Today we’ll be reviewing some of the best running shoes for high arches.
And if it’s a hassle for you to find some best sandals for your high arches, we’ve reviewed some sandals that might be your next best friend.
Best Running Shoes for High Arches (2020)
- Brooks Glycerin 18 Running Shoes – Best for width
- Saucony Triumph 17 Running Shoes – Best for responsiveness
- Asics Gel Nimbus 22 Running Shoes – Best for support
- Brooks Ghost 12 Running Shoes – Best for snug yet secure fit
- New Balance 1080v10 Running Shoes – Best for comfort
- Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 36 Running Shoes – Best for grip
- Hoka One One Clifton 6 Running Shoes – Best for cushioning
- New Balance 880v10 Running Shoes – Best for sensitive knees and leg muscles
4 Best shoes for high arches compared
Brooks Glycerin | Hoka Clifton |
|---|---|
| Neutral | Neutral |
| 10mm Drop | 5mm Drop |
| Stretchy mesh upper | Breathable mesh upper |
| Plush DNA Loft midsole | Compression-molded EVA midsole |
| Green rubber outsole | Rubber outsole |
 | |
Brooks Ghost | Saucony Triumph |
|---|---|
| Neutral | Neutral |
| 12mm Drop | 8mm Drop |
| Stretchy plush upper | Super-plush upper |
| Plush DNA Loft midsole | Plush PWRRUN+ midsole |
| Durable rubber outsole | Crystal rubber outsole |
| |
Brooks Glycerin 18
The Brooks Glycerin 18 is a max cushion daily trainer. It’s pretty much the top of the range in your neutral cushion range from Brooks.
We’re looking at that firm heel counter, maximum cushioning all the way underneath, and just an overall really comfy shoe.
Breaking it down …
Who is it for?
The Glycerin 18 is for the neutral runner with a high arch and not too much of a flexible foot. If you’re someone who needs a little bit more support, consider the Brooks Adrenaline or the Brooks Transcend.
Both the Adrenaline and the Transcend utilize GuideRails support system to give you a bit more support on the medial and lateral sides.
However, the Glycerin 18 is designed for someone who may heel strike, mid-foot strike, or even forefoot strike but stay relatively neutral throughout the whole strike.
It’s great for pretty much anywhere from that kind of 5k all the way up to the marathon. It’s going to work quite nicely as it does use that kind of maximum cushioning all the way through but at the same time, it is very energized.
I can also look at using it for those longer distances and just kind of having that nice plush cushioned feel under the foot.
Outsole
The outsole has a lot more rubber on the medial side. This acts somewhat like a stabilizer to kind of make sure the shoe is not too flexible.
This rubber setup prevents that extra wear on the medial side if you do have a moment of laziness.
So being a neutral shoe, the outsole does have quite a few flex grooves at that forefoot area. This makes it quite a flexible shoe especially on that toe-off.
The Glycerin is really well designed so you can quite easily get from your heel to your forefoot quite quickly. Whether you heel strike, midfoot strike, or even land on your forefoot, the Glycerin 18 will work well and it’s going to be quite durable.
Compared to the Glycerin 17, the outsole uses green rubber which is more durable than the 17’s blown rubber.
Midsole
The midsole uses a full DNA Loft cushioning system which is Brooks’ softest responsive cushioning.
Some people may say that the previous DNA AMP was more responsive, it’s not. DNA Loft is an awesome cushioning system that feels nice and plush.
It gives a really responsive feel and a plush feel under the foot in comparison to other brands.
Overall, I do think the Glycerin is a very comfortable shoe. Once you put it on, it feels quite soft straight away and it is fairly responsive and definitely one of Brooks’ plushest shoes.
So, if you’re looking for that soft daily trainer that you can run 5ks in or a slower kind of marathon in, the Glycerin is going to work really nicely for you.
Upper
The Glycerin 18 is one of the best uppers Brooks have done on the Glycerin so far. You’ve got a really soft engineered mesh wrapping around the whole foot.
It does kind of feel somewhat more stretchy than previous models. It wraps around the foot quite nicely and it just locks you in really well especially over that midfoot area and your heel counter as well.
