Best Running Shoes for High Arches
Do you have high arches and don’t know which running shoes would work for your feet? Check out our top picks!
Written By
Favour OnovoMedical Writer | Health product review writer
Reviewed By
Joy EmehHuman Anatomist | Health Editor
The arch of your foot is the area between your heel and the ball of your foot. People with arches that are raised more than normal are said to have high arches.
Similar to people with bunions, finding the right running shoes can be a nightmare if you have high arches. Regular shoes don’t provide enough support, and some feel downright uncomfortable.
Running shoes designed for high arches have essential features that promote stability, comfort, and optimal body alignment, so you can run for longer without discomfort.
Keep reading to see our recommendations for the best running shoes for high-arch runners and what to prioritize when shopping for a high-arch-friendly shoe.
A roundup of the best running shoes for high arches
Below is a roundup of some of the best running shoes for high arches:
- Best overall running shoe for high arches: Hoka Clifton 9
- Best cushioned running shoe for high arches: Brooks Glycerin 20
- Most breathable running shoe for high arches: Asics Gel Nimbus 25
- Best for fast-paced runs: New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v12
- Best for rearfoot stability: Brooks Ghost 15
- Best for trail running: Nike React Pegasus Trail 4
- Best lightweight running shoe for high arches: Saucony Ride 16
- Best budget buy for trail running: Asics Gel Venture 9
We recommend products after careful research and evaluation. We may earn a small commission if you make qualifying purchases through some links on this page.
Hoka Clifton 9
Plush, well-padded running shoe from Hoka
Brooks Glycerin 20
The Glycerin 20 neutral cushioned running shoes are the final word on comfort
Asics Gel Nimbus 25
A cushioned, lightweight, and responsive running shoe that’s perfect for high arches
New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v12
The best and most versatile running shoe made by New Balance
Brooks Ghost 15
Brook’s answer to runners who want a smooth ride that won’t distract from the fun of the run
Nike React Pegasus Trail 4
The perfect shoe to take you from road to trail as you seek out new adventures
Saucony Ride 16
The ultimate comfort running shoe from Saucony
Asics Gel Venture 9
The Asics Gel Venture 9 is designed to tackle rugged surfaces in any kind of weather
Comparison of the best running shoes for high arches
This table places the best shoes for people with high arches and examines their properties.
4.9 | 4.8 | 4.7 | 4.6 | 4.5 | 4.4 | 4.3 | 4.2 |
|---|
Overview |
|---|
Lightweight? | Yes | No | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | No |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Spacious toebox? | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
Responsive midsole? | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
Durable outsole? | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Fits true to size? | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Breathable upper material? |
4.9 | 4.8 |
|---|---|
Overview | |
Lightweight? Yes | Lightweight? No |
Spacious toebox? No | Spacious toebox? Yes |
Responsive midsole? Yes | Responsive midsole? Yes |
Durable outsole? Yes | Durable outsole? Yes |
Fits true to size? Yes | Fits true to size? Yes |
Breathable upper material? | Breathable upper material? |
How to tell if you have high arches
Examining your feet is one way to tell if you have high arches. Sit down, place your feet on a flat surface, and look at the inner part of your feet. If it appears too elevated, then you probably have high arches.
You can also perform the wet test. Dip your foot in water and place it on a surface that will leave a footprint like a piece of cardboard. Remove your foot and take a look at your footprint. High arches often result in a footprint with a thin strip connecting the heel and ball of the foot or nothing at all.
What to look out for when buying shoes for people with high arches
When purchasing shoes for high arches, here are some important things to keep in mind:
Comfort and fit
Your priority when selecting a running shoe should be fit and comfort. Look for a breathable, well-padded shoe that fits properly. There should be about half an inch of space between your longest toe and the end of the shoe. Wearing tight-fitting shoes can cause problems like blisters and ingrown toenails.
Midsole construction
High arches can cause increased impact forces on the joints and lower extremities during runs. Therefore, it’s important to wear a shoe with ample midsole cushioning to absorb shock.
Aside from being cushioned, your running shoe's midsole should be equally flexible. A flexible midsole allows your foot to move more naturally and improves stability and balance.
The bottom line
Wearing supportive shoes can make all the difference for runners with high arches. If you cannot find a shoe that properly supports your high arches, consider speaking to your doctor about getting custom orthotics. These special shoe inserts can make shoes feel much more comfortable and relieve foot pain.
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