The best running shoes for high arches
If you suspect you're running on feet with high arches, then chances are, your doctor or podiatrist has told you that you need a good-quality running shoe to help you avoid leg pain. There are DIY ways to figure out your foot arch and width, but scheduling an appointment with your healthcare provider or a chiropodist is the best way to know for sure.
Look for athletic footwear that offers a comfortable, cushioning fit if you want to really step your game up. It may be easier to find running shoes that cater to high arches than it is for flat feet, thanks to common support features like midsole cushioning, but which brands and styles should you turn to for the best of the best?
"People with high arches tend to supinate, meaning their foot rolls outward instead of inward when running," says Dr. Gregory Alvarez, a podiatrist at the Ankle and Foot Centers of America. "To counteract this, look for shoes with more cushioning than other types to provide better shock absorption and reduce the risk of injury."
With input from professionals like Alvarez and others, we cobbled together (pun intended) the following fitness shopping guide featuring the best running shoes to buy if you have high arches. And if you're worried about budget, know this: There are plenty of good options under $100.
Best running shoes for runners with high arches
We cherry-picked the best running shoes from some of your favorite (and soon-to-be favorite) brands that work best with high arches.
- Best multipurpose: Men's Hoka Clifton 8
- Best multipurpose: Women's Hoka Clifton 8
- Most comfortable: Men's New Balance Fresh Foam 1080v11
- Most comfortable: Women's New Balance Fresh Foam 1080v11
- Best for durability: Men's Brooks Glycerin 20 Neutral
- Best for durability: Women's Brooks Glycerin 20 Neutral
- Best for long runs: Men's Brooks Ghost 14
- Best for long runs: Women's Brooks Ghost 14
- Best updated shoe: Men's Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 40 SE
- Best updated shoe: Women's Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 40 SE
- Best for cushioned support: Men's Brooks Ghost 15
- Best for cushioned support: Women's Brooks Ghost 15
- Best heavyweight: Men's Asics Gel Nimbus 25
- Best heavyweight: Women's Asics Gel Nimbus 25
- Best stability: Men's Brooks Adrenaline GTS 21
- Best stability: Women's Brooks Adrenaline GTS 21
Whether you want something that will last a long time or lightweight footwear that feels like running on air, you're bound to find the perfect running shoes for you below.
Best multipurpose: Hoka Clifton 8
This running shoe by Hoka is one that comes recommended by Alvarez for its ample cushioning. The balanced support is advertised by Hoka as perfect for "maintaining a responsive toe-off when you want to go faster."
When your foot first hits the ground as you run, that's the heel strike; the toe-off is the last part of that, where you propel yourself forward off -- you guessed it -- your toe.
This balanced design helps with stability and offers up a smooth and stable feel while you run. Whether you're focused on speed, durability, or staying comfortable while going the distance, these multipurpose running shoes have the arch support you need to keep on keeping on.
Find a variety of fun colors and designs on Amazon. Prices vary between men's and women's sizes, as well as different styles.
Most comfortable: New Balance Fresh Foam 1080v11
Another pick from Alvarez, the 1080v11 running shoes by New Balance have a nice foam midsole that is perfect for anyone with high arches. The upper construction of the shoe is also marketed as offering a snug and supportive fit, thanks to the way it comfortably hugs your foot.
"I knew the shoes I chose would have to fit right while also providing the right amount of cushion and support," says one satisfied reviewer. "These shoes fit the bill."
With thousands of reviews and an average customer rating of 4.5 out of five stars (that goes for men's and women's sizes), this running shoe is a must-have to add to your collection. There are also plenty of styles to choose from online and with prices going as low as $53 for select pairs, your wallet will thank you once you pick the ones for you.
Men's New Balance Fresh Foam 1080v11, $100
Women's New Balance Fresh Foam 1080v11, $77
Best for durability: Brooks Glycerin 20 Neutral
These running shoes by Brooks are the ones you need if you want something that lasts. A plush and breathable synthetic upper paired with comfy textile lining and insole are billed by Brooks as the reason these shoes are more durable than many competing running shoes.
The redesigned midsole (compared to previous models, like the still-popular Glycerin 19 Neutral running shoes) adds extra comfort and support to the overall fit -- perfect for high arches. These running shoes also came recommended by Alvarez.
"Additionally, the rubber outsoles... provide excellent grip on any surface," Alvarez says. The added traction of these -- as well as the others highlighted by Alvarez so far on our list -- serves as one more point toward durability and longevity.
Find men's and women's sizes for these running shoes on Amazon. Take your pick from unique color designs like Blue/Peacoat/Yellow (pictured) or Black/Blackened Pearl/Fiery Red.
Men's Brooks Glycerin 20 Neutral, $135
Women's Glycerin 20 Neutral, $160
Best for long runs: Brooks Ghost 14
"This shoe provides good support and cushioning while also being comfortable and stylish," says certified personal trainer and Your Future Fitness director Andrew Blakey. "It features [cushioning] technology . . . for a smooth running experience and a mesh that allows your feet to breathe."
The Brooks brand is known for weaving comfort into its running shoes. Patented features like "BioMoGo DNA" and "DNA Loft" cushioning -- the latter of which is a prominent feature of the Ghost 14 shoe -- provide uniform comfort that will keep you from calling it quits on a long run.
