The 15 Best Running Shoes with Arch Support, Tested by Our Editors

Finding the right type of running shoe can be particularly challenging for runners who need extra arch support. Yet a supportive shoe is crucial because it can help decrease the likelihood of injury—a devoted runner’s worst nightmare. 

According to Jacob Hascalovici, MD, Ph.D., chief medical officer and pain specialist at Clearing, a chronic pain telehealth platform, shoes with arch support can help you avoid common injuries like tendonitis or shin splints by subtly correcting gait issues. When looking for a shoe with arch support, Dr. Hascalovici says you should consider your terrain and distance. The more miles you run, the more structured support you may want in a shoe. You’ll also want to consider whether your natural arch is high, “normal,” or low. Low-arched runners could experiment with stability shoes, while those with normal or high arches may find that neutral shoes better fit their needs. No matter your arch type, a good shoe should feel comfortable.

We spoke with experts, including podiatrists and a board-certified sports physical therapist and reviewed running shoes taking into account the type of support offered, type of arch, running terrain, planned distance, overall fit, materials used, and cost. We also had a physical therapist on our Medical Expert Board review this article for medical and scientific accuracy. 

Arch Types, Explained

According to the experts we spoke with, there are three basic types of arches: flat to low, medium/normal and high. Look at your bare footprint after stepping in water. If your footprint looks like a complete foot, it may indicate that you have low arches or flat feet, while a narrow print may mean you have a high arch. A footprint in the middle likely means your arch is in the normal range.

To truly determine your type of arches and what shoe may be best for you, we recommend having a podiatrist, physical therapist, or a professional at a specialty running store evaluate your foot and natural running gait. 

Flat to low: Runners with flat to low arches have better natural stability because their feet cover more surface area. On the flip side, their feet are more flexible, which often leads runners to overpronate, meaning their feet roll inward excessively. Overpronation increases the risk of plantar fasciitis and other running-related injuries.

Medium/normal: Normal arches have a healthy balance between stability and flexibility, which is ideal for runners. However, wearing improper shoes or overtraining can contribute to injuries.

High: Runners with high arches need shoes with more cushioning because less of the foot hits the ground to help with shock absorption. Common issues include stress fractures, shin splints and other impact-related injuries.

Our Top Picks

BEST OVERALL:

Hoka Gaviota 5 at Amazon ($288)

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BEST FOR TRAIL RUNNING:

Hoka Women’s Speedgoat 5 GTX Trail Runners at Zappos ($124)

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BEST WITH CUSHIONING:

MBT MTR-1500 II at Amazon (See Price)

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BEST FOR FLAT FEET:

Altra Outroad 2 at Amazon (See Price)

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BEST HEEL SUPPORT:

Altra AltraFWD Experience Running Shoes at Amazon ($220)

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BEST FOR ROAD RUNNING:

Altra Provision 7 at Zappos ($140)

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BEST STABILITY:

Tracksmith Eliot Runner at Tracksmith.com (See Price)

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BEST WITH NEUTRAL ARCH SUPPORT:

ASICS Men’s GT-2000 12 Running Shoes at Amazon ($140)

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BEST FOR LONGER RUNS:

Asics Women’s Gel-Nimbus 25 Nagino at Asics.com (See Price)

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BEST FOR BAD KNEES:

Nike Men’s InfinityRN 4 Road Running Shoes at Nordstrom ($160)

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Best Overall

Hoka Gaviota 5

PHOTO: 

HOKA

$288 at Amazon$175 at Zappos$175 at Nordstrom

Why We Like It

If you’re looking for an everyday shoe great for walking or running that feels like walking on clouds, look no further than the Hoka Gaviota 5. We loved how soft and cushiony the foam felt while providing enough responsiveness to propel us forward during our runs.

The Gaviota 5 incorporates Hoka’s new stabilizing H-Frame™, allowing for the use of softer foam without compromising the shoe’s stability. The updated Gaviota also accommodates a wider fit, so if you’ve ruled these shoes out in the past, it may be worth another try.

