ASICS GEL-Foundation 9 vs. Saucony ProGrid Stabil CS review
ASICS GEL-Foundation 9 is a maximum support running shoe for overpronators who not only require a secure fit, but also enough cushioning and support during those long runs. Saucony ProGrid Stabil CS is perfect for excessive overpronators who are a bit on the heavy side and offers superior motion control, a smooth, cushioned ride, and a supportive, comfortable upper that locks the foot down and keeps it in place. Learn how these two running shoes differ and where they are similar.
In two previous articles I wrote about the ASICS GEL-Foundation 9 and the Saucony ProGrid Stabil CS motion control running shoes for women.
The Saucony ProGrid Stabil CS (the newest model of which is the Saucony ProGrid Stabil CS 2) is said to be comparable to the ASICS GEL-Evolution 5, which is the flagship motion control running shoe from ASICS, so one would expect the Saucony ProGrid Stabil CS to be superior to the ASICS GEL-Foundation 9 (the latest model of which is the ASICS GEL-Foundation 10). Let's compare these two motion control running shoes and find out if it really is.
Looking at the ASICS GEL-Foundation 9 and the Saucony ProGrid Stabil CS side-by-side gives a good comparison of the two motion control running shoes.
Right away there is a noticeable difference in the uppers. While the uppers of both running shoes consist of mesh for breathability, the Saucony ProGrid Stabil CS has slightly less mesh than the ASICS GEL-Foundation 9 meaning that it will provide you with a tighter and more secure fit.
In addition, it has what's called an Arch-Lock around the midfoot, which locks your foot down to the platform. While there are synthetic overlays around the midfoot area of the ASICS GEL-Foundation 9, it does not provide the kind of fit that the Saucony ProGrid Stabil CS provides in that area.
Both running shoes have a medial post to control overpronation, but in the Saucony ProGrid Stabil CS, this medial posts runs all the way from the heel up to the forefoot. And because of this, you are more likely to have a smoother transition from heel-strike to toe-off with the Saucony ProGrid Stabil CS than you would with the ASICS GEL-Foundation 9.
Having said that, ASICS GEL running shoes are known for their gel cushioning on strategic places in the midsole, so might provide you with better cushioning than the Saucony ProGrid Stabil CS.
Moving now onto the outsoles, we can see interesting differences between the two motion control running shoes. First off, the Saucony ProGrid Stabil CS has more flex grooves in the forefoot area than the ASICS GEL-Foundation 9 does, which means that it will be more flexible in that area.
Secondly, the location of the crash pads in the heel area differ on these two running shoes. On the ASICS GEL-Foundation 9, the emphasis lies heavily in absorbing shock that comes from the back of your heels, while the Saucony ProGrid Stabil CS focuses on isolating any shock that is generated from landing on the outsides of your heels.
And finally, while the shape of the outsoles and location of durable rubber is similar on the two running shoes, the ASICS GEL-Foundation 9 has slightly more durable rubber on its outsoles, which means that it might give you more mileage than the Saucony ProGrid Stabil CS.
The ASICS GEL-Foundation 9 weighs approximately 10.7 oz (303 grams), while the Saucony ProGrid Stabil CS weighs approximately 11.7 oz (332 grams), so is 1 oz (28 grams) heavier than the ASICS GEL-Foundation 9 when you compare motion control running shoes by weight.
If you're looking for a motion control running shoe that is lightweight, provides good cushioning, and is geared towards runners who land on the backs of their heels, then the ASICS GEL-Foundation 9 might be a running shoe worth looking into.
If you're a heavy runner who is looking for pronation control, flexibility, a smooth ride, a secure fit, and if you land more on the outsides of your heels, then the Saucony ProGrid Stabil CS is definitely worth considering.
The suggested retail motion control running shoe price of the ASICS GEL-Foundation 9 is US $100, which is almost US $15 cheaper than the Saucony ProGrid Stabil CS, which costs around US $115.
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