You’re going to feel a bit of padding around the collar. So if you like a more cushioned feel around the back, the Glycerin is your shoe.
If you have been a fan of the Ghost or the Glycerin series in the past, this 18th iteration is going to have no exception in terms of the fit.
Fit
The biggest change I’ve seen in the fit is the toe box does kind of look somewhat wider. Although it’s not necessarily a wide shoe, it does kind of stay flared out a little bit longer than traditional Brooks fittings and it doesn’t taper as quickly.
I would say the Glycerin 18 does fit true to size and just kind of runs a little bit roomier in that toe box than some people would expect.
The tongue is semi-attached, which gives you that engineered mesh kind of bootie fit wrapping around the top of the foot.
The upper is nice and seamless so you’re not going to get any kind of irritation.
Cons
- A little heavy
Hoka One One Clifton 6
The Hoka Clifton 6 is one of Hoka’s most cushioned running shoes. The arch support and the overall comfort this beast provides is amazing. So if you have high arches and you’re looking for great knee and joint support, look no further.
I actually did a full review of the Hoka Clifton 6 and also went ahead and compared the Clifton 6 to the Hoka Rincon. Make sure you check these out.
And if you walking is part of your fitness, the Clifton 6 is one of the best walking shoes for high arches and standing all day.
Brooks Ghost 12 & 13
The Brooks 12 and 13 are for the neutral runner with a medium to high arch and doesn’t need too much stability on the inside of the foot. They are one of the best running shoes for high arches and Plantar Fasciitis.
Related: Saucony Ride vs Brooks Ghost Comparison
Who are they for
If you roll out or stay quite straight throughout the whole step, these shoes are going to work quite well. If you get a little bit lazy through the end of your run, they’re going to work quite well also.
They’re pretty much for someone who wants to do 5ks all the way up to a marathon. They’re not going to be the fastest shoes, but they are those workhorse shoes you’re going to get tons of miles out of.
Outsole
The outsole on both shoes is the same and they haven’t actually changed a whole lot. It’s quite a basic rubber and it does work quite nicely.
The outsole is nice and durable and you’re going to be able to get more than 600 miles out of both shoes.
There’s plenty of flex grooves in the forefoot area and also that flex groove running down the lateral side, which does create that nice forefoot toe-off.
It offers a nice and smooth transition from the heel to your forefoot without feeling like you’re going to be slapping down and hitting the ground.
The rubber is quite comfortable and durable. It’s not too spongy underneath but it is enough that’s going to grip the ground quite well and still give you that nice durability no matter if you’re running on the road, the pavement, or the grass as long as you don’t go trail running.
Midsole
The Ghost 13 and the Ghost 12 are pretty much known for that nice soft plush feel but still give you that nice responsiveness without sinking too much into the shoes.
The shoes pretty much still feel the same. It’s just that the 13 is probably going to be slightly more durable and as a result, the 13 is also about .35oz lighter.
Upper
The upper is pretty much the same. Both have that full engineer mesh wrapping around the whole upper with plenty of cushioning both on the tongue and the color.
Fit and feel-wise, they both work really awesome whether you kind of have a wide foot, narrow foot, or something that needs a lot more volume across the midfoot area.
They do accommodate plenty of different widths and come in four different widths both for the men and the women.
In terms of the upper fit and feel, the uppers just wrap around the foot really nicely. They are definitely one of those thicker uppers. However, they are quite breathable.
The other minor difference between the two shoes, the toebox on the 12 features a panel on top of where your big toe sits.
This little feature was supposed to provide a little bit more reinforcement. Whether that worked or not, it’s probably just more aesthetics and maybe just a selling point.
The 13 doesn’t have that big toe panel, but it’s still going to be quite durable around that toe box area. It’s just nothing physically there that you can see that’s going to kind of give that reinforcement as such.
Overall, both shoes work quite well. Both are great workhorse shoes whether you want something to hit the gym with or run that 5k all the way up to that marathon if you’re not trying to go too fast.