It’s Worth Noting 

This is a neutral running shoe and may not work best if you have a low arch. It also weighs more than other shoes on our list, which may not be great for endurance racing.

Product Details:

• Sizes: Women: 5-12, Men: 7-15
• Widths: Regular, wide
• Heel-to-Toe Drop: 6 mm
• Weight: 10.9 oz

• HEALTH / JENNIFER MAY
• HEALTH / JENNIFER MAY

Best for Trail Running

Hoka Women’s Speedgoat 5 GTX Trail Runners

PHOTO: 

ZAPPOS

$124 at Zappos$155 at NordstromView on Sunandski.com

Why We Like It

Trail running is a fantastic workout that tests your agility, coordination, and balance while taking you off the road and into the heart of nature. Wearing a well-designed shoe like the Hoka Speedgoat 5 GTX will keep your feet dry and give you added traction to prevent you from slipping on loose soil, water, or ice.

Technical terrain increases the impact on your body and can lead to foot, ankle or knee pain. We noticed less discomfort after wearing these shoes, even after long, rocky downhill portions, no doubt thanks to Hoka’s highly cushioned midsole. We also loved how well these shoes grip on slick surfaces.

It’s Worth Noting 

These shoes are meant for the trail, making them heavier than shoes meant for everyday use or for road running. They also run wide, making them a poor choice if you have narrow feet.

Product Details:

• Sizes: Women: 5-11, Men: 7-14
• Widths: Medium
• Heel-to-Toe Drop: 4 mm
• Weight: 11.5 oz

• HEALTH / ELENA GARCIA
• HEALTH / ELENA GARCIA
• HEALTH / ELENA GARCIA

Best with Cushioning

MBT MTR-1500 II

PHOTO: 

AMAZON

View on AmazonView on Mbt.com

Why We Like It

Each pair of Masai Barefoot Technology (MBT) shoes comes with specially designed orthopedic insoles for an added layer of cushioning. The MTR-1500 11, with its medium-strong sole curve, offers generous cushioning and muscle activation, ideal for comfortable, everyday wear.

Available in several colors, these shoes looked stylish and felt cushioning but firm. We loved the heel support provided by MBT’s patented heel sensor and how it reduced the impact of running on our knees. As an added bonus, these shoes come with the seal of acceptance from the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA).

It’s Worth Noting 

These shoes are best for people with high arches, and the strong support could take some getting used to.

Product Details:

• Sizes: Women: 5-12, Men: 8-12.5
• Widths: Medium
• Heel-to-Toe Drop: N/A
• Weight: N/A

• HEALTH / MIKE NAVARRO
• HEALTH / MIKE NAVARRO
• HEALTH / MIKE NAVARRO
• HEALTH / MIKE NAVARRO

Best for Flat Feet

Altra Outroad 2

PHOTO: 

AMAZON

View on Amazon$120 at ZapposView on Altrarunning.com

Why We Like It

Altra shoes are known for their zero-drop platform and wide toe box, which suit runners with flat feet. Because the heel and forefront are the same height, runners experience a more natural foot strike, and the toes have more room to splay out. The Altra Outroad 2 takes what’s best about this design and adds an updated mesh, plushier heel collar, and tongue for comfort.

The material felt high-quality and stood up well to running in the rain and on tough surfaces. The cushioning gave us plenty of comfort without feeling overdone, and we loved how the wider toe box left our feet room and allowed plenty of breathing room.

It’s Worth Noting 

These shoes run slim, so you may want to size up or try them on before buying.

Product Details:

• Sizes: Women: 5.5-12, Men: 7-15
• Widths: Wide, Slim
• Heel-to-Toe Drop: 0 mm
• Weight: 10.7 oz

Best Heel Support

Altra AltraFWD Experience Running Shoes

PHOTO: 

AMAZON

$220 at Amazon$140 at Zappos$105 at REI

Why We Like It

The AltraFWD is the first Altra shoe to incorporate a minimal heel drop and added heel cushioning for greater shock absorption and less heel pain. Its rocker shape propels you forward during runs, and the shoe’s wide forefront allows your toes to move freely.

