And how do they differ from stability shoes?

There are important distinctions between neutral and stability running shoes, and you’ll want to know which you need when you shop for new running shoes. Neutral running shoes feature little or no structural support to help offset pronation and control movement; they are designed to be “neutral” across the shoe, so your feet are free to move and flex naturally while you run. Stability shoes are designed with structures to keep your foot and ankle stable and in the correct position while you roll through your gait cycle.

Neutral running shoes are usually:

• Low to the ground
• Flexible and responsive
• Lightweight enough for race day
• Durable enough for everyday training

While neutral shoes share these general qualities, they vary in terms of cushioning, support, material, offset, and more. Saucony knows that every runner has individual needs and preferences, so its goal is to get you laced up and running in the best shoe for you. Some of the running shoes from Saucony don’t fall into just one category. Some neutral shoes are built with extra support if you need it, while other running shoes are more minimal.

Men’s neutral running shoes:

• Triumph: Built for maximum, pillow-soft comfort with a cushioned underfoot that gives you a smooth, rocker feel. Fit details help you lock in a great fit without added pressure. APMA certified.*

• Ride: Constructed using softer cushioning and a pillowy sockliner, it has underfoot contouring so your foot sits deeper into the footbed, allowing the shoe to hug your foot for an incredibly plush and supportive feel. APMA certified.*

• Kinvara: Built to feel light and keep you light on your feet, it has a PWRRUN foam midsole and PWRRUN+ sockliner to help propel you forward.

Women’s neutral running shoes:

• Freedom Crossport: For runners who like a more minimal ride but don’t want to sacrifice comfort, this super-plush cushioned shoe with a low offset (4mm) is for you.

 

• Kinvara: One of Molly Huddle’s favorite training shoes for a reason—lightweight, springy, and built to race or do repeats.

• Ride: Flexible upper offers pressure relief plus an extra-cushioned underfoot feel to ensure your feet will be happy no matter the mileage. APMA certified.*

Neutral cushioned shoes

Historically, neutral shoes have featured less cushioning and emphasized a closer-to-the-ground feel than other running shoes. The idea was that neutral shoes promoted the natural movement of the foot, and extra cushioning would presumably interfere with runners’ natural form. Today, it’s well-known that a neutral shoe can also have super-plush cushioning. Saucony has designed shoes with cushioning that’s lighter and more responsive than ever, so you can run comfortably without sacrificing speed.

If you’re looking for neutral shoes with plenty of cushioning, check these out:

• Triumph: Equipped with soft, light PWRRUN+ foam cushioning and engineered to you give you a smooth rocker feel. Generous 10mm heel-to-toe offset. APMA certified*.

Women’s Triumph                         Men’s Triumph

   

• Ride: Higher sidewalls let your foot settle into the shoe. Built with PWRRUN foam for a soft stack of cushioning. 8mm heel-to-toe offset.

Women’s Ride                                 Men’s Ride

   

• Freedom Crossport. Created with PWRRUN PB foam cushioning and a PWRRUN+ sockliner for added support and stability. Breathable, high collar wraps your foot in secure comfort. 4mm heel-to-toe offset.

Women’s Freedom Crossport                      Men’s Freedom Crossport

    

*The American Podiatric Medical Association, APMA Seal of Approval/Acceptance Program recognizes products that have been found beneficial to foot health and of significant value when used in a consistently applied program of daily foot care and regular professional treatment.

Do you need neutral or stability running shoes?

There are a few ways to tell whether you need neutral or stability shoes. First, you can visit your local running store and ask to have a gait analysis test, which is where you run on the treadmill while an expert examines your form. You can also ask a friend to film you running facing forward on a treadmill. Additionally, your shoes can give you a hint that you need a stability shoe.

Signs that you need a stability shoe:

• Your ankle rolls inward while you run
• Your knees rotate excessively inward or rub while you run
• The treads are more worn-down on the inside (or medial) edge than the outside (lateral) edge of the bottom of your shoes

If you are an overpronator (i.e., your ankle and/or your knees rotate inward while you run), you’d likely benefit from stability shoes, which are designed with a medial post on the inner edge of the shoe to help secure your foot. If left uncorrected, overpronation can lead to overuse injuries in the shins, Achilles tendons, and knees.

Even neutral runners might benefit from shoes with a bit of stability—especially during hard workouts and races when your lower leg muscles and feet tire out, and you feel your form getting sloppier. Check out these Saucony stability shoes.

Find the right shoes for you

Whether you’re looking for a neutral or stability shoe, Saucony has the right pair for you. To help with your search, use the Saucony Shoe Finder. It will match you with a shoe that fits your needs.

Want more Saucony scoop?

Be sure to keep checking the Saucony blog for tips and insights about shoes, training, racing, and more.

Ready to shop?

Shop the entire Saucony collection in sizes for men, women, and kids.