Cons
Saucony Triumph 17
Read full review of the Saucony Triumph 17
The Triumph is Saucony’s most cushioned shoe and the 17th iteration of this shoe has had some major upgrades.
Midsole
The biggest of those upgrades is that it’s got a brand-new midsole compound called PWRun Plus. What’s so exciting about this midsole is that it is lighter than ever. It’s actually over 25% lighter than before according to Saucony.
It’s also really springy and very nice and soft without having any kind of mushy feeling.
When you first put it on, you’re going to notice it is plush all over and has a really nice feel.
Upper
The engineered mesh has a really nice and soft feel to it and the heel collar feels really squishy. However, if you’re more of a minimalist, you might look at the heel collar and think it’s a little excessive.
The tongue is also very padded and has a similar feel to that heel collar.
However, when you put the shoe on, it feels really nice and it kind of molds to your foot really nicely and has a little bit of stretch.
For the midfoot area, the Triumph has a few thin strips for extra support while still giving you a really nice lockdown feel.
The upper is breathable and doesn’t get really hot.
Laces
The laces are those soft and kind of tubular laces. They’re pretty long and have got a good bit of stretch. You’ll also appreciate the extra eyelet that really helps when it comes to securing the heel of the shoe.
If you like to do special lacing techniques like the marathon loop, you have plenty of lace for that.
Outsole
The outsole is coated in two different types of rubber. You’ve got this grippier rubber of the toe and the heel, which are the parts of the shoe that typically get the most impact.
The midfoot and forefoot of the outsole have this other crystal rubber that’s a little bit smoother with an arrow pattern to give you some really good traction.
The outsole has got these flex grooves that really help with that smooth transition and that smooth toe-off as you’re running.
Sizing
Size-wise, I would say that the Triumph 17 runs true to size. If you need a wide size, Saucony does make the shoe in wide.
Ride
For a super plush model which this shoe is, the ride is surprisingly springy. The PWRUN+ midsole foam is really nice and light. It’s comfortable and springy without feeling like a lot of excess material.
I would not choose the Triumph 17 to run on the track. If I had a speed workout, I would go for something a little bit snappier. But in general, for a nice long run shoe, the Triumph 17 performs really well.
Who is it for?
The types of runners I think will like the Triumph 17 are people who:
- really like a lot of cushioning
- want a lot of support for a long run
- are in need of a rest day and they want some protection for their legs
- are Saucony fans in general
- need wide options
Again, my top three favorite things of the Triumph 17 are:
- The cushiness of the upper, collar, and tongue.
- It’s really nice and springy and light.
- The flexibility in the toe-off. I get a really nice smooth transition and I don’t feel like I’m slapping the ground with something heavy.
Cons
Asics Gel Nimbus 22
The Nimbus 22 is the latest in the Asics Gel Nimbus line. The 22 is made for high-mileage and it’s aimed at those of you all who are looking for a great training and running shoe. It’s also one of the best running shoes for high arches and underpronation/supination.
Who is it for
The 22 is not built for speed, but it is a neutral running shoe that applies to all levels of runners whether you’re just starting out and only go running on the weekends or for those that actually go on proper long-distance runs.
The Nimbus is a series that many Asics fans will tell you is the gold standard in a road running shoe. With every update, Asics has listened to runners and fixed some of the issues giving the Gel Nimbus series quite a reputation in the running community.
As you can tell from the name, the Nimbus 22 is the update to the 21 and now offers even better cushioning.
Midsole
There’s the same FlyteFoam Propel midsole, but there’s more of it this time. There’s the same Gel cushioning in the heel which is soft and absorbs impact really well.
I wouldn’t say this is a light shoe, which is why it’s not really a racing shoe, but it is lightweight enough to not feel heavy even after miles of running a marathon.
Asics went ahead and made a lightweight version of the Nimbus 22 called Nimbus Lite if you really want to get the same benefits in a lighter weight package. We’ve actually compared the Asics Gel Nimbus Lite to the Cumulus 22, so make sure you check that out.
In addition to all of that, the Nimbus maintains its stable ride thanks to the Asics signature Trusstic system under the arch.
