Navigating Neutral to Maximum Stability, Stack Height, Comfort, and Support
Have you ever walked into a shoe store in Whitby, Ajax, or Oshawa, ready to pick up another pair of your tried-and-true favorites, only to find that last year’s model has vanished or been completely redesigned? You’re not alone! Many people across the Durham Region share this frustration, especially when they’ve finally found a shoe that fits their needs—whether it’s neutral, mild stability, or maximum stability, and from low to high stack height.
Every season, brands roll out new designs, tweak features, or change sizing, making it a real challenge to stick with what works. Understanding terms like “stack height” (the thickness of the sole) and “heel-to-toe drop” (the difference in height between the heel and forefoot) can help you compare new models and find the right fit, even when your go-to shoe gets a makeover.
2025–2026 Running Shoe Comparison
| Category | Brand | 2025 Model | 2026 Update / New Model | Key Change / Note |
| Neutral Cushioning | Asics | Novablast 5 | Novablast 6 (late 2026) | Annual update, more cushion |
| Brooks | Glycerin Max | Glycerin Flex | Flexible redesign | |
| New Balance | 1080 v14 | 1080 v15 (expected) | Annual update | |
| Mild Stability | Brooks | Adrenaline GTS | Adrenaline GTS 24 | Oct 2025 release |
| Asics | Gel-Kayano | Gel-Kayano 32 | Lighter, higher stack | |
| New Balance | 860 | 860v14 | 2025 update | |
| Moderate Stability | Brooks | Adrenaline GTS 22 | Adrenaline GTS 24 | Confirmed |
| Asics | Gel-Kayano 30 | Gel-Kayano 32 | Confirmed | |
| Maximum Stability | Brooks | Beast | Beast 24 (expected) | Not yet confirmed |
| New Balance | 1540 | 1540v3 (expected) | Not yet confirmed | |
| High Stack Height | HOKA | Bondi 9 | Bondi 10 (expected) | Not yet confirmed |
| On Running | Cloudeclipse | Cloudmonster 3 Hyper LS | March 2026 release | |
| Low Stack Height | Altra | Escalante Racer | Escalante 5 | Aug 2025 release |
| Saucony | Kinvara 13 | Kinvara 14 (expected) | Not yet confirmed |
So, if you’re tired of playing hide-and-seek with your favorite shoes, remember you’re in good company. While brands love to innovate, your comfort and foot health shouldn’t be left behind. Understanding terms like stack height and heel-to-toe drop, as well as the different stability categories, can help you compare new models and find the right fit—even when your go-to shoe gets a makeover.
Don’t hesitate to ask store staff about comparable options, check online for last year’s styles, or reach out to your healthcare provider for advice. We have a more extensive list of shoes by category available in our office. If you need more advice or require a running gait analysis call our office
Ready to find your perfect pair? Take what you’ve learned and step confidently into your next shoe shopping adventure—your feet will thank you!