I’ve been in the market for a new pair of running shoes for quite a while. To save you the heartache of spending hours testing shoes out at your local retailer, I tested out a bunch of shoes and wrote a review based on my experience.
I picked up 3 pairs of shoes from running specialty stores in my local area and tested them for a full 5 months. In that time, I sweat buckets, ran sometimes twice a day, and even raced in them. I put over 150 miles of running on them before writing this guide.
Below, I’ll go over my top picks, break down the differences between each type of running shoe, and hopefully make choosing a new pair of running shoes much easier for you.
If you are a beginner, you will also enjoy my beginners guide to running shoes.
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| Brooks Men's Ghost 13 | Best Overall |  |
| New Balance Women's Fresh Foam 1080 V10 Running Shoe | Budget Pick |  |
| HOKA ONE ONE Womens Bondi 6 Running Shoe | Upgrade Pick |  |
1. Brooks Men's Ghost 13
Pros:
- Great for heavier runners
- Good durability
- Fantastic performance
The Brooks Men's Ghost 13 Running Shoe is a fantastic choice for runners of any experience level. It has an extremely lightweight, comfortable, and supportive design for a great run.
It comes with an updated cushioning and lightweight midsole that provides exceptional support and comfort. The upper is made from fine mesh and synthetic upper materials with an intuitive lace design for a great fit.
The outsole of the Ghost 13 is made from a durable blown rubber, so it can provide more traction and support while providing a bit of cushion for comfort. The shoe is great for high-speed training or just an evening jog.
2. Brooks Women's Ghost 13
Pros:
- Perfect for runners with high arches
- Awesome cushioning for shock absorption
- Amazing traction on various surfaces
- Sturdy and lightweight
For women looking for lightweight, comfortable, good traction running shoes with great cushioning, the Brooks Women’s Ghost 13 is our top choice.
This shoe features a breathable mesh upper, a snug midfoot fit, and full-length cushioning that absorbs shocks when you run.
It’s also designed with a rocker-chamber and a responsive foam midsole.
3. HOKA ONE ONE Women's Clifton 7 Running Shoe
Hoka One One running shoes are made for neutral runners. The Clifton 7 features a breathable mesh upper with a very comfortable sock like feel.
Inside the shoe is a dual density midsole which is soft yet firm. It also comes with a full length midsole foam for bounce with every step you take.
The Clifton also features a 3D heel for superior cushioning and a segmented crash pad along with a HOKA PEG® system to help prevent over-pronation.
4. HOKA ONE ONE Mens Bondi 6 Running Shoe
Pros:
- Great traction
- Fantastic design
- Comfortable, cushioned high arches
- Great ventilation
- Durable
- Stylish
- Good under-the-arch support
- Good for long distance runs
Cons:
- Mid-weight shoes tend to slip a little on wet terrain
- Inexpensive, but not the best value
- May be too stylish for some; can make you look like you’re wearing walking shoes
(Grey/Black/Blue)
Hoka One One was founded in 2009 when Swiss former runner Robert Wildhaber decided to create the lightest, most comfortable running shoe in the world. Thanks to his background in mechanical engineering, he was able to design a running shoe that would be lightweight and less damaging to the body.
With the Boti 6, the brand continues to deliver high quality cushioning through improved and increased midfoot support with more of an EVA midsole in the mid/forefoot. It also features a redesigned flared outsole with a medial outrigger towards the rear.
5. Brooks Dyad 11
Pros:
- A complete cushioned shoe
- Has a Brooks DNA dedication to cushioning
- Flexible, lightweight, and smooth
- Comes with a low price tag
- Provides great arch support
Cons:
- The foam, not so durable
- Lacks good grip
- It lacks cushioning at the heel
The Brooks Dyad 11 running shoe is a great shoe for high arches with a neutral heel that provides a comfortable ride.
It has a wide toe box and a cushioned midsole that will keep you comfortable when you’re running. It’s so well cushioned in fact that it’s a favorite with marathoners. This running shoe features laser guided fit, engineered mesh that is breathable and lightweight and a midsole that allows for flexibility and a smooth ride.
You get all that for a very affordable price too.
