Finding the best running shoes for orthotics can be tricky. A full-length custom orthotic or thick over-the-counter insert takes up more space than a standard sockliner, so fit, interior volume, and a removable insole matter just as much as cushioning.
The best shoe also depends on what the orthotic is designed to do. Some runners do best with a neutral shoe that lets the orthotic provide the correction, while others are more comfortable in a shoe that adds its own stable or supportive platform.
For 2026, our top pick is the Saucony Echelon 10. It has a broad, straight shape, multiple width options, a deep footbed, and a stable neutral ride that is particularly well suited to orthotic use.
Below are seven current options, including neutral, cushioned, and maximum-support shoes so you can match the shoe to your insert and your needs.
Top 3 Best and Favorites
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Best Overall
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Best Overall
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Saucony Echelon 10 |
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Best Brooks Neutral Shoe
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Best Brooks Neutral Shoe
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Brooks Ghost Max 4 |
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Best Maximum Support
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Best Maximum Support
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Brooks Beast GTS 26 / Ariel GTS 26 |
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How We Picked These Shoes
We focused on current models that make sense with an orthotic: shoes with removable sockliners, useful interior volume, multiple width choices, a broad or predictable platform, or manufacturer guidance that specifically mentions orthotic use.
An orthotic can change the way a shoe fits and feels, so these are starting points rather than one-size-fits-all prescriptions. Whenever possible, try the shoe with the exact insert you plan to use.
Best Overall
1. Saucony Echelon 10
The Saucony Echelon 10 is our best overall running shoe for orthotics. It is one of the relatively few current running shoes designed around a broad, straight platform with enough room and depth to work well with many full-length inserts.
What We Like
The Echelon 10 combines a wide, stable PWRRUN base with a deep footbed and an accommodating upper. Saucony offers regular, wide, and extra-wide versions, which makes it easier to fit the shoe around both your foot and your orthotic instead of simply sizing up. The outsole also uses extensive XT-900 rubber for durability.
What We Don’t Like
It is heavier and firmer than many modern neutral daily trainers. Runners who want a soft, lively ride may find the Echelon more functional than exciting.
What to Consider
The Echelon 10 is a little snugger and lower-volume than the Echelon 9 through parts of the upper. If your orthotic is especially thick, try the shoe with the insert in place and check that the heel remains secure without creating pressure over the top of the foot.
What’s New
Compared with the Echelon 9, the Echelon 10 keeps the straight, orthotic-friendly platform but becomes a little more structured and secure. The upper is updated, the ride is firmer and more stable, and the shoe is somewhat heavier than the 9.
PROS:
- Designed with orthotic use in mind
- Broad and inherently stable base
- Multiple width options
- Durable outsole
CONS:
- Heavier than many daily trainers
- Slightly less upper volume than the Echelon 9
Best Brooks Neutral Shoe
2. Brooks Ghost Max 4
The Brooks Ghost Max 4 is our favorite Brooks neutral shoe for orthotics. Brooks specifically lists orthotics among its best uses and builds the shoe with a roomy fit, broad base, and high-stack cushioning.
What We Like
The Ghost Max 4 uses DNA LOFT v3 cushioning under a broad platform that feels stable without adding a traditional support post. Its 6 mm drop and GlideRoll Rocker help the shoe move smoothly from landing to toe-off. Most importantly for this guide, Brooks intentionally gives the shoe extra room for orthotics and different foot shapes.
What We Don’t Like
The tall stack and rocker will not feel natural to everyone. It is also more shoe than runners who prefer a flexible, lower-profile trainer may want.
What to Consider
A full-length orthotic changes the amount of usable space inside the shoe. Try your insert in the Ghost Max 4 before deciding on size and width, particularly if your orthotic has a thick heel cup.
What’s New
Compared with the Ghost Max 3, the Ghost Max 4 is noticeably lighter and has a smoother, more pronounced transition. Brooks keeps the same basic high-cushion, broad-base concept while refining the geometry and fit.
PROS:
- Brooks explicitly recommends it for orthotics
- Roomy, accommodating fit
- Broad stable platform
- Smooth rocker
CONS:
- High-stack feel is not for everyone
- Less flexible than a traditional daily trainer
Best Support Shoe
3. Brooks Addiction GTS 15
The Brooks Addiction GTS 15 remains a strong choice for orthotic wearers who also want a substantial amount of built-in support. Although the model number has not changed recently, it is still the current Addiction running shoe sold by Brooks.
