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: 07.17.2024
Best Running Shoes for High Arches
Asics Superblast 2
The Asics Superblast 2 is an all around improvement from last year’s cult classic. It’s versatile enough to handle anything a runner needs to do including easy runs, tempo runs, speed work, and race days. It’s wide foot friendly with an accommodating engineered woven mesh upper that molds to your feet. It also has plenty of volume for tall feet and an arch setup that works well for high arched runners.
The traction, stability, durability, and breathability are all top notch. And the great upper sits on top of a soft yet bouncy FF Turbo+/FF Blast Plus Eco midsole that delivers a fantastic ride. The Superblast 2 doesn’t have any glaring negatives (a rare occurrence in the shoe reviewing business). It’s one of the best shoes on the market. See the full review.
Fit: True to Size, Drop: 8mm, Price: $200
Hoka Mach 6
The Hoka Mach 6 is the best the Hoka Mach series has ever been. The Mach 6 and its bouncy super critical EVA midsole can do daily miles, speed sessions, and long runs while providing very good durability and fantastic impact protection.
If you’re a wide footer you’ll need to choose the wide version but otherwise the upper and its gully gusseted tongue is comfortable. The Durabrasion rubber outsole is both great in all conditions and durable. The Mach 6 is a shoe that does everything well and is well worth it’s $140 price. tag. Read the full review.
Fit: True to size, Drop: 5mm, Price: $140
New Balance FuelCell Rebel v4
The New Balance FuelCell Rebel v4 is New Balance’s most versatile and useful daily running shoe despite not featuring a higher end stack height. The Peba/EVA blend of FuelCell is bouncy and makes it easy to pick the pace (maybe too easy). The upper is accommodating and breathable. The Rebel v4 is also lightweight and stable with durable traction. It’s more shoe than previous Rebels but that makes it accessible to more foot types, and ultimately, more people. It’s one of 2024’s best all around running shoes. Read the full review.
Fit: True to Size, Drop: 6mm, Price: $140
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
Puma Magnify Nitro 2
The Puma Magnify Nitro 2 is one of our favorite daily runners. At $140, it’s priced right for a high-end cushioned running shoe and has the most cushion of any Puma shoe. The super comfortable knit upper provides an accommodating fit and molds to your foot over time. You also get lots of Puma Grip on the bottom that will provide top-tier traction. Your knees and feet will thank you for putting these shoes on for a run. Read the full review.
Fit: True to size, Drop: 10mm, Price $140
Nike InfinityRN 4
The Nike InfinityRN 4 is technically a stability shoe. However, the stability features are unobtrusive and won’t affect you if you don’t need the help. The very noticeable arch on previous Infinity Runs is also found on this version though it’s somewhat toned down. If you don’t like a lot of arch support, you should still stay away. If an ever-present arch doesn’t bug you, the InfinityRN 4 is a highly comfortable daily training shoe that’s ready for lots of miles while also packing a ton of casual appeal. Read the full review.
Fit: Go up a half size, Drop: 9mm, Price: $160
Puma Velocity Nitro 3
The Puma Velocity Nitro 3 is the best Velocity Nitro yet. The upper is improved and much more locked in than version 2 but still not wide footer friendly. The bounce from the Puma Nitro midsole feels great underfoot and can handle a lot of miles. The PumaGrip outsole is, as always, elite. The Velocity Nitro 3 provides great value and is a great shoe to recommend to friends and family that come to you for running shoe advice.
Fit: True to size, Drop: 10mm, Price $135
Nike Vomero 17
The Nike Vomero 17 lost a forefoot Zoom Air unit and instead opted for a ZoomX and Cushlon 3.0 midsole. Nike took a risk but it worked out as the Vomero 17 is comfortable and well-cushioned while picking up speed nicely. It’s also got a supportive arch that doesn’t feel obtrusive.
It’s Nike’s top daily trainer in terms of versatility and midsole tech implementation. One of our testers had heel lockdown issues so keep an eye on that when trying them on. The Vomero 17 fits true to size lengthwise and is available in a wide version. To top it off, the price point is right in line with other high-performing daily trainers. Read the full review.
Fit: True to Size, Drop: 10mm, Price: $160
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
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
Nike Alphafly 3
The Nike Alphafly 3 is the best Alphafly to date and its super bouncy nature makes it easy to maintain marathon pace. It’s more accommodating and comfortable than previous models and includes a less pronounced arch (but it’s still ever-present). It’s still not a very stable shoe around corners and a lot of the heel material is cut away so hard heel strikers will have better options. The price is high, but if you miss the original Alphafly magic, you’ll get most of it back by wearing the Alphafly 3. Read the full review.
Fit: True to size, Drop: 8mm, Price: $285
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
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
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
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
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.
