High arch or pes cavus is an abnormally elevated arch of the foot. While not as common as the low arches or flat feet, high arches can still be painful. With high foot arches, you may have difficulty walking, running, or lifting a heavy load. We’ve researched, analyzed, and reviewed the top 8 best running shoes for high arches so your next run can become your best run.
8 Best Running Shoes for High Arches
We’ll review and analyze each high arched shoe and help you pick the one that is the best.
Quick Winners
Can’t wait to read until the end? Here are the winners
Brooks Men’s Ghost 12 (for men)
After reviewing and analyzing different men running shoes for high arches on the market, we have concluded that Brooks Men’s Ghost 12 is the best.
Quality: 4.6/5
Pricing: 4.4/5
Rating: 4.5/5
AISCS Women’s GEL-Venture 5 Running Shoes (for women)
After reviewing and analyzing different women running shoes for high arches on the market, we have concluded that AISCS Women’s GEL-Venture 5 is the best.
Quality: 4.5/5
Pricing: 4.3/5
Rating: 4.4/5
Jump to read the reviews, instead? HERE
What are arches?
Your arch runs from the heel to the toe of your foot. For a normal foot type, this section is perfectly designed to bear the load and provide stability to your body without the need for any external support. In the case of a high arch, your foot needs help to minimize stress and foot pain. If you’re a frequent runner or someone who plays intense sports activities that involve running, high arches can pose a greater difficulty. To help with that, you should pick the best running shoes for high arches. Ideally, shoes that have adequate midsole cushioning and optimum under-arch support will help you run comfortably.
What Causes High Arches?
High-arched feet are mostly caused by either neurologic conditions or inherited structural abnormality. However, the latter is more prevalent.
A few neurologic disorders that may be the cause of high arches are:
- Spina bifida
- Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT)
- Cerebral palsy
- Polio
- Muscular dystrophy
Unfortunately, this problem, if left untreated, may become worse with time – leading to a higher instability and foot pain.
On the other hand, if you’ve inherited the condition from your family, it’s more likely to stay the same and not aggravate further.
How Do I Know If I Have High Arches?
High arches result in an extra load on your heel and ball of the foot. That’s more likely when you’re walking, running, or standing as you’ll feel pain and soreness in your feet. Here are a few symptoms to look for if you’ve high arches:
- Sprain in your ankles because of foot imbalance and instability
- Pain and soreness in the feet while running, walking, and standing
- Discomfort due to extra metatarsal stress
- Calf muscles become tight due to a shift in the load
- Your arches become stiff and inflexible
Moreover, to see if your raised arch is the reason behind these symptoms, check out your foot type.
Normal arch – You have an adequate foot arch that naturally supports your body and pronates normally.
Low arch – Also called as flat feet, this type of arch sits flat on the ground. In other words, the low-arched foot is imbalanced and may result in pain.
High arch – Also called as cavus foot, this foot type occurs due to a very high arch, which makes your body to shift load to the heel and ball of the foot.
For someone who runs or exercises most often, the discomfort caused by cavus foot can be relieved by wearing a pair of best running shoes for high arches.
What problems can High Arches Cause?
People with high arches have a problem with supporting their body weight. In a perfectly normal scenario, the load is distributed all across your foot – keeping different sections from overstraining. However, when you have a high arch, it means there’s no supportive midsection below your foot to bear your body force. As a result, all of the load is shifted toward the heel and ball of the foot.
Many problems emerge due to high arched-foot.
Such as:
- Instability in the foot and ankle
- Ankle sprains
- Inability to run properly
- Foot pain
- Poor posture
- Plantar fasciitis
- Achilles tendonitis
- Sports injuries
Benefits of Wearing Running Shoes for High Arches?
Due to high arches, your ankles lean abnormally outward – which is called supination. While running with high arches, you may experience supination most often. Unlike a normal foot type, high arches that supinate outward cause unease and injury. To avoid the risks of sports and exercise injuries, you should wear the best running shoes for high arches.
Here are a few benefits of wearing running shoes for high arches.
Foot support – Running shoes with well-padded cushioning support your feet in a high impact activity like running.
Stability – To stabilize your foot, the midsole and shoe insert limit your foot from rolling outward that can cause you to fall to the ground.
Impact – A higher impact on the ground can lead to some severe problems. However, running shoes with a supportive heel and high quality outsole can make a stable and shock-free ground impact.
Running shoes for high arches work much better if you know how to take care of your feet way before you start running. People who don’t know their condition and its associated problems may end up exercising or practicing the wrong way, which can further the discomfort.
Things to Consider Before Buying Running Shoes for High Arches
Picking the best running shoes for high arches can be a difficult task. In fact, most people get it wrong. But it shouldn’t be a problem, considering you know a few things before you buy a pair for yourself.
Here are a few pointers to look for when buying running shoes for high arches:
High volume – Runners with high arches should wear shoes that are wide and have more space to accommodate the feet. You can ask the staff to help you with finding a pair of running shoes with more volume.
