Need an stable, inflexible, firm shoe with thick midsole and 8-12mm drop

sdfhgs wrote:

I need a stable, inflexible, firm shoe with thick midsole and 8-12 mm drop. Any recommendations? I am willing to try any brand under US$160.00 full retail. I have already tried the two Mizuno stability shoes and these do not work for me. Thanks.

The Hoka Bondi 5 might be the best option, just keep it in mind.

But the Bondi 5 has a 4mm drop, and it might not be as firm as you want.

The problem with your requirements is that high drop pretty much equates to thin shoe sole in the forefoot.

Depending on just how much rigidity you need, you might need to change your requirement of 8-12 mm drop.

The Brooks Ghost fits your requirements to a T, except perhaps for rigidity. It has less flex grooves than similar shoes, which keeps the forefoot stiffer, but it's still nothing compared to the stiffness of a big fat Hoka Bondi 5.

The Bondi 5 is more firm than other Bondi versions, so that helps with the rigidity as well. That's my go-too shoe most days because of my big-toe arthritis.

Thanks. I looked into the Bondi 5 and this is categorized as a neutral shoe. I need some stability.

sdfhgs wrote:

Thanks. I looked into the Bondi 5 and this is categorized as a neutral shoe. I need some stability.

Shoes that fat have stability built in.

Also look into the Brooks Adrenaline, it's like the Ghost but with stability Guide Rails.

The Brooks Transcend is another stability shoe, with a fatter sole in the forefoot, but look into how flexible or stiff it is. It might be up your alley, or it might have a lot of flex grooves.

This might be a good one

Hoka Arahi

https://www.hokaoneone.com/mens-road/arahi-3/1104097.html?dwvar_1104097_color=NBEB#start=8&cgid=stability-shoes

Nike Zoom Structure

asics gel kayano

hoka one one gaviota

brooks adrenaline/transcend

Kayano.

Thanks for the ideas. This is such a great forum for good information.

What you really need is to work on your body so that you don't have to be so rigid with your shoe selection

Actually I have found that firm, inflexible shoes, no matter what kind of shoes, are best for me and appears to be for over 90% of the public. The joints in the foot do not move when the midsole is firm and inflexible. This is good. A flexible shoe will cause movement and therefore potential injury.

But a real benefit for me is the feeling of being "on top of the world". With firm stable shoes I feel stable and in control. I tried a very expensive cushioned shoe that was so soft it wobbled and I felt so out of control just walking around. Stability is it!

Also, a somewhat thick sole that prevents flexibility and provides protection from the ground is best. A bonus is a really good non-slip outsole. I have casual shoes, Aetrex (now Apex for the most part I believe) brand, that do not slide even on ice.! This can literally be a life saver. I think these shoes are mainly marketed to diabetics but they should be marketed to anyone who values foot and body health.

Adidas Tempo.

You can easily convert a 6 mm drop shoe to a 10 mm drop shoe by adding a 4 mm heel lift.

sdfhgs wrote:

The joints in the foot do not move when the midsole is firm and inflexible. This is good.

That's, like, the opposite of good. That's bad.

Unless you have some serious structural deficiencies (rigid flat foot, missing ligaments/tendons for whatever reason) limiting the motion of the joints of the foot will result in reduced blood flow and circulation to the area, which will increase the likelihood of injury.

Think, humans are built to run barefoot. Imagine trying to run barefoot over grass without bending and flexing your toes, engaging your arch, and flexing your ankle. You can't.

That said, I don't think there are many shoes that fit your criteria -- probably only the Saucony Hurricane ISO 5, if you're willing to go 5 dollars over budget.

reed wrote:

asics gel kayano

hoka one one gaviota

brooks adrenaline/transcend

+1 on adrenaline. it's been a staple stability shoe for a long time and they haven't messed with it too much.

Brooks Addiction

Not a fast shoe by any means, but you didn't ask for that. Fits all of your requirements.

Asics Noosa FF 2

Firm as a rock and probably the classic 10mm drop but quite light and not the regular asics

The Addiction looking interesting but may be too much control. I think I need to go to a running store and try on all the models.