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Looking for the best running shoes for high arches? We’ve got you covered with the most supportive shoes to help you keep running while reducing pain you might be feeling in your knees, hips and ankles.
Recommendations are based on a lot of personal testing, discussions with our athletes, podiatrists and other specialists. It’s much more common than you might think, so there are a lot of great options.
Our feet get very little attention as runners though they take so much of the force. We focus on our glutes and hips for good reason, but understanding how running with high arches could lead to aches, pains and injuries is important.
On the complete opposite end of the spectrum are those running with flat feet and yet…so many similarities in what we need to do.
One of the primary issues for runners with high arches is that it places their ankle in a locked position. This lack of mobility can be jarring with each step as your foot rolls too far inward or outward, thus increasing the potential for injury of the ankle and knees.
10 Best Running Shoes for High Arches
The following running shoes with arch support are a great place to start in preventing injuries. But definitely checkout the information after to learn more about the exercises you can do to run stronger!
You’ll need to create a little video to see whether your high arches cause your foot to roll more inward or out. If rolling in then you’ll look more for stability and out more for motion control.
Note: I recommend buying from the brand or Zappos links provided as they have better return policies! For each of these shoes, I believe the previous model is also a good choice, so you might be able to find it on sale.
Best Overall for High Arches Hoka Clifton
The Hoka Clifton is a great option for runners with high arches. Thanks to a large midsole and a lightweight breathable upper it feels really stable and supportive.
The snug fit of this shoe around your heel means increased stability since it’s more structured and streamlined.
These shoes come with a 8mm drop and the heel has a midsole that flares out like the collar. The foam protrudes nearly a bit behind the shoe, creating a big landing zone for your foot.
HOKA claims that the EVA midsole foam is the most durable and lightest proprietary foam to date. Nothing will feel out of range for this sneaker, whether you’re running fast or long distances. (It’s absolutely been one of my long time go to shoes.)
The shoe is ventilated thanks to a perforated thin mesh upper, and the toe is reinforced with a denser mesh design for added structure and durability. There won’t be any slipping or rubbing of the heels. It’s a great shoe to prevent outward rolling, i.e. supination or under pronation.
- Weight: 9.8 oz Men’s, 8.8 oz Women’s
- Heel Drop: 8 mm
- 7 colors available
- Available in Wide (and extra wide in some colors)
- Clifton 10 will be Available April 15, 2025*
- Checkout the current available Clifton models (and possibly stock up if you love it because this will be different!)
Best for Wide Feet New Balance Fresh Foam 860
The New Balance Fresh Foam 860 is a purpose-built shoe specifically for runners who overpronate (heel hits the ground first and the foot rolls inward).
The latest model of the New Balance 860 sports a brand-new midsole made from New Balance’s Fresh Foam X material. This is a softer version of the original Fresh Foam utilized in the prior models.
The cushion in the 860v14 feels dynamic and engaging underfoot, with the same bounce and pep that many runners appreciated in the 880.
New Balance also lowered the heel-to-toe drop of the 860v14 reducing it from 10mm to 8mm, giving a slightly flatter, more stable base that feels great for long runs and walks.
You’ll also notice that there’s a full length medial wedge, which is just a fancier way of describing the extra layer of firmer foam along the inner part or arch of the shoe.
This is there to ever so subtly tilt your foot outward, making it a game changer if you overpronate providing extra support.
Best Stability Shoe – Saucony Hurricane
My first impression was HOLY STACK HEIGHT. They aren’t messing around with max cushion in this stability shoe and yet you don’t sink in to the shoe once you start running.
The extra height comes from the dual foam with the bottom layer being their standard PWRRUN foam, to their super trainer PWRRUNPB™ foam. It’s not going to feel super bouncy but it’s still considered a max cushioned option.
To help provide extra support and not over correcting your foot strike, Saucony adds some “protective geometry” using newer CenterPath Technology.
The wider base provides more ground contact and the higher sidewalls help to lock the foot in place. Meanwhile, the slight rocker is going to help with that good roll through from heel to toe.
This shoe is ideal for runners and walkers needing stability (pronation control), on easy runs, long walks, or as a good option for standing all day.
Best Max Cushioned Shoe – Asics Gel Nimbus
There is a good reason why the Asics Nimbus has been around for so long. This shoe’s all-around comfort results in a close, wraparound fit.