Find an impressive selection of colors, in both men's and women's sizes, at Designer Shoe Warehouse (DSW). On top of that, you can save more than 20% by grabbing a pair of these running shoes ASAP: At the time of this writing, DSW is selling these at a reduced price when compared with other retailers (typical retail price is $140).
Men's Brooks Ghost 14, $100 (reduced from $140)
Women's Brooks Ghost 14, $90 (reduced from $140)
Best updated shoe: Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 40 SE
The Nike Air Zoom Pegasus line of running shoes has been a popular choice for athletes for some time now.
"Always has been my favorite road/speed training shoe!" one reviewer says. "For nearly 35 years. This version definitely one-upped its [predecessor]. Nothing was 'wrong' with the 39, but the 40 version took it a step [further]."
The Air Zoom Pegasus 40 build on previous designs by Nike to deliver a top-tier shoe. Marketed as more comfortable for sensitive areas like your arches, this shoe is lightweight, responsive, and holds its shape run after run.
Still on the fence about this well-designed running shoe? Don't just take out word for it; this running shoe came recommended by Blakey as a great choice for runners with high arches.
"It's just a great shoe, end of story," Blakey says.
Find this great shoe directly from Nike in a number of striking color schemes.
Men's Nike Pegasus 40 SE, $170
Women's Nike Pegasus 40 SE, $130
Best for cushioned support: Brooks Ghost 15
You're probably asking yourself why we're including the Ghost 15 running shoe after already highlighting the previous model by Brooks. That's because there are upsides to both designs, so we seriously think it's worth it to consider adding both to your collection.
The Ghost 14 is a lightweight, breathable shoe that -- as we've said -- is great for pushing runners to reach their full potential while running. The Ghost 15 shoe might be a bit snugger thanks to a refined "3D Fit Print" upper.
"They claim to have good support and ample cushioning in the midsole," says Dr. Marc Matarazzo, an orthopedic surgeon specializing in sports medicine. This newer model builds on the previous shoe's high arch-friendly comfort with its lighter-weight "DNA Loft v2" cushioning.
There are plenty of colors to choose from when you shop this running shoe at Amazon. Surprisingly enough, you can even find some styles that run cheaper than the average retail price of Ghost 14 running shoes.
Best heavyweight: Asics Gel Nimbus 25
Many runners appreciate a great lightweight shoe to accompany them on their jaunts, but if you want something a bit heavier to train with, these running shoes by Asics may be for you. The Asics "PureGEL" technology is marketed as giving significant cushioning that will soften the landings as you run.
The gel cushioning could be a big help to runners with high arches. A rubber sole and engineered knit upper adds breathability and a comfy fit to the mix as well, making this a solid recommendation in our book.
"I have been purchasing Asics for over 15 years now," one reviewer says. "The Gel-Nimbus 25 is by far their best yet...The emphasis they put on cushion really helps me minimize shock [as I run]."
Find this running shoe in both men's and women's sizes from Amazon. With the number of color options available, you're sure to find something to match your style as well.
Men's Asics Gel-Nimbus 25, $124
Women's Asics Gel-Nimbus 25, $110
Best stability: Brooks Adrenaline GTS 21
Brooks may be the winner of our list, because here we have yet another one of their running shoes to recommend. The Adrenaline GTS 21 brings together some of Brooks' best running shoe tech -- "DNA Loft Crash Pad" for shock absorption and "BioMoGo DNA" for a form-fitting level of comfort -- to offer a balanced feel that will benefit anyone in need of extra arch support.
There's also an engineered mesh upper for a snug all-around fit that doesn't feel bulky or unstable, according to Brooks.
"They are excellent in support and comfort for long runs and hard surfaces," says one reviewer. "I haven't had any discomfort wearing the Adrenaline GTS shoes and I plan to stick [with] these for the long haul."
Men's Brooks Adrenaline GTS 21, $105
Women's Brooks Adrenaline GTS 21, $74
Shopping for running shoes when you have high arches
At the end of the day, you want something comfortable that fits and works with your foot type. Alvarez points out the potential increased risk of rolling your ankle when dealing with unfit or inadequate running shoes -- especially if you have high arches.
"The best thing you can do if you have high arches is to provide heel-to-toe support under your feet with equal body weight distribution," says Bill Reifsnyder, former professional runner and CMO of athletic laundry detergent company Nonaste.
Look for features that are all about padding your footfalls as you run, such as gel insoles, increased cushioning in the midsole, or good shock absorption technology like the New Balance Fresh Foam midsoles found in the 1080v11 running shoes.
How we chose the best running shoes for high arches
- Customer reviews: All of our picks for comfy kicks that work best for runners with high arches have positive reviews from customers just like you.
- Expert recommendations: We got recommendations from the kinds of experts you'd want to listen to when it comes to athletic footwear.
- Star rating: We stuck with running shoes that were rated four stars or higher, so you know you're getting great quality footwear here.
- Your needs: Running with high arches can be a pain, so we highlighted shoes with features that meet your needs when it comes to comfort, fit, and style (because that's important too).
Read more about how we review products
