The 5 Best Motion Control Running Shoes

Not all running shoes are created equal, but most people think that’s the case. The wrong choice of running footwear puts you at a higher risk of injury and pain due to inadequate support and stability. Some people need neutral shoes while others need minimalist shoes, motion control footwear to get the most out of their running experience. In this post, we’re going to focus on the best motion control running shoes, their purpose, and how to buy a perfect pair.

What are Motion Control Running Shoes?​

Motion control running shoes are, basically, high stability shoes that provide much-needed support for runners with moderate to severe overpronation. This type of footwear includes features like stiffer heels, better cushioning, and specifically composed outsoles to support your feet and prevent injuries. Wearing these shoes prevents overpronation, a common problem in many runners. Overpronation occurs when the arches of the foot roll inward or downward. You’ve probably heard of this problem before as it is also known as a flat foot.

What to Look for in a Good Pair of Motion Control Running Shoes​

Finding an ideal pair of motion control footwear isn’t such a difficult thing to do. Just like when you’re buying “regular” footwear, you need to take some factors into consideration. For example:

Flexibility

Your motion control shoes need to be rigid enough to provide stability and reduce overpronation, but they also need to be flexible enough to make it easier for you to run. Lack of flexibility doesn’t allow you to run properly due to discomfort and tiredness in your feet.

Breathability​

Most people completely disregard breathability until they realize a pair of running shoes they bought doesn’t allow their feet to breathe. It’s always a useful idea to opt for shoes with breathable mesh.

Soles​

It’s simple, soles should match your needs. They should have a right amount of foam or other form of cushioning to protect your heels and arch from shock and impact.

Also worth considering:

The 5 Best Motion Control Running Shoes

Here are the top motion control running shoes:​

1. Brooks Men’s Beast ‘16

Men’s Beast running shoes truly live up to their beast name. Brooks brand motion control shoes offer cushioning, stability, and support that other brands find difficult to match. That is why it comes as no wonder these cemented their place as on of the best stability running shoes you can find at this moment.

The outsole of these shoes is made of full-contact rubber but the most interesting thing is that heel and forefoot are composed of different kinds of rubber. Outsole in the heel area is made of HPR rubber which is more rigid and durable than soft blown rubber in forefoot area. This is particularly beneficial if we bear in mind heels usually get worn out faster and runners need more support to reduce stress on their joints.

Besides strong outsole, the Beast shoes have a midsole that features great cushioning which provides much-needed comfort, but it also protects your foot at the same time. The upper is specifically created to provide more flexibility and thanks to the Element Mesh it ventilates your feet to eliminate odors and allow them to breathe. The interior is made in such a manner to wick away moisture and keep your feet dry, which is important for hot summer days when you sweat more than usual.

2. New Balance Women’s W1340V2 Optimum Control Running Shoe

New Balance is one of the most popular names in the athletic footwear industry. Their W1340V2 was specifically designed to provide support and stability to athletic and active women. The footwear was built to allow women with overpronation to still experience comfort and flexibility while wearing solid and firm running shoes. This is of huge importance especially because it’s difficult to find running shoes that provide both stability and comfort.

What makes these some of the best women’s motion control shoes is an impressive outsole that was composed of blown rubber in the forefoot area to provide both cushioning and traction whenever it is necessary. In addition, the outsole features Ndurance, a rubber compound, and diamond design.

As far as the midsole is concerned, it is made with the latest technology to ensure wearers experience comfort and stability at the same time. The midsole features the Abzorb foam in the forefoot area, but it also uses the Acteva Lite cushioning while the use of TPU shank or T-beam across the lateral and medial side prevents overpronation.

The upper is made of a synthetic and breathable material, and it comes with overlays whose primary purpose is to protect your feet while you are running. Thanks to the synthetic mesh, the shoes are breathable.

3. Nike Lunar Glide 8 Running Shoes

Despite its popularity, Nike isn’t a frequently mentioned name in terms of motion control running shoes. That being said, the brand has a lot to offer in this department. The Lunar Glide 8 running shoes feature a laser-cut outsole that provides targeted cushioning and an optimal support.

This model is made of a siped outsole pattern with a softer rubber than its predecessors. As a result, the outsole is flexible and improves a runner’s range of motion. The midsole was made with special lasers to enhance responsiveness and cushioning that is suitable for overpronators as well.

The upper of these shoes come with a FlyKnit wrapping and a several layers of comfortable, yet protective material to hug your feet. The lightweight mesh material makes Lunar Glide breathable. It’s useful to mention that heel stiffener featured in this model keeps your heel in place without experiencing discomfort. If you have plantar fasciitis, this is highly important. Lack of heel support can only induce pain, which is the last thing you want.

4. Mizuno Men’s Wave Inspire 13 Running Shoe

If you’re looking for motion control shoes for flat feet, then Mizuno’s Wave Inspire 13 should be on your list. Wave Inspire is an impressive stability shoe with a unique pronation control system and moderate cushioning. Bearing in mind the shoe is geared toward road runners it doesn’t have any “fancy” features in the outsole area. The outsole is made of the blown rubber and X10 material in the heel to provide bulk and grip to make your running more comfortable.

The midsole is comprised of two types of cushioning material: u4icx in the heel to improve the ride feel and u4ic for lightweight padding. The Airmesh fabric is used for the upper of this model to provide breathability. It’s useful to mention the model also features a wide toe box for extra comfort and support.

5. ASICS Women's GEL-Foundation 12 Running Shoe

ACIS’ Gel-Foundation running shoes were created with stability in mind. The outsole features AHAR (ACIS High Abrasion Rubber) in the heel area that works perfectly with DuraSponge Outsole feature. As a result, this shoe offers flexibility and ease of movement while helping you to reduce overpronation. All this is provided without adding more weight to the shoes, which is difficult to achieve.

The midsole features SpEva that makes these shoes responsive, and it helps absorb shock more effectively. What makes this shoe one of the best motion control running shoes today is the gel cushioning system that allows flexible movement through the entire foot. The upper comes with a seamless design for optimal comfort. Since there are no stitches, the shoe successfully alleviates friction and irritation.

In Summary

Motion control shoes add extra protection from injuries and help you remain active without experiencing pain and discomfort. Fortunately, it’s not that difficult to find a perfect pair of these shoes when you know what factors to consider. If you’re looking for foolproof stability and protection then you can never go wrong with Brooks. Of course, to choose the best motion control running shoes you should take multiple models into consideration and opt for the one that fits your needs most.