Having high arches when you’re a runner can be cumbersome. A high arch often means a stiffer or more rigid foot. Having a high arch while standing doesn’t mean your arch stays that way during movement. For some, it flattens out. In that case, a shoe with exaggerated arch support can be more annoying than helpful. That’s why we put together all the Best Running Shoes for High Arches in one place. We want to make it easy for you to avoid discomfort.
Runners with high or stiff arches often don’t pronate enough, which often means their feet don’t absorb enough of the ground contact forces. This often results in increased injury risk.
A shoe alone can not prevent injuries or fix an injured foot. Often, runners with high arches need to work on foot flexibility. A local physical therapist or podiatrist may be able to help.
Runners with high arches should look for shoes with adequate arch support, a high volume (tall) upper, well-fitting heel areas for optimal lockdown, and lean towards wider toe boxes since people with high arches can be prone to bunions and hammertoes.
We’ve taken the time to test out shoes just for you so you can make your next purchase worth it. Check out our list below to find all the best running shoes for high arches.
Updated: 05.17.2023
Best Running Shoes for High Arches
Hoka Clifton 9
The Hoka Clifton 9 is the best, most versatile Clifton to date. It’s the same great neutral cushioned shoe with added bounce and elasticity in the midsole and increased durability in the outsole. The upper is, as usual, super comfy and the fit is accommodating. There’s also a wide version for those that need it. Improved arch support will excite flat footers, but some may find it a bit distracting. It’s a great shoe for everyone from beginners to seasoned vets and can handle jogging, easy running, recovery runs, and long runs. See the full review.
Fit: True to Size, Drop: 5mm, Price: $145
Puma Deviate Nitro 2
The Puma Deviate Nitro 2 is a great all-around running shoe that fits high-arched runners well. The only concern is a narrower fit (though we hear there may be a wide version coming soon). The Deviate Nitro 2 doesn’t feel great in terms of the initial step-in squish but feels amazing the more you run, and the faster you run. It’s a smooth ride with a cushion/plate combo that feels great during workouts and helps the legs recover quicker. The upper is extremely breathable and very comfortable. The outsole uses Puma Grip, the best rubber outsole compound currently available. You’ll be 100% confident in the traction no matter the conditions. The Deviate Nitro 2 is one shoe that can do it all. Buy it with confidence because you can use it for both training and races. See the full review.
Fits: True to Size, Drop: 8mm, Price: $160
Asics Novablast 3
The Asics Novablast 3 is close to the perfect running shoe. The combination of bounce and impact protection provided by the FF Blast+ midsole makes this shoe an extremely comfortable daily trainer that can pick up the pace when needed. The arch support is there but unobtrusive. The Novablast 3 is also much more stable than you’d expect for a shoe this soft. In addition, the upper is breathable and comfortable while allowing plenty of vertical room for those with high arches. The overall ride is super smooth, and it doesn’t hurt that the Novablast 3 looks spectacular. Grab it and enjoy an extremely good all-around shoe. See the full review.
Fit: True to Size, Drop: 8mm, Price $140
Brooks Glycerin 20
The Brooks Glycerin 20 is a comfortable, breathable, and versatile daily running shoe that works great for those with high arches. The arch is supportive but you won’t feel it while running. The DNA Loft v3 midsole is plush and can easily handle long runs. The ride is really smooth and easy on the legs. The traction is durable and doesn’t slip in any conditions. Just don’t get the StealthFit version because the upper on the regular version is much better fitting and more comfortable. Read the full review.
Fit: True to Size, Drop: 10mm, Price $160
New Balance FuelCell SC Trainer
The New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Trainer is a high-stack neutral training shoe perfect for long runs and minimizing wear and tear on tired legs. It packs massive amounts of FuelCell cushioning underneath one of the best uppers of the year. The engineered knit upper is comfortable and accommodating to all foot types. It’s got unobtrusive support for high arches and the knit upper accommodates tall feet just as well as wide ones. And, while it’s a bit heavy, the SuperComp Trainer is plenty stable. If you run long distances often and want to save your legs, the SuperComp Trainer is a shoe you should consider. Read the full review.
