Best Running Shoes for High Arches in 2023

1. Brooks Ghost 15

The Ghost has been one of Brooks’ best-selling shoes for years. The Ghost has garnered a reputation for being a reliable performer on all kinds of road, whether you’re just getting started or looking for your marathon partner. Version 15 keeps the great fit of prior models, with a new mesh, seamless upper that feels great.

These shoes have a traditional 12 mm drop, meaning your feet are angled forward slightly. Great for heel-strikers or runners with naturally good form. The Ghosts have a nice, wide toe box, but cinch up in the midfoot to hold your foot in place. The best part of these shoes is their careful balance of cushioning and weight, striking the perfect balance.

The extra cushion is exactly what your arches are looking for. DNA Loft foam helps support the arch by conforming to your foot and spreading impact energy across the sole.

If you’re experiencing pain in your heels or just want a cushioned, best-of-all-worlds running shoe, the Brooks Ghost 15 is great option.

2. Brooks Glycerin 20

If we could only use one word to describe the Glycerin from Brooks, that word would be “plush.” This ultra-cushioned ride will have your arches support with pillowy-soft gel. At the same time, this shoe manages to be flexible and not too heavy.

DNA Loft in the midsole provides a lush, responsive, and cushioned experience. This means that despite your foot’s many movements as you run, you’ll still maintain adequate support and comfort. At just over 10 oz for the men’s shoe and 9.4 oz for the women’s, it’s a good mid-weight shoe that won’t make you feel like you’ve strapped bricks to your feet.

New in version 20 is a completely redesigned sockliner. What does this mean to you? A plusher, softer, more comfortable feel as soon as you put your feet in these shoes.

Another huge pro to this shoe is its overall durability. The outsole’s use of ridged technology and transition zones mean you get flexibility without giving up on long-distance quality. The new seamless upper provides a secure yet soft fit through the entire shoe.

3. New Balance 1080v12

The 1080v12 from New Balance is made with engineered mesh that is breathable and comfortable for long-distance runs. A supportive toe cap and new, soft heel combine to provide high levels of support and comfort. This neutral shoe is great for people who want a cushioned, plush ride that’s supportive for runners with high arches.

Ultimately, what shines about this shoe is the Fresh Foam in the midsole. This technology from New Balance is extremely soft and loved by reviewers for its plush support. The combination of hard and soft blown rubber on the outsole also provides a great mix of traction and durability which are great for racking up the miles. This latest version of Fresh Foam is the softest yet with great energy return.

This is a wide shoe – even in the standard, medium width – so if you have a narrow foot, it’s not for you. However, if you have standard to wide feet, you’ll appreciate the fit and stance.

4. Hoka One One Clifton 9

The eighth iteration of Hoka One One’s Clifton has been updated to provide a softer, more cushioned ride. The mesh is still tight and durable, while allowing your foot to breathe. And despite tons of cushioning (which we love!) the shoe manages to still be very responsive and lightweight.

Lots of cushioning provides a soft landing for high arches. The shoe has a high stack height (making you grow a little taller!), but does look odd compared to a traditional running shoe. But this translates to maximum support and a soft landing. When you’re struggling with pain from high arches, that extra cushion will help minimize any pain you might feel.

The stiffness of this shoe can also be a help to people who need extra ankle support due to weak arches. Reviewers report that the cushion feels faster than prior versions and helps to provide a consistent ride. The new Clifton remains durable – the original version didn’t last long, especially for heavier runners. But it stays soft for runners who didn’t care for the firmness of the last two versions.

5. Hoka Bondi 8

The Bondi 8 from Hoka is one seriously cushioned shoe! At 43.5mm high in the heel, we’re talking deep foam that provides exceptional cushion and maximum support. If you’re in pain and looking for a high level of comfort, this shoe is a great option, whether you’re looking at a long or short run.

What we also love is that Hoka has made a point to make this shoe look as sleek as possible. They’ve painted part of the sidewall, giving it a stylish look for a traditional running shoe. In past versions of the Bondi, reviewers have complained about a toe box that’s too tight, but with extra room in the 7, Hoka seems to have avoided that problem this time around. Still, that’s something to consider if you prefer a wider toe box.

The general fit of this shoe is that it’s big. It runs a little big, both in length and width. What’s interested is that while the shoe looks very high, your foot actually sits far down in the shoe – kind of like bucket seats in a car.

