Stability Shoes And Why Everyone Gets It Wrong

What comes to mind when I say stability shoes? Probably a shoe that is cushioned, supports the heel and the arch, maybe even a little high at the ankle to prevent it from rolling to the side.

Right?
That's one way to look at it.

What we see is now a foot that is so locked that it cannot function at all. 
So despite the foot being "stable", it is practically not a foot anymore. Might as well walk on a peg leg.

Stability is not locking. Stability is the ability to control all ranges of motion with ease.

If the foot rolls outside, does the show allow for you to shift your weight to the outside while maintaining and preventing your ankle from rolling and snapping?

If your arch collapses when you run, does your shoe give you the space to absorb that impact and maintain muscle engagement. 

If you stand on your toes, do the shoes have enough space for them to splay and allow for a wider base to maintain balance?

That is stability. 

We cannot take away the ability of the foot to begin with and call it stability now, can we?

Understand that stability comes from two things
1. Awareness - the knowledge of the surface you are on so you are prepared for any sudden or even gradual changes
2. Strength - the strength in your muscles to actually be able to shift weight and sustain your body weight, and even multiples of body weight based on the exercise you do
3. Space - The space to actually exercise these in full range of motion within a shoe

We all know that a wider base means more stability. It is basic physics.
The same goes for our feet. There is a reason our toes splay, and that we have three point of contacts on the floor and not just one. 

So stop fighting with your natural system and constantly keeping it in an unstable environment that is a cramped, cushioned, supported shoe.

Let your feet do their job.
Wear barefoot shoes that keep you safe, and make sure you can use your feet.