Details
Brand
Saucony
Heel To Toe Drop
8 mm
Breathability
8/10
Latest Version
Yes
Terrain
Road
Type
Stability
Key Features
• IBR+ technology in outsole provides extra cushion• Durable XT-900 technology in outsole provides great traction• SAUC-FIT allows for snug and secure fit• PowerGrid replaces ProGrid in midsole and enhances shoe’s cushioning• Super Rebound Compound provides even more cushion• Breathable mesh upper• HydraMAX lining helps wick away moisture• Comfortlite Sockliner adds another layer of cushioning• Stability Arch-Lock attaches to lacing system helps customize the fit and secure wearer’s foot• Large medial post for maximum stability• Available in wide widths
Upper
The Saucony Stabil CS 3’s upper has remained mostly the same. The upper is made of a breathable mesh. The visible mesh helps to ventilate and cool off the wearer’s foot. The shoe also contains HydraMAX lining which helps to wick moisture and prevent odors from forming and sticking around. In addition, the interior of the shoe features a Comfortlite Sockliner which adds another layer of cushioning for the wearer. The upper also has the Stability Arch-Lock. The flexible material attaches to the lacing system helping to make the fit of the shoe adjustable.
Midsole
The Saucony Stabil CS 3 contains a lot of cushioning in its midsole. Since the previous version of the shoe, the midsole has gotten a complete makeover. The improvements to the midsole include better impact protection, enhanced cushioning, and a more responsive feel.;The midsole is constructed using SAUC-FIT technology. This technology allows for a very snug and secure fit. The foot is well locked-down while still providing the wearer with some wiggle room. The shoe also features PowerGrid technology. This tech replaces the previous ProGrid technology. This feature enhances the shoe’s soft cushioning. In addition, the midsole also contains a component called the Super Rebound Compound which provides, even more, cushion for the wearer.
Outsole
The outsole of the Saucony Stabil CS 3 features iBR+ technology. The material is made of special rubber that adds some padding underfoot while still remaining lightweight. The shoe also features XT-900 technology which provides fantastic traction underfoot. The material also helps protect the shoe against regular wear and tear.;The outsole has been revamped a little since the last version of the shoe. The new sole contains more cushion than previously. It is also a lot more durable without adding weight to the shoe. The wide outsole provides full ground contact which helps with stability and traction.
Breathability
The Saucony Stabil CS 3’s mesh upper offers great ventilation, even when the weather is unseasonably warm. The breathable mesh found throughout the upper helps to keep the wearer’s foot cool and dry. The HydraMAX lining helps to wick away moisture and keep smells at bay. Some reviewers did find the toe box was a bit too tight and felt cramped even when they sized up a bit. Fortunately, the shoe is available in a wide width so if you happen to have wide, flat feet, Saucony has got you covered with the Stabil CS 3.
Comfort
The Saucony Stabil CS 3 is a very comfortable shoe and this new iteration in the lineup offers an even more comfortable experience. Reviewers enjoyed the ample soft cushioning. The well-padded Stabil CS 3 is a good option for serious overpronators looking to run long distances. The thickly cushioned Comfortlite Sockliner insole is removable but if kept in it provides another layer of comfort for the wearer.;The snug toe box was an issue for quite a few runners. Even when sizing up some runners found the narrow forefoot very uncomfortable. Thankfully, the Stabil CS 3 is available in wide widths. Reviewers who found the right fit for them were happy to report that their runs were pain-free and plush underfoot.
Style
You won’t find too many sleek looking options in the motion control category. The Saucony Stabil CS 3 is no exception. It’s not the ugliest looking of the bunch, but it still looks fairly bulky. In addition, the color options aren’t anything special and the design is pretty dull. Still, the bulky look is a bit deceiving. The Stabil CS 3 is a pretty lightweight shoe considering its categorization. Many reviewers were pleasantly surprised when trying the shoe for the first time. They found the shoe was much lighter than they expected. Though, some runners may find the heavy look of the shoe to be a deal breaker.
Durability
The Saucony Stabil CS 3 is a well-constructed shoe. The outsole features iBR+ technology, a special rubber that not only adds cushioning underfoot but keeps the weight of the shoe down since it’s so lightweight. The outsole also features XT-900 technology which protects the sole of the shoe from wear and tear. The Saucony Stabil CS 3 is meant to last.;There were no complaints from reviewers regarding the mesh upper, it’s tough enough to keep up with the rest of the shoe. The cushioning is also meant to stay fresh and provide soft padding for miles of use.
Protection
The Saucony Stabil CS 3 offers its first layer of protection with its durable rubber outsole. The full contact outsole is meant to keep runners grounded and moving forward. The Stabil CS 3 also offers protection in the form of cushioning underfoot and there’s a lot of it. The iBR+ technology in the outsole provides a nice layer of cushion. Then the ample full-length midsole cushion keeps runners protected from the impact of each footfall. The Stabil CS 3 is made for severe overpronators but is also a good option for injured runners thanks to its well-padded base. The majority of reviewers found their pain (if they had any to begin with) was significantly eased when running in the Stabil CS 3.