Fit: True to Size, Drop: 8mm, Price $180
Puma Velocity Nitro 2
The Puma Velocity Nitro 2 is Puma’s most popular do-everything model. The Nitro cushioning is plush, especially in the forefoot. Fit and lockdown are great. Runners with high arches will feel the midfoot support but won’t find it annoying. The upper is also voluminous enough to fit the tallest of arches. And the Puma Grip outsole provides outstanding traction on all surfaces and in all conditions. While it does have a slightly sloppy upper, it’s a great shoe for a relatively low price. In fact, it’s a bargain. See the full review.
Fit: True to Size, Drop: 10mm, Price: $120
Nike Vomero 16
The Nike Vomero 16 is almost a carbon copy of its predecessor, the Nike Vomero 15. They both combine three of Nike’s cushioning systems. The one right under your forefoot is Nike’s Zoom Air which provides a spring-like feel. Housing that is Nike’s ZoomX which adds more bounce to your step. Then we have the slightly firmer SR-02 that stabilizes everything, so you don’t feel wobbly during your run. It’s the Cadillac of Nike running shoes and an excellent option for runners with high arches.
Fit: True to Size, Drop: 10mm, Price: $150
Best Budget Running Shoes for High Arches
New Balance FuelCell Propel v4
The New Balance FuelCell Propel v4 has the best value proposition of any shoe on the market. $110 for a bouncy Fuelcell midsole and a TPU plate? That alone raises my eyebrows.
The upper isn’t spectacular but it’s comfortable. It’s also nice and tall for tall-footed people. The arch is backed by a TPU plate which gives extra protection for high arches.
The tongue can be slippy, it’s a little on the heavy side, and the traction is solid. Durability is a big question mark because there’s not a ton of rubber on the outsole and it wears down pretty fast. But, at $110, a price serviceable daily running shoes don’t touch anymore, sacrificing some durability and comfort is expected.
The end result is a shoe that’s perfect for a wide range of runners. It’s also great for cost-conscious parents that need solid running shoes for kids running track or cross country (and growing out of the shoes way too fast). I’d recommend the Propel v4 over Nike’s current Pegasus and several other $130-150 models. Watch Kofuzi’s review.
Fit: True to size, Drop: 6mm, Price $110
Best Running Shoes for High Arches – Speed Day
Hoka Rincon 3
The Hoka Rincon 3 is really really light. However, that doesn’t affect its cushioning. You still get plenty of cushy Hoka EVA underfoot. It’s soft enough to relieve stress from high arches but peppy enough to have. some get up and go. The lightweight build works with Hoka’s meta rocker to really make the shoe glide. When you want to pick up the pace for a fast workout, the Rincon 3 can do it. It’s also one of the most stable speed day shoes currently available. See the full review.
Fit: True to size, Drop: 5mm, Price: $120
Nike ZoomX Streakfly
The Nike ZoomX Streakfly is a high-performing lightweight, speedy shoe with a few flaws that are easy to overlook if you’re a shoe technology nerd. The principal flaws are the durability, sloppy upper, and support. But the ZoomX midsole, sleek design, versatility, and minuscule weight make the Streakfly a super fun shoe. Runners with high arches will appreciate the midfoot shank that keeps the midfoot sturdy. Read the full review.
Fits: True to Size, Drop: 6mm, Price: $160
Best Running Shoes for High Arches – Racing
Asics Metaspeed Sky+
The Asics Metaspeed Sky+ is light, stable, breathable, and super bouncy. The FF Blast Turbo paired with the carbon plate really provides a spring to every step. The AsicsGrip traction grabs every surface making this shoe a great choice for running a race in bad weather. The upper isn’t perfect, but the rest of the shoe is so good you can overlook any small issues. It’s a racing shoe with plenty of room for high arches and plenty of foam underfoot for midfoot impact protection. Read the full review.