Cushioning – Running shoes need to have a lot of cushioning in them. That’s because if you have cavus foot, there should be an adequate cushioning under your arch. Before buying, compare a few running shoes and pick the one with the maximum cushioning under the arch.
Outsole – High arched foot places extra pressure on toe and heels rather than the arch itself, which is because of the less surface area under the arch. Running shoes that have slip-resistant outsole should work fine for absorbing shock and reducing impact.
Arch support – Along with a well-cushioned insole, your shoe should also support your arches to keep the stress evenly distributed.
Size – Choosing the wrong shoe size may cause additional discomfort to your foot. Before buying running shoes, make sure they fit just right. Too small or too big shouldn’t be your ideal size to look for.
Comfort and ease of use – While all types of shoes should be comfortable and easy to use, those designed for running should be extra comfortable. Along with the right fit, running shoes for high arches must be lightweight, comfortable, and easy to use.
8 Best Running Shoes for High Arches
1. Brooks Men’s Ghost 12
Quality: 4.6/5
Pricing: 4.4/5
Rating: 4.5/5
Brooks Men’s Ghost 12 offers an entirely new and advance running experience to both newbies and pros. The sole is rubber-made with an integrated system of shock absorbers that help you land smooth and slip-free. The upper is highly breathable and is designed to keep your foot comfy.
With 3D print synthetic overlays, the shoe makes it easy to accommodate any foot structure. The inside has well-cushioned insole and offers thick padding to anyone with very high arches. Men who tried Brooks Men’s Ghost 12 said shoes were light and comfortable during intense running exercises. Many also appreciated the shoe for its durability and arch support.
Soft and comfortable – Unlike its bulky counterparts, this shoe has a soft and responsive cushion, which improves speed and increases comfort.
Stability and foot relief – The right kind of shoes with high arches reduce the risks of many other associated problems. Brooks Men’s Ghost 12 stabilizes your foot, relieves pain, and supports high arches.
Smooth landing and better grip – Rubber sole with integrated shock absorber stabilizes your grip and provides for a smooth, pain free landing.
Pros:
✔️ High arch support
✔️ Soft and comfortable
✔️ 3D print overlays for a custom fit
✔️ Ideal for trainers and frequent runners
Cons:
❌ May run a little narrow
2. AISCS Women’s GEL-Venture 5
Quality: 4.5/5
Pricing: 4.3/5
Rating: 4.4/5
Looking for multiple-surface traction and gain extra speed while running? Then look no further than AISCS GEL-Venture 5 running shoes. With high abrasion rubber sole and bright front overlays, this shoe gives you complete foot stability during running and training exercise.
The insole is padded with soft, foamy cushion and layered with a sockliner that can easily accommodate orthotic inserts. For women with high arches, these shoes provide better stability and support to avoid injuries. Women who used AISCS Women’s GEL-Venture 5 shoes said they had better arch support, and the pain due to plantar fasciitis was relieved.
Lightweight and custom fit – The shoes are lightweight and fit based on an individual’s foot size. Just pick one from a range of different sizes.
Better grip and traction – Experience a slip-free ground grip and land comfortably without a higher impact.
Arch support – For newbie and pros alike, these shoes support your arches and keep your heel pain away.
Pros:
✔️ Prevent training and sports injuries
✔️ Stabilize feet and supports high arches
✔️ Better traction for uneven ground
✔️ Variety of color options
Cons:
❌ May be uncomfortable for some women
3. Nike Men’s Air Monarch IV Cross Trainer
Quality: 4.4/5
Pricing: 4.2/5
Rating: 4.3/5
Nike Men’s Air Monarch IV offers versatile shoes for men who are looking for comfort and support while training and running. The front features leather-made overlays with perforation for airflow. The phylon midsole, which is made of EVA foam, absorbs impact and resists chemical abrasion.
Whether you’re running your next marathon or just training to remain fit, these shoes will support your feet untill the end. Nike special Air-Sole unit and comfortable insole ensure stability and arch support for men with high arches. People who used Nike Men’s Air Monarch IV appreciated the shoes for their extra wide features and comfortable design.
Comfort and durability – The shoe is wide and can accommodate abnormal foot structure, while still providing comfort and durability.
Pain relief – Men with high arches can benefit from these shoes since many people have reported relief from pain and discomfort.
Custom size and fit – The shoes have a wide variety of length and width sizes to choose from.
Pros:
✔️ Durable and custom fit
✔️ Support high arch
✔️ Lightweight and breathable
Cons:
❌ May have squeaky soles
4. Saucony Women’s Cohesion 10 Running Shoe
Quality: 4.3/5
Pricing: 4.1/5
Rating: 4.2/5
Saucony Women’s Cohesion 10 is the women’s best choice for their training and athletic activities. With custom-fit orthotic inserts, the shoes offer better stability and high arch support. They are actually for women who need budget-friendly running shoes without compromising on the quality.
Saucony Women’s Cohesion 10 shoes are made of 100% mesh fabric, which makes it very light and breathable. With sole based stability and excellent cushioning, the shoes help with your foot abnormality due to cavus foot (high arch).
Arch support – The shoes primarily focus on stability and support, which help with high arches.