What We Like
Brooks gives the Addiction GTS 15 a roomy forefoot specifically designed to leave space for orthotics and high-volume feet. GuideRails add structured support, while the engineered mesh upper balances stretch with hold. It is also available in a wide range of widths.
What We Don’t Like
At more than 12 ounces in the men's version, the Addiction is heavy by modern running-shoe standards. It also feels more structured and traditional than newer neutral trainers.
What to Consider
Because the shoe already supplies substantial guidance, it may be more support than some orthotic users need. If your custom orthotic already provides significant motion control, confirm that pairing it with a structured shoe is appropriate for your needs.
What’s New
The Addiction GTS 15 remains the current model. Compared with the older Addiction 14, the 15 moved toward Brooks' GuideRails support approach and a roomier, more orthotic-friendly upper rather than relying on an old-style medial-post feel.
PROS:
- Excellent interior room for orthotics
- Strong structured support
- Multiple widths
- Durable construction
CONS:
- Heavy
- More support than some orthotic users need
Best Cushioned ASICS
4. ASICS GEL-Nimbus 28
The ASICS GEL-Nimbus 28 is our cushioned ASICS choice for runners whose orthotic supplies the correction they need and who want a soft neutral shoe around it. It is offered in multiple widths and provides a plush platform for daily and long-distance running.
What We Like
FF BLAST PLUS cushioning and PureGEL in the heel produce a soft, protective ride. The engineered knit upper is breathable and flexible, while wide sizing gives you more options for fitting an orthotic without buying an unnecessarily long shoe.
What We Don’t Like
The Nimbus is not built as an extra-depth orthotic shoe in the same way as the Echelon, Ghost Max, Addiction, or Beast/Ariel. Very thick devices may take up too much volume under the knit upper.
What to Consider
This shoe makes the most sense when you want a neutral, highly cushioned platform and your orthotic provides the specific support you need. Bring the orthotic when trying it on and make sure the heel remains locked down after the factory sockliner is removed.
What’s New
Compared with the GEL-Nimbus 27, the 28 is roughly 20 to 25 grams lighter. ASICS also redesigned the HYBRID ASICSGRIP outsole, updated the engineered-knit upper for better breathability, and streamlined the heel and pull tab.
PROS:
- Plush neutral cushioning
- Multiple widths
- Lighter than the Nimbus 27
- Breathable updated upper
CONS:
- Not a true extra-depth orthotic shoe
- Tall, soft ride may not suit every orthotic
Best New Balance
5. New Balance Fresh Foam X 840v1
The New Balance Fresh Foam X 840v1 updates one of the long-running neutral shoes commonly chosen by runners who need width options and a removable footbed. It is a useful choice for orthotic wearers who prefer a conventional, cushioned platform.
What We Like
The removable padded footbed makes it straightforward to substitute a full-length orthotic. Fresh Foam X provides more cushioning than the older 840 platform, while no-sew midfoot support and a molded heel add structure without turning the shoe into a traditional stability model.
What We Don’t Like
The current 840 has a more comfort-oriented feel than the older ABZORB-based versions, so runners who loved the firmer character of the 840v4 or v5 may need an adjustment period.
What to Consider
Width and interior volume are not the same thing. Choose the width that fits your foot, then verify that your orthotic leaves enough vertical room and does not lift the heel out of the shoe.
What’s New
The Fresh Foam X 840v1 replaces the 840v5. The major change is the move to Fresh Foam X cushioning, along with a no-sew upper, no-sew midfoot support, molded heel, and removable padded footbed.
PROS:
- Removable footbed
- Comfortable Fresh Foam X midsole
- Neutral support
- Good option for width-sensitive runners
CONS:
- Different feel from older 840 versions
- Not specifically an extra-depth shoe
Best Mizuno
6. Mizuno Wave Horizon 9
The Mizuno Wave Horizon 9 is the current version of the stability shoe that appeared in the original article. It combines a broad, supportive platform with a removable insole, making it worth considering when you need both an orthotic and a stable-feeling shoe.
What We Like
Mizuno combines a softer MIZUNO ENERZY NXT top layer with MIZUNO ENERZY beneath it. Foam Wave geometry, an asymmetrical midsole, and a medial rubber wall add stability without using a traditional hard post. Wide versions are also available.
What We Don’t Like
The Horizon is a substantial shoe and is heavier than most neutral daily trainers. It can feel like too much shoe if your orthotic already provides all the guidance you need.
What to Consider
Pairing a supportive orthotic with a stability shoe changes the total amount of guidance underfoot. If your orthotic was prescribed for a particular shoe type, follow that recommendation rather than assuming additional stability is always better.
