We Tested Dozens of Running Shoes. These Are the Best for High Arches

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If you may have high arches, you typically have to go looking far and vast for running footwear that work for you. Although not all the time the case, many occasions as a result of it is since you expertise a continuing ache in the midfoot attributable to overworking your plantar fascia, the thick however versatile strand of tissue that connects your heel to the ball of your foot.

I’ve had plantar fasciitis since I used to be in high college, and whereas I’ve principally gotten it below management, there are nonetheless some weeks the place I can’t escape arch soreness. If you’re like me, while you discover a running shoe that is comfy, you keep it up.

After testing dozens of pairs, I rounded up the greatest running footwear for high arches. I additionally spoke with Dylan Sykes, D.P.T. and 2:25 marathoner, on how to decide on the greatest shoe for your particular wants. The greatest general choose is Asics Novablast 4 as a result of it is a versatile shoe, responsive for the days you feel the want for velocity, however plush sufficient for straightforward 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 wish to assume too exhausting about what’s on my ft; it both works or it doesn’t. Asics Novablast 4 simply works. Over the previous couple months, the it has been the first shoe out of my closet for normal training miles. 

As one the greatest running footwear from Asics, the Novablast midsole is bouncier however stiffer than the earlier model, but it retains its plush, cosy experience. While the higher feels extra insulated than the earlier Novablast, it locks my foot down higher, which retains me using proper on the tremendous supportive midsole. I felt the older model lacked arch help, as my foot rolled inward barely. The up to date midsole feels much more balanced for any runner, particularly high arch runners like me. All this provides as much as a flexible shoe: responsive for speedy days, plush for straightforward days. For $140, there aren’t many higher trainers on the market.

As with many plush trainers nowadays, the outsole is especially foam, so it wears down comparatively rapidly and would not grip bumpy terrain in addition to different footwear. But do not let that cease you from having fun with the experience it supplies.

Weight: 9.2 ounces

Heel-Toe Drop: 8mm

Pros:

• Doesn’t really feel wobbly or unstable for a max-stack shoe.
• Soft and supportive experience, nice for high arches.
• Versatile for an on a regular basis coach.
• Excellent worth.
• New higher supplies higher lockdown than earlier model.

Cons:

• New higher is extra insulated, which might make ft really feel heat.
• Not tremendous sturdy or grippy.

Best Stability Running Shoe for High Arches: Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23

Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23 has firm “guiderails” that run alongside both sides of the shoe to stop the foot from collapsing inwards or rolling outwards. While stability footwear do not all the time swimsuit runners with high arches (because it depends upon whether or not or not you overpronate), the Adrenaline is plush sufficient to steadiness out the firmer stability options. 

Similar to Brooks Ghost 15, the Adrenaline is sort of universally beloved for its cushioning and match. The shoe’s recognition isn’t a fluke; it’s only a testomony to how properly it really works for so many individuals, myself included. It’s straightforward to discover a model that matches you proper, a colorway that you just’re excited to put on, and when you’re out logging miles, the shoe is comfy and enjoyable to run in.

Weight: 10.1 ounces

Heel-Toe Drop: 12mm

Pros:

• Reliable match and cozy, plush really feel.
• Not overly stiff, however nonetheless supportive.
• Classic, utilitarian higher and lacing.

Cons:

• High heel-toe drop isn’t for everybody.
• Stability options could really feel bizarre to impartial runners.

Best Max Cushion Running Shoe for High Arches: Skechers GoRUN Max Road 6

I strive to not escape my favourite max cushion phrase an excessive amount of, however Skechers GoRUN Max Road 6 are licensed ‘plush puppies.’ When my canines (ft) are barking, I slide on the newest Max Road for straightforward miles. 

The Max Road 6 is a giant step up in cushioning from the earlier model, and the carbon-infused midsole is thick and smooth. They have one of my favourite highway outsoles, too—comprised of Michelin rubber. Not solely running lengthy in these, I additionally spent two 12 hour days shifting my issues and my ft have been simply advantageous. 

I discover that the shoe cradles my arch from heel to toe, making it an excellent alternative for high arch runners. I worth that help—and the extraordinarily supple really feel underfoot—for restoration runs. Sure, they aren’t quick or versatile, however at $130 they’re extra reasonably priced than most max cushion opponents. One last item I observed: the higher isn’t breathable, so the shoe heats up after awhile. However, the higher by no means results in slippage or irritation.

Weight: 11 ounces

Heel-Toe Drop: 6mm

Pros:

• High stack peak and carbon-infused cushioning makes for tremendous comfy experience.
• Accommodating, locked down match.
• Durable, cheesy midsole rubber.