Sleek and stylish – With ten different variety of colors, these shoes offer a sleek and elegant design at a relatively low price.
Protection and responsiveness – The rubber made outsole and meshed upper keep your feet safe and comfortable. The injection molded EVA in the midsole protects you during impact and supports a smooth transition.
Pros:
✔️ Cushion for protection
✔️ Enhance speed and stability
✔️ Breathable and lightweight
Cons:
❌ The break-in period may be annoying for some
5. New Balance Men’s 1080v9 Fresh Foam Running Shoe
Quality: 4.1/5
Pricing: 3.9/5
Rating: 4.3/5
New Balance has rolled out the 9th version of the Fresh Foam 1080. And it couldn’t be any better. Unlike its previous version, this new pair is a lot more comfortable and lighter. In this upgrade, you get many different width and length options with a variety of colors.
The cushion is soft and comfortable to help with high arches and foot instability. If you’re up for long distance runs and are looking for shoes that can support you, then this pair is an ideal choice. Men who tried the shoe said it was extra wide to support their toe box and avoid inflammation.
Cushion and support – They help you with your feet and stabilize your arches.
Wide variety and custom fit – You will find a pair with them that perfectly fits your foot.
Runner friendly – Its premium outsole grip gives you better traction in any weather condition.
Pros:
✔️ Increase foot stability
✔️ Reduce pain due to high arches
✔️ Provide better traction
✔️ Variety of color and design options
Cons:
❌ May be uncomfortable at first
6. ASICS Women’s Gel-Cumulus 18 running Shoe
Quality: 4.2/5
Pricing: 4.0/5
Rating: 4.1/5
ASICS Gel-Cumulus 18 can compete with the likes of Adidas, Nike, and Saucony, thanks to its high- quality rubber outsole and comfortable insole cushion for improved performance and efficiency. The back and front GEL cushioning soften your steps and deliver more power without compromising on durability and comfort.
With soft blown outsole rubber, padded insoles, and breathable front, the shoes work well for female runners having high arches. Customers who bought the shoes were impressed by the quality and comfort it offered as compared to Cumulus 16 or 17.
Stability for under pronation – If you’ve high arches and need a pair of runners to support that, you may need to give Cumulus 18 a try.
Comfort for runners – The rubber outsole and compression molded EVA foam help increase power and improve efficiency.
Ground traction – Provides tight grip and high traction while running in any weather condition.
Pros:
✔️ Lightweight and breathable
✔️ Arch support and pain relief
✔️ Extra wide fit and variety of colors
Cons:
❌ May run tight and small
❌ Shallow toe box
7. Brooks Men’s Ghost 11 Running Shoes
Quality: 4.4/5
Pricing: 4.3/5
Rating: 4.4/5
Brooks Ghost 11 Running shoes feature wide interiors and have a thick cushion for providing the best arch support. Unlike its previous counterpart, this one is more flexible and accommodates heel strikers. If you’ve high arches and have foot pain, Brooks Ghost 11 will be a better option to support you.
As a frequent runner or pro trainer, you may need an extra cushion for stability and support while staying relax and comfortable. If that’s the case, these shoes are definitely worth the price. Runners who tried the shoes said the pair was comfortable and offered excellent running support.
Supportive midsole – With thick padding and quality cushion, the midsole protects from abrasion and uncomfortably high impact.
Outsole grip – The outsole rubber material helps with traction in a moist condition.
Arch support – Breathable interior with supportive insole eases extra pressure on your high arch feet.
Durable and sturdy – The shoes are durable and sturdy that also make them a bit bulky by industry standards.
Pros:
✔️ Non slip heel pads
✔️ Ankle foam for injury prevention
✔️ Insoles provide arch stability
Cons:
❌ A bit heavy for some people
8. Saucony Women’s Ride 10 Running-Shoes
Quality: 4.3/5
Pricing: 4.0/5
Rating: 4.1/5
As neutral trainer shoes for women, Saucony Ride 10 provides arch support to women who under pronate and have abnormally high arches. The design features vibrant color options for women looking to use them as casual footwear.
Overall, the shoe is quite flexible and supports run without making you do extra work. The non-slippery cushion stays in place and limits the unnecessary movement of the foot. Runners found the shoes helpful and comfortable while running through uneven terrain.
Smooth transition – The shoes provide a smooth transition and minimum impact.
Comfortable to wear – Wear it for long periods as and when you want and you’ll still be comfortable without having any pain
Midsole stability – The midsole spreads across the bottom of your foot and helps with pressure distribution.
Pros:
✔️ Ideal for runners
✔️ Stabilize foot
✔️ Comfortable to wear
Cons:
❌ May run a bit small
Conclusion
Picking the best running shoes for high arches should be no brainer. While there’s a little uphill battle when it comes to choosing among a dozen different alternatives, the reality is our list specifies each pair of running shoes clearly. For men, Brooks Men’s Ghost 12 is the best running shoes for high arches. For women, it’s AISCS Women’s GEL-Venture 5 Running Shoes. Most of the shoes with arch support are beneficial for both low and high arched foot type.
