If you have high arches, finding the right running shoe is more than just a matter of comfort—it’s about protecting your feet from potential injuries. High arches can create a gap between your midfoot and the ground, which often leads to problems like underpronation and increases the risk of conditions like plantar fasciitis. That’s why it’s essential to choose a running shoe that offers ample cushioning and neutral support to allow for proper foot movement.
And yet, it may surprise you to learn that most running shoes aren’t made specifically for high arches, even if they naturally support your foot’s arch. Fortunately, you don’t necessarily need a specialized shoe to find suitable support: Many neutral running shoes feature firm midsoles and supportive uppers to give you the comfort and structure you’re looking for. I’ve taken the time to test and evaluate many of the best running shoes for high arches, and my favorite is the Asics Superblast 2.
While running shoe brands don’t design shoes to target high arches, there are many capable models to … [+] choose from that offer long-term comfort and support.
Trying to identify the best running shoe for high arches is a lot like asking a kid to pick their favorite piece of candy from the bowl—it’s almost impossible. Still, you won’t find a shoe that’s as sweet and universally adored as the Superblast 2 from Asics. While it’s expensive at $200, there’s a lot to love about this shoe no matter how far or how often you run.
First, it starts with the reengineered upper, which feels more structured than the outgoing model without sacrificing breathability. It’s also quite soft on the inside, so you shouldn’t expect blisters or hot spots, even while breaking the shoe in. Underfoot, the brand’s all-new FF Turbo+ superfoam is incredibly comfortable—it acts like a giant trampoline to provide a soft landing pad and quickly return energy in one fell swoop. And it’s combined with additional layers of proprietary foam to absorb impact and support the arch of your foot.
But why is this shoe such a great choice for runners with high arches? Well, I like that it offers a neutral degree of support that doesn’t affect the motion of your foot, and the midsole foam that runners love so much supports your foot’s plantar fascia—a support structure that runs from the heel to the ball of your foot.
The only problem with the Superblast 2 is its popularity. Because this is a unisex shoe that’s beloved by so many, it often goes out of stock in almost every size. If that’s the case, consider the original Superblast or broaden your search to find the Superblast 2 at a local running store.
Best Budget Running Shoes For High Arches
A Nike Shoe That Takes A Cue From Its Best-Selling Sibling
Recommending a budget- or value-driven shoe always gives me pause because you can’t put a price on proper footwear. And yet, the Nike Winflo 11 is a shoe I’d recommend because it borrows technology from the best-selling Pegasus (our favorite Nike running shoe). While the latest Pegasus 41 costs $140, the Winflo 11 is just a shade over $100.
So what does the Winflo 11 have to offer? Well, like the Pegasus, it features a roomy interior, and if you place the two shoes side by side, they look very similar. While I haven’t had a chance to run in the Winflo 11, Nike bills it as a responsive model with a wide forefoot and heel to improve stability, though I should note that this isn’t a stability shoe. Underfoot, a full-length Nike Air chamber makes the shoe a bit lighter and easier to compress, and because the pocket of air isn’t as responsive or capable as layers of foam, it makes the shoe a little more affordable, too.
Take one look at the Brooks Ghost Max and you’ll understand why it won me over as the most comfortable running shoe. Featuring nearly 40 millimeters of squishy, cushy, supportive foam in the heel, this maximalist shoe is the epitome of comfort for high-arched runners. Whether you’re running a 5k around the block or a long pre-marathon training run, the Ghost Max will support every step. And in spite of the foam, it’s a surprisingly light shoe at only 10 ounces, so the cushioning and support won’t weigh you down. By comparison, the original Brooks Ghost 16 weighs just 0.5 ounces less, yet it features a stack height of 35 millimeters.
What I love most about this shoe is the fact that, in spite of all that foam underfoot, the Ghost Max is really stable. The clever use of sidewalls in the heel of the shoe extend to the front, so your foot feels locked in place as you’re logging miles. It’s not going to feel as stable as the original Ghost, but I think runners with high arches who need a cushioned shoe will be pleasantly surprised.
Best For Daily Use
A Trainer For Walks, Runs And Every Distance In Between
The Asics Gel-Nimbus line is incredibly popular among runners who want a shoe that can do it all, and the Gel-Nimbus 26 picks up where the 25 left off, improving everything from the upper to the outsole. Perfect for easy and moderate runs, it breathes a whole lot better than the v25, so you won’t suffer from hot feet or blisters on those sweltering summer runs. The shoe’s interior is also a bit more durable this time around, which makes it easier to stomach the $160 price tag. And even though the stack height hasn’t significantly changed from 25 to the 26, this outsole seems to be a bit more durable as well.