Our favorite part about these shoes is how the compression-molded EVA midsole conforms to your feet, making your stride feel effortless whether running on soft gravel or a concrete sidewalk. Our heels fit snugly within the shoe, keeping them in place and minimizing friction that typically leads to blisters or sore spots.

It’s Worth Noting 

The tread underneath these shoes can trap small rocks or gravel. They also fit slightly small, so if you’re in between sizes, size up.

Product Details:

• Sizes: Women: 5.5-12, Men: 7-15
• Widths: Regular
• Heel-to-Toe Drop: 4 mm
• Weight: 8.5 oz

Best for Road Running

Altra Provision 7

PHOTO: 

AMAZON

$140 at ZapposView on Altrarunning.comView on Sunandski.com

Why We Like It

Hard surfaces like concrete and asphalt are less forgiving on your joints, which can increase your risk for injury. So, if you’re lacing up your running shoes to hit the streets or sidewalks of your neighborhood, check out the Altra Provision 7. 

The Altra EGO™ midsole foam provides cushioning, while the shoe’s GuideRail™ technology keeps your foot and ankle aligned for a more natural strike pattern. These shoes were comfortable and didn’t stretch or lose shape, even after wearing them for many weeks.

It’s Worth Noting 

These shoes a are great choice for those with low to medium arches but may not be the best choice for those with high arches.

Product Details:

• Sizes: Women: 5.5-12, Men: 7-15
• Widths: Standard
• Heel-to-Toe Drop: 0 mm
• Weight: 8.2 oz

Best Stability

Tracksmith Eliot Runner

PHOTO: 

TRACKSMITH

View on Tracksmith.com

Why We Like It

With the Tracksmith Eliot Runner, you no longer have to sacrifice fashion for function. These stylish everyday trainers combine a plush footbed made with PebaxⓇ, high-tech polymers designed for extremely high-performance sportswear and a firm midsole to give them the perfect blend of stability and cushioning for those with a neutral arch.  

These shoes fit like a glove and feel supportive on all types of terrain. They also absorb shock well, minimizing our recovery time between runs.

It’s Worth Noting 

These shoes are pricey, topping the high-end of our list. The good news is that they come with a 30-day or 100-mile (whichever comes first) money-back guarantee if you don’t like them.

Product Details:

• Sizes: Women: 5.5-11, Men: 7-13
• Widths: Standard
• Heel-to-Toe Drop: 9 mm
• Weight: 9.2 oz

Best with Neutral Arch Support

ASICS Men’s GT-2000 12 Running Shoes

PHOTO: 

ZAPPOS

$140 at Amazon$140 at ZapposView on Asics.com

Why We Like It

Neutral arches are like the Goldilocks of feet. The right shoe for this type requires a balance of cushioning and stability that’s neither too much nor too little. The Ascis GT-2000 12, with a newly designed midsole containing Asics’ FF BLAST™ PLUS cushioning unit and 3D GUIDANCE SYSTEM™, is that just-right combination.

The responsive design ensures a seamless flow in every step, making walking or running with these shoes delightful. The effortless transition minimizes fatigue, and we notice a significant reduction in post-walk tiredness compared to other footwear.

It’s Worth Noting 

We noticed some slight discomfort in our toes until we’d worn them a few times and broken them in. 

Product Details:

• Sizes: Women: 5-13, Men: 6-16
• Widths: Standard
• Heel-to-Toe Drop: 8 mm
• Weight: 9.5 oz

Best for Longer Runs

Asics Women’s Gel-Nimbus 25 Nagino

PHOTO: 

ASICS

View on Asics.com

Why We Like It

When you’re hitting the road for a long run, it pays to choose a shoe that will help you go the distance. The Asics Women’s Gel-Nimbus 25 Nagino is a neutral support shoe with the most cushioning this brand has offered to date. 

