Women with high arches should ensure they choose a shoe with adequate cushioning, arch support, and stability.

Making sure your shoe has all three of these qualities will not just enhance your performance, but will also protect against discomfort and injuries.

While it may take a bit of research to get the right pair, but we’ve done the research for you to make buying the right pair of shoes a little easier.

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Best Women’s Running Shoes For High Arches

	Brooks Ghost 12 Women's Running Shoe	NIKE Women's Air Zoom Pegasus 36	Altra Women's Torin 3.0 Running-Shoes
Upper:	Synthetic Fabric	Fabric Mesh	Synthetic Mesh
Sole:	Rubber	Rubber	Rubber
Sizes:	5-12 Wide, Narrow, Avg	5-12 Wide, Narrow, Avg	5-13 Wide, Narrow, Avg

For more of my running gear recommendations, see these popular Women’s Workout guide links: Running Jackets, Running Belts, Hydration Vests.

Quick Answer: The 5 Best High Arch Running Shoes For Women

1. Brooks Ghost 12 Women’s Running Shoes
2. NIKE Women’s Air Zoom Pegasus 36
3. ASICS Women’s Gel-Cumulus 18 Running Shoe
4. Altra Women’s Torin 3.0 Running-Shoes
5. Saucony Women’s Hurricane Running Shoes

Through our research and testing, we have found these top rated running shoes for high arches. While each is different in both looks and technology, the support they offer for runners with high arches is remarkable.

Running Shoes For High Arches Reviews

#1 Brooks Ghost 12 Women’s Running Shoe

The Brooks Ghost 12 Women’s Running Shoe is a lightweight option for women with high arches. It provides great support and cushioning, but not so much that it feels bulky.

The mesh upper allows your feet to breath, ensuring your feet won’t get stuffy after an intensive workout or an extended shift at work. This shoe fits snuggly, but not to the point of being uncomfortable.

It offers a good amount of flexibility, while providing sufficient support to active feet and ankles. It is the perfect upgrade to its predecessor, the Women’s Brooks Ghost 11.

Though designed for running, this shoe can also be worn for other fitness activities and provide comfort for those occasions where you must spend a lot of your time on your feet.

It comes in almost 30 vibrant and beautiful colors, which may just make it difficult for you to choose the best style for you.

The Ghost 12 is an excellent choice for overpronators, as it encourages a natural gait which will lessen the likelihood of injuries. Proper support also promotes less wear and tear on the shoe itself.

Like many running shoes, they run a bit small and you should order at least a ½ size up. Once you find the right size, If you have particularly wide feet, use them for long runs, or prefer thick socks, a size up would be wise.

You’ll find half sizes as well as sizes for average, narrow, and wide feet available in nearly all styles.

The new and unique Segmented Crash Pad is designed with shock absorbers that help lessen the impact of your stride, no matter where you happen to land. This is especially important for heel-strikers.

We like the performance, comfort, and look of this moderately priced running shoes and they are our Editor’s Choice the best women’s running shoes for high arches.

#2 NIKE Women’s Air Zoom Pegasus 36

The Nike Women’s Air Zoom Pegasus 37, with 28 vibrant colors to choose from, is a stylish-looking shoe.

Perfect for the woman with high arches, the Nike Pegasus gives good arch support in an overall comfortable shoe. If you require specialized support in the form of prescription orthotics, the inner sole can be removed to accommodate them.

In spite of the stability it offers, this shoe is not clunky. It’s actually quite light, airy, and plush, with ample cushioning.

The toe box allows enough wiggle room so that your toes can properly splay when engaging in high impact activity.

This design of this Nike shoe is good for overpronators as well as for those who need special support due to high arches.

We find this shoe tends to run narrow, so if you have a regular to wide foot, consider ordering a wide. Also, go with at least ½ a size larger than your usual size.

#3 ASICS Women’s Gel-Cumulus 18 Running Shoe

The ASICS Women’s Gel-Cumulus 18 Running Shoe is a lace-up shoe. It’s made of a breathable mesh fabric. It has a padded tongue and collar (area around the ankle) that promotes support and comfort.

The collar isn’t only comfortable, it seems to provide good support in that area of the foot. This shoe has good shock absorption. Its stability promotes a natural gait, thus it seems like a good choice for both underpronators and those who mildly pronate.

This ASICS model has the right combination between just enough support and cushion, without being too “squishy”.

This shoe is constructed with a mesh/fabric upper which offers nice flexibility, but we are concerned that it could wear easily over time and with a good amount of use. We like the absence of seams in the inside of this shoe, as sometimes those can cause abrasions to the foot.