Upper
The Gel Nimbus 22 is a pretty visually appealing shoe and there’s a bunch of different colorways available.
It has a pretty breathable lightweight upper material. The fact that the Nimbus 22 allows for airflow to keep your feet cool while on a run is already a huge win for a lot of runners.
However, if you’re going to wear this in colder weather, you’ll probably want to wear thicker socks or just wait till your feet get warmed up on your run.
But remember that the upper material is rather lightweight and I guess it won’t survive any encounters with thorn bushes or rogue sticks when you are on a hike or running in a trail.
Apart from that, the mesh upper actually has a very sleek new look with minimal overlays and a soft but secure fit.
The toe box is a little wide, which I actually really like while the heel is noticeably structured and slightly narrow. This makes the Nimbus one of the best options for people looking for running shoes with a wider forefoot and a narrower heel.
Midsole
Moving on to the most appealing feature of the Nimbus 22, the sole unit.
The gel cushioning wraps around the rear of your foot and does a great job at shock absorption, which actually makes running in this shoe really comfortable.
Underneath that, running the full length of the midsole is the FlyteFoam Propel that brings in the flexibility and responsiveness that you feel on the Nimbus.
There’s more FlyteFoam on the 22 versus the Nimbus 21.
Actually, according to Asics, there’s an additional two millimeters of FlyteFoam Propel midsole foam, which allows the sole to compress a bit more when your foot first hits the ground for improved softness.
The FlyteFoam Propel is Asics’ bounciest foam to date. And while I feel like it doesn’t have the same kind of pop energy return you get with Adidas Boost material, it’s still really good and perfect for everyday runs.
Related: Best Running Shoes With Great Energy Return
With the gel cushioning and that FlyteFoam Propel all together, this just makes for a really comfortable running shoe with plenty of cushioning. This also means that you have a lot of underfoot protection against rocks or any small objects that you might encounter on a run.
You just have a really plush step-in underfoot feel that maintains the softness throughout your stride.
Outsole
The Nimbus 22 has a lightweight Asics High Abrasion Rubber (AHAR) outsole which reduces the overall level of wear and tear on the outsole.
I actually really appreciate the thread on the Nimbus 22. The shoe has great traction even on wet roads and the depth of the tread isn’t too deep so you won’t see it picking up rocks while you’re on your run.
Asics also updated the outsole of the Nimbus 22 with an increased number of flex grooves, which is an improvement over previous versions.
Lastly, there’s the Trusstic system found underneath the arch of the shoe. This thermoplastic shank provides stability, reduces weight, and also helps extend the life of the shoe.
For the women’s model, this piece offers added support in the direction of forward motion whereas, in the men’s model, this piece provides added support towards the inside of the arch.
In addition, the 10-millimeter offset also helps prevent any strain in your calves.
Overall, the sole of the Gel Nimbus 22 is pretty much the main reason why this is such a comfortable shoe.
Fit
The Gel Nimbus 22 offers a secure and comfortable fit that isn’t too snug and feels great while running, which is something you’ll definitely notice and appreciate on your first run.
You’ll also have no side-to-side or sliding motions while running. You can actually feel the comfort and responsiveness in each stride that you take.
There’s enough room in the toe box area for your toes to feel secure but not too restricted.
The Nimbus 22 might be your next favorite running shoe. It’s a comfortable well-cushioned shoe that you’ll love running in for miles and miles and miles.
The cushioning is really well-balanced and it doesn’t feel heavy or dead underfoot. And while the shoe is slightly heavy, the weight is well-distributed throughout the shoe.
Asics has made some very small but significant updates with the 22 model with the thicker midsole which really adds to the whole responsiveness of the shoe.
Even the updated upper is nice, soft, and feeling secure and adaptable at the same time.
You can take the Nimbus 22 to the gym and do some running on the treadmill and you’ll actually be really impressed at how comfortable these shoes feel.
The Nimbus 22 definitely lives up to its reputation as a premium neutral all-around running and training shoe.
