What is SSI?

Shoe Stability Index (SSI) is an indicator of shoe stability, as an index. SSI is derived through mathematically combining the quantified measurements of midfoot stability (TCI) and hindfoot stability (VCI), indicating the shoe’s overall ability to control the motion of the foot.

What is TCI?

Torsion Control Index (TCI) is a measurement of midfoot shoe stability, in inch-pound units (in.-lbs.). TCI is measured through actively twisting a shoe around the longitudinal axis of the shoe, from the heel to the area of the toes joints, simulating rotational forces of the foot, and measuring the shoe’s resistance to this motion.

The higher the TCI, the firmer the midfoot and more torsional stability. The lower the TCI, the softer the midfoot and less torsional stability.

What is VCI?

Vertical Compression Index (VCI) is a measurement of hindfoot shoe stability, in millimeters (mm). VCI is measured through compression of the heel portion of the shoe under a fixed amount of pressure, thereby measuring how the structure of the shoe controls rearfoot motion.

The higher the VCI, the softer the midsole and less hindfoot stability. The lower the VCI, the firmer the midsole and more hindfoot stability.

What is Loaded Heel to Toe Drop?

Loaded Heel to Toe Drop is the measurement in millimeters of the height of the heel relative to the fore foot when compressed to a fixed poundage. This can be defined as vertical support.

What is RI?

Rebound Index (RI) is an indicator of energy return of shoe to the foot, in millimeters (mm). RI is measured through compression of the heel portion of the shoe under a fixed amount of pressure, and then determining how much force the shoe exerts on the foot.

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Hallux Valgus (Bunion)

Table List Visual List

The following list of shoes are suitable for your foot type.  Those of heavier physical stature may find greater comfort and durability in their footwear if they choose from the next higher level of stability.  Those with orthopedic injuries, please consult our Injury Profiler.

Shoe Weight TCITorsion Control Index (Midfoot Stability) VCIVertical Compression Index (Hindfoot Stability) Vertical Support Loaded Heel to Toe Drop (Vertical Support) Cushion SSIShoe Stability Index Level RIRebound Index Recommendations
Brooks – Beast 23 10.7 54.0 in.-lbs (High) 6.75 mm (Min) 5.25 mm (Max) Soft 57.7 Minimum Stability High Supination, Neutral Pronation, Mild Pronation, Flat Feet
Brooks – Addiction GTS 15 11.1 72.0 in.-lbs (High) 5.49 mm (Mod) 6.51 mm (Max) Mod 78.1 High Stability High Supination, Moderate Pronation, Severe Pronation, Flat Feet
New Balance – 990v5 12.1 52.0 in.-lbs (High) 5.63 mm (Min) 6.37 mm (Max) Soft 63.8 Moderate Stability High Supination, Neutral Pronation, Mild Pronation, Moderate Pronation, Severe Pronation, Flat Feet
New Balance – 1540v3 13.5 73.0 in.-lbs (High) 3.73 mm (Max) 6.27 mm (Max) Firm 90.5 High Stability Medium Supination, Moderate Pronation, Severe Pronation, Flat Feet


Beast 23

Brooks / / 10.7
Overall Stability SSI: 57.7 (Minimum Stability)
Midfoot Stability TCI: 54.0 in.-lbs (High)
Hindfoot Stability VCI: 6.75 mm (Min)
Loaded HTD (Vert Support): 5.25 mm (Max)
Cushioning: Soft
RI Index (Energy Return): 25.84 mm (High)

Injuries View Injury Profiler

Achilles Tendonitis Anterior Shin Splints Hallux Valgus (Bunion) Ilio-Tibial Band Syndrome Lateral Ankle Sprain Medial Shin Splints Neuroma Patello-Femoral (Runner's Knee) Plantar Fasciitis Posterior Tibial Tendonitis

Foot Pattern

Supination Neutral Pronation Mild Pronation Moderate Pronation Severe Pronation Flat Feet

Addiction GTS 15

Brooks / / 11.1
Overall Stability SSI: 78.1 (High Stability)
Midfoot Stability TCI: 72.0 in.-lbs (High)
Hindfoot Stability VCI: 5.49 mm (Mod)
Loaded HTD (Vert Support): 6.51 mm (Max)
Cushioning: Mod
RI Index (Energy Return): 18.23 mm (High)

Injuries View Injury Profiler

Achilles Tendonitis Anterior Shin Splints Hallux Valgus (Bunion) Ilio-Tibial Band Syndrome Lateral Ankle Sprain Medial Shin Splints Neuroma Patello-Femoral (Runner's Knee) Plantar Fasciitis Posterior Tibial Tendonitis

