Running shoes fit everyone differently. This is why sporting companies invest millions in making their products better and working with athletes to find the perfect fit for them.
People with high arches have soles that are higher than most other people and this leaves them vulnerable to imbalance from their footwear. Most runners with high arches don’t usually notice they have a problem but if they did feel unstable they will most likely be best suited with neutral running shoes.
Don’t take our article as a form of medical advice though, if you think you’re struggling with your arches you should go and visit your physiotherapist or podiatrist. This article isn’t specifically about diagnosing anything but if you know you want shoes for high arches then these are some of the most popular choices by other runners.
Best Running Shoes For High Arches Compared And Reviewed
Cross Country
Saucony Endorphin Speed 3
Best Overall
ASICS Gel-Cumulus 23 Running Shoes
Best Value
ASICS Gel-Excite 8 Running Shoes
Budget Option
Under Armour Charged Assert 9 Running Shoes
Best Style
Nike Zoom Winflo 7
1. Saucony Endorphin Speed 3
Key Features
- Shock Absorbant
- SpeedRoll Technology
Reasons to buy
- Lightweight
- Great for all weather conditions
- Good Support for high-arched feet
Reasons to avoid
- Some found the fit too tight
- Uncomfortable inner design
With its springy rubber sole, the Saucony Endorphin Speed 3 helps the runner bounce higher. With a bouncier effect, you can maintain your speed without too much effort.
The Saucony prevents exhaustive runs and practices by helping you maintain your speed as you lose stamina. Furthermore, its lightweight design gives little to no weight to the runner. This is perfect for runners who are trying hard to balance stamina and speed in their runs.
The Endorphin Speed 3 can resist different extreme weather conditions. It can withstand rain, flood and extreme sunlight conditions. With its high durability design, the Saucony does not peel off easily and its shoelaces can withstand high jump pressures and long hours of practice. This is perfect for runners who are practicing for a running match or a major competition.
The inside cushion of the Saucony is also arched to 11 mm. This is good for runners who have mildly arched feet. The Saucony is padding-friendly, meaning it can be padded with other materials to support very high-arched feet.
The Saucony Endorphin Speed 2 has a tight design to ensure shock absorbent. This shock absorbance helps in the increase of speed of the runner, however, this might not be best for everyone.
Since shock-absorbing shoes can feel too tight to some runners, it can give them a very uncomfortable feeling that can reduce, rather than increase, efficiency and speed. It also has a non-breathable design making your feet sweat more if not paired with good and thick socks.
Other features of the Saucony include its SpeedRoll Design. This feature received mixed reviews since the SpeedRoll design was deemed to add to the tightness of the shoes.
2. ASICS Gel-Cumulus 23 Running Shoes
Key Features
- Rubber Sole
- FlyteFoam Propel Technology
- Rearfoot and Forefoot GEL Cushioning Systems
Reasons to buy
- Mildly Soft Cushions
- Comes in many colors
- Very durable
- Made for high-arched feet
Reasons to avoid
- Some found it a bit stiff
The most recognizable thing about the Asics Gel-Cumulus 23 Running shoes is their high arched design. This is perfect for runners who have high arches and have a terrible time running due to the elevation of their arches.
With an arch padding that extends up to 15 mm, the Gel-Cumulus 23 boosts speed to your running experience without worrying about stamina loss and over-fatigue after a hard day’s run. Not only that, but the shoes also have mildly soft cushions to give a better experience that prevents you from getting bruises but are not that efficient in preventing blisters.
The Asics Gel-Cumulus Running Shoes 23 also has a stylish design. You can choose from a variety of colors that have different prints on them. It is also very durable with its rubber sole feature that adds a bouncier effect on your runs. This prevents the shoes from hitting hard against concrete floorings. However, some found that the rubber sole contributed slightly to the shoe being a bit stiff.
