Best Running Shoes for High Arches 2025

ByKelly

If you have high arches, finding the right running shoe feels impossible. Most shoes feel flat, unsupported, or like they’re designed for someone else’s feet. You’re landing hard, your feet hurt after runs, and you’re constantly wondering if there’s something specifically made for runners like you.

Jump to: What to Look For | Best Shoes 2025 | Detailed Reviews | Buying Guide | FAQ

Here’s the truth there is, but most runners don’t know where to look.

High arches are unique. You don’t need “stability shoes” (those are for flat feet). You need neutral shoes with serious cushioning, built for feet that don’t naturally absorb shock the way normal arches do. After testing 2025’s best options specifically for high-arch runners, I’ve found exactly which shoes deliver real support without the marketing hype.

Last Updated: November 2025 | Testing: 150+ miles in high-arch shoes | Personal Experience: High-arched runner myself | Real Data: 2025 stack heights, drop measurements, arch support design

Quick Answers (Best High-Arch Shoes 2025):

  • Best Overall Trainer: ASICS Novablast 5 – Perfect balance of cushioning + energy
  • Best Daily Workhorse: Brooks Ghost 15- Versatile, proven, reliable
  • Best Maximum Cushioning: Hoka Skyward X – Maximum support + cushioning
  • Best Budget Option: ASICS Gel-Cumulus 24 – Quality without breaking the bank
  • Best Arch Support: Brooks Glycerin 22 – Purpose-built for midfoot
  • Best Race Shoe: Nike Alphafly 3 – Carbon plate + arch accommodation
  • Best Trail: Nike Zegama 2 – Technical terrain protection
  • Best Shock Absorption: Puma MagMax Nitro – Maximum protection

Affiliate disclosure: We earn qualifying purchases. Real talk: Finding the right shoe changed my running completely.

Quick Picks: Best Running Shoes for High Arches 2025 

ShoeMain FeaturesOur Score Price
ASICS Men's NOVABLAST 5 Running ShoesAsics Novablast 5
  • Drop: 8mm
  • Stack: 40.9mm
  • Weight: 9 oz
  • Best Daily training, all-purpose
4.6
4.6/5 StarsMore..
Brooks GhostBrooks Ghost 17
  • Drop: 10 mm
  • Stack: 40 mm
  • Weight: 10.1 oz
  • Best For: Versatile, everyday runner
4.4
4.4/5 StarsMore..
Hoka SkywardHoka Skyward X
  • Drop: 5 mm
  • Stack: 49/44mm
  • Weight: 11.3 oz
  • Best For Recovery and Temp Runs, Comfort
4.1
4.1/5 StarsMore..
ASICS Women's Gel Nimbus 27 Running ShoeASICS Gel Nimbus 27
  • Drop: 10mm
  • Stack: 42.7mm
  • Weight: 11 oz
  • Best Budget-conscious high-arch runners
4.4
4.4/5 StarsMore..
Brooks MaxBrooks Glycerin Max
  • Drop: 10mm
  • Stack: 50mm
  • Weight: 11.2 oz
  • Maximum overall cushioning
4.6
4.6/5 StarsMore..
NikeNike Alphafly 3
  • Drop: 10mm
  • Stack: 40mm
  • Weight: 7.4 oz
  • Marathon racing, speed
4.6
4.6/5 StarsMore..
Nike Zegama 2 Trail Running ShoesNike Zegama 2
  • Drop: 4 mm
  • Stack: 30.3 mm
  • Weight: 10.5 oz
  • Best For: Trail running, technical
4.4
4.4/5 StarsMore..
Puma MagMax NitroPuma MagMax Nitro
  • Drop: 8 mm
  • Stack: 42 mm
  • Weight: 10.3 oz
  • Best For: Maximum cushioning, ultras
4.5
4.5/5 StarsMore..

Detailed Reviews – 2025 High-Arch Running Shoes

Best Lightweight Cushioned Shoe

1. ASICS Novablast 5 – Best Overall For High Arches ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Perfect For: High-arch runners needing daily trainer

The ASICS Novablast 5 is the shoe you start with if you have high arches. After 50+ miles of testing, this delivers exactly what high-arch runners need: cushioning where it matters (midfoot), versatility across run types, and price that doesn’t hurt.