Responsiveness
The Saucony Stabil CS 3 is much more responsive than previous versions. The shoe still lacks energy-return overall but runners looking for serious pronation control will be happy with the improvement. The midsole’s Super Rebound Compound provides a significant amount of soft cushioning that also happens to provide energy return as well.;The ground-feel leaves something to be desired. That’s to be expected, though. The chunky midsole and hefty construction aren’t really made to provide a close-to-the-ground experience. Most runners weren’t phased by this since most runners are well aware of the kind of shoe they are getting when they venture into the world of motion control.
Support
Obviously, the Saucony Stabil CS 3 is a very supportive shoe. The snug fitting upper fits securely around the wearer’s foot. If fitted correctly, the upper supports the wearer without causing uncomfortable pressure points. The fit can be instantly laced down thanks to its unique lacing system which is connected to the Stability Arch-Lock. The flexible material allows for a completely customized fit. The full-length midsole cushioning also provides a supportive base for the wearer. In addition, the wide outsole helps to keep runners grounded and moving forward without feeling unstable. Runners should feel at ease when running in the Saucony Stabil CS 3, especially those that are flat-footed. The shoe provides great arch support as well.
Terrain
The Saucony Stabil CS 3 has a durable rubber outsole that ensures a long-lasting wear experience. Runners will feel stable when running on various types of surfaces. The Saucony Stabil CS 3 is not a trail shoe by any means. Underfoot, fairly flat treads are noticeable but they’re not made for aggressive off-road running. Still, the outsole’s XT-900 technology provides enough grip underfoot to handle varied terrain.;Stay off technical trails and you should be fine while running on most surfaces. Wet and rainy weather also shouldn’t be a problem for the Stabil CS 3. As always, we recommend being extra careful in icy conditions, no matter what shoe you’ve chosen for training.
Price
The Saucony Stabil CS 3, like many motion control shoes, features a hefty price tag. The high price point is fair, though, considering the many features offered. The durable package provides supportive, comfortable cushioning, and offers excellent stability for serious overpronators. The highlight of the Saucony Stabil CS 3 is that despite all these corrective features, the shoe also happens to be fairly lightweight.;The much-improved iteration of the Stabil CS is worth the price tag if you’re in need of extra shock absorption and good support. The shoe is built to last so it’s a good choice for someone looking to train for a long distance race like a marathon.
Drop
The Saucony Stabil CS 3 features an 8mm drop. This is a significant difference from the previous iteration of the Stabil CS 3. Previous models all had a 12mm drop. The shoe was one of the last in the Saucony lineup to be changed to their now standard 8mm drop.;To decrease the heel to toe drop, they opted to raise the forefoot instead of lowering the heel to the ground. This is still a shoe geared towards heel strikers. The increased forefoot height also provided more room for cushioning, making the third version of the Stabil CS the most well-cushioned so far.
Stability
The Saucony Stabil CS 3 is a motion control shoe so, naturally, it provides the highest level of stability. The Saucony Stabil CS 3 is made for runners looking to correct severe overpronation. The full-length cushioning provides a stable and supportive base for the wearer. The full-contact outsole provides excellent traction keeping the wearer grounded.;The upper also provides a locked down feel thanks to the Stability Arch-Lock feature which is connected to the lacing system. Most notably, the Stabil CS 3 also provides stability in the form of a large medial post. This feature helps to correct unwanted inward rolling of the ankle. And, of course, the shoe also provides plenty of arch support for flat footed runners.
Flexibility
One of the biggest complaints regarding the Saucony Stabil CS 3 is that the shoe is fairly rigid and stiff. This is a common complaint when it comes to motion control shoes. Saucony has improved on this point a little bit with the third version of the Stabil CS but the shoe is a long way away from being pliable enough to offer a flexible ride. This version of the shoe has done away with the midfoot shank, helping to improve flexibility. It’s true that the shoe is much improved in this regard, but it still didn’t stop reviewers from complaining about the stiffness.
Traction
The Saucony Stabil CS 3 features a wide rubber outsole that provides full ground contact. The XT-900 sole provides great traction underfoot. The flat lugs won’t provide enough traction for trail running, but for most other surfaces the shoe should provide enough grip to alleviate worry about slipping.;The shoe can also easily handle rainy, wet weather. In the winter months, it would be best to add some crampons to provide extra grip. The flat lugs won’t be able to provide the grip needed to handle ice and packed snow. Stay off very technical trails, and you should be just fine in the Stabil CS 3.
Bottom Line
The Saucony Stabil CS 3 is a very well padded motion control road shoe. It offers support and stability for severe overpronators. The ample cushioning provides great protection for the joints and can provide runners with a comfortable ride whether heading out on a short or long run.;The fairly boring design aside, the shoe does what it’s supposed to do. It’s a good option for runners dealing with injuries or pain. Fit issues are easily fixed by opting for the available wider widths and in the right size, the shoe is quite comfortable. The Saucony Stabil CS 3 is one of lightest shoes in the motion control category, despite its bulky appearance. The durable shoe is a worthwhile investment that can handle miles of running or walking.