Furthermore, the shoes have fewer paddings on the heel area to give full support to the arch area. It is built with FlyteFoam Propel Technology that absorbs shock when hitting on hard and unbalanced surfaces. However, this feature requires you to tie the laces of the shoes very tight so that they can absorb shock.
The Asics Gel-Cumulus 23 is also built with a Rearfoot and Forefoot GEL Cushioning System that gives less pain in the toe area and the arch area. This is very much recommended for runners who have high-arched feet and at the same time have muscle-related illnesses.
3. ASICS Gel-Excite 8 Running Shoes
Key Features
- Ortholite X-40 Sockliner
- AmpliFoam Midsole
- Rearfoot GEL technology cushioning system
Reasons to buy
- Sufficient high-arch support
Reasons to avoid
- Small toe bend area
- Rubber-make on inner lining might deform over time
- Soft arch-support
Compared to other Asics running shoes, the Gel-Excite 8 has the most decent arch support for high-arched feet. Its arch support goes up to 14 mm giving runners with high arches a very comfortable experience.
However, when it comes to other aspects of comfort, the Gel-Excite 8 tends to fail. With its Nilon inner lining with mild softness, you can easily bruise yourself with a long and hard run. Furthermore, when worn by a runner with very sensitive skin, the Gel-Excite 8 rubs against the skin very aggressively, producing very uncomfortable blisters.
The materials of the Excite 8 also have mixed benefits. The arch support is made of soft rubber cushions that can decrease in height over time. The toe and heel areas are also made with rubber material. In time, when these materials get indulged in sweat, they will lose their softness and shape.
On the flip side, the Gel-Excite 8 has an Ortholite X-40 sock liner that can prevent sweat from going through the rubber cushions and paddings of the shoes. Hopefully, this is enough to prevent any deformity on the arch support.
The Asics Gel-Excite 8 is also built with an AmpliFoam Midsole feature that prevents bone and muscle-related pain in the sole area. However, with its small toe bend feature, you might feel discomfort with your toes, especially in long and hard runs. However, this feature is also the reason why the shoes are stable when worn and delivers a feeling of normal tightness.
Another feature is its Rearfoot GEL technology cushioning system that gives comfort to the rearfoot area when engaging on high and long jumps.
4. Under Armour Charged Assert 9 Running Shoes
Key Features
- Synthetic Sole
- Solid rubber outsole
Reasons to buy
- Good arch support
- High durability
Reasons to avoid
- Hard external linings
- Materials used cause it to be uncomfortable for wearer
Known for its protective design, Under Armour is known for using hard materials for its running shoes. This feature remains in the Charged Assert 9 running shoes. Despite this, Assert 9 is recognized for its good arch support. For runners who have high-arch feet, this is highly recommended for you. But it all goes downhill from here.
To start, the sole is made of synthetic materials which can prevent the soles from being damaged by rocks making it a very durable shoe. But this feature also makes the shoes hard to bend, making them too stiff and hard to use in running.
Another problem lies with the inner cushions and linings of the shoes. Made with synthetic cushions and linings, the Assert Charged 9 can feel uncomfortable when worn for long periods. This is not recommended in activities that run for hours or even a whole day.
The outsole and external design of the Under Armour Assert Charged 9 running shoes are made of synthetic solid rubber materials as well. Meaning, like its sole, the texture of the shoes is very rough and solid.
Though this feature can protect the feet from external accidents like being hit by a rock or tripping, it also caused it to be heavier. Eventually, it can lead to serious issues like pain in the heel area and knee area if you do not have stronger bones and muscles.
5. Nike Zoom Winflo 7
Key Features
- Rubber sole
- Bounce effect
Reasons to buy
- Comfortable
- Affordable
- Good arch support
Reasons to avoid
- Low durability
- Too chunky
For runners who do not engage in extreme physical activities like long runs and competitive sprints, the Nike Zoom Winflo 8 is a good option.