The cushioning helps absorb the impact of the pavement while also giving a more responsive spring from one stride to the next. Similar to our other Asics pick, this shoe incorporates the brand’s guardrail technology to keep you from overpronating, especially once the long-run fatigue sets in.

It’s Worth Noting 

While this sneaker is great for distance running, it may not be the best choice for speed work or short-distance racing.

Product Details:

• Sizes: Women: 5-13 
• Widths: Standard
• Heel-to-Toe Drop: 8 mm

Best for Bad Knees

Nike Men’s InfinityRN 4 Road Running Shoes

$160 at Nordstrom$96 at Nike.comView on Champssports.com

Why We Like It

Let’s be honest. Running can be hard on your knees, whether you’re just starting out or you’re a seasoned pro. The Nike InfinityRN4 is made with Nike’s new ReactX foam for maximum cushioned comfort and an updated midsole support band for a more secure fit.

The plush cushioning works best if you have neutral or high arches since less of your foot hits the ground to help with shock absorption. The sneaker’s design takes pressure off your knees and joints, which helps on those days when your knees aren’t feeling their greatest. The best part for us is that they also make a great walking shoe

It’s Worth Noting 

Nike running shoes run small, so opt for at least a half size larger than normal or try them on before buying.

Product Details:

• Sizes: Women: 5-12, Men: 6-15
• Widths: Regular, extra wide
• Heel-to-Toe Drop: 9 mm
• Weight: 12.5 oz

Best for Racing

Brooks Men’s Launch GTS 10 Running Shoe

$100 at Amazon$100 at ZapposView on Fleetfeet.com

Why We Like It

When it comes to racing, we’ll take anything that gives us an edge, which is why we love the Brooks Launch GTS 10’s lightweight, supportive design. The midsole features full-length DNA cushioning, offering protection, firmness and responsiveness.

These shoes almost seem like they’re propelling you from one step to the next, which feels amazing when picking up the tempo. They also held up well during our testing, keeping their shape and remaining odor-free.

It’s Worth Noting 

These are neutral support shoes, so if you need help keeping your ankles from under or overpronating, look for ones that offer more stability.

Product Details:

• Sizes: Women: 5-12, Men: 7-15
• Widths: Medium, wide
• Heel-to-Toe Drop: 10 mm
• Weight: 8.6 oz

Best for Over-Pronators

Brooks Glycerin GTS 21

$160 at Brooksrunning.com

Why We Like It

Dr. Wiedman says that everyone has some amount of pronation, an inward movement of the foot, in their natural gait to absorb shock. However, the size and strength of your arch can cause your foot to roll more inward (or outward, as is the case with supination) than normal. Overpronators tend to be susceptible to injuries like shin splints, knee pain and plantar fasciitis, she explains.

The Brooks Glycerin GTS 21 has 2 mm more cushioning than the previous version and contains the Brooks GuideRails support system to keep your stride neutral. These shoes gave us the feeling of walking on a bouncy gym floor while also providing stability and propulsion.  

It’s Worth Noting 

While these shoes come in medium and wide widths, we think they run small. Consider sizing up or trying them on before you buy.

Product Details:

• Sizes: Women: 5-12, Men: 7-15
• Widths: Medium, wide
• Heel-to-Toe Drop: 10 mm
• Weight: 9.2 oz

Most Breathable

Saucony Women’s Triumph 21 Running Shoes

View on Saucony.com

Why We Like It

The Saucony TRIUMPH 21 has a new flat knit upper material for extra breathability and comfort. Anyone running in the height of summer knows that allowing airflow in the top of the shoe is essential for keeping feet dry and blister-free.

These sneakers also come with an adaptive lacing system to lock your feet in place and plenty of cushioning to keep your runs enjoyable. With 14 colors to choose from, you’ll have no trouble finding an option that fits your style.

