6 Best Cushioned Running Shoes for High Arched Feet

So How Do You Know if you Have a High Arch?

A perfect foot would have an arch that works as a shock absorber for the foot and flexes to take the impact of walking and running and allows the foot to work efficiently. You pronate or your arch flexes to cushion the blow of your foot on the ground. An arch that is weak or too flexible collapses and will roll in (overpronate). So how to know what kind of foot you have?

What Does Mayo Clinic Say?

A Mayo Clinic online article helps and lays out some tips on how to categorize your arch/foot. They use the same method I read about years ago, the wet foot on concrete test. A flatter foot will make more contact with the ground and leave a solid footprint, a neutral foot will have contact at the heel and forefoot and a connection between them. A high arches foot will only leave a wet spot at the heel and forefoot, with the middle of the foot not touching at all.

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.

So, What if I do Have High Arches?

It means your foot is more rigid and does not absorb shock as well as it should. Your foot may have a high instep, meaning you may need a shoe with more volume/height in the middle of the shoe and you may be prone to impact-related injuries like stress fractures. It means you need the right kind of shoe to help your foot.

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.

Help in Figuring Your Arch

If you have concerns or questions about your foot, find a Podiatrist, Pedorthist or knowledgeable person at your local running shoe shop like Black Toe Running in Toronto, Ontario.

Here are some potential shoes to check out for a high-arched foot.

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.

2. New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v13

Also Available at -
Zappos ; 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 newest 1080, version 13 has gotten quite a bit lighter (10.3 to 9.2 ounces) and the upper has changed from a knit material to a more traditional Saucony upper and is described as, a breathable engineered mesh upper features a snug, second skin fit for a structured, supportive feel. The cushioning comes from New Balance’s Fresh Foam (hence the name).

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 26

Also Available at -
Zappos ; ASICS

“Running releases more than just sweat.” – Asics

Another shoe that has been around for a while. The 26th version of Asics best cushioned shoe. I’ve slipped on quite a few versions of this shoe and its plump and well cushioned. The look has changed slightly but its still recognizable.  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 Invincible 3

Also Available at -
Amazon ; Dick's

“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 has 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 room in instep.

The Invincible 3 has ZoomX cushioning shaped like a rocker and higher foam heights that the company says will give you ultimate cushioning upon ground contact and an even softer underfoot feel. It could all be marketing, but it does look well-cushioned! I have not tried this shoe on, but the max cushioned shoes for each brand should be a consideration for this foot type.

A well cushioned option from Nike to try!

5. HOKA Bondi 8

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 too their midsole foam but its light and seems to work on its own. Outsole rubber is Durabrasion rubber for durability, there is pull tab to help pull it on and apparently the shoe is Vegan (I think what its 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 21

Also Available at -
Zappos ; 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 21 of this shoe is just slightly heavier than the last version (9.7 to 9.8 grams) but otherwise really remains the same. 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 that 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 its comfortable, there should be no “break-in period.

7. Skechers Slip-ins: Max Cushioning Premier

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 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.

The website provides some technical information but its hard to evaluate the technologies or how they will affect fit and feel and the site lacks weight, drop and other key information. The Skechers site indicates the shoe has: Heel Pillow™, this TOUCHLESS FIT® style features an engineered mesh upper with synthetic hotmelt details, an ULTRA GO® cushioned platform, and a Skechers Air-Cooled Memory Foam® insole.