You’ll find plenty of content on the web about the struggles of running with flat feet. However, it’s often more challenging to find information and solutions for foot pain while running with high arches. Runners with high arches know the pain, soreness, and injuries that can result from continuously running without the right running shoes.
As the running community grows, more shoe companies are looking out for runners with varying foot shapes, prior injuries, pronation, and more. Our reviewers scoured the web, researched, and tested the best running shoes for people with high arches. This collection of the best running shoes for high arches highlights the latest and greatest for 2026.
Why High-Arch Running Shoes?
According to the Cleveland Clinic, roughly 20 percent of people have high arches. Unfortunately, high arches can put runners at greater risk of injury in their feet, ankles, and knees.
The greater risk of pain and injury is because high arches cause runners to run with their ankles locked, limiting mobility and causing the foot to roll outward (supinate). Supination, or underpronation, also puts more weight and pressure on the balls of the feet when a person runs, which can lead to foot pain, joint pain, and potential injuries.
Feet with high arches do not typically have the same flexibility or shock absorption as those with medium arches. Runners with high arches are also more likely to develop plantar fasciitis, claw toes, and instability of the foot and ankle. Fortunately, the running industry’s leading manufacturers listened and are now expanding the lineup for runners with high arches.
What to Look for In a Running Shoe for High Arches
Several key characteristics set a running shoe for high arches apart from a traditional running shoe. Generally, the shoe will have abundant cushioning for shock absorption that the foot alone doesn’t provide and offer balance and stability without increasing the rigidity and stiffness under the arch.
As with running shoes for average arches, supportive running shoes must be durable, breathable, and comfortable. They should fit snugly without causing rubbing or blisters.
The Best Running Shoes for High Arches
Our reviewers are Marathon Sports team members and avid runners. We put our runners with high arches on this job so they could report on critical factors like cushioning and support. The following eight shoes are those that remained comfortable from the first mile to the last.
- New Balance 1080 v15
- Brooks Ghost 18
- Asics Gel-Cumulus 28
- Saucony Ride 19
- HOKA Clifton 10
- Mount to Coast R1
- Nike Pegasus 42
- Topo Atmos 2
New Balance 1080 v15
The updated 1080 is one of the best running or walking shoe options for anyone with a high arch who prefers a softer feel. The 1080 features New Balance’s new Infinion foam, which provides soft and flexible cushioning under the foot to encourage natural movement.
While the shoe itself is neutral to prevent adding extra rigidity under the foot, the 1080 v15 has a wide base and contoured details to add extra structure and support throughout walks or runs. And while the ultra soft Infinion foam is a new feature, the 1080 maintains New Balance’s classic, no-nonsense fit and its durable, rugged construction.
A high stack height protects the foot, keeping higher arches further from the force of the pavement, and the 1080 is one of the best shoes on the market for plush cushioning. With a stack height of 40 mm in the heel and 34 mm in the forefoot, the 1080 v15 provides a sturdy and protective base to prevent hard landings. The mesh upper also features plenty of extra padding for all-around comfort both under and around the foot.
Overall, the New Balance 1080 v15 is a great option for anyone with high arches looking for a plush, high cushion shoe.
Brooks Ghost 18
The Brooks Ghost is one of the most popular daily trainers, and with the new Ghost 18, Brooks has improved on a winning formula. The most notable feature for those with high arches is its high 10 mm drop from heel-to-toe.
Big drops can feel refreshingly natural on high-arched feet, as the dynamic movement of the shoe from heel to toe better follows the arches’ curves. This is especially true for anyone who tends to land more on their heels during walks or runs.
An air mesh upper is ultra-breathable and adds some structure, while the flat knit tongue reduces any hot spots around the top of the foot. The Ghost 18 also incorporates flex grooves into the midsole to promote smoother heel-to-toe transitions.
What runners love most, however, is the DNA Loft v3 midsole, which provides heavenly cushion without sacrificing stability. The full-coverage rubber outsole also improves durability for longer lasting enjoyment of everything the Ghost has to offer.
Asics Gel-Cumulus 28
If you’ve got higher arches and usually feel pressure through the middle of your foot, the Gel-Cumulus 28 feels a little more forgiving. There’s more space through the midfoot than you get in a lot of daily trainers, and it doesn’t clamp down as aggressively. For some runners, that alone is the ticket.
Underfoot, Asics went with FF Blast Max plus PureGEL in the heel, and the ride is relatively soft at first contact. Not marshmallow soft, necessarily, but controlled enough on the landing so that it doesn’t feel sloppy. It’s comfortable for piling up miles, especially at easy to moderate paces. We wouldn’t recommend really pushing it, though. There’s not a ton of bounce back.
The transition is a smooth roll from heel to toe that feels natural, especially if you’re not looking for the shoe to do the work for you. For higher arches, that can actually be a huge plus.
The upper is thin and breathable, which is great in warmer weather, but if you’ve got narrow feet, it can feel a little loose through the midfoot. For higher arches, though, that extra give usually feels better than something overly structured pressing down on the top of your foot.
Saucony Ride 19
The big upgrade of the Ride 19 was the midsole. It now uses PWRRUN+ foam, which feels noticeably bouncier than older versions. It’s not a “super trainer” kind of way, but enough that it doesn’t kill your legs halfway through a run.
Some of our reviewers noted it was actually a little surprising the first time they picked up the pace. Despite the high stack height, the responsive foam allows you to really move on more uptempo runs.