There is also a slight, rocking feel to the Bondi. There is so much cushioning and material in the sole, if it didn’t rock it would feel too clunky. As it is, the rocking takes some getting used to, but once you do provides a smooth ride, perfect for both long and short runs.

6. Brooks Dyad 11

When the Dyad first emerged on the scene, Brooks was heralded for creating a wide, straight platform without the stiffness of a motion control shoe. This is a great shoe for individuals trying to get healthier, lose weight, or just start running again. The biggest advantage to this shoe is that it takes an orthotic really well.

The Dyad 11 has been redesigned to accommodate more foot types. One major complaint about past versions of the Dyad was that the toebox was too narrow, even in wide widths. The Dyad 11 now sports a wide, more spacious toebox. This will better fit more foot types and take an orthotic even better.

The Dyad 11 also has a new seamless upper. Its soft overlays reduce irritation on your feet. You’ll also find good forefoot flexibility for a smooth transition as you transfer your body’s weight from the heel to the toes. This shoe has superior arch support, so it’s a great option for somebody with high arches.

This shoe also tends to be a great option for individuals who are tall or heavy, as it provides a wide stance with a high degree of cushion foam. The Dyad also has what’s known as a straight last. This essentially means the sole of the shoe is straight from the toe to the heel, unlike most running shoes that taper in around the arch. This creates a supportive shoe while keeping the shoe somewhat flexible and neutral.

7. Asics Gel-Nimbus 25

The Nimbus from Asics has been around for a long time, and for a good reason. This all-around comfortable shoe provides a snug, wrap-around fit. If you’re not used to a high-cushion shoe, you might be surprised by this one (it’s fairly heavy at just under 11 oz), but what it lacks in being a lightweight shoe, it makes up for in comfort and support.

The Nimbus’ multi-directional outer layer mesh provides support and the flexibility to travel with your foot while also giving you a greater sense of control. The hard Exoskeleton heel support from Asics provides phenomenal support through your heel, which also serves to help stabilize your ankle, two important features when you’re looking for a shoe for high arches.

FlyteFoam/Gel technology also helps protect your feet from the impact of long-distance roads or hard pavement while still being responsive. Plus, the outsole is made of high abrasion rubber that handles light trails and pavement well–but it doesn’t do well off-trail, so keep that in mind.

8. Asics Gel-Cumulus 25

The Cumulus 25 does, in fact, feel a little like running on a cloud. Thanks to its unique midsole construction and seamless upper fit, this is a great shoe that goes the distance as you rack up the miles.

The gel cushioning in both the heel and the forefeet are a tremendous relief to anyone who suffers from any foot pain. Since high arches mean you’re struggling to adequately transfer energy from your heel to your toes, that’s a big deal. The resulting bounce back in your toe as you push off means you’ll get better action out of less effort.

One of the lighter shoes we’re reviewing today, this shoe from Asics has managed to be supportive through the midsole and sole without adding extra weight. The latest version features a seamless upper for a comfy, sock-like fit. It also does away with the plastic gusset on the outersole. This provides a more natural running feel.

If you’re looking for an ultra-supportive shoe that won’t weigh you down, this is a good option.

9. Mizuno Wave Sky 6

Mizuno is more typically known for its elite high-performance shoes, but here it manages to go head to head with other high cushion shoes. What’s unique about this shoe is how it delivers its high level of cushion.

Unlike the gel or foam layers in Asics or Brooks, this shoe from Mizuno utilizes segmented layers of foam that run the length of the shoe. Each independent pod crashes independently as you land, helping you overcome the issues associated with high arches. You’ll find your run is smoother, softer, and more comfortable.

Added flexibility in the forefoot and heel mean greater stability as you run and a better feeling toe-off. Wave technology mimics a foot’s action with high arches, providing extra levels of comfort.

Finally, the new mesh upper provides a smooth, comfortable fit. It holds your feet in place while softly cradling them for superb comfort.

10. Saucony Triumph 19

The Triumph from Saucony is a top of the line, high cushioned trainer weighing in at just over 10 oz. This plush shoe is still firm, so if “cloud-like” isn’t your idea of a good run, this is the shoe you’ve been looking for.

The Triumph’s engineered mesh has some structure that breathes and adapts. A new FORMFIT upper allows for a customized fit.

In the midsole, new PWRRUN foam provides cushioning with a full-length midsole. It’s responsive and durable, giving runners an energy-returning ride. Even better, this new foam is much lighter than what you found in older models.

The outersole is designed for an even flex, meaning the shoe won’t feel as stiff as it otherwise would.