Made with a full rubber outsole, the Zoom Winflo 7 gives extreme comfort and convenience. Its soft inner cushions match with the rubber soles that make it bendable enough to reduce pain in the toe and heel area. With that being the primary feature of the shoe, it is no wonder why many runners recommend the Zoom Winflo 7 for beginners.
The rubber soles of the Zoom Winflo 8 are hard enough to withstand concrete surfaces and rough roads but not hard enough to harm the sole area of the feet. It has a softness level that can increase your bounce that can lead to an increase in your speed and agility.
It also has good arch support for high-arched feet, giving them a very comfortable running experience. The rises to 12 mm and can be vamped with additional padding to increase the arch for runners who have higher arches.
There are some major issues with this shoe; the first is its durability. The Winflo 8 cannot withstand extreme temperatures such as high heat and very cold weather. Its design can easily peel off and the outsole and midsole can easily deteriorate. Not to mention when submerged in water for a long time, the whole sole can detach easily making it an inefficient shoe for triathlons.
Another inconvenience is the design of the shoe. It has a very edgy design or in other words, making it a bit bulky or chunky for some wearers. This can reduce your running speed due to inconsistency with pressure and air levels.
6. ASICS Gel-Nimbus 23 Running Shoes
Key Features
- FlyteFoam Propel Technology
- Synthetic and Mesh materials
- Rubber sole
Reasons to buy
- Tight and stable
Reasons to avoid
- Cannot withstand extreme heat
- Lacks shock-absorb feature, not advisable on rough surfaces
Specifically made for high-arched feet, the Gel-Nimbus 23 has an arch that rises to 16 mm. This feature frees the arch of the feet from all kinds of pain. Furthermore, the shoe sizes fit perfectly with your feet, giving more comfort to you as a wearer. This feature gives a tight and stable hold to your feet, giving the feeling of security and a worry-free run.
Aside from the arch advantage, the Asics Gel-Nimbus 23 is made with the FlyteFoam Propel Technology that increases your bounce height. With this feature, you will also be able to increase your speed rate and agility without the pressures of running hard, which results in over-fatigue and exhaustion.
The Asics Gel-Nimbus 23 is made from both synthetic and mesh material. The external design and armor of the shoes are made from synthetic materials, to ensure maximum durability.
On the other hand, the cloth-based aspect of the shoes or mesh materials can be found in the inner linings of the shoe to ensure maximum comfort for you. But, these two materials have a disadvantage. Since some of the materials of the shoe are synthetic, it cannot withstand extreme heat conditions.
When exposed to extremely hot temperatures, some of the designs might peel off. Furthermore, the laces of the shoe, which are cloth-based or mesh, can be easily cut off when exposed to both heat and cold.
Another commendable property of the Asics Gel-Nimbus 23 is its rubber soles that can last long-distance runs. However, compared to other rubber soles, the Gel-Nimbus 23 does not have a shock-absorbing feature, making it less efficient when used on rough surfaces.
7. Mizuno Wave Inspire 17 Road Running Shoes
Key Features
- Mizuno Enerzy Foam
- U4ic Midsole
- Engineered Mesh Upper
Reasons to buy
- Very soft cushioning
- Offer of stability
Reasons to avoid
- Grip on heel area might be rough for some
The Mizuno Wave Inspire 17 Road Running Shoes has a very comfortable design for runners with high arches.
With an arch of 14 mm, the Wave Inspire 17 can increase your running experience in many ways, including the comfort it offers to high-arched feet runners. Its tight and stable design frees you from worrying about the shoe’s capability to stay on your foot and lets you focus on your speed and running goals.
The inside lining of the Mizuno Wave Inspire 17 Road Running Shoes is made from soft rubber, giving you more comfort while running. The top sole of the shoe is made from mesh to let in more air in the toe area and prevent fungal causing sweats. The midsole area is made from synthetic materials to ensure stability.
