6 Best Cushioned Running Shoes for High Arched Feet

My Own Experience

From my years fitting people for running shoes, for orthotics and from my years as a runner, the real high arched foot is pretty uncommon. Some people have a higher arch but a real high arched foot tends to be very rigid, with a high instep and sometimes pulls the rest of the foot up to even make the foot a bit shorter than you would expect.

What Kind of Shoes do I Need?

There are no shoes specifically designed for high-arched feet, but there is a category of shoes to try out and certain things to look for.

Because a high-arched foot is a poor shock absorber and sometimes has a high instep you should look for:

Remember there is no one perfect shoe for everyone, everyone has a different foot and it must also fit snugly, not tight and have some room at the toe.

1. New Balance 990v6

Also Available at -
Zappos ; New Balance

“Happiness is pushing your limits and watching them back down.”
– New Balance

Okay, so the first shoe looks a little old school, and well it is. This shoe has been around for a long time with New Balance and has not really changed. I mean this shoe is probably older than some of you readers.

Born in 1982, it became a popular shoe for those looking for a solid, stable, deep cushioned shoe. It worked for heavier runners looking for a tame-colored running shoe and those who had an orthotic and needed some extra room and depth.

The shoe looks the same now as I remember and still comes in the myriad of widths it used to come in. It still has the solid durable outsole, a mesh and pigskin upper with a New Balance ENCAP midsole cushion that combines lightweight foam with a durable polyurethane rim that holds you steady.

The company also states that a good portion of the shoe comes from US materials and work. It’s not cheap but worth it on the right foot!

Old school look, stable cushioning and lots of room that might make it an option for someone with a high arch.

The update from the 2024 model to newer models now available is merely cosmetic.

2. New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v14

Also Available at - 
Zappos ; Holabird Sports ; New Balance

Ok more color and one of New Balance’s really well cushioned shoes. They are mid-weight, and the website does not mention their drop but would guess at about 10mm. I chose this shoe as a potential candidate for people with high arches because of the added cushion that a more rigid foot needs. The rockered heel and forefoot may also help your foot roll easier as you run.

Depending on how high your arch is and how high your instep is, this could be a fit but you will need to try it on. Every foot is different.

The cushioning comes from New Balance’s Fresh Foam (hence the name). The version 14 is very similar to last year’s model with some minor updates that include a new mesh upper with increased breathability in key areas, an updated outsole for a propulsive feeling, and additional rubber in high wear areas for added durability.

Good cushioned shoe, but those with a really high instep may need to see if they can get into this shoe with the snug upper.

*Oh and I should mention that New Balance in general usually has shoes in larger sizes 14 -17 in some of their models which is great for those having trouble finding shoes for their larger feet.

3. Asics Gel Nimbus 27

Also Available at -
Zappos ; Holabird Sports ; ASICS

“Running releases more than just sweat.” – ASICS

Another shoe that has been around for a while. The 27th version of Asics best cushioned shoe. I’ve slipped on quite a few versions of this shoe and it's plump and well-cushioned. The look has changed slightly, but it's still recognizable and is still one of the most cushioned shoes in the Asics line. The amount of cushioning is why I have chosen this for high-arched runners, and I think this model may not be as snug as some of its predecessors.

Engineered knit upper wraps the foot with a soft feel while improving breathability

At least 75% of the shoe's main upper material is made with recycled content to reduce waste and carbon emissions

The Nimbus adds PureGEL™ to help absorb shock to its FF BLAST™ PLUS ECO cushioning, and AHAR® outsole rubber gives the shoe good durability.

Following the trend of other running shoes in the plush cushion category – the new version of the Nimbus has gone up in weight and cushion. The shoe also has what Asics calls Hybrid AsicsGrip for the outsole which is supposed to provide soft and durable traction in all conditions.

I like this shoe when it fits, which sometimes can be narrow at the forefoot. It is exceptionally cushioned.

4. Nike Vomero Plus

Also Available at -
Holabird Sports

“There is no ‘Y’ in running. Believe in the run.” – Nike

Nike says this shoe has a maximum amount of cushioning while also providing some support. If your foot fits into this, it could help cushion your rigid, high-arched foot from the impact of running.

Be careful, as some rigid feet have high insteps and may require shoes with more depth. Many Nike shoes, from my experience, are not deep. Another tip is to look for shoes with tongues that are not attached or have sock liners to allow more ability to adjust the room in the instep.

This new shoe from Nike is what they call a full stack (thick midsole) with lots of cushioning, and comes in a wide option to boot. The Vomero Plus has ZoomX cushioning, a soft upper, and a high-abrasion rubber outsole.

A well-cushioned option from Nike to try! Find this in a store, try it on and make sure it has room for your instep!

5. HOKA Bondi 9

Also Available at - 
Amazon ; HOKA

“Time to Fly!” – HOKA

HOKA really makes some great cushioned shoes and I have worn a few models like the Clifton, Clayton and Carbon X. The shoes provide a thick layer of cushion between you and the road without sacrificing weight. The interior of the shoes I have tried are relatively roomy as well, which might fit a higher instep/arch.

HOKA does not really add anything to their midsole foam, but its light and seems to work on its own. Outsole rubber is Durabrasion rubber for durability, there is a pull tab to help pull it on, and apparently the shoe is Vegan (I think what it's made of, not what the shoe prefers to eat).

The American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA)  also gives the Bondi 8 a Seal of Acceptance that recognizes products that have been found beneficial to foot health.

I like HOKA shoes and think this would be a really well-cushioned, light feeling shoe that might help someone with high arches. I like the way they look too!

6. Saucony Triumph 23

Also Available at -
Zappos ; Holabird Sports ; Saucony

“Find your strong” – Saucony (pronounced “ssah-koh-nee.”)

This is one of Saucony’s best cushioned neutral shoes. A high arched foot needs help with cushion or you really need to replace your shoes before they are worn out or you risk injury.

The Triumph which was around when I was fitting shoes, uses PWRRUN+ foam, has anice rocker to it (curve at toe and heel) that many running shoes seem to have now (helps you roll from heel to toe) and a durable outsole rubber that will help last over your training miles.

The version 23 of the shoe is a bit lighter, but not much else has changed. The thing to remember is that even small changes can change the feel for some people, and with a new model, it might be worth trying the shoe in person before purchasing.

This shoe, like the HOKA I reviewed, has been given the American Podiatric Medical Association Seal of Approval, which recognizes products that have been found beneficial to foot health. This shoe is also apparently vegan and contains recycled materials. With every shoe, make sure to try it on and make sure it's comfortable; there should be no “break-in period.

7. Skechers Max Cushioning Max Run - Vorteza

The Vorteza has more than just a lot of cushioning, and if it’s your foot, you also get a waterproof shoe, featuring a reflective woven fabric upper, Skechers Air-Cooled Goga Mat™ insole, and an anti-slip Goodyear® Performance outsole.

I have thrown this shoe in as something interesting and because some people, I think, look to the Skechers brand as something more affordable, and sometimes it can be found in non-running stores. I have tried and worn a couple of Skechers running shoes and had no real issues.

I once wore and tested one of their light-weight racing shoes, and it was a lot of fun and super responsive. In more recent years, I have seen them move away from more serious running shoes and even make fewer shoe details available online about their running line.

There are a few shoes in the super cushioned category, including this one (suggest going to the Go Run category/collection on the Skechers site). This shoe would be in the right category for a foot type that needs extra cushioning and shock absorption.