6. Brooks Women's Glycerin 18
Pros:
- Very comfortable shoes
- Good support for high arches on a budget
- Will last longer than other, more expensive models
- Provides great stability
Cons:
- Shoe is a little wide.
If you are looking for a low priced option that won’t disappoint then we recommend the Brooks Women’s Glycerin 18 Running Shoes. It’s a great shoe for people with high arches. These shoes will keep your feet comfortable and give you a great running experience.
Women’s Glycerin 18 Running Shoes from Brooks is a high quality shoe that’s high on comfort. It will also make for a great walking shoe. This model is a bit wider, so people with narrow feet may want to try a different option.
7. Brooks Dyad 11
Pros:
- A complete cushioned shoe
- Has a Brooks DNA dedication to cushioning
- Flexible, lightweight, and smooth
- Comes with a low price tag
- Provides great arch support
Cons:
- The foam, not so durable
- Lacks good grip
- It lacks cushioning at the heel
The Brooks Dyad 11 running shoe is a great shoe for high arches with a neutral heel that provides a comfortable ride.
It has a wide toe box and a cushioned midsole that will keep you comfortable when you’re running. It’s so well cushioned in fact that it’s a favorite with marathoners. This running shoe features laser guided fit, engineered mesh that is breathable and lightweight and a midsole that allows for flexibility and a smooth ride.
You get all that for a very affordable price too.
8. New Balance Women's Fresh Foam 1080 V10 Running Shoe
Pros:
- Durable and breathable
- Lightweight
- High-quality cushioning
- The outsole is heavily reinforced
Cons:
- The unique design can appear a bit bulky at first…but many claim it provides better stability
- The shoe is only available in two colors
While it’s currently only available in two colors, the New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 V10 Running Shoe is a great option for those with high arches. It offers plenty of support and shock absorption to protect your feet as you run. Plus, the lightweight design will keep your feet feeling fresh throughout your workout.
What’s more, this shoe has a durable construction and a breathable uppers that won’t leave your feet feeling hot or uncomfortable. The outsole is heavily reinforced and gives you stability as well as comfort.
9. ASICS Women's Gel-Nimbus 22
Pros:
- Great support to your high arches
- Moderate stability for moderate overpronator
- Lightweight and incredibly comfortable
- Breathable mesh design
- Multidirectional and flat patterned rubber outsole
When it comes to finding comfortable shoes you’ll want to look for the shoes that fit your unique personal needs as opposed to looking for generic “one shoe fits all” recommendations. And the ASICS Women’s Gel-Nimbus 22 are one of the best athletic shoes for high arches.
These running shoes are one of the lightest on the market at 5.1 ounces, and they’re extremely comfortable to wear. The mesh upper design around the top of the shoe has a treated overlay that wicks moisture away for a dry and comfortable wear. The breathable design also means that your feet don’t get hot after wearing them.
The Gel cushions on the Nimbus 22s provide firm yet comfortable cushioning for your high arches. The insoles are removable… So you can place them inside your own insoles if you so desire. Also, the middle of the sole has been filled with an arch gel that further adds to your cushioning.
10. ASICS Men's Gel-Nimbus 22 Running Shoes
Pros:
- Great cushioning for high arches
- Lightweight and stable
- Breathable upper material
- Good arch support
- All-day comfort
Cons:
- A little on the narrow side
- Slightly overpriced
The ASICS Men's Gel-Nimbus 22 Running Shoes are suited for high arches thanks to its softer and lighter outsole as well as a high level of cushioning on the heel and forefoot. Because the midsole is so soft, your natural gait is encouraged. This is possible because the midsole arch, which is built to cradle and support the lateral arch, features a plush layer of Gel. This makes it more effective in cushioning the heel than standard foam cushioning.
The lightweight mesh and breathable synthetic outer material give your foot room to breathe. This is especially important for foot odor and feet that get hot due to sweating.
The striping pattern on the midsole is a stylized X pattern. It gives a firm yet flexible ride. If it was a standard straight stripe we would have been concerned about durability. But the combination of patterns allows runners to enjoy a bouncy ride.
