The Best Running Shoes for High Arches
When you say "high arch," what do you mean?
Runners frequently ask us, “What are the best running shoes for people with high arches?” The answer really depends on what you mean by “high arches.”
In many cases, runners who don’t overpronate are told they have high arches regardless of their actual arch structure. “High arches” is used in this sense to mean that their arches don’t lengthen enough while running to cause overpronation. If this describes you, a pair of neutral running shoes would suit you best. If you don’t know if you overpronate or not, get a free online gait analysis from us.
If you actually have a high arch structure, you may like the feel of a substantial and supportive arch under your foot. Or, runners with high arches may instead prefer a more minimal shoe that allows for strengthening of the arch and the muscles in the foot.
PROFILE 1: I have “high arches,” meaning I need a neutral running shoe.
Neutral running shoes are built for the runner who doesn’t overpronate. A traditional neutral trainer will offer no pronation control while giving you plenty of impact protection. Below are just a few popular models we carry. You can also use our Experienced Shoe Finder for Men or Experienced Shoe Finder for Women to see all neutral shoes we currently offer in your size.
PROFILE 2: I have high arches and want a shoe with a high arch structure.
If you’re a runner who likes to feel the structure of a shoe supporting the arch of your foot, then a shoe with a higher-than-average arch construction is all you. Keep in mind that sometimes having an arch that’s too high for your foot shape can cause blisters, so it can be a good idea to test out a new pair on a short run before you head out to log serious mileage. Take a look at a couple of shoes we currently carry with high arch structures:
PROFILE 3: I have high arches and want a more minimal shoe.
Some neutral runners want a more minimal shoe that will allow them to strengthen their arches and the muscles in their foot. If you’re transitioning to minimal footwear for the first time, make sure to transition gradually to minimize your chance of injury. Here are a few shoes that can help you work your feet:
Nice post. Please do something similar for those of us with flat feet. Also, I’d love it if I could search Running Warehouse shoes by arch height.
Thanks Sara for the topic suggestion and idea for our shoe search feature. We’ll see what we can do!
I like the Merrell Road Glove 1, the curve hugs up against my arch and fits like a glove
Myself, I’m a rather large fan of the Kinvara. I find it doesn’t hold up so well though. The first and second generations, the sole wore out too fast. The third generation, the upper wears out too fast. I tried a pair of Pearl Izumi N2s on. I have the road version, though I don’t think it would make much of a difference. I loved them. I don’t know how well they will hold up though…
THINGS TO NOTE:
I have high arches, am bow legged, and run over 60 miles a week. My specific needs are probably not going to be your needs.
I think Mizuno Wave Creation is also very good for high arches.