Daily trainer for high arches

Asics Cumulus 27

The cushioned and neutral ride of the Cumulus lets the arches roll naturally as you run.

Buy from Zappos.com

1. Read our detailed review of the Asics Cumulus 27 here.

Like the previous model, the Cumulus 27’s outsole isn’t made of rubber, but hard-wearing foam. The 27 features a thicker layer of Asics’ proprietary FlyteFoam Blast+ to improve cushioning. Above that is an OrthoLite insole and lasting, which creates a plush layer of step-in softness to boost comfort.

Sure, the above sounds good, but what makes the Cumulus 27 the ideal shoe for runners with high arches?

The FlyteFoam Blast+ used in the midsole has a neutral character without gait-prescriptive features. This means the Cumulus 27 doesn’t restrict range of movement, allowing high-arched runners to roll their feet naturally, while keeping their foot supported.

1 of 18

The firmer foam base keeps the foot supported. Also, the midsole exposes a teardrop-shaped window under the heel; this helps add ride stability by lowering the center of gravity.

The Cumulus 27 is great for wide feet as well. Its true-to-size upper has an accommodating fit with a broad toe box. Wide (2E) and extra-wide (4E) widths are available.

Unfortunately, there is one minor flaw – the all-foam midsole and outsole combo sacrifice weight at the expense of traction. The all-foam outsole has only an average grip on slushy surfaces and smooth floors.

Despite its average traction, Asics’ choice to use a firmer FlyteFoam variant (than the previous edition) means that the Cumulus 27 delivers improved performance at higher speeds.

Versatile trainer for high arches

Nike Vomero 18

The soft ZoomX layer and foam footbed lets the arch roll naturally.

Buy from Nike.com

1. Read our detailed review of the Nike Vomero 18 here.

The Vomero 18 is the opposite of a motion-control running shoe. The midsole lacks gait prescriptive features and doesn’t restrict the arch.

The midsole construction helps too. There’s a softer ZoomX layer and foam footbed closer to the foot. Having the softer part of the midsole closer to the arch lets it roll naturally.

The lower base of the midsole uses the firmer ReactX foam. This layer creates a cushioned and stable foundation for the foot. It’s worth mentioning the Vomero 18’s substantial stack heights – the midsole is 44 mm (rear) and 34 mm (front) tall.

This Vomero is the most cushioned variant since its inception, as well as the bounciest.

1 of 19

Sure, the ZoomX and ReactX foam add a springy flavor to the ride. But the under-heel cavity has an outsized effect on the bounciness. The deep scoop (under the heel) acts as a trampoline when compressed. This feature has a greater effect on the overall springiness than anything else.

The forefoot rocker makes the ride efficient. Combining a deep and bouncy ride with a speed-friendly rocker makes the Vomero 18 surprisingly versatile.

It’s as much a comfortable daily trainer as it is a marathon running shoe. Tempo runs are within its wheelhouse too, as long as the speeds are slower than 4:30 min/km(7:00 min/mile).

Just like the midsole, the true-to-size upper is packed with plushness. While a full sleeve exists, it doesn’t interfere with the inwards arch roll.

Cushioned trainer for high arches

New Balance 1080V14

High-arched runners will find much to like in the 1080’s non-prescriptive ride quality.

Buy from New Balance

1. Read our detailed review of the New Balance 1080v14 here.

The 1080 V14’s highly cushioned midsole is ideal for long runs and comfortable everyday miles – as long as you keep it under 4:30 min/km (7:00 min/mile) speeds.

Making that happen is a soft midsole and a split outsole design that flexes together with the Fresh Foam stack.

The midsole is not mushy; the soft cushioning is supported by the rocker midsole to keep it peppy. The V14 has been reworked from the ground up, so the midsole has a bouncier feel than the 1080V13.

The v14's 'heel spring' or bevel is higher than the norm, so there's not enough real estate available during heel landings.

The 1080v14 has a stronger 'rocker' effect.

The larger and stiffer outsole lugs alter the 1080's ride dynamics.

1 of 17

This midsole design delivers a very neutral ride experience without any motion-control effect – and that makes it a good fit for this list.

The livelier ride isn’t just due to the new midsole. The tighter upper improves the power delivery from the foot to the midsole; it also increases the ride stability through superior lockdown.

The outsole lugs are larger than those on the v13, so they make the ride slightly stiffer. Also, while the v14 benefits from a stronger rocker effect, its ability to sense the ground is slightly diminished.

Narrow, wide, and extra-wide widths are optional.

Cushioned trainer for high arches

Brooks Glycerin 22

The ‘DNA Tuned’ midsole comforts and supports high arches during a run.

Buy from Zappos.com

There are two reasons why the Glycerin 22 works well for high-arched feet.

The new ‘DNA Tuned’ midsole lacks gait management features. That’s important for a runner with high arches, as the shoe should provide cushioning comfort without attempting to control the roll.

The softer midsole supports and comforts the foot without getting in the way. Regardless of how a high-arched foot pronates, there’s just the right balance of softness and stability available. The rearfoot has a wide base with a soft core; the denser forefoot foam stabilizes the foot during push-offs.

1 of 18

The Glycerin 22 works best as an easy-run trainer. The co-molded midsole isn’t particularly bouncy, nor does it produce a rocker effect. While it’s easy to settle into a smooth cadence during runs, this shoe doesn’t like to be pushed hard.

Everyday runs and races of 5:30 min/km (8:50 min/mile) and slower speeds are its areas of competence.