It’s a bit heavy at just under 11 ounces, so if you’re not used to wearing high-cushion shoes, you might be surprised by this one. Even so, what it lacks in being a lightweight shoe, it makes up for in comfort and support. It’s now the plushest running shoe in the Asics line up!
The multi-directional outer layer mesh of the Nimbus supports your foot and gives you more control. When looking for a shoe for high arches, the Asics Exoskeleton firm heel support offers exceptional support through your heel while also helping to stabilize your ankle.
This is a running shoe that’s great in your rotation for recovery days or possibly for some long runs. I say some because you need to make sure that you don’t allow yourself to sink in the cushion when fatigued, that can cause lower back pain while running.
One update from the 26 that remained is the grippier outsole thanks to Ahar+ rubber. Not everyone will notice this so much, but if you run in the rain or do any road to gravel path, it’s a nice switch.
Best Zero Drop Shoe – Altra Provision
If you’re looking for a zero drop shoe, then the Altra Provision features the dynamic arch feature, InnovArch to help runners with high arches get some extra support.
The Altra team came up with the Innovarch after years of design testing. It’s essentially a wide TPU strap that wraps up from the footbed, underneath your arch, and across the top of your midfoot, where it links to the shoe’s laces.
It has a series of slits in the material that allow it to bend with your foot and follow the shape of your arch. You will be able to receive a customized arch support system that provides stability while being flexible and unique to your particular foot.
The Provision stands out for its ability to provide support and stability without feeling heavy or bulky. The Innovarch is a standout feature for those with high arches. The support under the arch, which gives a comfortable, snug fit around the foot, is something any runner with high arches will appreciate.
The GuideRail delivers on its promises and doesn’t restrict your stride in any way. The Provision’s broad toe box and midsole provide a great deal of stability even on uneven sidewalks and grassy areas.
Best Daily Trainer – Asics Novablast
If you’re looking for a max cushioned trainer that doesn’t cause you to sink in but still have a little bit of pop, this is going to be it. Set this one up in your list for those longer training run days.
Asics did a makeover of the Novablast midsole swapping it with a full length FF Blast Max from the previous FF Blast+ ECO. This is the first time they’ve done a full midsole underfoot.
While this is a neutral shoe, with no guiderails or anything for stability, it absolutely has some of that built into the design. The width of the platform from toe to heel reduces pronation and provides a really good ride.
We really like this level of cushion for every runner. It’s going to hold up for LONG runs and lots of daily miles.
Best Traditional Shoe – Brooks Ghost
If you have high arches, you need the Brooks Ghost. These are a dream to wear. This shoe’s cushioned feel has made it a runner’s favorite for years, and the revised midsole features 100% DNA loft cushioning to enhance the shoe’s smoothness.
DNA loft V3 foam provides plush support that now extends throughout the midsole, elevating the foot with a 12mm offset to prevent Achilles irritation. I found this shoe to be right in the middle in terms of cushion. Not so plush that I’m sinking in and not so thin on cushion that my legs are noticing it by the end of a run.
Plus, the Ghost has a sleeker upper made of engineered mesh with 3D Fit Print on both sides to cradle your foot in all the right places with the right amount of stretch and structure. The material is so soft and light that it almost feels like nothing when you put it on your feet.
It’s one of the best shoes for anyone with high arches, and I highly recommend you check it out.
Best Long Run Shoe – Nike Vomero
While it looks like a beast of a shoe, I can guarantee that it does not feel heavy or clunky underfoot.
The top layer ZoomX foam is a PEBA foam, meaning that it’s lighter and has more energy return. Traditionally PEBAX is not as durable, meaning less mileage before a shoe wears out, but they’re layering it over top of their ReactX foam.
The pods around the outsole are there to help with stabitliy and a smoother heel to to transition.
The Nike Vomero 18 is a max cushioned trainer for the middle of the pack and back to truly enjoy your easy days and long runs.
Best Lightweight Shoe – Topo Cyclone
If you haven’t tried a Topo Athletic shoe before, the brand is known in the running shoe world for their shoes’ anatomical toe box . This basically means that the shoe’s tox box doesn’t come to a point like a lot of traditional running shoes and stays wider to accommodate your forefoot width.
