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: 11.14.2024
Best Running Shoes for High Arches
Puma MagMax Nitro
The Puma MagMax Nitro is a fantastic running shoe and is ready to compete with all the other super trainers on the market. For us, it’s one of, if not our favorite long run shoe. It’s also getting worn when our legs need to be babied the day after a hard workout. It’s protective with plenty of cushion but also makes our stride feel fairly effortless with a nice bounce on toe off. The Puma MagMax Nitro is a powerhouse running shoe. Read the full review.
Fit: True to size, Drop: 8mm, Price $180
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
Mizuno Neo Vista
Perhaps one of the best under the radar shoes on the market, the Mizuno Neo Vista, sports a radical geometry (called Smooth Speed Assist) that pay dividends on long runs. The geometry makes you feel like you’re falling forward with every step and keeps your stride smooth as the miles drag on. The Mizuno Enerzy NXT foam and plant-based Wave Plate also provide good bounce. And though we were initially skeptical of the knit upper, it adapts well to most if not all foot shapes and can be considered wide foot friendly. The collar may hit too high on the ankle for some but it’s nothing a pair of crew socks can’t solve. The $180 price point feels high at first glance but you get everything you pay for with this ultra smooth, versatile, and fun shoe.
Fits: True to Size, Drop: 8mm, Price: $180
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
Puma Deviate Nitro 3
The Puma Deviate Nitro 3 is a great all-around running shoe, with the only concern being a narrower fit (though there is a wide version on the Puma website). The Deviate Nitro 3 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 breathable and very comfortable. The outsole uses Pumagrip, the best rubber outsole compound currently available, so you’ll get 100% confidence in the traction no matter the conditions. The Deviate Nitro 3 is one shoe that can do it all and delivers value at the $160 price point because it can soak up daily miles and go uptempo with great results whenever needed.
Fits: True to Size, Drop: 8mm, Price: $160
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 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
Nothing currently. Check back soon.
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
Puma Deviate Nitro Elite 3
The Puma Deviate Nitro Elite 3 is huge step forward for Puma’s racing line. It’s $20 less than most race days shoes that sit at $250 but performs just as well. It’s much lighter than the previous version dropping over 2 ounces, the bounce is upgraded, and Pumagrip, as always, is reliable in all conditions. The Ultraweave upper is breathable but very strong and helps keep the foot on the footbed while ripping around corners. And while it’s not the most stable marathon shoe, it’s now a great option for race day due to the weight savings and increased pop from the Nitro Elite and PWRPLATE combo.
If you want a soft, bouncy, fun, and dependable long distance racing shoe that’s not in the $250+ price bracket you won’t be able to do better than the Deviate Nitro Elite 3.
Fit: True to Size, Drop: 8mm, Price: $230
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 7
The Brooks Caldera 7 is a stable, max cushion shoe. It’s not nimble enough for the most technical of trails, but whether you’re trail running or hiking, the Caldera 7 is built for long hauls. The more miles you put in on trails, the happier you’ll be with the DNA Loft v3 underfoot and the well-fitting, plush upper. Read full review.
Fit: True to size, Drop: 6mm, Price $150
Best Running Shoes for High Arches – Coming Soon
adidas Evo SL
Between its high-but-not-max stack height and its unbelievably reasonable $150 price tag, adidas is set to rewrite the super trainer playbook with the Evo SL. Rather than proving its performance chops via a jacked up midsole and a jacked up price to match, the Evo SL takes the best from models like the Adios Pro Evo 1 and the Adios Pro 3 to make one of the most exciting, versatile, and value-packed trainers to date.
The Evo SL features a high-performing and durable Continental Rubber outsole, a simple, but very effective engineered mesh upper (whose only flaw was a slippy tongue), a small midfoot shank, and a lively, full-length Lightstrike Pro midsole. Much of the setup mirrors that of the Adios Pro 3 (minus that shoe’s carbon rods). But the Evo SL adopts its rocker geometry from the exceptional Pro Evo 1, placing the rocker point farther back. The result is a shoe that’s bouncy yet stable, great at daily running, and also makes going fast feel easy. Despite its lack of a stiffening element like a plate or rods, the Evo SL has an elite toe-off that competes with shoes well above its price point, making it a perfectly viable (and affordable) option for those looking to go carbonless on race day.
We’d recommend going with your typical adidas size with regard to length (often a half size down from your size in other brands), and the forefoot room makes the Evo SL one of the more wide foot friendly adidas models. However, those who need more space at the rearfoot may need to try it on, as the Evo SL narrows at the heel. See the full review.
Fits: Typical adidas, Drop: 6.5mm, Price: $150
Best Running Shoes for High Arches – Now on Sale
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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.
