18 Best Running Shoes for High Arches [2021 Guide] for Men and Women (2024)

The best running shoes for high arches comes from the top brands like Brooks, New Balance, Nike, Asics, Mizuno and Hoka One One.

The first thing we need to make clear is, “What is a high arch?” A foot is high arched when flexion on the arch is excessive. If you have a normal foot arch, weight distribution on your feet is even. But with high arched feet, only the footballs and heels carry weight.

It leaves stress on the ankles and toes, leading to pain and lack of stability.

High arch is usually a structural deformity that is possibly inherited or the result of neurologic or neuromuscular issues.

If you have high arched feet, you are not alone - about 20% of the world’s population lives with this condition.

The most significant disadvantage is that you are more likely to be injured during the training, especially running. Even worse, you may also develop calluses or hammertoes.

That is why manufacturers introduce running shoes specifically designed for high arches. These footwear have excellent cushioning, adequate arch support, and stability. They not only improve your performance but also prevent injuries and discomfort.

Our Pick Of The Best Running Shoes For High Arches

We have compiled some of the most highly recommend running shoes for high arches. You can find useful information before making a purchase. Check it out!

1. Brooks Glycerin 17 - Best overall
2. New Balance 1080v9 - Most Comfortable Shoes
3. Nike Revolution 4 - Best Value
4. HOKA ONE ONE Bondi 6
5. Brooks GTS 19
6. Mizuno Wave Creation 20
7. ASICS Gel-Nimbus 21
8. ASICS Gel-Kayano 26
9. Brooks Ghost 12
10. XIDISO Running Shoes

1. Brooks Glycerin 17 Running Shoes

The Brooks Glycerin is always one of the best ‘supportive-neutral’ running shoes that come up in our mind first when it comes to ideal footwear for high arches.

Upper

What reminds us of the Brooks Glycerin is the plush fit and pillowy softness.

The breathable mesh upper and interior liner can stretch to cover your feet and make sure it fits comfortably. The heel adds a great structure to the shoe, and it will keep you away from rubbing or slipping. Even if you have a quite wide heel, you still feel comfortable while running.

Outsole

Underneath all that foam midsole, Brooks uses the outsole with ridged technology for more durability and grip. The outsole is notched with seven grooves so that the shoes can naturally flex when you land your feet.

The shoes are not only soft but also lightweight. Thanks to the weight of just 9.4 oz for the women’s, you will not feel heavy like you are tying bricks to your feet.

The difference from the Brooks Glycerin 16

The Brooks Glycerin 17 is an updated version of the Brooks Glycerin 16, and there are no changes in their overall fit or feels. However, there are some minor differences.

The Glycerin 16 features a large midfoot overlay anchored by three lace holes to keep your foot in place.

Meanwhile, the Glycerin 17 use a printed design over the mesh and get rid of the overlay. The engineered mesh is not much different. The pattern of the openings in the mesh is re-arranged, but it will not influence the upper.

Rest assured that what they update on this model will bring benefits to you. The OrthoLite sock liner is added to this model so that you can have a comfier and softer feel upon putting your feet in.

However, there are still complaints about the too narrow midfoot, and you may be annoyed with the rigidity of your feet.

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2. New Balance 1080v9

You are looking at the most comfortable running shoe on this list.

Do you know the previous 1080 models received complaints that they were too firm or they did not have a good fit? But now, everything has been fixed!

Midsole

Compared to those versions, this 9th version has some outstanding updates on developing the cushion underfoot and ensuring a smoother ride. The Fresh Foam midsole is much softer. If you are seeking a soft feel underfoot, the Fresh Foam with plush cushioning is a vital feature.

Meanwhile, the Laser Engravings on the midsole’s outside is increased to soften your landing and somewhat reduce the weight of your shoes (clearly, they are not just for the look!).

You need even more cushioning and arch support? The sneaker also comes with a removable Ortholite insole to give you that support.

Upper

On the upper, the engineered mesh provides both breathability and flexibility. This mesh also supports your feet and brings the luxurious experience you desire from a high-class running shoe.

The overlays near the metatarsals are now removed so that your sneakers have a sleeker and more aesthetic look.

Besides the flexible and breathable mesh, no overlays, the toe-box is another highlight of the shoes’ upper - it is wide and very comfortable; and it leaves enough space for your toes to move flexibly without affecting the structure.

New Balance still uses the upturn on the toe, which helps you to speed up with ease and make the transition into your toe-off.

What about the heel? It features super-soft padded nylon so that you can secure your foot in place, and your heels will not slip anymore.