Cons:

• Thick, unbreathable higher.
• Not versatile.

Best Racing Shoe for High Arches: Nike Vaporfly 3

I in all probability don’t want to speak about how good of a shoe the Vaporfly is, because it’s one of the most well-known running footwear of all time. I’ve tried a ton of elite racing footwear, and Nike Vaporfly 3 works for my arches. 

A number of fast highlights: It weighs virtually nothing (6.5 ounces), it is tremendous peppy but comfy over lengthy distances, and the higher is extraordinarily gentle and breathable. The midsole is slim, however that slimmed down portion hugs the arch, so when correctly laced, the shoe helps and comforts the foot. 

Nike has launched different fashions since the Vaporfly 3, like the Alphafly, which some individuals desire. But should you want a pair of racing footwear and you’ve got a high arch, then the Vaporfly 3, one of the sport’s hottest racing footwear, is a good choose. However, the lacing generally is a bit flimsy, and like all tremendous footwear, they put on down fairly quick. So use them properly, as a result of, in accordance with studies, they do certainly enhance your running efficiency.

Weight: 6.5 ounces

Heel-Toe Drop: 8mm

Pros:

• Light, bouncy, and cozy.
• Breathable higher.
• Proven to enhance running efficiency.

Cons:

• Bad lacing system.
• Wears down rapidly.

Related: We Tested Every Running Shoe Asics Offers. These Are the Best

More Running Shoes for High Arches We Love

Best Recovery Running Shoe for High Arches: Brooks Glycerin 21

Another widespread high cushion shoe is Brooks Glycerin 21. It’s my favourite Brooks shoe, and I’m nonetheless logging tons of early week restoration runs in these. While they’ve a equally smooth midsole really feel to the Skechers GoRUN Max Road, these light-weight trainers are much more versatile.

At 9.8 ounces (or 9.3 in the StealthFit model) the Glycerin 21 is gentle sufficient for speedwork, and although the foam is actually smooth underfoot, it has extra pep than anticipated. The heel counter is actually supportive, and the laces are comfy. This shoe is considerably distinct from others on this listing in that it doesn’t have a notably stacked arch. But as I broke these footwear in, the insole molded to my foot form. The supple foam cushions and helps the ft throughout influence, so regardless of the decrease arch stack, the footwear by no means really feel like they’re taxing your plantar fascia.

Weight: 9.8 ounces

Heel-Toe Drop: 10mm

Pros:

• Lightweight sufficient to be versatile trainers.
• Soft and cozy cushioning, whereas sustaining a lot of pop.
• Upper and lacing setup works properly for many foot shapes.
• Durable outsoles.

Cons:

• Not the most breathable higher on the listing.
• No stacked arch.

Best Everyday Running Shoe for High Arches: Asics Gel-Kayano 30

As one of the greatest Asics footwear this 12 months, Gel-Kayano 30 has picked up lots of miles in latest weeks. I’ve beforehand skilled each decrease leg accidents and arch ache, so the Kayano’s supportive, plush cushioning and high heel-toe drop has positioned stabilizes and helps my ft. While I’m not breaking any velocity data in these, I actually recognize the straightforward miles in footwear that really feel comfy and steady, however not overly squishy or plodding. Additionally, the stability options, that are completely unobtrusive, cradle the arch. For just about each run—save for quick workouts or races—the Gel-Kayano makes a wonderfully supportive shoe for runners with high arches and plantar fasciitis.

Weight: 10.7 ounces

Heel-Toe Drop: 10mm

Pros:

• Soft, steady, and supportive.
• Durable outsole.
• Snug, sock-like higher and cozy laces.

Cons:

• Too heavy and plush for quicker runs.

Best All-Around Running Shoe for High Arches: Hoka Clifton 9

The newest iteration of the widespread Hoka Clifton is a cushty, tried-and-true high arch shoe. While I don’t assume the Clifton 9 feels prefer it was made completely for people with high arches, there are a lot of runners who profit from the midsole construction.

Elite runners and informal walkers alike sing the praises of the Clifton. I’ve run in three completely different variations of this shoe, it simply works so properly. The shoe is light-weight (below 9 ounces). It’s obtained an approachable 5 mm heel-toe-drop, superb for those that do not land so exhausting on their heels, however not low sufficient to scare off runners who aren’t used to it. And the Clifton has a very lockdown match for a steady experience. Finally, there’s supportive foam that reaches below the arch—proper the place you want it.

Weight: 8.7 ounces

Heel-Toe Drop: 5mm

Pros:

• Lightweight and versatile.
• Cushioning works nice for high arch runners.
• Great worth at below $150.

Cons:

• Low drop is not for everybody.
• Not as smooth as Hoka’s max stack choices.