It’s Worth Noting 

This shoe lacks any stability features, making it a poor choice for overpronators. 

Product Details:

• Sizes: Women: 5-12, Men: 
• Widths: Regular, wide
• Heel-to-Toe Drop: 10 mm
• Weight: 8.8 oz (women), 9.8 oz (men) 

Best for Plantar Fasciitis

Saucony Women’s Ride 17 Running Shoes

PHOTO: 

ZAPPOS

$140 at Zappos$140 at NordstromView on Saucony.com

Why We Like It

Plantar fasciitis, inflammation of the band of tissue (called the plantar fascia) at the bottom of the foot that connects the heel bone to the toes, is a common issue for runners. The condition causes pain in the heel, but finding a proper shoe can help reduce discomfort.

The Saucony Ride 17 midsole is made with Saucony’s PWRRUN+ foam, the company’s softest and most supportive cushioning. It also provides arch support to protect the plantar fascia. We noted that the Ride 17s provided excellent heel shock absorption and felt no foot pain while wearing them. We found ourselves reaching for them for everything from our daily walks to a studio workout class.

It’s Worth Noting 

These are neutral stability shoes with minimal guidance features. If you overpronate or prefer more help keeping a neutral stride, these may not work for you.

Product Details:

• Sizes: Women: 5-12, Men: 7-15
• Widths: Regular, wide
• Heel-to-Toe Drop: 8 mm
• Weight: 8.4 oz (women), 9.9 oz (men)

Best for High Arches

Saucony Women’s Guide 17 Running Shoes

PHOTO: 

SAUCONY

$140 at ZapposView on Saucony.comView on Rackroomshoes.com

Why We Like It

High arches benefit from more cushioning to help absorb shock because less of the foot touches the ground with each strike, so look no further if this sounds like you. The Saucony Guide 17 is a maximum cushion shoe that lives up to the hype. They were lightweight and full of cushion, which felt amazing on our feet. 

With an extra-supportive footbed, a contoured shape that cradled our feet and cushioning that was just the right amount of soft, these shoes felt amazing from the get-go. The cupped heel gave us support when striking the ground and prevented our feet from rolling or sliding around. 

Available in standard and wide widths, we also loved how well these shoes fit. 

It’s Worth Noting 

There was little we didn’t like about this shoe. However, the cushioning and firm support may be too much for those with flat to low arches. 

Product Details:

• Sizes: Women: 5-12, Men: 7-15
• Widths: Regular, wide
• Heel-to-Toe Drop: 6 mm
• Weight: 8.1 oz (women), 9.4 oz (men)

Our Testing Process

We documented every detail of how well the shoes we tested held up over hundreds of miles on roads, treadmills, gravel paths, trails, and tracks. We also paid close attention to each shoe’s arch support and how our joints felt after runs.  

We tested each shoe based on several critical factors, including fit, cushioning, comfort responsiveness, stability and value. After ranking each testing attribute on a scale of one to five, with five being the highest score, we then averaged the scores together to get an overall rating for each. When shopping for a running shoe with arch support, keep an eye on the following factors: 

Fit: Dr. Levine notes that running shoes should be comfortable—with no rubbing, irritation, or blisters. There should be room in the toe box, and the shoes should feel breathable. Dr. Pinker adds that running shoes should be snug in the width and arch, not tight, and there should be 3/8 of an inch from the end of the longest toe to the end of the shoe.

Cushioning: The amount of cushioning to look for diminishes as you go from those with high arches down the scale to those with flat feet, explains Dr. Wiedman. High arches need more help with sock absorption, while low arches tend to already have good natural shock absorption. 

Comfort: During our testing, we took notes on factors like whether our toes jammed into the front of the shoe, whether we felt blisters forming, whether the shoes felt breathable, whether our feet felt too warm or too cold and whether we noticed anything irritable about the material.