We have nothing to complain about the comfort the shoes bring. They are best used for easy-paced training or marathons.

Another feature you may like - the 1080v9 feels much lighter than the older versions.

However, the width of the shoes is a controversial matter. It is quite a large shoe, even in the medium width. If your feet are from standard to wide, you will like it because it will fit you well. But if your feet are a little narrow, you need to reconsider.

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What makes the New Balance 1080v9 Fresh Foam Running Shoe worth the praise is the ultimate comfort. Also, it is more stylish and sportier than some of the luxurious trainers, like the Asics Gel-Nimbus 21 or Saucony Triumph ISO 5.

This is our 2nd best running shoes for high arches. A lot of improvements are incorporated in these shoes to bring you the highest satisfaction.

3. Nike Revolution 4 Running Shoes for High arches

If you are on the budget, you will be happy that the price for the Nike Revolution 4 is very reasonable. Nike is well-known for offering the best quality sportswear, contributing to the brand’s success. Notably, the Nike Revolution 4 will provide more support for supination.

However, because of the hard rubber material for the outer, you can hear a little noise while you are running on concrete or asphalt surface.

Midsole

The midsole of the shoe features the brand’s Phylon foam. This lightweight and responsive EVA foam pellets combined with the foam insole promise to deliver a comfortable and cushioned ride.

What’s more, the Phylon foam is durable enough so that you can freely run on the treadmill, road, and track without worrying about the shoe wearing out soon.

Upper

The Revolution does not seem as colorful as the other models on this list. But if you love minimalism, you will be attracted by this simple but delicate design.

Thanks to the wide-knit open mesh, the upper is extremely breathable and comfortable no matter what your foot shape is.

Even though you are running without socks, you will not sweat or have skin irritation.

The forefoot has a woven-look with its two-tone mesh - it is the current trend. And the middle of the upper has synthetic overlays to give an aesthetic look while securing your foot.

Even though the upper unit does best at keeping your feet ventilated, it lacks durability because of developing little holes after a few times of using.

Thanks to the outsole pattern, Phylon midsole, and lightweight upper material, the shoes are not heavy at all - just around 8 ounces.

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4. HOKA ONE ONE Bondi 6 Running Shoes

High Arches Running Shoes with Good Cushioning

The Bondi 6 is the most cushioned of all HOKA sneakers. It comes with a huge stack height but still has the weight down for a light and soft ride.

Midsole

You will love the cushioning capacity of the version - it does best at returning energy to your foot.

The Bondi 6 features a full-length compression-molded EVA midsole and refined early-stage meta-rocker to ensure a smooth ride.

HOKA ONE ONE decides to slightly re-design the outsole by placing more high-abrasion rubber along the lateral side. It helps to reduce weight while improving durability because it is placed where impact usually happens.

Even after a month of testing, we did not see signs of wear. That traction pattern does best on smooth and flat surfaces or light gravels.

The shoe will give you a very stable feeling because of the wide base and the position where your foot sits in the cushioning.

But not everyone is satisfied with this feature because they do not think the too-wide shoe has an aesthetical look. Runners with the wider foot will love the shoe more. It comes with different widths, from men’s EE to women’s D. Read more: best running shoes for wide feet

Upper

The upper brings you some new features, too.

They use a new engineered mesh material to improve both breathability and durability. But somehow, its quality is a little lower than that of the Bondi 5 mesh.

This new mesh is thicker, more absorbent, and does not let the shoe breath well enough. If you run in the hot and humid climate, your feet can feel a bit sticky because the shoe seems to feel water-logged and not get away sweat.

Another upgrade is the refurbished heel area of the upper with the use of Lycra is top-notch - it improves comfort and gives the shoe a superior feel.

The HOKA ONE ONE Bondi 6 is an excellent upgrade to the Bondi line, especially the remarkable from-heel-to-toe cushioning.

Despite some problems with the upper, the shoe feels comfortable overall. It is suitable for slow and long-distance running, daily low-intensity training, and recovery runs.

Related: Best long distance running shoes

5. Brooks GTS 19 Running Shoes

Thick & Flexible Soles for the best support

The Brooks Adrenaline has been known as a classic, high-mileage, and stable with extreme support. This new 19th version has many magnificent updates, like the inventive GuideRails support system and a springer ride.

One of the reasons you must own the Adrenaline GTS 19 is that it is the first shoe to have the new GuideRails Holistic support system.

How does it support? It helps to secure your heel and prevent heel eversion, which is the cause of knee issues (because you know the knees are always the most injury-prone part of a runner’s body).

This model is also known to have thick and flexible soles for best support. Let’s check it out in detail.