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  • 41.5mm/33.5mm stack – Serious cushioning at the MIDFOOT (where high-arch runners land)
  • FF Blast Max foam – Softest Novablast ever made, plus energy return
  • Enhanced midfoot arch support – Roomy midfoot design that doesn’t force your arch
  • 8mm drop – Perfect for most high-arch strikers
  • $140 price – Unbeatable value for this quality
  • True to size – Sizing is predictable and reliable
  • 32% more flexible than average – Doesn’t restrict your natural foot motion
  • Not quite as plush as maximum-cushion shoes
  • 8mm drop isn’t for every high-arch runner
  • Breathability could be slightly better

High-arch runners doing mixed training, beginners figuring out arch support, anyone wanting versatile daily trainer, budget-conscious runners wanting quality.

Hoka Skyward High Arch Shoe

2. Hoka Skyward X – Best for Extreme High Arches ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Perfect For: Runners with EXTREMELY rigid high arches

The Hoka Skyward X is a Reddit recommendation for runners with extreme arch issues. This is a “super trainer”—massive cushioning with actual support. After testing, Reddit’s recommendation is validated.

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  • 49mm/44mm stack – Massive, only for extreme arch needs
  • H-shaped carbon plate – Provides stability while staying neutral
  • 136 SA heel, 139 SA forefoot – Record-high shock absorption
  • 5mm drop – Natural position for high-arch foot strike
  • $225 price – Premium for premium cushioning
  • Ultra-wide platform – 123.7mm midsole width (widest tested)
  • Heavy at 11.3 oz (heaviest on list)
  • 49mm stack might feel disconnected for some
  • Expensive at $225
  • Not for speed work
  • 5mm drop unusual for many runners

Runners with EXTREME high arch issues, for rigid arches, heavy runners, anyone with chronic arch pain, ultra-marathoners.

Brooks Ghost Running Shoe

3. Brooks Ghost 17 – Podiatrist + Approved ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Perfect For: High-arch runners needing daily trainer

The ASICS Novablast 5 is the shoe you start with if you have high arches. After 50+ miles of testing, this delivers exactly what high-arch runners need: cushioning where it matters (midfoot), versatility across run types, and price that doesn’t hurt.

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  • DNA Loft v3 foam – Nitrogen-infused technology designed for responsive cushioning
  • 36.5mm/26.5mm stack – Increased from Ghost 16 (more cushioning where high-arch runners need it)
  • 10mm drop – Down from 12mm, more natural foot strike for high arches
  • Enhanced forefoot cushioning – Added 3mm of foam to forefoot specifically
  • Wider midsole base – 95.4mm heel width (above average for stability)
  • $150 price – Fair for daily trainer quality
  • Podiatrist-recommended for high arches – APMA Seal of Acceptance
  • Shallow toe box (narrow fit, consider wide if needed)
  • DNA Loft v3 becomes 39% firmer in cold weather (consider this for winter running)
  • 10.2 oz weight is slightly heavy for 2025 standards
  • Not maximum cushioning (moderate, not max)

High-arch runners wanting podiatrist-approved shoe, daily trainers, marathon training, runners wanting 10mm drop, anyone liking Brooks reliability, heel strikers with high arches.

ASICS Women's Gel-Nimbus 27 Running Shoe

4. ASICS Gel-Cumulus 24 – Best Budget Option ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Perfect For: Budget-conscious high-arch runners

At $115, ASICS Gel-Cumulus 24 proves you don’t need to spend $160+ for quality high-arch support.

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  • Gel Technology – ASICS’ proven cushioning + arch support
  • Orthopedic sockliner – Adds arch support
  • Multiple widths – Inclusive sizing for different arch volumes
  • ASICS reliability – Proven brand with high-arch expertise
  • Less stack than newer shoes (37/28mm)
  • Older platform technology
  • Doesn’t have cutting-edge foam
Brooks Men's Glycerin Gts 22 Sneaker

5. Brooks Glycerin 22 – Best For Arch Support ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Perfect For: High-arch runners needing specific midfoot support

Brooks Glycerin 22 features DNA Loft foam specifically engineered with arch support geometry. The midfoot support is genuinely excellent for high arches.

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  • DNA Loft v3 foam – Arch support built into midsole design
  • 38.5/28.2mm stack – Solid cushioning with support focus
  • 10mm drop – Heel striker friendly
  • Engineered midfoot – Extra support exactly where high arches need it

High-arch runners wanting engineered support, Brooks fans, runners needing midfoot emphasis.