Cons
Asics Gel Cumulus 22
If you’ve worn the Cumulus in the past or you already love the fit of Asics, you are definitely going to love the 22nd iteration.
While the Asics cumulus 22 does not have carbon fiber plates or extra bouncy midsoles, it’s a dependable daily training shoe that’s built to last.
Drop
The Cumulus is a neutral everyday trainer designed for the road and track.
It has a 10-millimeter heel-to-toe drop, which is just under that standard 12-millimeter drop. If you’re used to a training shoe with a more minimal drop, let’s say anything from 6 millimeters to 0 millimeters, you will notice a difference with this shoe.
Also, there is a one-millimeter difference in the stack height between the men’s version and the women’s to account for a slight difference in stride length between men and women based on gait analysis research by Asics.
Upper
While Asics did add overlays around the midfoot of the shoe, the toe box is really clear of these and that helps to enhance how stretchy this is on the top and how much room you have for your toes to splay.
If you tend to gravitate more towards the wider shoes, the Cumulus 22 might feel a little bit snug. But after you adjust the laces a little bit, you can get it to fit really well.
Another great feature of the shoe is the cushioning around the heel, the ankle, and the tongue. The Cumulus definitely has this really classic running shoe tongue that’s soft and plush and just feels good for those daily miles.
This is no doubt a shoe that when you put it on, you just feel like you’re offering your foot a premium experience.
It also has a very standard lacing system that has the extra eyelet if you want to enhance the fit with a marathon lacing loop, for example.
There’s also a little bit of loft in the mesh upper, which really adds to that plush premium step-in feel. This may not really sound like a compliment, but it is.
One of the things that I really love about the Cumulus is how it just blends into the background of your run.
It’s just doing its job and it’s letting you think about your run and not about your footwear.
Midsole
Asics used a FlyteFoam midsole and gel units to cushion the ride.
FlyteFoam is really lightweight and also creates a soft underfoot feeling. Also, Asics has its signature gel units in the back of this shoe.
If you’re a heel striker, you’re really going to notice this gel and find that nice transition from heel to toe.
All of these features really stack up to the one thing that we love most about this shoe and that’s versatility.
Who is it for?
Not only is the Cumulus 22 great for logging your daily maintenance miles, it’s also really good for home workouts.
I’ve also found it’s one of my go-to models for just taking my dog out for a walk and I think it all comes back to just how comfortable the shoe is right out of the box.
Compared to the 21, the 22nd version has more cushioning in the heel. It also feels a little bit lighter and that might be due to a reduction in the overlays on the shoe.
Asics has been making the Cumulus in some form or another for over 20 years. So, over two decades of miles and research have gone into this shoe.
Cons
New Balance Fresh Foam 1080v10
The 1080v10 is a juggernaut of the max cushion running shoe universe. It’s one of the most popular running shoes on the road and the flagship New Balance shoe. It gets all the shiny bells and whistles and it’s one of the best running shoes for arch support.
It has been reworked from the ground up with a new outsole, midsole, and upper.
Upper
The 1080v10’s upper is a masterpiece and it’s hands down one of the best uppers I’ve ever experienced on a shoe.
It’s made of a soft Hypoknit material which I prefer to both Adidas Primeknit and Nike Flyknit.
The mesh in the forefoot is really flexible. It is kind of stretchy and doesn’t feel constricting when you put your foot in there. So, the toe box is roomy and will stretch if you have wide feet.
The upper has that almost slipper-like feel to it, which is really nice. It’s also breathable unlike some of these some shoes that give you the same feeling but they end up being really hot.
This shoe has a structured heel counter that holds the heel in place without irritating the Achilles because it flares away from the foot.
The padded tongue is soft and it’s filled with medium amounts of foam. It is partially gusseted meaning it’s attached to the sides of the upper via a band on either side. This ensures that there’s no tongue slides.
There is reflective trace fiber stitching on the midfoot to provide some lightweight structure and double eyelets so that you can do heel clock lacing for a snugger fit.
Midsole
The midsole has a new Fresh Foam called Fresh Foam X, which makes version 10 the softest version to date.
The midsole has a lot of cushioning and has that nice rocker feel. The cushioning is fantastic and has that soft feel to it but not super squishy soft.
Fresh Foam X feels soft to the touch but isn’t soft underfoot. It feels similar to New Balance’s Beacon but with rubber lugs on the outsole making the ride a bit firmer.
The ride of the 1080v10 does feel lively and responsive, unlike the previous Fresh Foam. Again, this Fresh Foam X midsole provides a firm platform for a toe-off that offers a snappy ride.
This shoe does run a little bit heavier, but on the road, it doesn’t feel overly heavy. It just feels like a really nice cushioned ride, which is great.
Outsole
Transitions are smooth from the heel to the midfoot, but as soon as you get up onto your forefoot, you can feel the segmented lug outsole.
The blown rubber outsole consists of five separate lug sections. It is not all rubber because there’s an area under the midfoot that is not covered by rubber to save weight.
Another thing I really like about this shoe is it has a higher heel drop, which protects the Achilles. The heel has no weird rubbing or blistering on the Achilles.
Overall, the New Balance 1080v10 is a solid trainer. It’s a great all-around shoe and is very well made. You can take it on long weekend or daily runs or short tempo workouts, but I wouldn’t recommend it for speed workouts.
Cons
I’ve done a comparison of the New Balance 1080v10 and the 880v10 right below. Make sure you check it out.
New Balance Fresh Foam 880v10
The designers at New Balance took blueprints of the 880 from all of the iterations before and utilized those to create a new version.
You can rest assured that the 880v10 is built on the same last and with the same design of all of the 880s before.
However, there are a few key updates that bring the shoe into the future. Let’s check them out …
The 880 is classified as a neutral cushioned trainer that is suited for everything from road to track.
Andrew Nason, a senior creative designer, was very nervous about the changes but was convinced the changes were really important to making the 880 a better shoe.
Upper
The new Hypoknit upper is more breathable than uppers in the previous iterations.
Midsole
Flexibility-wise, the 880v10 does feel somewhat more flexible than before. The 880v9 used two different types of foam in the midsole, but version 10 uses Fresh Foam exclusively throughout the midsole.
What’s really cool about this update is that while New Balance used one type of foam, they incorporated two densities of that foam.
and here’s why …
New Balance used pressure mapping data to determine where and how they were going to incorporate these different densities of foam.
The data they gathered showed that runners put a lot of pressure on their forefoot and toward the lateral side of the shoe, which is where runners generate their power to push off at the end of their stride.
So, New Balance dialed in the zone of higher rebound foam to mimic the pressure map. Then in the heel, they used a softer foam to absorb impact when a runner lands.
This is such a cool innovation and true development because it really feels like one density of foam, one smooth layer as you’re running. That’s just because New Balance has tapped into those dynamic areas where your foot moves and what you need with each stride.
Outsole
New Balance took the same research and applied it to the outsole which is one of my next favorite things about the 880v10.
The 880 has always been a very grippy shoe. It’s definitely the shoe a lot of runners reach for when it’s raining or there’s mud on the roads because you would have confidence that you can go through that and you’re not going to slip.
The outsole still covers a pretty wide surface area on the bottom of the shoe, which definitely enhances durability and adds to that traction that we have come to love from the 880.
The pattern on the bottom is different than previous iterations. Larger hexagonal patterns follow the area of the most pressure in the shoe and you see smaller hexagons in areas with less pressure.
Feel
So how does the 880v10 feel in comparison to version 9 when you’re running?
One. It definitely feels softer. If you’re a devout follower of the 880, you know you have come to expect the firm responsive feel. However, version 10 doesn’t feel firm, it just feels soft yet responsive.
Two. The upper feels more breathable and hugs the midfoot a little tighter. While these shoes are built on the same last, there is a slight difference in the toe box.
The 880v10’s toe box feels slightly tapered on the lateral side. If you look at a side-by-side comparison, you can actually see that.
Overall, I find the 880v10 to still be the reliable shoe that I know and love but a little softer and maybe a little more narrow in parts of the toe box.