The upper feels premium and luxurious around the foot, which isn’t always the case at such an affordable price point. It’s topped with a soft mesh and decent airflow, with a gusseted tongue that locks everything down. The fit is what you’d expect from Saucony, with plenty of room in the toe box and a run-of-the-mill midfoot fit.
We like that they added a bit more rubber under the forefoot for more grip. The platform is slightly wider than before too, which is noticeably adds more stability around turns or during faster runs.
Compared to something like the Asics Cumulus, the Ride 19 feels a little more alive, so you may find it more versatile for all types of workouts.
HOKA Clifton 10
The HOKA Clifton 10 is known as one of the industry’s best cushioned running shoes, and our reviewers agree. This extra-cushioned running shoe offers a soft yet bouncy ride that our reviewers said made them feel more energetic. It’s hard to believe that much cushioning comes in such a lightweight package.
Runners with high arches will appreciate the shoe’s compression-molded EVA midsole foam placed specifically to protect arches and high-impact areas of the foot from impact. The tongue and upper are an ultra-breathable engineered mesh designed to keep feet cool and comfortable over long distances.
Runners with high arches tend to need more forgiving uppers, and our reviewers found that the HOKA Clifton 10 offered plenty of room. The company’s signature Meta-Rocker shape adds to the shoe’s appeal, offering smooth transitions that seem to make the miles fly by faster. The Active Foot Frame design also helps bring the shoe to meet your foot, filling in any gaps and supporting higher arches throughout runs or walks.
Mount to Coast R1
Mount to Coast is a relatively new brand, but its daily training shoe, the R1, has become a fast favorite among runners with high arches.
The lightweight LightCELL midsole offers reliable and consistent comfort throughout long runs, with stable landings and exceptional energy return. The unique TUNEDFIT Dual lacing system is ideal for runners and walkers with high volume feet or high instep. This lacing allows you to adjust the fit of the midfoot and forefoot separately. This lacing system is also paired with a wide toe box for a more accommodating all-around fit.
The double-layered jacquard upper feels soft and flexible around the feet, allowing you to move naturally through your gait. But despite this neutral design, the R1 has a wide base and built-up arch support for inherent stability through every run. And the best part? Mount to Coast boasts exceptional durability, so the R1 is the perfect companion for all your training miles and day-to-day wear.
Nike Pegasus 42
The Nike Pegasus 42 continues the legacy of the Pegasus series, introducing significant updates to enhance comfort and performance for runners with high arches. This model features a full-length ReactX foam midsole, which provides 13% more energy return compared to the previous React foam. The shoe also added a curved full-length Air Zoom unit, ensuring responsive cushioning and a propulsive toe-off.
The Pegasus 42 has an enhanced single layer mesh upper that offers breathability and support. The newest iteration also features a wider toe box, which allows toes to splay naturally and reduces pressure on the ball of the foot.
Despite the high stack height of 37mm in the heel and 27mm in the forefoot, the shoe remains versatile for various running surfaces, thanks to the durable waffle-pattern outsole.
Overall, the Nike Pegasus 42 is a reliable and stylish shoe option that continues to support runners with high arches through its innovative design and technology.
Topo Atmos 2
Topo running shoes are well-known for providing a more pronounced arch underfoot and a snug, supportive fit throughout the heel and midfoot. This contoured design, paired with a high stack of foam, makes the Topo Atmos 2 a top choice for anyone with high arches.
The midsole is made from the brand’s proprietary EVA ZipFoam, giving the Atmos a soft and responsive underfoot feel. The natural 5 mm drop, as well as the rocker profile, creates smooth transitions on long runs or daily mileage. And with a secure recycled mesh upper and enhanced outsole, you can feel confident and secure throughout every step you take.
Where the Atmos really excels, however, is in the shape of the shoe. The narrow heel and midfoot hug the foot, while the anatomical toe box improves balance and stability by allowing your toes to move naturally. So whether you need a spacious fit or just prefer the extra room, the Atmos 2 has a wide, accommodating fit that works for all different foot shapes and sizes.
Finding Shoes for High Arches: Other Tips and Tricks
These are just a few examples of some shoes that could work for athletes with high arches. But every runner is different, and there are a couple other tips to keep in mind when finding the perfect running shoe for you:
- Get a proper running shoe fitting: Many high arches tend to be more rigid, resulting in the need for a neutral shoe. However, biomechanical issues or instability can still cause overpronation, and a shoe with built-in support could be beneficial. We suggest going to a local running store and getting a personalized fitting to determine what type of shoe works best for your needs.
- Try out some insoles: When you have a high arch, you may feel like some running shoes don’t quite fit to your feet the way they should. If a shoe feels like it’s lacking support, try an insole geared towards high arches for a more customizable fit.
- Don’t skip strengthening and stretching: While a good, supportive pair of running shoes can help prevent some of the pain and injuries commonly associated with high arches, you should also incorporate stretching, strengthening, and rolling into your workout routine for injury prevention.
- Avoid going barefoot: Because high arches can place more pressure on the heel and forefoot, you should avoid walking around barefoot and creating more impact. Try a supportive recovery shoe like Oofos sandals around the house for maximum all-day protection and comfort.
The Finish Line
Running with high arches shouldn’t hold you back from reaching your running goals. Our experts know how to connect runners with the shoes that work best for them. Whether you’re searching for running shoes for high arches, long-distance running shoes, or cushioned running shoes, we offer a variety of shoes for every type of runner.
Stop by one of our local stores to take part in our Right Fit™ program. We’ll assess your pronation, foot shape, gait, running style, goals, and various other factors to outfit you with the best possible running shoe for your needs.
Shop online or in stores today to get your pair of 2026’s top running shoes for high arches!
