Fitness / March 27, 2024

We Tested Dozens of Running Shoes. These Are the Best for High Arches

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If you have high arches, you often have to search far and wide for running shoes that work for you. Although not always the case, many times because it’s because you experience a constant ache in the midfoot caused by overworking your plantar fascia, the thick but flexible strand of tissue that connects your heel to the ball of your foot.

I’ve had plantar fasciitis since I was in high school, and while I’ve mostly gotten it under control, there are still some weeks where I can’t escape arch soreness. If you’re like me, when you find a running shoe that’s comfortable, you stick with it.

After testing dozens of pairs, I rounded up the best running shoes for high arches. I also spoke with Dylan Sykes, D.P.T. and 2:25 marathoner, on how to choose the best shoe for your specific needs. The best overall pick is Asics Novablast 4 because it’s a versatile shoe, responsive for the days you’re feeling the need for speed, but plush enough for easy days.

Best Overall Running Shoe for High Arches: Asics Novablast 4 Asics Novablast 4

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When I’m out running I don’t want to think too hard about what’s on my feet; it either works or it doesn’t. Asics Novablast 4 just works. Over the past couple months, the it’s been the first shoe out of my closet for standard training miles.

As one the best running shoes from Asics, the Novablast midsole is bouncier but stiffer than the previous version, yet it retains its plush, snug ride. While the upper feels more insulated than the previous Novablast, it locks my foot down better, which keeps me riding right on the super supportive midsole. I felt the older version lacked arch support, as my foot rolled inward slightly. The updated midsole feels a lot more balanced for any runner, especially high arch runners like me. All this adds up to a versatile shoe: responsive for speedy days, plush for easy days. For $140, there aren’t many better trainers out there.

As with many plush trainers these days, the outsole is mainly foam, so it wears down relatively quickly and doesn’t grip bumpy terrain as well as other shoes. But don’t let that stop you from enjoying the ride it provides.

Weight: 9.2 ounces

Heel-Toe Drop: 8mm

Pros:

Doesn’t feel wobbly or unstable for a max-stack shoe.
Soft and supportive ride, great for high arches.
Versatile for an everyday trainer.
Excellent value.
New upper provides better lockdown than previous version.

Cons:

New upper is more insulated, which can make feet feel warm.
Not super durable or grippy.

Best Stability Running Shoe for High Arches: Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23 Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23

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Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23 has firm “guiderails” that run along each side of the shoe to prevent the foot from collapsing inwards or rolling outwards. While stability shoes don’t always suit runners with high arches (as it depends on whether or not you overpronate), the Adrenaline is plush enough to balance out the firmer stability features.

Similar to Brooks Ghost 15, the Adrenaline is nearly universally beloved for its cushioning and fit. The shoe’s popularity isn’t a fluke; it’s just a testament to how well it works for so many people, myself included. It’s easy to find a version that fits you right, a colorway that you’re excited to wear, and once you’re out logging miles, the shoe is comfortable and fun to run in.

Weight: 10.1 ounces

Heel-Toe Drop: 12mm

Pros:

Reliable fit and comfortable, plush feel.
Not overly stiff, but still supportive.
Classic, utilitarian upper and lacing.

Cons:

High heel-toe drop isn’t for everyone.
Stability features may feel weird to neutral runners.

Best Max Cushion Running Shoe for High Arches: Skechers GoRUN Max Road 6 Skechers GoRUN Max Road 6

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I try not to break out my favorite max cushion phrase too much, but Skechers GoRUN Max Road 6 are certified ‘plush puppies.’ When my dogs (feet) are barking, I slide on the latest Max Road for easy miles.

The Max Road 6 is a big step up in cushioning from the previous version, and the carbon-infused midsole is thick and soft. They have one of my favorite road outsoles, too—made from Michelin rubber. Not only running long in these, I also spent two 12 hour days moving my things and my feet were just fine.

I notice that the shoe cradles my arch from heel to toe, making it a great choice for high arch runners. I value that support—and the extremely supple feel underfoot—for recovery runs. Sure, they aren’t fast or versatile, but at $130 they are more affordable than most max cushion competitors. One last thing I noticed: the upper isn’t breathable, so the shoe heats up after awhile. However, the upper never leads to slippage or irritation.

Weight: 11 ounces

Heel-Toe Drop: 6mm

Pros:

High stack height and carbon-infused cushioning makes for super comfortable ride.
Accommodating, locked down fit.
Durable, tacky midsole rubber.

Cons:

Thick, unbreathable upper.
Not versatile.

Best Racing Shoe for High Arches: Nike Vaporfly 3 Nike Vaporfly 3

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I probably don’t need to talk about how good of a shoe the Vaporfly is, as it’s one of the most famous running shoes of all time. I’ve tried a ton of elite racing shoes, and Nike Vaporfly 3 works for my arches.

A few quick highlights: It weighs practically nothing (6.5 ounces), it’s super peppy yet comfortable over long distances, and the upper is extremely light and breathable. The midsole is narrow, but that slimmed down portion hugs the arch, so when properly laced, the shoe supports and comforts the foot.

Nike has released other models since the Vaporfly 3, like the Alphafly, which some people prefer. But if you need a pair of racing shoes and you have a high arch, then the Vaporfly 3, one of the sport’s most popular racing shoes, is a great pick. However, the lacing can be a bit flimsy, and like all super shoes, they wear down pretty fast. So use them wisely, because, according to studies, they do indeed improve your running performance.

Weight: 6.5 ounces

Heel-Toe Drop: 8mm

Pros:

Light, bouncy, and comfortable.
Breathable upper.
Proven to improve running performance.

Cons:

Bad lacing system.
Wears down quickly.

More Running Shoes for High Arches We Love

Best Recovery Running Shoe for High Arches: Brooks Glycerin 21

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Another popular high cushion shoe is Brooks Glycerin 21. It’s my favorite Brooks shoe, and I’m still logging tons of early week recovery runs in these. While they have a similarly soft midsole feel to the Skechers GoRUN Max Road, these lightweight trainers are a lot more versatile.

At 9.8 ounces (or 9.3 in the StealthFit version) the Glycerin 21 is light enough for speedwork, and though the foam is really soft underfoot, it has more pep than expected. The heel counter is really supportive, and the laces are comfortable. This shoe is somewhat distinct from others on this list in that it doesn’t have a notably stacked arch. But as I broke these shoes in, the insole molded to my foot shape. The supple foam cushions and supports the feet during impact, so despite the lower arch stack, the shoes never feel like they are taxing your plantar fascia.

Weight: 9.8 ounces

Heel-Toe Drop: 10mm

Pros:

Lightweight enough to be versatile trainers.
Soft and comfortable cushioning, while maintaining plenty of pop.
Upper and lacing setup works well for many foot shapes.
Durable outsoles.

Cons:

Not the most breathable upper on the list.
No stacked arch.

Best Everyday Running Shoe for High Arches: Asics Gel-Kayano 30

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As one of the best Asics shoes this year, Gel-Kayano 30 has picked up a lot of miles in recent weeks. I’ve previously experienced both lower leg injuries and arch pain, so the Kayano’s supportive, plush cushioning and high heel-toe drop has placed stabilizes and supports my feet. While I’m not breaking any speed records in these, I really appreciate the easy miles in shoes that feel comfortable and stable, but not overly squishy or plodding. Additionally, the stability features, which are totally unobtrusive, cradle the arch. For pretty much every run—save for fast workouts or races—the Gel-Kayano makes a superbly supportive shoe for runners with high arches and plantar fasciitis.

Weight: 10.7 ounces

Heel-Toe Drop: 10mm

Pros: