When you select a pair of shoes, particularly for walking or running two major factors will influence your choice. The first is body mechanics, which is your degree of pronation, how much your foot rolls towards the middle of your body when you walk or run.
Second is your body size which is the weight that your feet have to carry which in some cases can cause flat feet or fallen arches. Shoes are the most important piece of equipment for someone that walks or runs; they provide grip, stability, comfort, and flexibility.
When your feet overpronate every time your foot hits the ground when walking or running for an extended period, you can suffer severe damage or even sustain an injury. Motion control and stability shoes both address this issue, they both aid in correcting pronation at different levels and degrees.
What is Motion Control in a Shoe
Shoes that are labeled “Motion Control” shoes in the shoe industry refers to the most corrective shoes in that range.
Motion Control shoes are designed specifically to correct and reduce excess motion and overpronation. Overpronation is mostly suffered by people with flat feet or fallen arches.
With runners and people who walk quite a bit overpronation, and flat feet can cause the knees and ankles to torque inwards which can create further problems.
Pronation and Motion Control Shoes
Here are some Differences between pronation and Motion Control Shoes and Their Requirements;
- Pronation Is – Pronation refers to the inward movement of your foot as it rolls when you walk or run in order to distribute the force of the impact of the ground. Your foot rolls inward and comes into complete contact with the ground, supporting your body weight.
- Pronation is a critical function for proper shock absorption helping you’re to push off evenly from the front of your foot.
Overpronation and Underpronation – Pronation is a natural motion of your foot, but the size and shape of your arch can affect pronation by either causing under-pronation (Supination) or over-pronation.
Overpronation and its Requirements – With normal pronation, your foot only rolls inward about fifteen percent and the outside of the heel makes the initial contact with the ground. With overpronation, your foot rolls inward more than the fifteen percent as with normal pronation. This, in turn, means that your feet and ankles struggle to stabilize your body and there is no efficient shock absorbency. At the end of the gait cycle, your foot pushes off the ground using mainly the big and second toe rather than the entire forefoot causing more work for the second and big toe. Overpronation can cause many foot conditions and deformities as well as injuries. Wearing the correct shoes when walking or running when you overpronate is absolutely critical.Shoes that have straight or semi-curved lasts and arch supports, along with good motion control features are your best option. A person who overpronates should always opt for a shoe that has motion control characteristics.
Normal Pronation – A person with a normal arch will do best with a stability shoe and does not need much motion control, whereas a person with a flat foot or low arch will require a motion control shoe as they tend to overpronate.
Cushioning – Individuals who supinate or under pronate have a higher arch and need more cushioning and natural foot motion.
Motion Control – A Motion Control Shoe is the best option for someone who overpronates or has a flat foot and lower arch.
What Characterises a Good Motion Control Shoe
Shoes designed for motion control have a much thicker midsole that is made off a hard material constructed and designed to correct your gait which prevents your stride from rolling inward when your weight is transferred from your heel to your forefoot.
Furthermore, because of the thicker midsole, a motion control shoe is also heavier and much more durable than your average running or walking shoe.
Another characteristic of a motion control running or walking shoe is the dense midsole material which usually consists of graphite, plastic or midsole foam.
Reviews: Best Motion Control Shoes
We have compiled a list of some of the best available walking and running shoes for women that have been labeled as motion control shoes;
If you are looking for a shoe with extra stability and better cushioning, you should consider the ASICS Gel Foundation 13.
Top Features:
- The upper portion of this shoe is manufactured from synthetic leather and mesh material which improves breathability.
- This shoe has two layers of memory foam that have been molded within the shoe in order for you to enjoy a perfectly personalized fit.
- A dual-density DuoMax midsole provides excellent support and stability when you are walking.
- The ASICS Gel Foundation cushioning feature has been specially incorporated, so that, it can absorb the shock from the rear as well as forefoot when you take a step.
- A ComforDry sock liner to keep your feet dry and fresh.
- A durable outsole for good grip on any surface.
1 Motion Control Stability Walking Shoe
The Saucony Cohesion shoe has incorporated a great mid-sole technology feature called the PowerGrid, which improves the overall walking experience.
Top Features:
- A soft and light premium foam PowerGrid Midsole cushion.
- The SAC crash pad provides many flawless transitions and firmer heel support.
- The upper portion of the shoe has been constructed with signature technology from lightweight and breathable materials.
- It also has the additional arch-lock and support frame feature, which ensures that you get a superior fit.
- The Comfortlite Sockliner helps to absorb moisture and keep your feet fresh and dry.
- Ann 8mm offset, which places the heel and the rest of the foot at the same height and distributes the cushioning more evenly. Thus, your body remains in a more balanced and comfortable position.
- A durable and sturdy rubber outsole.
2 Motion Control Running Shoes
Mizuno, a company, found in 1906, has always been quite popular in the sports world. The Mizuno Wave Enigma 5 has a great supportive design, which provides an excellent balance to your body while you walk or run.
Top Features:
- Breathable and lightweight synthetic and mesh uppers.
- The Composite Double Fan Wave Technology ensures proper support and stability.
- The mid-sole has a wider base giving you more comfort when running or walking.
- The upper part of the shoe is constructed from synthetic and mesh, which ensures high durability, breathability, and comfort.
- A Vegan Shoe which is eco-friendly.
- A rubber sole that is durable and comfortable.
- The Smooth Ride Engineering will give your feet a smooth rocking-chair-like transition from heel to toe with each step you take.