Fit: True to size, Drop: 5mm, Price: $250
adidas Adizero Adios Pro 3
The adidas Adizero Adios Pro 3 is a smooth-riding and bouncy shoe that works well for runners with high arches. The rocker is improved from previous versions with a sharper toe angle and improved carbon fiber energy rods that make the shoe feel faster and bouncier. Breathability is top-notch, the outsole grips everything, and, due to a widened base, stability is great for a race day shoe. You’ll want to wear thicker socks to avoid issues with the problematic Achilles stitching but that’s the only real issue in a shoe that’s one of the best marathon racing shoes on the market. See the full review.
Fit: Typical adidas, Drop: 6.5mm, Price: $250
Nike Air Zoom Alphafly NEXT% 2
Nike original Alphafly had one of the most polarizing arch constructions in the history of running shoes. Some loved it. But a lot of high-arched runners found it annoying. Nike heard the feedback and better built out the arch of the Alphafly NEXT% 2 to fully cover the foot and avoid any discomfort no matter if your arch stays high and rigid or flattens out as you run. It’s the comfy SUV of racing shoes. Price: $275
Best Running Shoes for High Arches – Trail
Brooks Caldera 6
The Brooks Caldera 6 is a unicorn trail shoe. Well-cushioned for high arches, super stable, and grips everything. You get a fantastic shoe if you buy the right size (you’ll need to go half down from your normal Brooks shoe size). Whether trail running or hiking, you won’t find a better trail shoe. Plus, if you spend a lot of time on the trails, your body will thank you for the bouncy, protective cushioning the DNA Loft v3 midsole offers. Read full review.
Fit: Go half a size down, Drop: 6mm, Price: $150
Best Running Shoes for High Arches – Now on Sale
Asics Glideride 3
The Asics GlideRide 3 is an impressive shoe. It’s soft as your foot lands and then provides a nice bounce as you push off into the next stride. The midsole’s shape makes the running motion super smooth, and how the midsole is built adds unexpected stability. It’s soft yet supportive through the midfoot for those with high arches. To top it off, the upper is super plush and comfortable. Running one mile in this shoe feels just as good as running 20. It’s just that good. Overall, the combination of comfort, cushion, stability, and an ultra-smooth ride make the GlideRide 3 a shoe you’ll want to wear daily. Read the full review.
Fit: True to Size, Drop: 6mm, Price: $150
Asics Gel-Nimbus 24
The Asics Gel-Nimbus 24 is a massive upgrade from previous Nimbus models. Nimbus has always meant comfortable daily trainer, but the Nimbus 24 takes that to a new level. The FFBlast+ foam (and some Asics GEL for good measure) are super plush underfoot and cushions high arches well. The upper is an engineered mesh that feels like a knit. And it’s got a great tongue. One of the drawbacks is winter traction issues, but the outsole is incredibly durable and hardly shows wear. This will be a durable shoe. The fit is accommodating but it’s also available in a wide version, so even the widest footers can enjoy it. Read the full review.
Fit: True to Size, Drop: 10mm, Price: $160
Hoka Clifton 8
The Hoka Clifton 8 is a pillowy soft, well-cushioned neutral running shoe with a fit that accommodates feet with high arches both in terms of height and low key arch support. Basically, the Clifton 8 is all about comfort. The upper and midsole are both comfy and plush. There’s a good amount of rubber coverage on the outsole, which makes the outsole reasonably durable. You’ll put a lot of miles on them, and your feet won’t take a pounding. The Clifton 8 is a running shoe that does everything and works well for high arches.
Fit: True to Size, Drop: 5mm, Price: $140
Brooks Glycerin 19
The Glycerin line delivers year after year. The Glycerin 18 was one of our favorites, and the Glycerin 19 improved the formula ever so slightly. Excellent grip, maximum cushioning, and a great fit that accommodates most foot types including high arches. Brooks continues to be a star in the running shoe industry and has a solid roster of top-notch performance models because they nail the basics. Read the full review.
Fit: True to Size, Drop: 10mm, Price: $150
Got any suggestions for shoes we should add to our best running shoes for high arches list? Comment below or message us on Twitter or Instagram with your suggestions.