On the other hand, the outer sole of the shoe is made from rubber and synthetic materials for a better and harder grip in the ankle area. Although, it is important to note that some runners found it to be a bit irritating because it can make the heel area feel very hard and rough.
Other features of the Mizuno Wave Inspire 17 Road Running Shoes includes its Mizuno Enerzy Foam feature for a bouncier and springier effect; the U4ic Midsole feature to make it feel light regardless of the hardness of its materials; the engineered Mesh Upper feature to allow more air to enter inside the shoe.
8. New Balance Fresh Foam Evare V1 Running Shoe
Key Features
- Durable Design
- Stylish
- Rubber Sole
Reasons to buy
- Soft cushioning
- Good arch support
- Hard and protective exterior
Reasons to avoid
- Some found it to be a bit stiff
The New Balance Fresh Foam Evare V1 Running shoe is made for runners who have sensitive soles. If you often feel discomfort from wearing shoes that have too hard or too solid paddings, you might want to check this one out.
With their soft cushion design, the shoes prevent pain from the heel, arch and toe areas. Together with its good arch support, it can offer ample comfort for runners who have high-arched feet.
When it comes to its exterior, the New Balance Fresh Foam Evare V1 Running shoe offers a solid design that aims to protect you from harsh and heavy objects. It can withstand rain and some levels of flooding. However, some users found the hard exterior to be stiff.
Compared to other New Balance shoes, the Fresh Foam Evare V1 Running shoe is more stylish than their other products.
How To Choose High Arch Running Shoes
Here are some things you need to consider while choosing the best Running shoes for High-arched runners:
Arch Level
The arch level should be 10 mm or more high. To ensure maximum comfort, arched soles with less than 10mm should be avoided. If not it can harm the foot and can lead to accidents. Furthermore, if the arch is too high for you, it can also cause discomfort and inconvenience. Know your arch level to prevent minor inconveniences when buying shoes for high-arched feet.
Comfortability
To ensure that you are giving your best without discomfort, make sure that the shoes are comfortable to wear. This means no pain can be felt in the four areas of the feet: Toe area, Arch area, Midsole area and ankle area. If even one of these areas begins to feel pain while using a shoe, that means that the product does not fit you and is considered unsuitable for you.
Materials Used
Materials of the shoes should also be considered. Nylon-based materials are good but not the best. For the external body of the shoes, consider buying Synthetic-based and Mesh-based materials for a more durable exterior. When it comes to the sole, it should be made with rubber to have a bouncier effect that increases your speed. For the interior, make sure that the materials are soft.
Exterior Design
For the exterior design, make sure that the shoe can protect your feet from harmful debris like rocks. Consider buying shoes with the top toe area covered by mesh-based materials to ensure that air can get through inside your feet. This aspect prevents sweating and sweat from causing fungal infections.
Frequently Asked Questions
The best running shoes for arches should offer maximum comfort, support and prevent injury to increase the quality of your performance. ASICS has a number of offerings that you can choose from depending on your needs. Another noteworthy feature of this brand is the integration of different types of materials that will ensure you get comfort, stability and more than sufficient arch-support on your runs.
Injuries like plantar fasciitis and shin splints can harm feet especially those who have high arches. This is because high-arched feet tend to contract more causing muscle strains called metatarsals. When this happens, an aching pain begins in the arch area which can cause further complications. This is why you need high-arched support shoes to prevent those kinds of injuries.
‘Road Runner Sports.com’ gave a three-step procedure to know if you have high-arched feet.
Fill a shallow pan and wet your foot. Step the wet foot on a cardboard paper or any paper that is as hard. Remove your foot and examine the print. If the print shows your toes, heel, and balls of your foot, this means you have high-arched feet or need extra arch support.
Marko Rakic is a trail runner and fitness enthusiast from Sydney, Australia. He is the lead writer for The Ultimate Primate and believes the best way to live a happy life is through constantly challenging yourself.