- A Dynamotion Fit helps the upper part of your foot to move smoothly, with the rest of the foot through the stride correcting any offset.
- Available in different colors.
3 Walking Shoe with Motion Control
The Addiction Walker provides the perfect fit and comfortable support for an everyday walking shoe.
The Brooks motion control walking shoe has been specially constructed for supporting the lower arches and keeping pronation under control.
Top Features:
- A great Hydroflow feature in the rearfoot and forefoot, which provides a cushion to the foot and acts as a great shock absorber.
- The special award-winning MoGo midsole feature further improves the cushioning; it also helps to decrease the degree of shock felt while you are landing and taking off your feet when walking.
- The signature PDRB triple-density feature which is incorporated on the medial side of the shoe gives it a higher level of stability.
- For the better cushioning and flexibility, the company has used a durable, energy-efficient midsole compound.
- A slip-resistant outsole helps to improve your balance in the wet weather.
- Available in three different colors
4 Motion Control Walking Shoe
The New Balance 940 is one of the best motion control and shock absorbing running shoe available today.
These shoes are designed for people who are moderate or severe overpronators.
Top Features:
- The unique N2 low-to-the-ground cushioning system enhances support and shock absorbency.
- The medial post is built with the new ‘Stabilicore’ technology to ensure maximum stability.
- An Antimicrobial OrthoLite footbed that prevents foot odor and undesired bacteria.
- A very lightweight but sturdy and long-lasting shoe.
- A rubber outsole and forefoot flex grooves for better grip and traction.
5 Motion Control Running Shoe
A breathable and supportive running shoe, that will offer you the best motion control to realign your stride. The Vionic Orthaheel has a motion controlling footbed that also offers you exceptional contoured arch support.
Top Features:
- The uppers of this shoe are breathable and the shoe is also lined with a mesh lining and sock liner to enhance breathability further.
- The mesh covered EVA footbed ensures cool and fresh comfort.
- The outsole is exceptionally flexible and durable as well as offering excellent traction.
- This shoe provides superior arch support with the Orthaheel technology and contoured footbed.
6 Motion Control Walking and Running Shoes
The Brooks Beast and Ariel are both exceptional motion control running or walking shoe choices, with all the technology you will require in a motion control shoe.
Top Features:
- Mesh and synthetic uppers that are breathable and flexible.
- A structured saddle for adjustable support.
- A super heel counter for foot stability and DNA midsole that offers cushioned support.
- An extended Diagonal Rollbar for better motion control.
- The HPR green outsole is skid and abrasion resistant, as well as slip resistant on wet surfaces and environmentally friendly.
Enjoy the run of your life, with the cushioned comfort and slight motion control guaranteed by the Saucony Redeemer ISO 2.
Top Features:
- Mesh and synthetic uppers that are lightweight and breathable.
- The ISOFIT system creates a dynamic fit that adapts to the shape and motion of your feet, for better control and stability.
- An EVERUN topsole enhances energy return and provides continuous cushioned comfort.
- A durable and high traction outsole, and an external support frame for a better fit.
These are absolutely stunning trail walking, or if you may, hiking shoes. In addition, they offer superior motion control and stability features.
Top Features:
- Breathable, lightweight and quick-drying mesh uppers.
- A technical Michelin sole with a special OCX compound to improve grip.
- Motion Guidance technology joining the sole and midsole for more natural movement.
- The Anti-Rock heel cup holds your heel in place for better stability on all terrains.
- Lastly, there is a cushioned Ortholite footbed with a moisture-wicking lining to keep you cool and comfortable.
9 walking Shoe With Rollbar for Motion Control
From New Balance, we have the superb Rollbar technology which is ideal in a running shoe that controls motion.
Top Features:
- Lightweight synthetic and mesh uppers.
- A durable and high traction rubber outsole.
- Features ROLLBAR technology and stability features to control motion.
- Ortholite foam footbed and ABZORB cushioning for comfort and shock absorbency.
A shoe for walking from Saucony with an Omni Grid fit for stability and motion control.
Top Features:
- Leather and textile uppers are comfortable and durable.
- A durable high traction rubber outsole.
- A biomechanical fit and rearfoot Grid system for stability and motion control.
- Comfortable cushioned walking and casual wearing sneaker.
With the above selection you cannot go wrong, these are the best available walking and running shoes with motion control that you will find. In this list, there are some great brand names with exceptional reviews and high ratings.
Index Table: Top Rated Motion Control Walking & Running Shoes
| No. | Shoe | Men | Women | Brand | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Asics - Motion Control Stability Walking Shoe |
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Asics | 90 |
| 2 | Saucony - Motion Control Running Shoes |
|
|
Saucony | 90 |
| 3 | Mizuno - Walking Shoe with Motion Control |
|
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Mizuno | 90 |
| 4 | Brooks - Motion Control Walking Shoe |
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Brooks | 90 |
| 5 | New Balance - Motion Control Running Shoe |
|
|
New Balance | 92 |
| 6 | Vionic Orthaheel - Motion Control Walking and Running Shoes |
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Vionic Orthaheel | 90 |
| 7 | Saucony - Running Shoe with Motion Control |
|
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Saucony | 90 |
| 8 | Salewa - Trail Walking and Running Shoe |
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Salewa | 90 |
| 9 | New Balance - walking Shoe With Rollbar for Motion Control |
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New Balance | 90 |
| 10 | Saucony - Motion Control Running Shoe |
|
|
Saucony | 90 |
