Best running shoes for high arches

High arches mean less of your foot touches the ground, so impact is concentrated on the heel and the ball of the foot. High-arched feet also tend to be stiffer and absorb less shock.

Runners with high arches usually do best in a neutral shoe with generous cushioning, which makes up for the foot’s reduced natural shock absorption.

Flat or lowMediumHigh
A high arch leaves only a thin strip between heel and forefoot.

Every runner is different. Take our 2-minute quiz to find the shoes matched to your injuries, feet, routes and budget.

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What to look for

Generous cushioning
A heel stack of around 36 mm or more spreads out impact.
A neutral design
Stability features can press against high arches and add firmness you don’t need.
A flexible, accommodating upper
High arches can mean a high instep, so look for laces and an upper that don’t pinch the top of the foot.
Watch for outward roll
Many high-arched runners supinate. Cushioned neutral shoes suit this best.

Shoes to consider

These picks come from the same matching logic as our quiz, for a road runner who wants an everyday trainer. Specs are approximate for recent versions.

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1.Nike Pegasus

Neutral shoe

37/27 mm stack10 mm dropabout 285 g

Nike’s long-running workhorse. It’s responsive rather than plush, durable, and suits a huge range of runners, which is why so many people own one.

  • High arches are often stiffer and absorb less shock. A neutral, well-cushioned shoe like this makes up for that without pushing your foot inward.
Compare prices for the Pegasus

2.ASICS Novablast

Neutral shoe

41/33 mm stack8 mm dropabout 256 g

A high-stack, bouncy trainer with a fun, springy ride. It handles easy runs well and still feels lively when you pick up the pace.

  • High arches are often stiffer and absorb less shock. A neutral, well-cushioned shoe like this makes up for that without pushing your foot inward.
Compare prices for the Novablast

3.New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080

Neutral shoe

38/32 mm stack6 mm dropabout 283 g

New Balance’s premium cushioned trainer. A soft, plush ride with a lower drop and a roomy fit, available in several widths.

  • High arches are often stiffer and absorb less shock. A neutral, well-cushioned shoe like this makes up for that without pushing your foot inward.
Compare prices for the Fresh Foam X 1080

4.Hoka Clifton

Neutral shoe

42/34 mm stack8 mm dropabout 275 g

A lightweight max-cushion shoe with a rocker that rolls you smoothly from heel to toe. Comfortable for long and easy miles.

  • High arches are often stiffer and absorb less shock. A neutral, well-cushioned shoe like this makes up for that without pushing your foot inward.
Compare prices for the Clifton

5.ASICS Gel-Nimbus

Neutral shoe

43/35 mm stack8 mm dropabout 290 g

ASICS’ premium cushioned trainer. Soft, protective and comfortable for long runs and recovery days.

  • High arches are often stiffer and absorb less shock. A neutral, well-cushioned shoe like this makes up for that without pushing your foot inward.
Compare prices for the Gel-Nimbus

Want picks that also account for your arches, gait, routes and weekly distance?

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Common questions

How do I know if I have high arches?

With the wet foot test, a high-arched print shows the heel and ball of the foot joined by only a thin strip along the outside edge, or not joined at all.

Should high arches avoid stability shoes?

Usually. Stability features are designed to slow inward roll, which high-arched runners rarely need.

Do high arches need arch support?

Some runners like extra arch support from an insole, but the key shoe feature is cushioning. A shop fitting can help.