The 9 Best Running Shoes For High Arches, With Recommendations From Podiatrists

If you have high arches and wide feet, Sharkey says this pair is a top choice. It also earned the APMA Seal of Acceptance for its improved cushioning, smooth transitions, and enhanced upper which promotes foot health.

These shoes are available in medium (1B), wide (2E), extra wide (4E), and narrow (2A) sizes, so everyone can find the right fit.

Segmented crash pads deliver support and cushioning all around the foot for reduced impact. Plus, its 3D Fit Print upper and DNA BioMoGo actually conform to your foot for next-level stability and comfort.

Designed for under pronation that happens with high arches, the Gel Nimbus assists with push off by providing pressure on the smaller toes on outside of foot to mitigate injuries such as plantar fasciitis, shin splints, and ankle strain.

Both podiatrists we spoke with recommend this pick for runners with high arches. Kornfeld says, “When additional plush cushioning is needed, the Asics Gel Nimbus 25 is a good choice. They are very comfortable, stable and light in spite of the extra-cushioning.”

Mindbodygreen's very own marathon-running commerce editor, Carleigh Ferrante, also swears by the Asics Gel Nimbus. In fact, it’s been her tried and true shoe for years and they are the only shoes she's trusted for marathon running. 

“Despite every modification and change, the Gel Nimbus continues to hold up—and I'm constantly impressed,” she says. “They're designed for long or short runs (or even walking), so they can be worn for sprints, distance runs, and everything in between.”

Sharkey says this pick is an excellent option for extra ankle stability and cushion. While not overly cushy, these shoes offer two more millimeters of foam than the brand's previous model, making them a soft, stable, and balanced running shoe that can help prevent plantar fasciitis.

The new stabilizing H-Frame™ has even softer foams than before, delivering maximum stability without compromising cushioning. If you’re a fan of the Hoka Bondi, you can expect that same Bondi-level cushioning to deliver that signature HOKA ride.

Sharkey recommends this shoe specifically for added stability. It’s a great choice for runners of all levels, including those with knee pain, with patented GuideRails technology to keep your foot in alignment, offering a solid balance of support and cushion.

This shoe specifically uses recycled materials, such as plastic water bottles—and the company has plans to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2040.

This is Hoka's most cushioned shoe—and each podiatrist we spoke with agree that the Hoka Bondi is a solid choice, whether you have high arches or not.

Sharkey says, “The Hoka Bondi 8’s are one of my favorite shock absorbing shoes.” You can expect tons of bounce from this shoe as the tall stack height is designed to absorb impact with every step while keeping you light on your feet.

The Bondi 8 is a breathable shoe with neutral support and a memory foam ankle cradle. Like most of Hoka’s sneakers, they are approved by the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA), meaning they’re promoted by podiatrists as being beneficial for foot health.

If you want to be fast on your feet, Kornfeld recommends the Asics Metaspeed Sky+. “It's a fast shoe. There’s plenty of protective cushioning and stable when cornering,” he says.

Marathon racers with high arches appreciate the midsole technology and sidewall geometry in the forefoot, designed to provide a more propulsive toe-off.

Plus, its thick stack of cushioning improves compression and creates a responsive feel underfoot. If your feet get hot during races, you'll love the shoe's breathable mesh upper.

Many people with high arches have a rigid type high arch and will benefit from a flexible running shoe, according to our experts. This is Kornfeld’s number one recommendation for a flexible running shoe for high arches.

“If a patient has a rigid type high arch foot, a more flexible shoe is helpful and will do well with a neutral, well-cushioned shoe.”

There’s plenty to love about this shoe's design. It gives you a snappy, on your toes feeling, with a thick stack of foam cushioning that’s perfect for fast tempo training and races.

Kornfeld says he loves this shoe because it’s “stable, has a breathable upper, and it’s lightweight.” Of course, we love that this style is APMA certified, signaling that it is promotional of foot health by podiatrists.

Plus, it’s made with vegan and recycled materials so you can feel good about what’s on your feet.

This one's a top recommendation from Kornfeld. He says, “It’s a perfect shoe for runners with high arches, with its cushioned forefoot and predictable fit.”

We also reference this Puma best-seller at length in our article on how to run with less pain. It has even more responsive cushioning than its award-winning predecessor, the Deviate NITRO™️—and this latest model features a full-length layer of premium NITRO™️ Elite foam at the midsole for supreme cushioning and peak propulsion.

It also has great stability, cushioning, and responsiveness that high arches require for running, all in a lightweight package. With an engineered plate to propel you forward even faster, this could be key for your next personal record.

This APMA certified flexible running shoe comes recommended by Kornfeld for those who have a rigid type high arch foot. Guidance rails support your foot from heel to toe—and wide sizes are available, too.

The midsole is lighter than previous generations of the brand's model but still gives plenty of cushioning in the midsole, which Kornfeld says is important for those with high arches. While this is a great shoe for wide feet, the Guide 15 is slightly slimmer than the Guide 14.