Best Running Shoes for Support (2024)

1

Asics Superblast

Score: 8/10

Asics Superblast

Great stability with a snug fit, but sizing may vary.

Support

8/10

B

Ben Parkes

What I like most is the stability of this shoe, especially in the corners.

B

Ben Parkes

The shoe is on the wide side, making it fantastic for all the wider-footed runners out there.

B

Ben Parkes

Finally, this was not true to size for me; I had to go half a size down.

Comfort

8/10

Highly comfortable for most runs, though slightly firm for recovery runs.

Quotes from Reviewers

B

Ben Parkes

This is the shoe I've been reaching for about 90% of the time when I haven't been testing out other shoes.

B

Ben Parkes

The foam has felt really good from the start of the run, through the middle, and to the end.

B

Ben Parkes

It's not really great for that sort of recovery or the lower end of your easy paces.

Durability

7/10

Impressive durability, though not the longest-lasting shoe.

Quotes from Reviewers

B

Ben Parkes

It's probably about halfway through its really good life now.

B

Ben Parkes

The wear on the new outsole is truly impressive.

B

Ben Parkes

This phone has not degraded much at all.

Traction

6/10

Good traction with some room for improvement.

Quotes from Reviewers

B

Ben Parkes

The grip on the Superblast is much better than that of the Nova Blast 3.

B

Ben Parkes

They have slightly redesigned the bottom, and it's somewhat diminished, though not completely. However, the grip on the Superblast is much better.

Weight

9/10

Extremely lightweight, enhancing performance.

Quotes from Reviewers

B

Ben Parkes

It's amazing how light this shoe is, given that 44-millimeter stack height.

B

Ben Parkes

The shoe weighs 288 grams, which is super lightweight.

B

Ben Parkes

It is 90 grams lighter, which is absolutely beautiful with the Superblast.

2

Karhu Ikoni 3.0

Score: 8/10

Karhu Ikoni 3.0

Provides extra support for high arches, though less noticeable for flat-arched runners.

Comfort

8/10

The Karhu Ikoni 3.0 offers a comfortable fit with a plush heel collar and smooth fabric, though some may find the toe box material excessive.

Quotes from Reviewers

S

Seth James DeMoor

The heel collar is plushly padded and covered in a silky smooth fabric that feels really good on your heel and helps prevent blisters.

S

Seth James DeMoor

The 2021 model features a refined fit through the midfoot, thanks to an anatomical lacing system and an M-lock design.

S

Seth James DeMoor

The overall score for the upper is receiving a significant deduction because there's too much material in the toe box, causing it to scrunch up.

Durability

9/10

The Karhu Ikoni 3.0 is highly durable, showing little wear after extensive use.

Traction

9/10

Offers good traction on wet surfaces with a sole that prevents stones from getting stuck.

Weight

7/10

Feels lighter than it is due to Fulcrum technology, though it is on the heavier side.
3

Asics Novablast 4

Score: 8/10

Asics Novablast 4

Offers stable support with a wider platform, though less responsive than previous models.

Support

8/10

B

Ben Parkes

The shoe is a little bit more stable, which is not necessarily something that I want or ask for, but I do feel like that makes the shoe have a broader appeal.

B

Ben Parkes

Some people had a few Achilles issues with the last one, but now it's really nice, flared up, and very comfortable at the back of the shoe.

Comfort

8/10

The shoe offers excellent comfort with a solid lock down and versatile use, though it may run warm in hot climates.

Quotes from Reviewers

B

Ben Parkes

The new upper here is fantastic, providing a really solid lockdown.

B

Ben Parkes

There are no hot spots, no blisters, or any discomfort whatsoever.

B

Ben Parkes

The shoe is versatile, which is what I need for a daily trainer.

Durability

8/10

Highly durable with minimal wear after extensive use, though concerns about outsole softness remain.

