Buyer's Guide | Fleet Feet
By Mandy Wahl, Tom Rivett, Evan Matsumoto Updated on
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Runners who have high arches know how difficult it can be to find comfortable shoes with arch support.
While there isn’t one best running shoe for everyone, the best running shoes for high arches all have some things in common.
Roughly 43 percent of people scanned during the fit id outfitting process at Fleet Feet have high arches. Most people with rigid, high arches can benefit from arch support shoes that have top-notch support and quality cushioning.
A touch of stability can help for runners who overpronate, too, but the goal is to find a shoe that helps support your arch and keep it from collapsing too much.
The shoes here are all considered semi-curve lasted shoes and are good for runners with high arches. These are three of the best arch support shoes for runners:
- Brooks Ghost 15
- ASICS Gel-Nimbus 26
- New Balance Fresh Foam 880 v13
- Karhu Ikoni 2.5
- HOKA Clifton 9
We base our recommendations on more than 5 million (and counting) 3D foot scans taken during the Fleet Feet fit id™ outfitting process. Each scan better informs the way we fit all runners. Want to get scanned? Find a Fleet Feet location near you.
[This article is part of the Fleet Feet Buyer's Guide for The Best Running Shoes 2024. Find all the best running shoes from the top brands for all situations.]
Brooks Ghost 15
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The Brooks Ghost is one of the most popular running shoes in the industry and has been for more than a decade and a half thanks to its easy fit and consistent ride.
Brooks designed the Ghost 15 with a roomy toe box that accommodates a wide range of foot sizes, so most runners are likely to find a comfortable fit here (it also comes in wide sizing for anyone who needs it). The midfoot is similarly spacious, but it snugs up nicely when you cinch down the laces.
The engineered mesh upper is soft and pliable, which makes the Ghost comfortable and flexible, and an internal heel counter helps lock in your foot so it doesn’t slip inside the shoe.
Runners with high arches will find good support and plush cushioning thanks to DNA Loft v2 foam in the midsole. This updated foam is lighter and softer, creating easy landings and smooth toe-offs.
Read more in our Brooks Ghost 15 review.
ASICS Gel-Nimbus 26
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The ASICS Gel-Nimbus 26 is a tried-and-tested neutral running shoe with plush cushioning that works great for high arches.
Designers engineered the Nimbus with an accommodating toe box and secure midfoot. The comfortable fit makes it ideal for running long distances or all-day wear.
The Nimbus is full of soft, bouncy foam that works well with those with high arches. As one reviewer in our ASICS Gel-Nimbus 26 review noted, “The cushioning of the Nimbus 26 feels great regardless of whether I am walking or running. For being a high cushion shoe, it does feel pretty responsive as well as I run—not like I’m sinking down into the cushioning at all.”
The stretchy knit upper allows for plenty of room and accommodates a higher instep that can sometimes accompany high arches.
New Balance Fresh Foam 880 v13
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Soft and comfortable, the New Balance Fresh Foam 880 v13 is a consistent home run.
New Balance designed the Fresh Foam 880 v13 with a dual density midsole: cushioned Fresh Foam X in the heel for soft landings and a denser foam in the forefoot for snappy toe-offs.
A soft, smooth modernized upper gives you a plush fit with strategic zones of structure and breathability. With a bit more room in the upper, it works well for people who have high arches since it supports a higher volume foot.
Learn more in our New Balance Fresh Foam 880 v13 review.
Karhu Ikoni 2.5
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Built for comfort and support, the Karhu Ikoni 2.5 was shaped by millions of 3D foot scans taken at Fleet Feet stores around the country. This helps give it a custom-like fit that runners and walkers with high arches will love.
The Ikoni uses lightweight AeroFoam for a cushioned ride, while a half-length Fulcrum rocker under the midfoot promotes a smooth and energizing roll as you transition from heel to toe.
A breathable knit mesh upper keeps you comfortable, while an anatomical lacing system hugs your midfoot for extra support and a dialed-in fit.
Perfect for runs, walks, gym sessions and everything in between, the Karhu Ikoni 2.5 offers do-it-all cushioning for high arches and lightweight support when your feet get tired.
HOKA Clifton 9
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Along with a pair of running insoles, runners with high arches can often benefit from some extra cushioning beneath their feet. Fortunately, the HOKA Clifton 9 delivers cloud-like cushioning in a lightweight package.
The Clifton 9 uses an ultralight midsole foam that protects the arch and foot from hard surfaces while you're running or walking. It also has a wide and stable crash pad that’s extended in the heel for super soft landings to ease the impact of the road.
The breathable engineered mesh upper and soft tongue prevents hot spots and keeps your feet cool when your run heats up. Reviewers noticed that there was ample room in the upper in our HOKA Clifton 9 Review, which can help those with high arches who need more room in the shoe because of their taller arch shape.
Engineered with HOKA’s early-stage Meta-Rocker, the Clifton 9 gives you a smooth and snappy ride mile after mile.
Read more: HOKA Clifton 9 Review
How We Chose the Best Running Shoes For High Arches
We used data from our fit id® outfitting process, interviews with designers and real-life wear testing to determine the best running shoes for high arches.
You can shop with confidence at Fleet Feet: We offer free shipping on all orders over $99, and you have 60 days to return any gear if you don’t like the way it looks, fits or feels. Plus, with our price-match guarantee, you can make sure you never pay too much for a new pair of running shoes.