The biggest issue I have with the Gel-Nimbus 26 is its weight—the shoe got a little heavier this year, and while 10.7 ounces per shoe isn’t all that heavy, I’d hope to see a versatile trainer like this lose some weight year-over-year. Still, almost everything about the shoe, from the style to the foam to the upper, makes it a convincing choice as daily trainer. And if it’s out of budget, the Gel-Nimbus 25 is still a great shoe that’s $40 cheaper.
For awhile there, the Nike Alphafly 3 was a supershoe reserved for elite runners the likes of Kipchoge and Hassan. And because it still comes with an eye-watering sticker price of $285, you’re probably thinking it’s not the shoe for you. But if you stick around, you’ll discover that Nike tweaked the design to make the Alphafly 3 more suitable for a wider range of runners, which makes it that much easier to recommend (and look beyond the price tag).
This time around, the Alphafly 3 features a redesigned midfoot that’s more comfortable and stable, addressing complaints from runners who experienced arch issues while sporting the Alphafly 2. Meanwhile, the Alphafly’s main selling point, energy return, is just as impressive, propelling you forward at lightning speed. Somehow, Nike managed to make this shoe better and make it weigh less—the Alphafly 3 sheds 1.6 ounces of fat. And all of these subtle changes have made it a better shoe for races of any distance, from the 5k to the marathon.
With that said, the Alphafly 3 is no longer the only supershoe on the market—there are many models to choose from if you’re willing to shop around, though they all cost at least $200.
Eagle-eyed readers (and runners) will deem this shoe outdated now that the Speedgoat 6 is available, but because we’re still testing the 6 (and because preliminary findings suggest it’s not markedly better than the 5), I’m currently recommending the Speedgoat 5 for trail runners with high arches. While it doesn’t offer much in the way of stability—a feature we often look for in trail shoes—it does have a neutral sole that caters to high arches. It’s also surprisingly light for a shoe with a lugged sole and a durable upper, which runners will appreciate as they bound over roots and rocks.
For years, the Speedgoat has been the go-to trail running shoe whether you suffer from high arches or flat feet or some other lingering problem, but a vast assortment of capable trail shoes have since hit the market. If you try the Speedgoat and find that you’re not in love, consider options from Altra, Topo Athletic, On and other well-known brands.
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
The Forbes Vetted gear team has covered running shoes for years, testing models from well-known brands like Hoka, On, Nike, Adidas, Altra and many more. We’ve tested shoes for plantar fasciitis and others for standing all day, scrutinizing each pair to ensure it meets your needs.
Cam Vigliotta, a seasoned gear editor at Forbes Vetted, recently shifted his focus to evaluating running shoes for runners with high arches. While many popular running shoes offer general support, they often lack the specialized arch support needed for those with high arches. However, many brands provide an array of options that cater to this specific need. Vigliotta conducted extensive research to compile a well-rounded list of the best running shoes for high arches.
Drawing from his experience and expertise, Vigliotta carefully considered shoes that offer the right blend of cushioning, support and arch reinforcement. He also recognized that feet, even those with similar arch types, can vary greatly, underscoring the importance of personal fit.
This guide is regularly updated to ensure it reflects the latest available products and the most accurate information. The most recent update was in August 2024.
How We Chose The Best Running Shoes For High Arches
To identify the best running shoes for high arches, we focused on offerings from top running brands like Brooks, Asics, Nike and Hoka. We prioritized shoes that offer neutral arch support and cushioning, crucial elements for runners with high arches.
After compiling a list of available shoes, each pair was rigorously evaluated based on factors such as arch support, cushioning, durability, weight and price. Our team also factored in personal experiences with these brands and models to establish a well-informed selection process.
Lastly, we considered the diverse needs of runners, from those who prefer more cushioning for long, slow runs to those who prioritize lightweight shoes for race day. By combining decades of experience and in-depth analysis, we curated a list of the best running shoes for high arches.
What To Look For In The Best Running Shoes For High Arches
Before investing in a pair of running shoes for high arches, remember that every foot is unique. What works for one runner may not work for another, so it’s crucial to try different shoes to find your perfect match. Here are three key factors to consider:
Arch Support
Proper arch support is essential to prevent discomfort and potential injury, but unlike shoes specifically designed for flat feet, most brands don’t develop shoes for high arches. Instead, you’ll want to look for shoes with neutral support that allow your foot to roll inward. Because your arch is so good at supporting itself, it doesn’t need additional stability that will force your foot to roll outward.
Cushioning
Look for shoes that offer ample cushioning, especially in the arch and midsole areas. Generous cushioning is essential for high arches since they often result from a rigid plantar fascia, the ligament linking the heel to the ball of your foot. This ligament typically helps absorb shock when your foot strikes the ground. However, if it lacks flexibility, you’ll need added cushioning to alleviate the strain on your stiff feet.
Stability
Stability is key for maintaining proper form while running, but that doesn’t mean you should buy a stability running shoe. Instead, opt for shoes with a neutral arch structure and reliable traction to prevent slipping and ensure a smooth run.
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