Again, here are my top three favorite things about the new 880v10:
- Grippy outsole
- The structure of the revamped upper
- The availability of a lot of different widths in this shoe makes it accessible for a lot of different foot shapes.
Cons
Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 36
Perfect for everyday running, the Nike Pegasus returns once again in its 36th year ever since 1983. What an iconic shoe.
The Pegasus has remained relatively unchanged over the past couple of years. It maintains a 10-millimeter heel-to-toe drop, it’s got the standard waffle style outsole, EVA midsole, two airbags one in the heel and one in the forefoot, Nike’s engineered mesh upper and classic FlyWire cables.
History
One of the things I love about the Pegasus is how long and how story the franchise has actually been. When the shoe came out in the 80s, there was really nothing like it.
It was light and in fact, that’s right around the exact same weight that it is now. So arguably, the technology at that time was pretty far ahead of the time for what it was.
It was one of the first shoes to ever have Nike’s airbags in it, lightweight mesh, and all of those things within Nike running lineup that’s prevalent now.
From the early 2000s, the shoe went through some wacky design process. It almost got a bit chunky at times and then it started to slim up again.
It really started to become this shoe that sort of teetered on a fine line between a high-performance and everyday runner.
In fact, this is Nike’s best-selling running shoe of all time, let that sink in for a moment.
All the running shoes that Nike has ever made over the years, the Pegasus franchise is the best-selling franchise of all time.
Upper
Moving on to the upper, we have a new engineered mesh upper with additional perforations for enhanced breathability.
Also, we see these nice exposed FlyWire cables that Nike also put in the Vomero 14 and that’s going to help lock your foot into the shoe.
Related: Nike Vomero 14 vs. Nike Pegasus 35 Comparison
Wrapping up to the ankle collar, there’s a slimmer heel counter which is going to help with that lockdown. And then we have a slimmer sleeker tongue for reduced weight.
Midsole
For the setup of the shoe, the 36 has that same midsole of the Pegasus 35, which is made up of full Nike Cushlon. Then embedded within that Cushlon is a full-length Nike Zoom airbag.
If you’re looking for something with a little bit higher cushion, go for the Vomero 14. Instead of Cushlon, you’ll get the new Nike React foam.
Sizing
As for sizing, this shoe fits true to size. So whatever your size is in a sneaker, go ahead and order that size.
So, what’s the major difference between the Pegasus 35 and the new Pegasus 36?
I’d say Nike reduced some bulk and provided us with some huge upgrades when it comes to breathability.
Who is it for
The user of this shoe is incredibly vast.
If you’re into running or looking for a lightweight training shoe to couple against a fast-paced racing shoe or high-tempo shoe, the Pegasus is more often than not the shoe out of the Nike lineup that that l would select.
It’s for somebody that wants to run a short distance and just have a good time with running.
It’s for somebody that’s heavy into a training block and is working towards a marathon or something else.
You can race in this shoe and you can train in the shoe.
Honestly, if you fit this last and you’ve got the right width, you can put the shoe on and go for it. It actually fits a lot of foot shapes and once it goes on somebody’s foot, it really becomes a fan favorite.
The Pegasus is so good at balancing that line between running a marathon or just strap it on and just go chill out and run a 5k. You can run a 10k and rock it around town and go for a coffee after a run without looking like you’re wearing some crazy high-performance running shoe.
Durability
You’ll get a lot of bang for your buck. Over time, when you’re running in the shoe and the foam starts to break down, the airbags are made to maintain a feeling of cushion throughout the life of the shoe.
If you’re looking for a shoe to just go out the door and run whatever you want and you’re looking for something neutral, the Nike Pegasus is probably going to be a shoe that works for you.
Cons
Brooks PureFlow 7
With a 4mm heel-to-toe drop, the PureFlow 7 is a natural daily trainer built for the neutral runner. It’s for that runner looking for a fast-paced lightweight shoe to get through their quick runs. The PureFlow 7 also supports your feet with a medium to high arch.
Midsole
In order to maintain a natural low-to-the-ground responsive lightweight feel underneath your foot that the Pure series is known for, the PureFlow 7 continues to offer a BioMogo DNA LT foam.