What’s New
Compared with the Wave Horizon 8, the Horizon 9 keeps the same core stable-cushioning concept but updates the materials and upper. The current version uses a smoother stretch-woven upper and the latest ENERZY NXT/ENERZY cushioning package.
PROS:
- Stable platform
- Removable insole
- Wide sizes available
- Durable everyday construction
CONS:
- Relatively heavy
- Built-in stability may be unnecessary with some orthotics
Best Maximum Support
7. Brooks Beast GTS 26 / Ariel GTS 26
For runners who need maximum support in addition to room for an orthotic, choose the Brooks Beast GTS 26 for men or the Ariel GTS 26 for women. Brooks specifically lists running with orthotics among the intended uses for this platform.
What We Like
The Beast and Ariel combine a roomy upper with GuideRails support and nitrogen-infused DNA LOFT v3 cushioning. The broad platform, structured ride, and multiple widths make these shoes especially useful for runners who have difficulty getting a large orthotic to sit securely inside a standard trainer.
What We Don’t Like
These are among the heaviest, most structured shoes in this guide. Runners who do not need maximum guidance may find them restrictive compared with the Echelon, Ghost Max, or Nimbus.
What to Consider
More support is not automatically better. If your custom orthotic is already designed to control motion, ask the clinician who prescribed it whether it should be paired with a maximum-support shoe or a neutral platform.
What’s New
Compared with the Beast/Ariel GTS 24, the 26 updates the outsole and heel and moves the platform forward with Brooks' current cushioning and support package. The basic mission remains the same: maximum guidance, a broad base, and enough room for orthotic use.
PROS:
- Brooks specifically lists orthotic use
- Maximum structured support
- Roomy upper
- Multiple widths
CONS:
- Heavy
- Can be more support than some runners need
How to Choose Running Shoes for Orthotics
If you wear orthotics, fit the shoe around the orthotic rather than assuming your usual running-shoe size will work. Full-length and rigid custom devices can change heel position, arch height, and the amount of space available inside the upper.
Look for a Removable Sockliner
A removable factory sockliner makes it much easier to install a full-length orthotic without stacking one insert on top of another. Unless the orthotic or shoe manufacturer tells you otherwise, full-length devices are generally intended to replace the stock insole.
Pay Attention to Interior Volume
Width is only one part of fit. A thick orthotic also needs enough vertical room through the heel, midfoot, and forefoot. If the insert raises your heel too high or creates pressure across the top of the foot, moving to a wider size may not solve the problem.
A Broad, Predictable Platform Helps
A broad base can make a shoe feel stable even when it is technically neutral. Shoes such as the Echelon 10 and Ghost Max 4 use wide platforms rather than relying on a traditional hard medial post.
Neutral vs. Stability Shoes
A neutral shoe is often a useful starting point because it lets the orthotic do the job it was designed to do. But neutral is not mandatory. Some orthotic wearers are more comfortable in a stability shoe such as the Horizon 9, Addiction GTS 15, or Beast/Ariel GTS 26. If you use a prescribed device, follow the guidance of the clinician who made or recommended it.
Bring Your Orthotics When You Try Shoes
Remove the stock sockliner, install your orthotic, and then check heel hold, toe room, width, and pressure over the top of the foot. Walk or run in the complete shoe-and-orthotic combination before deciding whether the fit works.
FAQs
Should I choose custom orthotics or over-the-counter inserts?
That depends on why you need an insert. Over-the-counter insoles can add cushioning or modest support, while custom orthotics are designed for an individual’s foot and a specific clinical goal. If pain or a recurring injury is the reason you are considering orthotics, a podiatrist, physical therapist, sports-medicine clinician, or other qualified professional can help determine what is appropriate.
Do I remove the factory insole before adding an orthotic?
For most full-length orthotics, yes: remove the shoe’s removable sockliner and put the orthotic in its place. Some three-quarter-length devices are used differently, so follow the instructions that came with your orthotic.
Do orthotics require a stability shoe?
Not necessarily. Many orthotics work well in neutral shoes, while others are paired with stability shoes. The right combination depends on the orthotic, your foot, and the reason you are using it.
How do I know if a running shoe has enough room for my orthotic?
Once the orthotic is installed, your heel should stay securely inside the shoe, your toes should have adequate space, and you should not feel excessive pressure through the arch or across the top of the foot. If the fit changes dramatically when the orthotic is inserted, try another width or a higher-volume model rather than simply buying a longer shoe.