Inside the shoe, Topo added in OrthoLite Performance insoles. These feel supportive without feeling bulky and help up the comfort factor without upping the weight of the shoe.
The stack height is coming in around 28mm like some of the old school shoes! It just means that you’re going to be able to feel the ground a little more but still have some protection.
This shoe is guaranteed to provide a fun ride. It’s light, nimble, and airy while also supportive and responsive for several types of workouts.
Best Fast Paces Shoe – Nike Vaporfly
If you’re looking for a shoe to wear on race day but have higher arches, the Nike Vaporfly 3 may check off some of your boxes.
Nike ZoomX cushioning is Nike’s latest innovation in running technology.
It’s a cushioning system that provides lightweight, responsive cushioning for a faster and more comfortable ride.
The combination of the carbon fiber plate and ZoomX foam make the Nike Vaporfly 3 one of the most technologically advanced running shoes on the market.
The midsole and widened base of the shoe to make it feel more stable in both the heel and forefoot. It is also going to provide more support if you have higher arches
The technology behind the Nike Vaporfly 3 is centered around its carbon fiber plate combined with the cushioned midsole. The combination of the carbon fiber plate and ZoomX foam has been dubbed the “spring plate” by Nike.
How do You Know if You Have High Arches?
One of the easiest at home tests is to place a piece of paper on the floor, dip your foot in water and then step directly on to the paper. Lift up your foot and compare it to this chart to see what foot type you have.
A few of the common issues related to running with high arches:
As noted above, you’ll need to determine if your high arches are resulting in your foot rolling more inward or outward during running. Both are equally viable options and simply seem to impact people differently.
Either roll will place stress on the knees and ankles, but require a slightly different shoe.
Are high arches good for running?
You might assume that because flat feet can lead to issues, high arches are better. But that’s not the case. You are equally likely to have issues with foot landing and rolling if you don’t have the right support.
A high arch means your foot without support will excessively fall inward with each step. This changes the alignment of your leg placing a great deal of stress on the ankle and knee.
Lacing Your Running Shoes
You probably have noticed in a lot of our typical shoe reviews that we make a note about the length of the laces. This is because different lacing patterns can help to provide different levels of support for your foot, depending on your specific needs and foot types.
If you’re a runner with high arches, you may benefit from a lacing pattern that provides more support in the arch area or relieves pressure due to a high instep.
Plus, a properly laced running shoe can also provide better stability for your foot, especially during lateral movements. This can help prevent ankle injuries and other types of foot and leg injuries.
Insoles for High Arches
In addition to running shoes, you may find benefits from running insoles. A custom made orthotic is great for those with very high arches to ensure it’s a good fit and many of those will last for years.
Barefoot Walking for High Arches
On the flip side there is some evidence that spending time walking barefoot could be good for you as well. It helps force all of the muscles in your feet to work and in running is a quick reminder to place your feet under your hips rather than reaching out and heel striking.
Barefoot supporters have the right idea in saying that we want to build stronger feet! Checkout the exercises below!
Exercises for High Arches
Some of what we want to do with these exercises is stretches that will help with the fascia running along the bottom of the foot. It’s going to ensure the foot can move easily through the running range of motion.
Secondary to that, we’re always looking for movements that improve our strength and stability to help keep the ankles and knees aligned.
Band Stretch
Seated with legs extended in front of you, loop a yoga band or towel around the ball of your foot and then grasp in both hands. Slowly pull back so that you feel a stretch through the foot and calf.
Foot Massage
Whether you have a massage gun or just a PT ball, spend some time working on the muscles of your feet each day.
Heel/Toe Walks
Standing straight rock back on to your heels and walk forward 10 steps. Then raise up onto your toes and walk back 10 steps. Start with 1 minute and build up to 3 rounds.
Big Toe Extensions
Have you ever tried to move your toes independently? More strength in your toes means they grab the ground for a push off and that’s part of what we’re working here along with tiny muscles.
Standing with feet firmly planted, try to pick up just your big toe. Repeat 30 times per foot. You should notice the more you do this it eventually becomes easier to move just your big toe.
Core Focused Strength
From here you need to ensure you have hip, glute and ab strength (aka your core)!
Okay, there you have it our top picks for shoes if you have high arches. Our team is always trying new shoes so we’ll do our best to keep this list updated based on all the fun things we’re running in.
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