The comfort and stability of this ASICS design makes it a good option for both intense fitness routines and long shift-work. For those women with high arches, support during these activities is particularly important to avoid foot aches and pains.

#4 Altra Women’s Torin 3.0 Running-Shoes

The zero-drop Altra Women’s Torin 3.0 Running Shoe is a sturdy, well-made shoe for women who deal with high arches. Having said that, if you aren’t used to the zero-drop design, it may take some getting used to. It’s worth mentioning this is a great design for overpronators.

As far as style goes, this shoe is quite trendy. Wear these, and you’ll get lots of compliments from the kids!

This Altra model supports natural foot positioning, thus providing stability and it encourages a natural, comfortable gait. The toe box allows for adequate toe splay which is important for high impact exercise.

It’s mesh upper allows for proper ventilation, so your feet don’t end up uncomfortably warm after extended wear.  It also allows the foot to move naturally due to the flexibility of the fabric. While it’s flexible, it also offers sufficient support.

This shoe’s cushioning is good, but we notice it could be a little too giving for some. There is a wedge carved out of the back edge of the shoe which is good for runners but may not be so good for the person who plans to use it for everyday wear.

This Altra model is perfect for the woman with wide feet. Both the toebox and the midsole are generously sized. The toe box design is unique in that it’s a square shape, allowing plenty of space for all 5 toes! The shoe runs a bit short, so make sure to order one at least ½ size larger than what you normally wear.

#5 Saucony Women’s Hurricane Running Shoe

The Saucony Women’s Hurricane 16 Running Shoe has the support necessary for the woman with high arches and is designed with stability in mind which is important both for women with a high arch as well as those who overpronate.

This shoe is heavier than some of the others we reviewed. It seems well-constructed and sturdy enough to take a good beating from women who are committed to an intense workout regimen.

It also has less overall mesh which is a good thing in terms of durability because mesh uppers are more prone to damage and wear.

While this is a good shoe, sadly it only comes in 2 colors so your options are limited in that regard. In spite of this downside, the Saucony Women’s Hurricane is still good-looking. It’s lightweight and feels like you’re walking on air.

Now to the important part – this shoe has great fit around the toes and solid arch support, which are the main concerns of the active woman. These key characteristics makes this shoe exceptionally comfortable for the woman with high arches. Of note, the toe box is exceptionally wide.

If, by chance, the arch isn’t high enough to support the anatomy of your foot, you can remove the inner lining to insert an prescription orthotic. It can accommodate one without compromising comfort, and you won’t notice any heel slippage.

The shoe seems to fit snugly at first, but seems sufficiently flexible to loosen up after breaking it in. The amount of cushion (not too much, not too little) is nice and it provides good shock absorption. The area around the ankle fits snugly, promoting stability and overall support.

This Saucony model comes in a wide size, but the toe box is pretty roomy to begin with. Overall, we recommend this highly.  Not only is it reasonably priced, it also has all the key qualities that can support the woman with high-arch feet.

Running Shoes For High Arches Comparison Table

How to Choose the Best Women’s Running Shoes For High Arches – Buyers Guide

Arch Support 

The primary thing you should look for in a running shoe if you have high arches is arch support. A shoe with a lower arch will not provide enough support for your unusually high arch. Insufficient arch support can lead to chronic discomfort and even injury. 

Cushion 

The shoe should provided sufficient cushioning for comfort, especially for activities that you engage in for an extended period of time and/or distance.

While you want enough cushioning to support the entire foot, you don’t want the insole to be so plush that it feels squishy. You should find the right combination of firmness and give when you put pressure on the insole.

Shock Absorption 

Cushioning is important for adequate shock absorption, as is the height of the arch. In addition, for high impact activity such as running, a roomy toe box is important. The toes should have enough space to spread out when the ball of the foot hits the ground. 

Stability 

When the shoe hits the ground it should feel stable and secure. It should support and encourage a natural gait. You shouldn’t feel any unevenness with impact. A lack of stability in a shoe can lead to injuries like twisted ankles.  

Material 

Most women who take running, or other high impact fitness routines seriously, want a shoe that is breathable. Mesh or other fabric allows for ventilation, while leather and leather-like materials can trap moisture and become uncomfortable after a period of extended activity.

Foot Size 

Who knows why, but most athletic shoes tend to run small, so it’s usually smart to choose a ½ size larger than your usual.

Those with wider than average feet should keep in mind that most models offer a wide option. Even those women with average-sized feet may want to consider this for running or if they like wearing thicker socks.

Style 

Is fashion or function more important to you? The good news is you can have both. There are so many quality shoes on the market. Some offer vibrant colors, while others are more muted.