Foot Pattern

Supination Neutral Pronation Mild Pronation Moderate Pronation Severe Pronation Flat Feet

990v5

New Balance / / 12.1
Overall Stability SSI: 63.8 (Moderate Stability)
Midfoot Stability TCI: 52.0 in.-lbs (High)
Hindfoot Stability VCI: 5.63 mm (Min)
Loaded HTD (Vert Support): 6.37 mm (Max)
Cushioning: Soft
RI Index (Energy Return): 19.83 mm (High)

Injuries View Injury Profiler

Achilles Tendonitis Anterior Shin Splints Hallux Valgus (Bunion) Ilio-Tibial Band Syndrome Lateral Ankle Sprain Medial Shin Splints Neuroma Patello-Femoral (Runner's Knee) Plantar Fasciitis Posterior Tibial Tendonitis

Foot Pattern

Supination Neutral Pronation Mild Pronation Moderate Pronation Severe Pronation Flat Feet

1540v3

New Balance / / 13.5
Overall Stability SSI: 90.5 (High Stability)
Midfoot Stability TCI: 73.0 in.-lbs (High)
Hindfoot Stability VCI: 3.73 mm (Max)
Loaded HTD (Vert Support): 6.27 mm (Max)
Cushioning: Firm
RI Index (Energy Return): 11.82 mm (Medium)

Injuries View Injury Profiler

Achilles Tendonitis Anterior Shin Splints Hallux Valgus (Bunion) Ilio-Tibial Band Syndrome Lateral Ankle Sprain Medial Shin Splints Neuroma Patello-Femoral (Runner's Knee) Plantar Fasciitis Posterior Tibial Tendonitis

Foot Pattern

Supination Neutral Pronation Mild Pronation Moderate Pronation Severe Pronation Flat Feet



Shoe Definitions

What is SSI?

Shoe Stability Index (SSI) is an indicator of shoe stability, as an index. SSI is derived through mathematically combining the quantified measurements of midfoot stability (TCI) and hindfoot stability (VCI), indicating the shoe’s overall ability to control the motion of the foot.

What is TCI?

Torsion Control Index (TCI) is a measurement of midfoot shoe stability, in inch-pound units (in.-lbs.). TCI is measured through actively twisting a shoe around the longitudinal axis of the shoe, from the heel to the area of the toes joints, simulating rotational forces of the foot, and measuring the shoe’s resistance to this motion.

The higher the TCI, the firmer the midfoot and more torsional stability. The lower the TCI, the softer the midfoot and less torsional stability.

What is VCI?

Vertical Compression Index (VCI) is a measurement of hindfoot shoe stability, in millimeters (mm). VCI is measured through compression of the heel portion of the shoe under a fixed amount of pressure, thereby measuring how the structure of the shoe controls rearfoot motion.

The higher the VCI, the softer the midsole and less hindfoot stability. The lower the VCI, the firmer the midsole and more hindfoot stability.

What is Loaded Heel to Toe Drop?

Loaded Heel to Toe Drop is the measurement in millimeters of the height of the heel relative to the fore foot when compressed to a fixed poundage. This can be defined as vertical support.

What is RI?

Rebound Index (RI) is an indicator of energy return of shoe to the foot, in millimeters (mm). RI is measured through compression of the heel portion of the shoe under a fixed amount of pressure, and then determining how much force the shoe exerts on the foot.

foot_mild
Supination Neutral Mild/Moderate Pronation Severe Pronation / Flat Foot
Characterized by a high arch that remains rigid through the gait cycle Characterized by a moderate arch height with a minimal degree of motion through the gait cycle Indicated by a mild to moderate amount of inward rotation of the midfoot (or "collapsing" of the medial arch) when weight-bearing Indicated by a high degree of inward rotation of the midfoot (or "collapsing" of the medial arch) when weight-bearing, to where the foot appears flat.

Determining Foot Pattern

Compare your feet and water footprints to the images seen above. All pictures were taken in a weight bearing position (standing). Once again, these images should only be used as a casual guide until you can be evaluated properly.

The most accurate way to determine your foot pattern is to have a professional observe you walking barefoot. A doctor, physical therapist or a specialty running store should be able to do this for you. Although not perfect, the “water” test can also give you some idea of your foot type. This entails getting your feet wet, walking on dry cement, and observing the prints left behind (see images above).

Please remember that foot patterns are defined by the motion of the foot (or lack thereof) through the gait cycle, and not solely the height of the arch. Although the type of heel strike can often be determined by the wear of a shoe, shoe wear does not always indicate the actual foot pattern (which occurs in the mid-stance of the gait cycle, after heel strike).


October 2023 test data is now live!