If you have high arches, less of the middle of your foot touches the ground, and more of your weight rests on your heel and the ball of your foot. Thus, the optimal shoe is well-cushioned at both ends, where you place the most load. Choosing shoes based on arch height alone hasn't been found to reduce injuries, but overall fit is still important. Shoes that are too narrow are linked to foot pain, and high arches often mean a taller top of the foot. For this article, we only consider shoes that meet the following criteria:
Cushioning: How much impact both the forefoot and heel absorb at different force levels, corresponding to different runner weights and paces. For all shoes we've tested using our current methodology, the median score for heel cushioning is 7.7 and for forefoot cushioning is 7.5. For this guide, we only consider shoes that score higher on both, as high arches concentrate load in these two areas.
Heel Width-To-Stack Ratio: The width of the heel's base compared to its height. Since a tall, narrow heel can feel less stable, we don't consider any shoe with a ratio below 2.12, as that represents the bottom quartile of shoes we've tested. The median score for shoes we've tested is 2.29.
Arch Width: Whether the interior around your arch is narrower or roomier than a typical shoe in the same size. We score based on deviation rather than absolute units, since those vary with size.
Our tests measure the shoe itself, not how it interacts with your foot. This article is meant to help you compare running shoes, not to diagnose or treat a foot condition. If you have foot pain, an injury, or any concerns about your feet, speak with a podiatrist or physician.
Below are our picks for the best running shoes for high arches. For more options, see our recommendations for the most comfortable running shoes.
We've bought and tested more than 300 running shoes. Every pair purchased with our own money, never supplied or sponsored by brands. Our data-driven tests are designed to go beyond marketing claims, and since every shoe goes through the exact same methodology, you can directly compare results to find the right pair for your needs.
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Best Running Shoes For High Arches
Daily Training7.8Long Run7.5Cushioning8.9Heel Width-To-Stack Ratio:2.39Arch Width TTS Deviation:-2.5 mm (-0.098")See all our test resultsWide Sizing Available:YesThe HOKA Bondi 9 is the best running shoe for high arches that we've tested. It has excellent cushioning under both the heel and forefoot, so it can support the greater load placed on these areas by high-arched feet. Its forefoot cushioning also holds up well over long distances, so it's comfortable for everything from easy runs to long runs. Despite the tall stack, the heel sits on a wide base, so it feels steady when you land.
The standard version of this shoe is a bit narrow through the arch, but Wide and Extra Wide versions are available for both men and women. The shoe's toe box tapers, so it may feel tight if your foot is broad or your toes need extra room. If so, check out the Topo Specter 3 below. For more plush options, see our recommendations for the best cushioned running shoes.
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Best Budget Running Shoes For High Arches
Daily Training7.8Long Run7.1Cushioning8.1Heel Width-To-Stack Ratio:2.27Arch Width TTS Deviation:-1.3 mm (-0.050")See all our test resultsWide Sizing Available:NoIf you're trying to save both money and your feet, the ANTA PG7 3 is the best budget running shoe for high arches that we've tested. Although its cushioning isn't as plush as the HOKA Bondi 9, it still offers excellent protection under the heel and good forefoot cushioning, so it can absorb impact in the places where high-arched feet concentrate load. The heel sits on a wide base, so it feels stable, even if your feet are taller due to higher arches.
For the lower price, you get less cushioning than our top pick, and it's also less balanced. The cushioning is more concentrated in the heel, so it suits heel strikers better than runners who land farther forward, and its forefoot cushioning doesn't hold up as well on long runs. The toe box is also lower than the HOKA's, so this isn't a good fit if your toes curl as you land.
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Best Running Shoes For High Arches With A Roomy Fit
Daily Training7.7Long Run7.5Cushioning8.6Heel Width-To-Stack Ratio:2.32Arch Width TTS Deviation:1.6 mm (0.065")See all our test resultsWide Sizing Available:NoIf your feet often feel cramped in typical running shoes, then we recommend the Topo Specter 3. It has the roomiest interior of any pick on this list, with a wide arch and a spacious toe box that offers plenty of room both horizontally and vertically. It has excellent, well-balanced cushioning, with enough protection under both the forefoot and heel. Its forefoot cushioning also holds up impressively well over long distances, so you stay comfortable for longer.
Compared with our top pick, the HOKA Bondi 9, this shoe isn't as shock-absorbent at higher force levels, so heavier runners won't find it as soft. It also has a narrower heel base, so it feels a bit less stable if you land on your heel. For more options with plenty of toe room, see our recommendations for the best running shoes for wide feet.
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Best Stability Running Shoes For High Arches
Daily Training8.1Long Run7.8Cushioning8.4Heel Width-To-Stack Ratio:3.32Arch Width TTS Deviation:-1.7 mm (-0.065")See all our test resultsWide Sizing Available:YesIf you often feel unsteady or roll your ankle, we recommend the Saucony Hurricane 26 as the most stable shoe for high arches that we've tested. It has the widest heel base of any shoe on this list, so it feels more secure if you have high arches and land on your heel. It doesn't sacrifice comfort for stability, as both the forefoot and heel are well-cushioned. It's also available in Wide versions if you need more space for your foot.
Compared with our top pick, the HOKA Bondi 9, this shoe has a little less cushioning and a slightly lower toe box, but its base is much wider. It's a support shoe with features like raised sidewalls to prevent your foot from rolling inward. If you don't need these guidance features, they could feel intrusive. If, on the other hand, you do know that you need a stability shoe, see our picks for the best stability running shoes.
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Best Running Shoe For High Arches For Long Runs
Daily Training8.1Long Run8.0Cushioning9.3Heel Width-To-Stack Ratio:2.15Arch Width TTS Deviation:-3.3 mm (-0.130")See all our test resultsWide Sizing Available:NoIf you're a more experienced runner looking for a shoe that can keep up with both high arches and longer mileage, we recommend the ASICS MEGABLAST. It's the best long-run shoe for high arches that we've tested, thanks to outstanding cushioning under both the heel and the forefoot. That cushioning holds up better over long distances than any other shoe on this list, so your feet stay protected and supported, even over a full marathon distance.
Compared with our top pick, this shoe is a little narrower through the arch, and it doesn't come in wide versions, so the fit could feel too restrictive for some. It's also taller, and its heel base is narrower, so it can feel less stable, especially as your legs tire. This shoe is best suited to experienced runners who can maintain good form over long distances. For more options, see our recommendations for the best shoes for long runs.
Notable Mentions
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Mount to Coast C1:
The Mount to Coast C1 is a great option for runners with high arches, especially forefoot strikers. Its heel cushioning is great, but not on the same level as the HOKA Bondi 9. However, this shoe has a unique dual-lacing system that allows you to quickly loosen or tighten the upper without untying the shoe, which can be helpful if you start to feel pressure around your foot during a run.
See our review -
Saucony Ride 19:
The Saucony Ride 19 is a cheaper alternative to the Saucony Hurricane 26 that's not as bouncy or as deeply cushioned. It has an inherently stable base without the extra guidance features, so it's a less intrusive option that works well for runners with high arches who just want a neutral, well-cushioned trainer with enough room for their feet.
See our review
All Reviews
Our recommendations above are what we currently consider the best running shoes for runners with high arches. We consider each shoe's fit, cushioning, and geometry, as well as price and availability (we don't recommend shoes that are hard to find).
If you'd rather decide for yourself, check out the table of all our running shoes, sorted by cushioning. Ultimately, choosing the best running shoes for high arches depends on your foot shape, comfort preferences, and running goals rather than any single ranking.