Some are more streamlined and feminine while others may look more utilitarian and bulky. For your own comfort and safety, I say go with the shoe qualities, but you may not have to compromise on either!

Comfort 

Comfort should be of the ultimate concern. Comfort is going to answer your question “is this the right shoe for me?”.  You can read our reviews about all the pros and cons of a particular shoe, but only your feet will tell you whether they are right for you!

FAQ – Running Shoes For High Arches

Q: What are high arches?

A: Also referred to as “high instep”, a high arch refers to the structure of the foot where the arch is higher than normal. It requires additional support to avoid aches and pain and injury. It’s one of the more common foot conditions and can lead to shin splints and even stress fractures.

Q: How can I tell if I have high arches?

A: Referred to as the “wet test”, this simple technique will help you determine whether or not you have high arches. Wet the sole of your foot in shallow water, place your foot onto a heavy sheet of paper, and remove your foot from the paper which will reveal an image of your footprint.

If you can make out the ball and heel of your foot, but there is little to nothing visible of the edge of your foot then you have a higher than average arch.

Q: If I have high arches, what should I look for in a shoe?

A: The primary characteristic of a shoe you should look for is plenty of arch support. It should have sufficient cushioning without allowing for too much give.

Another important quality is stability. The shoe should support your foot and ankle which engaging in high impact activity and during long periods of being on your feet.

Selecting the right shoe for your fitness needs is important to protect against injuries and discomfort. This is particularly true for the woman who has high arches or other foot-related conditions.

Q: Who makes the best running shoes for high arches?

A: There really is no one “best brand of running shoes.” As long as you are looking at a respected brand that is known for designing quality running shoes, you should consider them. Each brand has their own outer style that you may prefer and they are all made just a little differently.

If you choose a Nike brand running shoe, for example, and you find the toe box to be a little too small for you, it doesn’t mean that those shoes aren’t the best. It just means that they aren’t the right ones for your feet. It is perfectly okay to try more than one shoe brand before you find the brand, and the line of running shoes they make, that are truly made for you.

Q: Is it okay to wear my running shoes every day?

A: While you can wear any shoes you find comfortable while you’re going about your daily routine, it’s recommended that you have a pair of running shoes that you use only for running. There are a few reasons for this.

First, regular wear on your shoes is much different than when you are running. Once you’ve broken in your running shoes, they have conformed to fit your fit when it is going through the motions of running, not walking or standing all day. The time you take to make your running shoes fit like running shoes is important because it can help prevent injury.

Second, you will probably already be wearing your running shoes out pretty quickly. The act of running takes a lot of life out of your shoes and if you are going through the trouble to find the right pair and break them in correctly, you don’t want to have to replace them prematurely.

Third, there are many more comfortable shoes that can be worn every day for doing the chores or going shopping. Shoes that are designed for daily wear or even standing all day if you are at work will usually have a different kind of support and cushion than running shoes. Looking for the best shoes for standing all day? We’ve reviewed those as well.

Q: When should I replace my running shoes?

A: Like we mentioned above, running shoes can wear out more quickly than you’d think. The impact with the running surface is multiplied by your weight and speed. When you consider this over the many miles you run, well, it’s no surprise that you may be replacing them fairly often.

The first sign that it’s time to replace them is pain. If you feel any discomfort in your feet, ankles, knees, or hips, you may want to try a new pair of shoes to see if it fixes the problem. If it does, then it was time to replace them.

The second sign is that you feel more tired after a run than you would normally. Your shoes could be slowing you down or they could be making it harder for you to get through each stride.

Another big indication is traction. If you are losing traction on surfaces you had no problem running on before, take a look at the tread on your running shoes. If you notice any of these issues, get a new pair as soon as you can. Wearing worn out running shoes can cause injury, both acute like a sprain as well as chronic, like if your muscles have to work harder or improperly over a longer period of time.

We hope this guide helps you select the best running shoes for high arches for you!

How We Researched

To come up with the top running shoes for high arches, we researched a variety of sources for reviews such as REI, Walmart, Target and Dick’s Sporting Goods along with our own personal experience.

The authors consulted sources such as online magazines for research and reviews unbiased information.

By using Fakespot.com we tried to eliminate fake reviews and use only genuine ones.

With so many options available, the authors narrowed down the selections by using products they felt were the best value for the money.

The staff authors have a wide and varied background as fitness trainers, yoga instructors and runners. The authors have decades of experience and are eager to share their knowledge with readers.

In order to narrow down the options, we used personal experiences plus recommendations from other trainers and instructors.

Sources