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Table of Contents
Best Overall
Brooks Ghost 14
Our Rating:
5/5
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Best Distance
Hoka One One Clifton 8
Our Rating:
4.5/5
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Best Cushioned
Endorphin Speed 2
Our Rating:
4.2/5
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Best Overall Shoe For High Arches
Best Overall
Brooks Ghost 14
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Brooks Ghost 14 running shoe is the best overall running shoe on my list and rated as one of Runner’s World top ten shoes in 2015. It features a full-length midsole and a snug fit to give you ample cushion and stability. You can also choose from several different colourways if neon yellow isn’t your thing! It is a great running shoe for high arches to improve your form or maintain yours.
Read the full review of Brooks Adrenaline GTS 21
Distance Running Shoe for High Arches
Best Distance
Hoka One One Clifton 8
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The Hoka One One Clifton 8 has a 4mm outsole that brings a lot of cushioning and shock absorption to a shoe that has an ample amount of stability. The shoe is made with a stretch-resistant mesh upper that brings comfort and gives you a solid fit, while complete coverage lacing keeps your foot locked in nicely. If you’re looking for shoes with high arches, I recommend checking out these running shoes by Hoka. They are great for running long distances due to their durability and high-quality support for runners with arch problems or high arches.
Read the full review of Brooks Adrenaline GTS 21
Cushioned Shoe for High Arches
Best Distance
Saucony Endorphin Speed 2
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Saucony Endorphin Speed 2: If you have high arches, it can be challenging to find a cushioned running shoe that is right for you. The under-arch support of these shoes is incredible because of their firm cushioning system. The deep heel counter also supports your heel that helps keep it in place while you are running.
Read the full review of Brooks Adrenaline GTS 21
Best Stability Running Shoe
Hoka One One Clifton 7
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Hoka One One Clifton 7 – An extremely comfortable running shoe, but it’s even more important to be mindful of your biomechanics when wearing these shoes. If you have high arches and overpronate (roll to the outside of your foot), you need a stable running shoe like these. The cushioned sole absorbs impact and makes these shoes great for long runs on pavement, trails or grass. It also offers additional support for those with higher arches or who experience pain in their feet or ankles because of overpronation. It is not a training shoe and should only be worn by experienced runners with proper biomechanics.
Read the full review of Brooks Adrenaline GTS 21
Best Trail Shoe for High Arches
Saucony Peregrine 11
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Saucony Peregrine 11 Running shoe is easily one of our favourites because of its lightweight design combined with excellent cushioning. It makes it ideal for high-impact activities like running on rocky trails or pavement during marathons. Plus, it can handle your weight since it’s built with stability features that promote good form even at higher speeds or when tackling challenging obstacles.
Read the full review of Brooks Adrenaline GTS 21
Budget-Friendly Shoe for High Arches
Asics Gel Contend 7
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Asics Gel Contend 7 – The contoured air mesh upper provides optimal ventilation to keep your feet cool and dry, while integrated lacing enhances support. A seamless construction coupled with an elastic collar means you can slip these on and off without hassle. The flexible midsole ensures comfort as you stride along, while a rearfoot GEL cushioning system absorbs shock upon impact.
Read the full review of Brooks Adrenaline GTS 21
Best New Balance Running Shoe
Fresh Foam 880v11
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New Balance Fresh Foam 880v11 Running shoe is one of my favourite running shoes for high arches. It has a nice roomy toe box, a very supportive midsole and a shock-absorbing heel. The insole in these shoes is removable and replaceable, so you can get creative with custom orthotics if you want to. I’ve heard great things about Superfeet insoles for flat feet, but honestly, they were too expensive, so I just cut up some old insoles to get extra support under my arch. A firm, the supportive insole is key to keeping your foot aligned adequately while running and keeping your feet comfortable while reducing pain after workouts.
Read the full review of Brooks Adrenaline GTS 21
Best Asics Running Shoe
Asics Gel-Venture 8
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Asics Gel-Venture 8 running shoe for high arches helps keep your feet cushioned and comfortable when you’re out on the run. This is an excellent option if you have a hard time finding a running shoe that can support your high arches without making you feel like you’re sinking into a hole in the ground. It’s perfect for running over longer distances, but it can also work well for shorter runs because of its flexibility and responsiveness. It also comes with an extra layer of gel cushioning in certain parts of your feet, so it offers additional support to critical areas where runners tend to need it most.
Read the full review of Brooks Adrenaline GTS 21
FAQ
Have you been wondering what running shoes you need? Searching shoes for any type of running needs and finding it hard to make a decision, here are some questions answered.
Are high arches bad for running?
It’s a common misconception that high arches are bad for running. Having a high arch is a biomechanical advantage to running. Runners with high-arched feet tend to land on their mid- or forefoot rather than their heel when they run, which can help alleviate some of the pressure placed on your joints and legs while also helping you run more efficiently.
It’s not just about landing on your feet when you run; it’s about how and where you’re landing them and whether or not your shoes support that process. Having good quality footwear—like shoes designed specifically for runners with high arches—can help minimize pain in areas like your shins and ankles while improving performance in races and training runs alike.
How do I tell if I have high arches?
The most accurate way to determine your arch type is to have a podiatrist conduct an in-person exam. However, if you’re looking for a more at-home solution, try wetting your feet and then stepping on a piece of paper or cardboard with your shoes off. The shape of your footprints will indicate whether you have low, normal or high arches.
Those with low arches will have flat prints with no visible indentations; normal arches will show indentations around both heels, and high arched people will see round imprints under their toes.
Keep in mind that these are rough indicators—no two feet are exactly alike—so it’s best to check with a doctor if you want more precise results.
What problems do high arches cause?
People with high arches generally suffer from pain in their feet and tend to pronate.
Pronation is a natural movement of the foot that happens as you walk or run. It’s essential to have proper pronation because it helps absorb shock during exercise, helping your body keep moving forward. But if you have too much pronation, your foot will roll too far inward toward your toes. It can cause pain in your knees, hips, back and lower back—all of which are common problems that runners face over time.
Wearing high-quality running shoes can help alleviate some of these problems by supporting your arch area.
How do you fix high arches?
If you have high arches, it’s important to choose running shoes with extra cushioning. It will help protect your feet against injuries caused by overpronation.
Overpronation is a common problem among people with high arches when their feet roll inward too much while walking or running. While overpronation can lead to knee pain and injuries in some cases, others aren’t bothered by it at all—and can instead suffer from foot pain caused by underpronation.
Whether you have normal arches or high arches, look for cushioning along the inside of your shoe. This area should be relatively soft so that your foot isn’t being pushed too far forward inside your shoe during each step.
How to Choose Running Shoes For High Arches
When buying a running shoe, it is essential to consider your gender and style of running and foot type.
Runners with high arches may want to avoid shoes that have an overpronating structure as these shoes will likely cause pain. Instead, opt for a neutral or stability shoe designed to help keep high arched feet from rolling inwards as you run.
Have someone measure your arch height at its highest point when trying on running shoes at a store. If you’re unsure how to do so, try walking barefoot on a flat surface and note how long it takes before your first step leaves a mark or dent in the ground.
Our Final Thought
There are thousands of running shoes out there, so how do you know which pair is best? As an expert on all things running, here’s my take: If you have high arches (like me) or plan to use your running shoes for trails (like me), go with a neutral shoe; otherwise, consider a stability shoe. A comfortable pair will help prevent injury and make it easier to run for longer.