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.
Related: We Tested Dozens of On Running Shoes. These Are the Best
Best Overall Running Shoe for High Arches: Asics Novablast 4
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 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
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
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.
Related: We Tested Every Running Shoe Asics Offers. These Are the Best
More Running Shoes for High Arches We Love
Related: We Tested a Dozen Saucony Running Shoes. These Are Our Favorites
Do High Arches Cause Plantar Fasciitis?
According to Sykes, high arches stiffen the feet while running, which in turn sends more impact force to the forefoot and rearfoot. The plantar fascia supports your arch, and so high arch runners often feel additional strain on this tissue because it has to stretch more. For that reason, a high arch runner often finds comfort in high cushioned shoes.
Be careful, however. “A max stack shoe can sometimes act as a bandaid for arch pain rather than fixing the problem,” Sykes says. Similarly, if you were recommended orthopedic insoles by a doctor, Sykes says that while they alleviate short-term pain, they won’t address the root of your arch pain. Because, he says, there's no one-size-fits-all in running footwear. Find a pair that works for you—but ease into using any new shoes.
Sykes recommends starting with one run per week in the new shoes, then bumping up to two, and so on for a few weeks to help your body adapt to the new gear. I've made this mistake a few times, and it has cost me weeks of training due to injury. So try a few things to see what works and stick with your successful formula.
Why You Should Trust Me
Aside from my personal experience with plantar fasciitis and arch pain, we got insight from folks who really know what they’re talking about. That’s why I chatted with Sykes, an accomplished runner and D.P.T.
Additionally, I logged hundreds of miles in over 60 different pairs of running shoes over the past year. And like many runners, I’m not immune to injury, so I make sure to note shoes that work well and cause no issues.
On top of my individual testing, I worked with a team of testers over a variety of reviews and gleaned insight from all types of runners, from heavier men looking for maximum support to sub-4:00 minute milers.