Quotes from Reviewers

B

Ben Parkes

I feel confident in saying that these are very durable shoes and will easily last the 500 miles you hope to get out of a pair of daily trainers.

B

Ben Parkes

The rubber that protects the foam and provides grip on the outsole is also holding up very well.

Traction

7/10

Improved traction from previous versions, but still struggles in wet and snowy conditions.

Quotes from Reviewers

B

Ben Parkes

Has the grip improved from version 3, where it was quite poor in wet conditions?

B

Ben Parkes

The traction could be better; almost any trail shoe or anything with more definition has better traction.

Weight

7/10

Remains lightweight but slightly heavier than previous versions, suitable for daily training.

Quotes from Reviewers

B

Ben Parkes

This is definitely lighter than the Nova Blast 2, and it feels very similar to the Nova Blast 3.

B

Ben Parkes

There has been a slight weight increase for me in my model.

4

Saucony Ride 17

Score: 8/10

Saucony Ride 17

Provides good support for daily training with enhanced stability.

Support

8/10

S

Seth James DeMoor

The somewhat stiff heel counter locks you down really well.

S

Seth James DeMoor

This heel is a little bit clunky initially as the shoe is breaking in.

Comfort

7/10

Offers a secure fit with plush cushioning, but may feel clunky and less breathable.

Quotes from Reviewers

S

Seth James DeMoor

The fit is actually somewhat similar to the previous version, version 16, which saw a lot of changes overall.

S

Seth James DeMoor

The upper does not have exceptionally high breathability, and in this colorway, during the peak of summer, if it is really hot, I foresee this upper feeling a little warm.

Durability

9/10

Highly durable with quality construction, though lace loops may wear out.

Quotes from Reviewers

S

Seth James DeMoor

The number one word that comes to mind after testing is durability, particularly in the midsole, outsole, and the upper.

S

Seth James DeMoor

I believe the durability will be very high.

Traction

6/10

Provides decent grip on roads but not ideal for muddy trails.

Quotes from Reviewers

S

Seth James DeMoor

The grip here is certainly good in terms of road and tarmac.

S

Seth James DeMoor

There isn't too much rubber, and I think it will grip decently on wet pavement.

Weight

6/10

Feels heavier, not ideal for tempo runs, but balanced by midsole feel.

Quotes from Reviewers

S

Seth James DeMoor

Men's size n comes in at 9.9 ounces, men's size 9 at 8.4 ounces, and women's size 8 at a significant weight increase. However, this is offset because the new power and plus mile features make it feel not that heavy.

S

Seth James DeMoor

It's just a little on the heavier side, but it's okay.

5

Asics Gel-Nimbus 26

Score: 8/10

Asics Gel-Nimbus 26

Provides a stable ride with a wide platform, though not ideal for uneven terrain.

Support

8/10

B

Believe in the Run

You experience a very stable ride throughout your entire stride because of this wide platform.

B

Believe in the Run

With this plush heel counter, it will be difficult to experience heel lift in this shoe.

Comfort

8/10

Offers plush cushioning and a comfortable fit, though it may feel too soft and warm in hot weather.

Quotes from Reviewers

B

Believe in the Run

Everything about this shoe is comfort.

B

Believe in the Run

It's soft, it's comfortable, it's cushy, and it fits great.

B

Believe in the Run

I felt like the previous version just sort of sank in.

Durability

9/10

Features a durable outsole with improved rubber, though knit uppers may be less durable.

Quotes from Reviewers

B

Believe in the Run

The rubber is more durable and grippy too.

B

Believe in the Run

Something that's durable can cover a ton of miles, especially with this improved rubber on the outsole.

Traction

7/10

Improved grip with hybrid rubber, though traction is decent but not exceptional.

Weight

6/10

Feels heavier than previous models, but design improvements help mitigate the weight.

Quotes from Reviewers

B

Believe in the Run

Despite weighing 11.3 oz, it felt like a faster shoe.