The true-to-size upper reduces the aggressive heel padding of the Glycerin 21. This change frees up space inside the forefoot and toe-box for a more accommodating fit. The shorter tongue makes itself felt when attempting a runner’s loop or heel-lock lacing.

Max-cushioning for high arches

Brooks Ghost Max 2

The ultra-cushioned Ghost Max 2 supports high arches without affecting gait patterns.

Buy from Zappos.com

1. Read our detailed review of the Brooks Ghost Max 2 here.

There are two reasons why the Brooks Ghost Max 2 is likely going to be the sleeper hit of 2024.

The first is its ridiculously cushioned ride. Not only is the midsole tall, but it’s also ultra-wide as well. The Ghost Max 2 also defies Brooks tradition (as did the Max 1) by being a 6 mm drop shoe, which is significantly lower than the standard 10-12 mm of the Brooks Glycerin 21 and Ghost 16.

1 of 14

The G-Max 2 is, by far, the softest shoe within the Brooks’s line-up. It also works nicely for high-arched feet, as long as you don’t push the shoe too hard. While you’ll get plenty of stability from the midsole, it doesn’t try to control the gait.

Considering its max-cushioned ride and overall bulk, the Ghost Max 2 is best used for recovery runs, walks, and everyday miles at speeds slower than 5 min/km (8 min/mile).

The soft midsole is complemented with a roomy and plush upper that fits true to size.

Marathon racer for high arches

Saucony Endorphin Pro 4

The Endorphin Pro 4’s midsole is neutral as they come; the non-prescriptive ride makes it a good pick for high arches.

Buy from Zappos.com

Currently, there are more Carbon-plated running shoes in the market than we care to count, but we believe that the Saucony Endorphin Pro 4 is one of the best picks for feet with high arches.

While the shoe delivers the familiar springy snap of the Carbon plate with a strong rocker effect, the PEBA midsole does a better job of supporting high arches than comparable racers.

1 of 17

For example, the heel midsole has flared (outwards projecting) sidewalls for better support. The forefoot feels planted due to the wide base and protective outsole.

Also, the Pwrrun PB (PEBA foam) that the Endorphin Pro 4 uses isn’t as soft as the one on Asics Metaspeed Edge or Nike Vaporfly 3.

The stiff Carbon plate adds structural integrity to the midsole, and as a result, is more supportive than the Endorphin Speed 4. While the midsole doesn’t try to control the gait, it keeps excessive outwards roll in check.

Tempo trainer for high arches

New Balance Fuelcell Rebel V4

The new midsole is wider and softer than before, and that’s good news for high-arched feet.

Buy from New Balance

1. Read our detailed review of the New Balance Rebel V4 here.

You know what? The Nike Pegasus Plus (aka Turbo) is actually quite nice if you have high arches. Its comfortable and bouncy ride works well for everyday runs, tempo training, and even a 10K. But we think it’s overpriced at $180, so let’s park that shoe for now.

May we suggest the New Balance Rebel V4 instead?

The Rebel V4 is a very different shoe than the Rebel 3. The midsole base is wider by 10 mm, the foam is softer (and less bouncy), and the upper is more spacious. And if you’re a high-arched runner looking for a lightweight tempo trainer, the Rebel V4 might just be the shoe.

The soft and wide midsole has a neutral ride character that doesn’t upset the natural rolling motion of the foot. At the same time, the wide midsole prevents the outer sidewall from collapsing when loaded.

There’s plenty of space inside the lightweight and breezy upper.

How we selected: What to look for

There are a couple of common misconceptions about feet with high arches.

The first assumes that all runners with high arches – also known as Pes Cavus – supinate or roll outwards during running or walking. Supination is also called under-pronation, the opposite of over-pronation.

That assumption isn’t necessarily true. Under certain circumstances, a high-arched foot will also pronate.

It is also assumed that high arches do not require footwear with arch support. That assumption is also misplaced.

Under normal circumstances, the arch is meant to help absorb the shock and stabilize the body. So a high arch will redistribute the loading stress to the forefoot and heel.

So in theory, having adequate under-arch support and midsole cushioning makes the loading process safer.

While many running shoes have a supportive midsole along with under-arch support, it may be a good idea to get a custom orthotic or an aftermarket insole. If that’s the route you want to take, read our buyer’s guide on orthotic-friendly shoes.

The running shoes that feature in this guide do two things very well.

They have a cushioned ride that makes landings and transitions go easy on your feet and the arch. At the same time, they aren’t overly structured and do not overcorrect the gait.

Pictured here is the cushioned and neutral DNA Loft midsole of the Brooks Glycerin 21.

The terms ‘cushioned’ and ‘softest’ are often conflated, but these aren’t the same thing. Excessive softness can cause a shoe to be unstable – and that is not good regardless of the arch type.

However, if you want a really soft shoe, give the Nike Invincible 3 a try. It won’t go fast, but it is lightweight with soft and deep cushioning. Here’s our detailed review of that shoe.

None of the models recommended in this guide are excessively soft. Rather, these shoes combine impact-absorbing cushioning with a supportive ride.

Most of them do well in the under-arch support department, but it’s a good idea to get an aftermarket insole for an optimal ride experience.

The Brooks Glycerin 21’s insole is thick enough to be replaced by a stability Orthotic.

Recent updates to shoes like the Saucony Triumph make them orthotic-friendly. The thick expanded Polyurethane footbed can be removed to accommodate a custom insole.

If your high arches are a source of pain or discomfort, please visit a physiotherapist before reading this shoe guide.