.
Designed to be flexible, this shoe is light and quick so that you can comfortably run on a daily schedule. It is well-balanced with excellent arch support and conveniently-placed cushioning. The shoe has a sleek and secure design, keeping everything light to make sure that the pair offers a comfy run.
2. Saucony ProGrid Ride 3
- Material: Nylon/Synthetic
- Breathability: Lightweight mesh
- Durability: Compression Molded Impulse EVA to absorb shock and last even when worn daily
- Stability: SRC Impact Zone designed for smooth transitions
- Traction/Balance: Good balance
- Comfort: Improved Removable foam and comfortable support
- Water resistance/ Waterproof: Yes
- Colors: Various color schemes
- Special Features: Heel cassette with ProGrid technology, compression molded EVA, and SRC Impact Zone
This Saucony product offers a rubber sole and features a patented technology known as Heel ProGrid. This enhances the comfort already provided by the shoes’ design, while the Compression Molded Impulse EVA for the midsole is for shock absorption. SRC Impact Zone is incorporated to ensure a smooth transition. The lightweight mesh uppers provide the shoes with excellent breathability.
1. Nike Free 4.0 Flyknit Running Shoe
- Material: Fabric and Phylite rubber foam
- Breathability: Marginally looser weave than the older versions
- Durability: Outstanding durability even when worn daily
- Stability: Flywire throughout the upper to secure the feet and eliminate slippage
- Traction/Balance: Improved traction at contact points
- Comfort: Extremely comfortable (usable without socks)
- Water resistance/ Waterproof: No
- Colors: More than 30 color schemes
- Special Features: Flywire for upper flexibility, hexagonal midsole for movement support, lightweight, and ventilated upper
This best motion control shoes list ends with the Flyknit 4 that is part of Nike’s Free line of minimalistic style shoes. Flyknit 4.0 is light with a low profile, and this updated version (from the 3.0 removed) resolves all the criticism of its earlier variants. This latest version adds flexibility and breathability to the already unique design.
Conclusion
Top motion control shoes should ensure the stability of their wearers and be highly functional. Our list of seven of the best motion control shoes check off these requirements and more to help you make the best pick. Don’t hesitate to share your experience with any of the shoes above or offer suggestions of products that weren’t included on the list.
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