While the sidewalls have small aesthetic changes, the shoe should retain the same underfoot feel of its predecessor.
The flexible sole is designed to disperse impact away from your body for a plush feel underfoot.
Outsole
On the outsole, an identical design continues to offer a flexible running experience with plenty of durability.
We have all sorts of flex grooves. This is so that you have flexibility in all directions for the outsole.
The rounded heel provides better alignment minimizing stress on your joints.
Upper
The main update to the PureFlow 7 can be seen with an all-new upper design. Featuring a Stretch Woven exterior and a soft internal bootie, the updated design should provide a less restrictive fit and an even sleeker look.
So the shoe’s streamlined upper is going to be lightweight, flexible, and fit the foot like a glove.
Turning to the heel, you will see that the heel is a bit more rounded. This will help with alignment and reduce any stress on joints, which is important in those quick-paced runs.
Take a lightweight ride with a clean design that delivers a light and flexible step so you can focus on putting one foot in front of the other.
Cons
- Toe box is a bit snug
So these were 10 of the best running shoes for high arches. If you have or have run in another running shoe before, please feel free to share your experience below.
Best Running Shoes for High Arches – FAQ
Know your foot type
Knowing your foot type will help you take the first steps to better foot health. Everyone has a unique way of running and depending on the way you run, your feet can be classified into three basic foot types based on the height of your arches.
A simple wet test can help determine your foot type. Just dunk your feet in water and step onto the floor, or better yet, step onto a piece of cardboard. When you look at your foot’s imprint, you should see one of the three most common foot types: flat, normal, or high arched.
Flat feet, or flexible feet, have a low arch that flattens or rolls inward too much, or overpronates, and leaves an almost complete imprint that looks like the whole sole of the foot.
Normal feet have a medium arch where the foot lands on the outside of the heel then rolls slightly inward or pronates, to absorb shock.
High arches can be rigid where the foot rolls outward too much, or supinates, and acts as an ineffective shock absorber.
What is a high arched foot? More details.
Pes Cavus means you have a very high arched foot.
Normally, a foot has a slight curvature to the bottom of it and that provides some of the areas for the muscles to work and gives the foot its natural spring.
On the contrary, a high arched foot would be much more pronounced, so there would be a larger curvature. It can occur because the back part of the foot angles up or it can occur because the front part of the foot angles down, or it can be a combination of both.
And when you have that, it creates a very rigid foot that can sometimes be associated with less movement and more stresses going on the foot. This can sometimes result in stress fractures or other problems in the foot.
In treating this, you can’t do much about the fact that your foot has a certain shape, but you can accommodate to that by using an orthotic device or a custom insole that provides extra support to the arch within your shoe. But the good news is you can use a shoe that provides additional support.
Decisive features of running shoes for high arches
People with high arches have a very distinctly different need than those who have flat feet in choosing the right running shoes.
Shock absorption
The body absorbs the shock of running by flattening the foot out. When you have too much flattening, that can cause problems. And when you have just the right amount of flattening, your foot is generally considered normal and you don’t have as many foot-related issues.
However, people with high arches have a little bit of a more distinct problem that the foot can’t flatten out hardly at all. Therefore the shock that would normally get absorbed by the flattening process is transmitted through the foot and into the ankle, often through the ball of the foot and the heel as the primary area where the shock is received in the foot.
Soft cushioning
People with high arches need a very soft cushioned shoe as opposed to people with flat feet who need a very stiff and supportive shoe.
When you have high arches you need to select a shoe that is cushioned and supportive enough that it will provide a lot of padding to the bottom of the foot.
Particularly, this means you need to choose a shoe that has a very good spongy outsole that will help to absorb a lot of the shock that takes place as you’re running.
By running in the right running shoes you can avoid poor shock absorption that can eventually cause things such as pain in the heel (Plantar Fasciitis) and pain in the ball of the foot (Metatarsalgia).
How to lace your shoes
I’m a huge fan of Hoka running shoes. For those with back issues, they’re super comfortable. Thanks for the helpful breakdown.