11. ASICS Women's Gel-Cumulus 22 Running Shoes
Pros:
- Offer great comfort thanks to the thick foam insole
- Comes in multiple color options
- Cushioning is well-designed and appropriate for the task
- Specifically designed for high-arched runners
- The updated fit and tongue design and a well-padded collar make for better comfort
- Relatively cheaper than similar models by GEL but offers the same features
Cons:
- Run a little longer than expected
- The laces are a bit short and somewhat flimsy
- The sole is not too grippy on slippery surfaces
As our pick for high-arch runners, the ASICS Women’s Gel-Cumulus 22 provides runners with a stable, supportive, comfortable shoe for shorter to mid-distance runs.
The shoe features a deep longitudinal groove on the outsole, which helps reduce lateral movement and enhance a mid-foot strike. What’s more, the shoe come with a Guidance Trusstic System which supports balance and aligns the feet for a stable push-off.
The arch support is great, being made with an extra layer of foam. It’s designed in a way that reduces the impact when running downhill, making it an excellent choice for high-arch runners.
12. Brooks Men's Glycerin 18
Pros:
- The Gycerin 18 is stable and supportive
- It has a wide range of colors available to match practically any style
- Its Ortholite insoles provide sufficient support for your plantar fascia and additional cushioning for a comfortable wear
- It has a heel-to-toe drop of 10mm, which is good for lightweight stability and instability in your joints
- It is cushioned enough for long distance running, but lightweight enough to be agile and fast
- The design also includes subtle yet stylish and feminine detailing
- The sock liner is made from mesh to keep you cool and dry so your feet don’t get overheated during your run
Cons:
- It is relatively expensive in comparison to other running shoes
- It could be a little more breathable and should have a waterproof layer
- It may feel a little heavy if you're used to running without shoes
13. Brooks Dyad 11
Pros:
- A complete cushioned shoe
- Has a Brooks DNA dedication to cushioning
- Flexible, lightweight, and smooth
- Comes with a low price tag
- Provides great arch support
Cons:
- The foam, not so durable
- Lacks good grip
- It lacks cushioning at the heel
The Brooks Dyad 11 running shoe is a great shoe for high arches with a neutral heel that provides a comfortable ride.
It has a wide toe box and a cushioned midsole that will keep you comfortable when you’re running. It’s so well cushioned in fact that it’s a favorite with marathoners. This running shoe features laser guided fit, engineered mesh that is breathable and lightweight and a midsole that allows for flexibility and a smooth ride.
You get all that for a very affordable price too.
14. Mizuno Women's Wave Sky Waveknit 3 Running Shoe
Pros:
- Very lightweight and comfortable
- Comes in several width variations
- Cushioning is perfect for high arches
- Toe-box is wide, so no constriction
- You can adjust the lacing for a customized fit
- Great for running long distances
Cons:
- Not good for high-impact exercises
- Running socks may stick to the thin mesh upper
- Perhaps too much cushioning for some
If you don’t enjoy running in minimalist shoes but love running in heels, the Mizuno Women’s Wave Sky is just for you. This running shoe combines Mizuno’s coveted Wave technology with a mesh that allows air to pass through and keep your feet cool.
The wave technology is a multi-layered midsole that delivers excellent shock absorption and comfort. It also provides a very stable ride and ensures you stay fit even as you’re running longer distances.
What’s good about the Wave Sky is that it’s flexible…’and we mean really flexible. This is ideal for runners with high arches who want to enjoy a cushioned ride without compromising on support.
15. Saucony Men's Triumph 17 Running Shoe
Being the best running shoes for high arches, the Saucony Men’s Triumph 17 make use of an EVA midsole to help prevent impact shock absorption with its gel cushioned heel. It comes wrapped in a mesh and synthetic leather finish.
The shoe also features an internal heel counter and stabilizer. Users have emphasized the security factor of this walking shoe, which comes from to a construction that creates a snug fit and nice support for high arches.
Finally, the Saucony Triumph 17 has a flexible sole for maximum comfort and a trusstic system that keeps the torsional rigidity in the midfoot.