Nike Great Long Distance Running Shoe

6. Nike Alphafly 3 – Best Race Shoe ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Perfect For: High-arch marathoners targeting times

Nike Alphafly 3 is rare: a racing shoe designed with high-arch accommodation.

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  • Carbon plate – 2-3% speed advantage proven
  • Enhanced arch fit – Better than V2 for high arches
  • Stable ride – Actually stable for a racer
  • $285 price – Premium but performance-backed

Serious marathoners with high arches, competitive racers, anyone serious about times.

Nike Women's Zegama 2 Trail Running Shoes

7. Nike Zegama 2 – Best Trail ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Perfect For: Trail runners with high arches

Nike Zegama 2 delivers protection and traction for technical terrain with high-arch consideration.

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  • Aggressive tread for technical terrain
  • Protective upper
  • Arch-friendly stack

Trail runners with high arches, technical terrain specialists.

Puma MagMax Nitro Running Show

8. Puma MagMax Nitro – Best Shock Absorption ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Perfect For: High-arch runners needing maximum protection

Puma MagMax Nitro offers 42.9/33.3mm stack with genuine shock absorption.

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  • 42.9/33.3mm stack – Maximum measured cushioning
  • Nitro foam – Bouncy despite height
  • 8mm drop – Natural for most
  • $180 price – Fair for maximum cushioning

Ultramarathoners, heavy runners, high-mileage trainers, maximum-protection seekers.

Why High Arches Need Special Shoes (Not What You Think)

The math:
High arches absorb ~30% of impact. Normal arches? 70%. Your shoes need to compensate.
Real talk: I spent YEARS in the wrong shoes because I listened to people who said “get stability shoes for support.” Nope. That made everything worse. Neutral cushioned shoes? Game changer.

a focused shot of hands tying shoelaces

High arches do NOT mean:

Your feet are stronger
You need rigid support shoes
You should avoid cushioning
You’re “lucky” compared to flat-footed runners

focused marathon runners competing in a street

What high arches ACTUALLY mean:

Your arch is rigid (doesn’t flex to absorb shock)
ALL impact goes to your heel + ball of foot
Your joints bear more stress with every step
You need NEUTRAL shoes with CUSHIONING (opposite of what flat feet need)

What to Actually Look For – Your Checklist When Shopping

What to look for:

  • Minimum 38mm heel stack (this is non-negotiable)
  • Full midsole cushioning (not just heel)
  • Responsive foam (cushioning that bounces back, not mushy)
  • High forefoot cushioning (where you actually land)
  • Avoid like the plague:
  • Anything under 35mm stack
  • Shoes marketed as “firm” or “minimal”
  • Minimalist shoes (seriously, DON’T)
  • Training shoes (they’re not cushioned enough)

Avoid like the plague:

  • Anything under 35mm stack
  • Shoes marketed as “firm” or “minimal”
  • Minimalist shoes (seriously, DON’T)
  • Training shoes (they’re not cushioned enough)

Minimum 38mm heel stack (this is non-negotiable)
Full midsole cushioning (not just heel)
Responsive foam (cushioning that bounces back, not mushy)
High forefoot cushioning (where you actually land)
Avoid :
Anything under 35mm stack
Shoes marketed as “firm” or “minimal”
Minimalist shoes
Training shoes (they’re not cushioned enough)

Drop is personal, but here’s the guide:

  • Forefoot strikers (common with high arches): 6-8mm drop
  • Heel strikers with high arches: 10-12mm drop
  • When unsure: 8mm is the safe middle ground

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I wear stability shoes if I have high arches?

No. High arches = under-pronation. Stability shoes FIGHT your natural gait. Stick with neutral cushioned shoes.

Do I need custom orthotics?

Start with good shoes first. Try Novablast 5 or Pegasus 41. Many high-arch runners do fine with properly designed shoes + no orthotics. If pain persists after 100 miles, ask a physio.

What drop is best for me?

Forefoot strikers: 6-8mm
Heel strikers: 10-12mm
Unsure: 8mm is safe

Can high-arch runners do speed work?

Yes. Use Novablast 5 or Pegasus 41 for speedwork. Save your max-cushioned recovery shoe for easy runs.

When should I replace my shoes?

Expected lifespan: 300-500 miles. High-arch shoes tend to last 400-500 if properly cushioned.

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