In this product guide:
- 1. Daily trainer for high arches: Asics Cumulus 26
- 2. Daily trainer for high arches: Hoka Clifton 9
- 3. Cushioned trainer for high arches: New Balance 1080 V13
- 4. Cushioned trainer for high arches: Brooks Glycerin 21
- 5. Max-cushioning for high arches: Brooks Ghost Max 2
- 6. Marathon racer for high arches: Saucony Endorphin Pro 4
- 7. Tempo trainer for high arches: New Balance Rebel V4
- How we selected
The Cumulus is different this time; the new midsole architecture makes it softer and lighter. In an unexpected move, the Cumulus 26 ditches the rubber outsole.
In its place is a firmer layer of EVA foam that also doubles as the outsole. On the top is a thicker and softer Flytefoam Blast+ for cushioning comfort. The Ortholite insole and lasting create a plush layer of step-in softness.
The Asics Cumulus's midsole is soft but not mushy.
The wide midsole of the Cumulus 26 produces a neutral and supportive ride .
The new design makes the Cumulus 26 lighter than the Cumulus 25, but with a marginal decrease in the grip quality. The all-foam outsole has reduced performance on dusty or slushy surfaces.
So what makes the Cumulus 26 ideal for high arches?
The soft Flytefoam Blast+ midsole has a neutral character without any gait-prescriptive features. The midsole doesn’t restrict the range of movement and allows high-arched runners to roll their feet naturally.
The firmer base (also the outsole) keeps the foot supported. The FF Blast+ foam is exposed through a teardrop-shaped window under the heel; that helps the ride stability by lowering the center of gravity.
The true-to-size upper has an accommodating fit. The stretchy tongue and sleeve keep the foot secure over the midsole.
Hoka has the distinction of being the original ‘tall midsole’ brand, and the Clifton is one of its most popular ambassadors.
Unlike the bulkier Bondi 8, the Clifton 9 hits the sweet spot between versatile cushioning and lightweight build, thus making it suitable for a variety of use cases. The Clifton 9 is excellent for easy daily workouts and comfortable long-distance runs alike.
Its high-volume midsole produces a cushioned ride that feels agile and supportive. The credit goes to the wide base that creates a supportive foundation during runs. The rocker shape allows the foot to roll forward faster during the push-off phase.
The cushioned neutral-ness of the Clifton 9 makes it a worthy pick for most runners, regardless of foot-strike or gait patterns. Barring a few updates, the Clifton 9 is fairly similar to the Clifton 8, a shoe that we reviewed last year.
The comfortable upper of the Clifton 9 is a bonus. The updated mesh material is softer for improved interior comfort.
The 1080 V13’s high-volume midsole is ideal for running longer distances in cushioned comfort.
Making that possible is a soft midsole and a split outsole design that flexes together with the Fresh Foam stack. It’s not mushy though – just soft enough to be extremely comfortable, but minus the lazy feel. The V13 has been re-tooled from the ground up, so it’s much softer than the previous model – the 1080v12.
This midsole design delivers a very neutral ride experience without any motion-control effect – and that makes it a good fit for this list.
Though the upper no longer uses the stretchy mesh we saw on the 1080V12, the soft mesh shell hugs the foot without being either sloppy or constrictive. The 1080V13 does, however, run narrower than the 1080V12. The internal gusset holds the tongue in place.
This shoe is also sold in narrow, wide, and extra-wide widths should you need one.
The Glycerin has been Brooks’s staple neutral running shoe for over two decades. Its balanced ride is one of the reasons why it’s been around for such a long time.
Until this year’s model came along, the Glycerin was a firm running shoe – which was contrary to Brooks’s ‘super soft’ marketing claims.
Pictured here is the cushioned and neutral DNA Loft midsole of the Brooks Glycerin 21.
The added padding pushes the foot forward by a few mm.
The Brooks Glycerin 21's insole is thick enough to be replaced by a stability Orthotic.
But that has changed with the Glycerin 21. This shoe is noticeably softer than the Glycerin 20, so the DNA Loft V3 foam is more responsive to the loading process. It allows high-arched runners to roll outwards naturally.
As long as you’re not super heavy, the midsole has decent stability. The outsole rubber is softer and stickier than before, thereby improving the grip.
The upper fit has changed. The interiors fit narrower and shorter than last year, so we recommend trying them on first.
- Brooks’s marketing pitch: Super softness with every step.
- Upper: Engineered mesh, no gusset.
- Midsole: DNA Loft V3 foam. 10 mm heel drop.
- Outsole: Softer rubber (forefoot), firm rubber (heel).
- Weight: 278 gms/ 9.8 Oz for a half pair of Men’s US 9/UK 8/EUR 42.5/CM 27.
- Stack heights: 38 mm (heel), 28 mm (forefoot).
- Available widths: D – regular (reviewed), 2E – Wide.
- Previous model: Brooks Glycerin 20.
- Country of origin: Vietnam.
- Median lifespan: 350 miles.
- Recommended temperature range: Warmer than -5° C/23° F.
Pros
- Ride comfort
- Plush interiors
- Smooth transitions
- Outsole traction
- Optional widths
Cons
- Lower outsole durability
- Not as stable as the Glycerin 20
- Lack of reflective elements
- Tongue slide
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.
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.
- Brooks’s marketing pitch: Max-cushion. Max protection. Max comfort.
- Upper: Engineered mesh, no sleeve.
- Midsole: Full-length DNA Loft V3 supercritical foam. 6 mm heel drop.
- Outsole: Soft blown rubber under forefoot, firmer rubber under the heel.
- Weight: 306 gms/ 10.8 Oz for a half pair of Men’s US 9/UK 8/EUR 42.5/CM 27.
- Stack heights: 39 mm (heel), 33 mm (forefoot).
- Available widths: D – regular (reviewed), 2E – wide, 4E – extra wide.
- Previous model: Brooks Ghost Max V1.
- Country of origin: Vietnam.
- Recommended use: Recovery run trainer, half-marathons, marathons at slow speeds.
- Footstrike orientation: Heel, midfoot/forefoot (full contact).
- Median lifespan: 450 miles.
- Recommended paces: Slower than 5:00 min/km (8:00 min/mile).
- Recommended temperature range: Warmer than -5° C/23° F.
Pros
- Long-distance comfort
- Plush upper
- Roomy forefoot and toe box
- Optional widths
- Outsole grip
Cons
- Heavier than Ghost Max 1
- Low versatility
- Lower stability than Ghost Max 1
- Scarce reflectivity
- Mild tongue slide
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.
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.
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.