Midsole

The midsole unit features the brand’s reliable BioMoGo DNA foam. It is soft to the touch and complements the guide rails. It will pinpoint correctly where you need the most cushioning and mold itself to fit your foot’s shape.

Not yet, for more durability and comfortable cushioning, the heel uses a new DNA Loft crash pad, which is the combination of EVA foam with rubber and air.

However, we are quite skeptical about the durability of the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 19. We received some complaints about the sole separating or the stitches unraveling.

Thanks to the GuideRails support system, some runners approve that the pronation support from the GTS 19’s midsole is more significant than that of the previous model. So, it helps you to ensure a straightened gait.

Upper

The upper unit wins the runners’ hearts for breathability and flexibility. Besides, the 3D Fit Print technology creates the overlays of the shoes - they help to form a combined heel counter and midfoot cage to secure your feet better.

Finally, all of the top parts of the foot is kept steady. That is because the padded tongue and collar work along with the lacing system.

Another advantage is that, for a stability shoe, the GTS 19 does not have a heavy build.

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Read more:running shoes for overpronation

6. Mizuno Wave Creation 20 Running Shoes

Most advanced technology running shoes

Do you know that Mizuno is a famous Japanese company specializing in sportswear and other sport-related accessories? Their shoes are beautifully designed, streamlined, and unceasingly innovated. The Mizuno Wave Creation is one of their most popular running shoe lines.

We are impressed by the comfortable, lightweight, and responsive ride, as well as the advanced technology used in this model. Let’s see.

Also, the generous cushioning system will prevent underfoot problems such as plantar fasciitis. It is not only soft, but also durable and responsive. You may not need a break-in period when using this product because you will feel comfy immediately from the first run.

Outsole

Of course, your shoe will be stable. The traction capacity of the outsole unit will keep your foot steady on most surfaces. With the 10x high-density rubber, the traction is enhanced, especially at the forefoot and heel.

Upper

Like other high-quality running shoes, it comes with a premium mesh upper with a heat-welded cage for a secure midfoot fit. It helps to promote air movement around your foot and keep it dry and cool.

What’s more, thi unit features the anatomical sock liner, which brings more support, gets rid of moisture, and fits for a comfortable run.

There are still complaints about the fit of the shoe - the toe area is a little tight. Durability is another problem as the outsole may quickly wear down.

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7. ASICS Gel-Nimbus 21 Running shoes

Best Heel Support Running Shoes for high arches

This latest version of the ASICS Gel-Nimbus has some new changes like a dual-layer Jacquard mesh upper for more flexibility and breathability. But, runner’s favorite features of previous versions, like the FlyteFoam Lyte and Propel technologies, still stay.

Midsole

Let’s talk more about the brand’s innovative technologies - the FlyteFoam Lyte and Propel. These two foam materials help you to have a little extra bounce in your steps. You will love how it feels while you are actually running.

Thanks to the FlyteFoam Lyte, which is made of integrated nano-fibers, the midsole is more durable while ensuring a softly-cushioned and responsive ride.

And about the springy, lightweight FlyteFoam Propel in the forefoot, it will create an energetic return, offering you a greater bounce and toe-off. We have tested the spring, and it is perfect for controlled-tempo or long-distance runs.

Upper

We could see the previous models received a lot of complaints about the upper - it is too narrow, and its breathability is terrible.

Maybe that is why the upper of the Gel-Nimbus 21 comes with a dual-layer mesh material. It is super lightweight and finally more stretchable so that your sneakers have better airflow.

What makes the Gel-Nimbus 21 stands out is the heel support. ASICS calls the external exoskeleton heel counter the “Heel clutching system”, and it is more supportive when combined with the lower collars. It helps you to secure your heel in place while stabilizing your ankle, the vulnerable part on the run.

A little downside of this shoe is that it is not the most lightweight choice. But do not worry; it will not feel too much clunky.

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Most stability Running Shoes for High Arches

Although there are so many running shoe brands out there, Asics is still considered as one of the best manufacturers thanks to the beautiful design, consistent quality, and affordable prices.

If you wonder what the most stable shoes on this list are, the ASICS Gel-Kayano 26 is the answer.

It achieves the perfect balance of stability and comfort. So, it is kind of easy to understand why you can take these shoes out of the box to run in a competition right in the first run.

The updates of this model focus on the stability of the midsole, the addition of cushion, the upper with an EVA sock liner, with the light and airy Jacquard mesh.

Besides those two keys of the stability, we have the gel midsole under the heel, which plays as an impact and shock absorber. It makes you feel like landing on pillows with every heel-toe strike.