B

Believe in the Run

The shoe's weight increased by 4 oz this year, reaching a total of 10.7 oz or 303 g.

6

On Cloudeclipse

Score: 7/10

On Cloudeclipse

Offers stable ride with good support, though not ideal for those needing extra stability.

Support

7/10

K

Kofuzi

The structured heel counter, with no heel lift for me, felt good against the Achilles, with no issues at all.

K

Kofuzi

The speedboard has a somewhat negative connotation for me, and now they're moving it down here, which is more like a mid-foot shank.

Comfort

8/10

The On Cloudeclipse offers a soft and cushy landing, ideal for recovery runs, with a comfortably smooth ride.

Quotes from Reviewers

K

Kofuzi

I really enjoy the way the cloudtech phase makes the midsole compress. It really squishes down every time my foot hits the ground and then bounces back nicely.

K

Kofuzi

The upper is somewhat roomy, and I really have to cinch up the laces to get the fit I like.

K

Kofuzi

If you have a taller or higher volume foot, there is a potential blister point that I've identified.

Durability

8/10

The shoe is durable, with minimal wear after 100 miles, and features an improved upper and long-lasting outsole.

Quotes from Reviewers

K

Kofuzi

The oncloud eclipse is holding up visually quite well, which is consistent with what I'm feeling underfoot.

K

Kofuzi

The rubber on the outsole is also holding up really well.

K

Kofuzi

The concern when you're cutting holes into foam is that it will create increased wear and tear.

Traction

7/10

Good traction on various surfaces with impressive grip in wet conditions, though some wear is visible in high-wear areas.

Quotes from Reviewers

K

Kofuzi

It does a really good job with traction and, obviously, durability so far.

K

Kofuzi

In some of my higher wear areas, I can see that some of it is wearing down.

Weight

6/10

The shoe feels lighter than its actual weight due to its design, but it is on the heavier side for a daily trainer.

Quotes from Reviewers

K

Kofuzi

It felt great for all of my runs, as I've been primarily doing just easy runs.

K

Kofuzi

The weight for my size 10 1/2 is 10.5 oz or 300 g, which is really getting up there.

7

Nike Invincible 3

Score: 7/10

Nike Invincible 3

Improved stability and support, but not ideal for all foot types.

Support

7/10

B

Ben Parkes

The shoe seems to have been completely redesigned, at least visually.

B

Ben Parkes

They made the midsole significantly wider around the forefoot of the shoe, which increases stability.

Comfort

8/10

Extremely comfortable with excellent cushioning, though initial fit adjustments may be needed.

Quotes from Reviewers

B

Ben Parkes

The Nike Invincible Run Flyknit 3 is one of the most comfortable sneakers on the market.

B

Ben Parkes

The shoe is incredibly soft underfoot and provides excellent cushioning.

B

Ben Parkes

I was experiencing quite a lot of slipping at the back of the shoe.

Durability

7/10

Durable with a thick outsole, but concerns about foam longevity and not suitable for trails.

Quotes from Reviewers

B

Ben Parkes

The final change that Nike made to the sneaker was to increase the thickness of the outsole rubber.

B

Ben Parkes

I am really concerned about the ZoomX foam bottoming out, especially for certain runners.

Traction

6/10

Good road traction but struggles on wet surfaces and rough terrain.

Quotes from Reviewers

B

Ben Parkes

Overall, it had no problems with traction, even in the rain.

B

Ben Parkes

If you're on a shale or packed dirt trail, you will start to get dirt between the exposed foam.

Weight

5/10

Slightly lighter but still heavy, affecting speed and agility.
8

Nike Pegasus 41

Score: 7/10

Nike Pegasus 41

Solid fit with good arch support, though lacks a carbon plate and may not suit those used to lower heel-to-toe drops.

Support

7/10

B

Ben Parkes

The shoe offers a solid fit with good arch support, thanks to the dynamic midfoot system.