Responsiveness: A responsive shoe typically features cushioning materials that compress upon impact and then quickly spring back to their original shape, propelling you forward as you run. They give the impression of being “springy” and can help you save energy on days you’re tired or sore from a previous workout.

Stability: Dr. Wiedman says you can perform a “twist test” on the shoe to measure its stability. To do this, take the heel and toe and twist the arch. If the shoe doesn’t twist much, it has a lot of stability and will keep your foot from rolling to the inside or outside as you run. She says runners with flat to low arches benefit from higher-stability shoes.

Value: Running shoes can be expensive, and depending on how often and where you run, you may need to invest in different types for the terrain. We noted how the shoes held up during the testing process and whether we noticed any loss in cushioning, support or other wear and tear.

Our Experts

• Allison Wiedman, PT, DPT, SCS, board-certified sports therapist at Race to Recover Physical Therapy based in New York City
• Dr. Diana Levin Valencia, DPM, specialized podiatric surgeon at NYC Foot & Ankle Center
• Jacob Hascalovici, MD, Ph.D., chief medical officer and pain specialist at Clearing
• Bruce Pinker, DPM, board-certified podiatrist and foot and ankle surgeon at Progressive Foot Care
• Suzanne Levine, DPM, RPT, PC podiatric foot surgeon, and founder of Millennium Podiatry

What to Know About Running Shoes with Arch Support

Running Styles: This term refers to the way you perform your movements while running and has a lot to do with your biomechanics, training background and natural tendencies. Common running styles include heel strikers, mid-foot strikers, fore-foot strikers and overstriders. Dr. Wiedman recommends seeing a podiatrist or physical therapist who can analyze your gait and recommend shoes to help reinforce and improve your running style.

Heel-to-Toe Drop: This is a measurement of how much the thickness of the midsole under the heel compares to the thickness of the midsole under the forefoot. Dr. Wiedman says that shoes with a higher heel-to-toe drop can take pressure off the ankles and knees because they propel you forward and require less work from stride to stride.  

Cushioning: Aesthetic Podiatrist Suzanne Levine, DPM, RPT, PC podiatric foot surgeon, notes that when evaluating arch support, you want your body weight to feel evenly distributed throughout your foot. She says that those with flat feet or who overpronate should look for shoes that have slightly less cushioning and that are a bit stiffer. A firm shoe can help generate stability, which is more important than cushioning. The opposite is true for those with high arches, who should look for softer cushioning and shoes that are springier.

Support Type: Shoe companies label their shoes according to the type of support and stability they give to the runner. Neutral (or cushioning) shoes offer minimal support, which Dr. Wiedman says is great for those with a neutral or high arch who don’t overpronate. Stability shoes provide moderate support and work to keep you from rolling your foot inward. Motion control gives maximum support, which Dr. Wiedman recommends for runners with flat feet and excessive overpronation.

Your Questions, Answered

Should I put insoles or arch supports in running shoes? 

Deciding to put arch supports in your running shoes will depend on the type of arch you have. However, not all individuals need arch support. Dr. Pinker says that generally, those with low arches and those with high arches can benefit from custom-made orthotics rather than over-the-counter devices.

Do arch supports weaken your feet? 

Dr. Levine notes that there is no evidence to support the notion that arch supports weaken feet. Dr. Pinker adds that many people wear orthotics comfortably with no issue, often finding they relieve their foot pain in various ways.

What are some signs that my running shoes don’t have enough arch support? 

Signs that you’re not getting enough arch support from your shoes include cramping in your inner foot or sore shins, explains Dr. Wiedman. Even the best-fitting shoes lose support after 300 to 500 miles of wear, so make sure you replace them when you start to notice excessive wear on the tread or increased soreness after runs.

Who We Are

Suzie Glassman is a seasoned endurance runner and shoe enthusiast with 13 marathon finishes and countless other distances under her belt. She has interviewed dozens of experts, reviewed numerous research studies, and tested many products to deliver well-researched product reviews and roundups. She is especially interested in helping consumers make informed decisions to help them stay active and healthy.