Asics is also known for much room in the toe box. What does this feature serve for? Your toes can stretch easily and dive into the front. And you do not need to worry about getting blisters or hurting your nails.

Upper

The upper maintains its structure by adapting to the shape of your foot throughout a run.

Outsole

Let’s look at the outsole - it has some big pros for you. It is designed with a Guidance Trusstic system to give your foot a natural and smooth transition from heel to toe as well as improving the natural foot gait.

Besides, the durability is excellent enough to soak up all the miles with you.

There is not much to complain about the Kayano 26 - everybody loves it. The biggest drawback is that it is quite heavier than some similar training shoes. Besides, the high price can be an obstacle to some users. But that is the price you need to pay for a super stability shoe.

9. Brooks Ghost 12 Running shoes

Good balance of stability high arches running shoes

Another running shoe from Brooks. It is easy to understand why the Brooks Ghost 12 fits you like a glove and gives you a soft cushy ride so that you can avoid blisters.

Midsole

The Brooks Ghost 12 features the BioMoJo DNA foam to make the super light and responsive midsole.

Outsole

For ensuring a smoother ride, the durable outsole unit comes with a segmented crash pad, an integrated shock-absorbing system, to add more cushion with every step as well as smooth the heel-to-toe transition.

The shoe can keep the ride perfectly balanced throughout the gait cycle, thanks to the firmness of the DNA Loft wedge and the groove under the heel.

Like previous Brooks Ghost versions, this 12th edition has a plush and secure fit with just enough wiggle room in the toe box.

Even if you have to struggle with Achilles tendons or Flexor Hallucis Longus soreness, you will feel considerable improvement in reducing the strain on these tendons when you run with the Brooks Ghost 12.

However, you may feel a little uncomfortable due to its high heel-to-toe drop.

10. XIDISO Running Shoes

Lightweight Running Shoes for High Arches

We understand that running with a heavy sneaker is such a nightmare.

Understanding that, we have shown you one of the most lightweight running shoes on the market. The cushions the shoe uses are featherweight, making you feel like walking on a cushion all day.

Besides making you feel comfy, the special air cushion technology absorbs shock and protects your ankle. You will feel comfy to jump because it releases the pressure while you have long walking or high-intensity training.

Upper

For more support and breathability, the manufacturer uses the Fashion Fly-knitted mesh upper because the mesh is made of nylon and polyester. It has excellent ventilation and heat dissipation so that it will keep your foot always dry and cool even while you are exercising.

But this also leads to a big drawback. Because of the knitted upper mesh, do not use the shoes in the rain or run on the wet surface.

The low-top design, combined with the lace-up closure style, helps you to put the shoes on and off quickly.

Sole unit

The running shoe sole is made from ultra-light non-slip rubber material with flexible grooves on the bottom. It helps to raise the shoes’ ability to grip and adapt to any road condition.

What’s more, the arch support insole will give the midfoot the best support while you are moving.

Generally, this is our 10th best running shoes for high arches. Those running shoes are built to be lightweight but durable. The air cushion is worth the praise, too. With an arch protecting design and sporty look, they are suitable for any occasion, like walking, jogging, running, training, exercise, workout, and many more.

Why Should You Use Running Shoes for High Arches

Why Do People With High Arches Need to Choose Running Shoes?

At first, you may have thought, “Why must I spend a lot of money on running shoes for high arches?”. But after you decide to run with them, you will know the reasons. These special running shoes offer a lot of advantages.

Avoid injuries and pains

Having high arches means you are more likely to suffer from unexpected pains. That is why you need specific running shoes with sufficient support.

Thanks to them, you can run without having injuries such as shin splints or overexertion on the wrong parts of your feet.

Be more durable

You have to accept the fact that high-quality running shoes for high arches often go with a higher price than standard ones. But in turn, they offer better material and design.

So, rest assured that those shoes will last for a very long time, even though you take high-intensity runs.

Bring more comfort

When it comes to material, the good trainers usually feature premium mesh that is breathable and airy so that you will not suffer from sweating or the heat inside.

Also, one of the critical characteristics of those shoes is extra cushioning for offering ultimate comfort and ensuring a long and pain-free run.

Help you to focus on your run

When you run with ordinary shoes, do you often get distracted from your running, like feeling too hot or worrying about potential pains?

But now, everything is different if you choose running shoes for high arches. They help you to avoid injuries, improve comfort so that you can focus on your runway and run with the highest effort.