B

Ben Parkes

The wider toe box provides a stable platform for the foot.

Comfort

8/10

The Nike Pegasus 41 is highly comfortable with plush padding and a good lockdown fit, though it may cause overheating and heel slippage for some.

Quotes from Reviewers

B

Ben Parkes

The Nike Pegasus 41 is one of the most comfortable running shoes I've worn in the Pegasus line.

B

Ben Parkes

The tongue on these items is nice and thick, especially where the laces cross.

B

Ben Parkes

Some users may experience overheating due to the thick padding, especially in hotter climates.

Durability

7/10

The shoe offers good durability with a solid outsole, though the upper may not withstand rough conditions.

Quotes from Reviewers

B

Ben Parkes

The shoe will last a long time. Pegasus is always due, and this hasn't changed.

B

Ben Parkes

The waffle outsole is also very durable.

B

Ben Parkes

The durability test shows that sandpaper can easily wear through this material.

Traction

8/10

Excellent grip in wet and dry conditions with a thick rubber outsole, though not ideal for very slick surfaces.

Quotes from Reviewers

B

Ben Parkes

The traction in the shoe is excellent; I had no issues walking and running in wet conditions.

B

Ben Parkes

The shoe slips at 40 degrees on the grip test ramp.

Weight

7/10

Lightweight feel despite cushioning, but slightly heavier than some competitors.

Quotes from Reviewers

B

Ben Parkes

The shoe is lightweight, making it feel less clunky despite its cushioning.

B

Ben Parkes

The lack of excessive padding in the heel helps to keep the weight down.

9

Altra Via Olympus 2

Score: 7/10

Altra Via Olympus 2

Stable ride with a wide platform, but may need additional orthotic for stability.

Support

7/10

Comfort

8/10

Offers plush cushioning and a roomy toe box, ideal for long runs, but may feel initially stiff and warm.

Quotes from Reviewers

Durability

7/10

Solid durability with resilient midsole, but softer outsole may affect longevity.

Quotes from Reviewers

T

The Run Testers

I also think the durability appears to be quite solid here.

T

The Run Testers

The Ego Max foam should also retain its resilience nicely.

Traction

8/10

Reliable traction on various surfaces with a generous rubber outsole.

Quotes from Reviewers

T

The Run Testers

When it comes to the grip of that outsole, I found the traction to be quite reliable.

T

The Run Testers

There is a generous covering of outsole rubber.

Weight

6/10

Feels lighter than expected but is heavier than its predecessor.

Quotes from Reviewers

10

Nike Vaporfly 3

Score: 7/10

Nike Vaporfly 3

Offers enhanced stability but may lack lateral support for some runners.

Support

7/10

B

Ben Parkes

It is more stable with extra support on the inside.

B

Ben Parkes

It may not be stable enough for those with specific foot conditions.

Comfort

8/10

Comfortable with good lockdown and breathable upper, but some fit issues for narrow feet.

Quotes from Reviewers

B

Ben Parkes

These are very comfortable with good lockdown and no heel slip.

B

Ben Parkes

A breathable upper with a wider toe box provides more room.

B

Ben Parkes

Some users with narrow feet may experience bunching.

Durability

6/10

Durable for race day but shows early signs of wear, especially in the toebox and outsole.

Quotes from Reviewers

B

Ben Parkes

It is durable for race day and speed work.

B

Ben Parkes

There are concerns about durability due to early signs of wear.

Traction

7/10

Improved grip with new outsole design, but may wear quickly on abrasive surfaces.

Quotes from Reviewers

B

Ben Parkes

Experience improved grip and stability with the new outsole design.

B

Ben Parkes

The outsole may wear down quickly on abrasive surfaces.

Weight

9/10

Extremely lightweight, enhancing the running experience.

Quotes from Reviewers

B

Ben Parkes

It is lighter than previous models due to a weight-saving design.

B

Ben Parkes

It feels almost weightless on the foot.