Best Shoe for Running and Casual Wear: Adidas Ultraboost Light

Adidas Ultraboost Light is my every day shoe. I stroll my canines in them, journey with them, and sometimes simply put on them round the home. The Ultraboost Light midsole is tremendous comfy and steady, and the sock-like higher, whereas not the most breathable, is stretchy and suits completely.

If you go along with a easy colorway, you needn’t journey with a number of footwear. These appear to be a contemporary sneaker, however carry out like some of the greatest running footwear on the market. The forefoot and heel cushioning is plentiful, and the heel contour cradles the foot completely.

While the $190 base worth is a bit steep, previous colorways typically go on sale. And for how versatile these are as on a regular basis footwear and running footwear, the worth is definitely properly value it.

Weight: 10.5 ounces

Heel-Toe Drop: 10mm

Pros:

• Look like a contemporary sneaker.
• Boost foam is supple and this model is lighter.
• Soft, stretchy higher may be very comfy.

Cons:

• A tad costly for the efficiency.
• Not tremendous quick or responsive.

Best Everyday Trail Shoe for High Arches: Hoka Mafate Speed 4

For path runners wanting for one thing a bit softer, Hoka Mafate Speed 4 is arguably one of the most versatile path footwear ever made. While Hoka has lengthy been acknowledged for the consolation of their foam, their latest push for extra responsive choices in the PROFLY lineup are nice. The Mafate Speed 4 includes a twin density midsole that’s each firm and smooth, sustaining a ton of consolation for high arches. And the versatility of the Mafate implies that these stay the proper alternative for lengthy, affected person path miles in addition to exhausting uphill efforts and speedy descents. Unfortunately, I did discover some heel slippage if I did not lace tight sufficient.

Weight: 10.4 ounces

Heel-Toe Drop: 4mm

Pros:

• Soft and supportive dual-density PROFLY midsole.
• Excellent traction.
• Very versatile for all types of path running.

Cons:

• Had to lace tightly to keep away from heel slippage.

Best Nimble Trail Running Shoe for High Arches: La Sportiva Jackal II (BOA)

While La Sportiva places out a ton of actually technical and succesful path runners, the Jackal II with BOA lacing is the model’s greatest. If you may have high arches however don’t like the really feel of maximalist footwear, then the Jackal II is true up your alley. They’re actually comfy but in addition gentle and nimble, with responsive foam and tons of grip. And the arch help hits proper the place you want it.

Part of what makes these really feel so comfy for high arch runners is the safe, locked-in BOA match. You simply click on the knobs on the facet of the shoe till the shoe suits your foot form completely. As a consequence, they make an excellent path racer or quick shoe for path runners who don’t desire a large clunky midsole.

Weight: 10.5 ounces

Heel-Toe Drop: 7mm

Pros:

• Excellent mix between speedy efficiency and bouncy cushioning.
• BOA system makes these really easy to safe to your foot.
• Grippy, outsole rubber.
• Breathable higher.

Cons:

• Stiffer than some high arch runners could desire.

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 ft whereas running, which in flip sends extra influence pressure to the forefoot and rearfoot. The plantar fascia helps your arch, and so high arch runners typically really feel extra pressure on this tissue as a result of it has to stretch extra. For that purpose, a high arch runner typically finds consolation in high cushioned footwear.

Be cautious, nonetheless. “A max stack shoe can sometimes act as a bandaid for arch pain rather than fixing the problem,” Sykes says. Similarly, should you have been advisable orthopedic insoles by a physician, Sykes says that whereas they alleviate short-term ache, they received’t tackle the root of your arch ache. Because, he says, there isn’t any one-size-fits-all in running footwear. Find a pair that works for you—however ease into utilizing any new footwear. 

Sykes recommends beginning with one run per week in the new footwear, then bumping as much as two, and so forth for a couple of weeks to assist your body adapt to the new gear. I’ve made this error a couple of occasions, and it has price me weeks of training on account of damage. So strive a couple of issues to see what works and stick together with your profitable system.

Why You Should Trust Me

Aside from my private expertise with plantar fasciitis and arch ache, we obtained perception from people who actually know what they’re speaking about. That’s why I chatted with Sykes, an achieved runner and D.P.T.

Additionally, I logged a whole bunch of miles in over 60 completely different pairs of running footwear over the previous 12 months. And like many runners, I’m not resistant to damage, so I make certain to notice footwear that work properly and trigger no points. 

On high of my particular person testing, I labored with a staff of testers over a range of opinions and gleaned perception from every type of runners, from heavier males wanting for most help to sub-4:00 minute milers.

Related: The Best Running Shoes of 2024

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