Besides wide feet, knee pain and plantar fasciitis, high arch is one of the most common foot conditions of many runners. As other foot conditions, it is fairly easy for you to determine whether you have high arches. If you don’t have suitable treatment, this can lead to more serious problems.

Choosing the right running shoes is the best treatment recommended for your high arches. What are the best running shoes for high arches & how to choose? These are 2 big questions of many people.

At first, I think it is necessary for you to know more about high arches. This often comes with some uncomfortable side effects such as shin splints, stress fractures of the tibia, ankle strain, plantar fasciitis or even ligament rupture.

Determine the type of your arch

Taking the Wet test you can determine the type of your arch.

• Put your foot into a shallow pan of water to wet the sole of your foot.
• Put this foot onto a blank piece of heavy paper and stand on.
• Finally, step off and check the shape of your footprint

When considering shoes for high arches, you should pay attention to some features:

Cushioning:

The best running shoes for high arches are required to have cushioning placed along the outside of the shoes to solve any outward roll of your foot due to under-pronation (typical characteristic of high arches). These neutral running shoes also need to have plenty of cushioning in the heel area without having bulky cushioning on the inner part because your foot doesn’t roll inwards. They are often designed with more cushioning but still have the same weight as other shoes.

Additionally, neutral-cushioning shoes feature a single-density midsole; therefore, the cushioning is a uniform composition across the sole. Nowadays, there are different cushioning used in running shoes to promote arch support such as air cushioning, gel, glycerin or foam cushioning.

Some types of shoes use padded inserts while others use separate ones. In order to choose the most comfortable and suitable cushioning for your foot condition, you should try on different shoes.

Read more:

• Best cushioned running shoes
• 10 best flat feet running shoes

Flexibility:

Besides cushioning, flexibility is another necessary feature for runners with high arches. Flexibility will recoup the rigidity of runner’s feet and make the distribution of the impact in each stride easier. Flexibility of shoes firstly depends on a soft upper.

The sole of the shoes is also flexible. Bending the shoes in different directions is the good way to determine how much flexibility the shoes offer.

The shape of shoes

You should look for running shoes with a curved last which often provides you with a more neutral running experience by encouraging your foot to have light pronation. A slip last is also the feature that you want to have in your running shoes because this makes the shoes flexible and add extra cushioning to them as well.

Arch support and Stability

In addition to flexibility and cushioning, the neutral running shoes for high arches also need to have arch support as well as stability. If your shoes don’t provide enough of these, you should additionally get inserts to add more support in your shoes.

Another thing you should keep in mind is the time you choose to go to buy shoes. Although there is an available large amount of running shoes online, I highly recommend purchasing shoes in stores because you have a chance to try on different shoes.

But if there isn’t any shoe store in your town, Amazon is a reliable address for you with return police. In case you can buy in stores, in order to get the best fit, you should buy in the afternoon or evening because at that time your feet have swollen to their biggest shape.

Causes of high arches

If you have high arches, when walking or standing, there will be a large amount of weight placed on the heel and ball of your foot that often causes pain and instability (as your foot rolls more outward). This can occur at any age, and in one or both feet.

A neurologic disorder or other medical condition such as Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, cerebral palsy, polio, spina bifida, muscular dystrophy, or stroke are the main causes of high arch.

Besides, it is also a result of an inherited structural abnormality. Normally, high arch caused by medical condition or a neurologic disorder is likely to worsen. However, if this is caused by another factors, there will not be a change in appearance.

Also read:

• Best Sandals for High Arches
• Best insoles for high arches

• If you inherited high arch, a pair of shoes with good arch supports and padding built-in is all you need to prevent or treat any pain that might happen. These supports help reduce excessive pressure by cushioning the impact of each step whenwalking or running and by distributing your body weight across your feet.
• Another method is to modify your regular activities to relieve excessive stress on your feet. For instance, you may run shorter distance instead of normal long running.
• Wearing high heels is actually easier for women who have high arches.
  
• Orthotic devices fitting into your shoes are also a good treatment because they can provide more cushioning and stability to your feet.
  
• A brace is recommended by surgeons to help keep your foot and ankle stable. Besides, it also helps manage foot drop.
  
• If the non-surgical treatments above don’t improve your condition, surgery is suggested to reduce pain, increase stability while compensating for weakness in the foot. Especially, if your high arch is caused by neurologic disorder, surgery is perhaps the best treatment to prevent progression of the disorder.

Getting the right arch support, enough cushioning, stability and flexibility will prevent pain and injuries caused by your high arches.

10 running shoes above are top choices for high arches, because they not only support high arches runners well but also useful for other popular foot conditions. I hope that these suggestions will meet both your requirement and buget.