16. New Balance Men's Fresh Foam 1080 V10 Running Shoe
Pros:
- The new Fresh Foam midsole absorbs and disperses impact forces very well
- Provides excellent stability and support for high arches
- Soft, flexible, and extremely lightweight
- The heel counter provides a good natural lockdown for high arches
- No break-in required
- Good design and durability
New Balance is a well-known name in the sports industry. The brand offers a variety of products that cater to a wide range of fitness levels. The New Balance men’s Fresh Foam 1080 v10 running shoe is a fantastic option for high arches. This shoe is especially for the plantar-fusing crowd who need a shoe that can provide good comfort and extra support.
The main design of this shoe is based upon its midsole. The midsole provides extra cushion and a thicker heel. This extra cushioning provides extra comfort for high arches. The midsole design also provides good comfort for heel strikers.
The New Balance 1080v10 also features good taste and a fair price. The mix of materials provide a bunch of unique characteristics that add to the durability of the shoe.
17. Brooks Dyad 11 Antarctica/Grey/Peacoat
Pros:
- Great arch support
- Lightweight but stiff
- Well-padded lace closures
- Durable, and supportive mid-sole
- Super sweat-wicking fiberweb construction
- Breathable mesh on top
Cons:
- The forefoot is a little narrow
- The shoe feels narrow
If you’re looking for a running shoe with exceptional arch support but that’s still lightweight and flexible, the Brooks Dyad Antarctica Running Shoe is a good option for you.
The Dyad is a neutral shoe designed with a high-arched support that matches your foot’s natural structure. The shoe’s layers of cushioning work as a shock absorber. Plus, the wide toe box ensures that your toes and feet don’t lose stability.
The midsole is padded with BioMoGo DNA technology which allows cushioning to be handled by your own bio-mechanics. Therefore, that keeps the shoe feeling light without sacrificing the stability.
18. Mizuno Men's Wave Sky Waveknit 3 Running Shoe
Pros:
- Very comfortable
- Breathable mesh
- Lightweight and durable
- Great cushioning
The best running shoe is a very subjective category, but if you like the Mizuno's an excellent choice. The Wave Sky is a lightweight, breathable shoe with a great fit that is perfect for runners with high arches.
It features a breathable mesh which prevents moisture and odor build-up … resulting in shoes that last much longer than most. The Wave Sky is a neutral shoe, which means it works for runners with a wide range of foot types. A lot of runners consider this as one of the best running shoes for high arches.
The Wave Sky comes in 11 versions. The latest version will look a little different, though a lot of the specifications are the same.
19. ASICS Men's Gel-Cumulus 22
Pros:
- Comfortable to wear for extended periods
- Lightweight
- Extremely durable
- Minimalist design for running efficiency
- Great for high-volume, high-arched feet
Cons:
- Heel area could use more cushioning
- Takes a few runs to break in
The ASICS Men's Gel-Cumulus 22 Running Shoes are specifically designed for the heavy-footed runner with a high arch. If you have high arches, most other running shoes on the market may fit too snugly or be too thin beneath your heel.
The breathable mesh upper and plush Gel cushioning will provide you with flexible stability. Also, the ASICS patented rear and forefoot GEL cushioning along the midsole deliver maximum energy return and provide an efficient and durable ride.
These shoes are ultra lightweight and it should give responsive speed and energy return. If you are not satisfied with your purchase, you can get a refund or exchange.
20. HOKA ONE ONE Womens Bondi 6 Running Shoe
Pros:
- Great real-life feel; a favorite among high arches
- Good for high arches
Cons:
- Non-gimmick breathability
- Run a little narrow
The Hoka One One Bondi 6 pumps it up with a 12mm stack height, soft but stable EVA midsole and a soft, breathable shoe cover.
The Bondi is designed with a soft heel to toe drop and a lightweight midsole which is great for high arches and those wanting a lighter pumped up ride. All this translates to a more natural run.
We loved the shoe’s overall level of innovation. Hoka uses Bio-fabric and Biofoam to keep your feet cool and dry. Also featured is a patented midsole design that provides a responsive ride but allows for shock absorption. The Bondi also features a molded sock liner for a full contact fit.