Arch Support Running Shoes We Also Tested

We’ve tested over 100 running shoes, but they can’t all be winners. Although these sneakers excelled in some categories, they ultimately didn’t earn a spot on our final list of recommendations: 

• Saucony’s Freedom Crossport feels springy and responsive underfoot. But it runs narrow, and we didn’t feel that the firm cushioning stabilized our feet or helped correct our overpronation. 
• Athleta’s Saysh Felix Running Shoe may have “running” in the name, but the brand notes that it’s best for gym, studio, and outdoor workouts. We felt the same way—the minimal cushioning and stiff sole are much better for lifting weights than they are for logging miles. We also thought this pair was pricey. 

What to Look for When Shopping for Arch Support Running Shoes

• Support Level: The amount of support you need depends on your arch type. If you have flat feet or low arches, you’re more likely to overpronate. Look for stability or motion-control shoes with stiff arch support that will help prevent your ankles from rolling inward. Runners with high arches should opt for neutral sneakers with great shock absorption and extra cushioning in the arch. If you have neutral arches, then the neutral running shoes on our list will provide plenty of support. 
• Drop: A running shoe’s drop refers to the difference between the height of the heel and the height of the forefoot, in millimeters. Although it’s small, the drop can affect your foot strike, stride efficiency, and which joints take on the most impact. If you tend to strike with your heel first, look for a shoe with a higher drop (between 8 and 12 millimeters). Sneakers with a higher drop also usually have more cushioning in the heel, for additional support and arch protection.
• Fit: Regardless of your arch type, it’s essential to find a running shoe that fits correctly and comfortably—wearing the wrong running shoes can negatively impact your performance. To avoid blisters and bruised toenails, make sure there’s a thumbnail’s width of space between your longest toe and the end of your shoe when standing, says Caroline Bell, a running shoe expert for Fleet Feet. Your toes should be able to wiggle around and your midfoot should be firmly held in place. Also, make sure your heel doesn’t slip out of the ankle collar.
• Cushioning: The right amount of cushioning depends on your personal preferences and training schedule. If you’re looking for a light, fast shoe for racing, look for firm cushioning with a springy feel. For long-distance running, you’ll need a pair with soft cushioning that absorbs impact to protect your muscles and joints from the repetitive stress of pounding the pavement, Bell says. Foam midsole cushioning can generally help absorb shock and contour to your foot for a comfortable fit.
• Insoles: If you use custom orthotics or are considering them for additional arch support, make sure the shoe has removable insoles.
• Durability: A durable outsole will help protect your feet on various surfaces. If you regularly run outdoors on trails and/or in wet conditions, you'll also want to focus on grippy traction and a reinforced upper to help keep feet protected from the elements.
• Price: You should expect to pay between $120 and $220 for a pair of high-performance running shoes with dependable arch support.

How We Tested the Running Shoes

To find the best arch support running shoes, we’ve tested over 100 pairs of sneakers from trusted fitness brands. When we test shoes, we wear them for weeks at a time, running different distances on various terrains. We often have two or more runners test the same pair to see how they fit and feel on different arch types. During testing, we evaluate each shoe based on these key criteria.

• Fit: When we first try the shoes on, we check to make sure they feel snug and supportive (especially in the arch). Is there enough room in the toe box for our toes to wiggle around? We use these observations to determine whether the shoe runs wide, narrow, or true to size. 
• Quality: We carefully inspect every shoe for flaws or defects. Do they seem durable and well-made? Next, we bend the shoe at the forefoot and try twisting it to make sure they’re sturdy. As we run in each pair, we note how well they hold up—does the cushioning, upper, or sole show any signs of wear or tear?
• Comfort: Shoes with firm arch support can feel stiff at first. We check to see how comfortable the midsoles feel: Can we wear them for long periods of time without any cramping? After each run, we also note whether we feel pain or discomfort in our arches. Do we notice any pressure, irritation, blisters, or chafing?
• Stability: We run on different types of terrain (like asphalt, concrete, and trails) to assess how solid the shoes feel. Do they help stabilize our gait and prevent excessive movement? Do we feel steady on our feet while we wear them?
• Responsiveness: A responsive sneaker feels springy, propelling us forward to the next stride. It should make our feet and legs feel refreshed after a run (instead of heavy and fatigued).
• Cushioning: What kind of padding does the shoe have—firm or squishy? We’re looking for sneakers that support and cradle our feet, with great shock absorption. If there’s any extra cushioning underneath the heel, in the tongue, or around the ankle collar, we note that, too. When the testing period ends, we also check to see if the cushioning still feels as bouncy as it did the first time we wore the shoes. Has it flattened out at all?
• Value: To accurately assess each shoe’s value, we don’t check the price of each pair until the end of the testing period, after we’ve evaluated it in all other categories. Does the price seem fair, considering how the shoe performed during testing? Or would we only buy it if it went on sale? 

Our Experts

We often consulted experts for additional guidance while researching and reporting this story. Some, like Bell, shared key information on how running shoes should fit and feel. Others, like Diana Levin Valencia, DPM, and Janine Ferrigno-Taddeo, DPM, advised us on how wearing running shoes with solid arch support can affect the health of your feet. Although we choose products independently, we use expert input to influence our choices. 

• Diana Levin Valencia, DPM, podiatric surgeon at NYC Foot & Ankle Center
• Janine Ferrigno-Taddeo, DPM, podiatrist with the Millburn Podiatry Group in New Jersey
• Marlene Reid, DPM, FACFAS, podiatrist in Naperville, Illinois
• John Gardner, NASM-CPT, certified personal trainer at Kickoff
• Caroline Bell, running shoe expert for Fleet Feet

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you determine if a running shoe has enough arch support for you? 

If you’re experiencing pain in the arches of your feet, it’s possible that your current running shoes don’t have the right arch support. Certified personal trainer John Gardner, NASM-CPT, recommends checking the soles’ wear patterns—if you notice a lot of wear on the inside, then you may need more support. You can also consult a podiatrist, a physical therapist, or a specialist at a running store for expert advice on the best running shoes for your arch type and gait. 

Which running shoes have the highest arch support?

Stability or motion control shoes have the most arch support since they’re designed for runners with very low arches or flat feet. Some of the most popular stability shoes include Brooks’ Glycerin GTS 20 Running Shoe and Hoka’s Arahi 6.

What running shoes should you get if your arches hurt while running?

If your arches hurt while you run, it could mean that you need different arch support in your running shoes. Reid recommends consulting a podiatrist to determine the cause of your arch pain, your foot type, and any other needs you should consider before shopping for new shoes. 

Can arch support running shoes help with bunions? 

Yes: Running shoes with arch support help align your feet correctly to reduce the pressure on your big toe, which may alleviate pain and prevent bunions from forming or worsening. A wide toe box can also help prevent bunions, adds Ferrigno-Taddeo. 

Why Trust Verywell Fit

Christine Luff, ACE-CPT is a writer for Verywell Fit with more than 20 years of experience writing and editing health and fitness content and product recommendations. As a certified personal trainer, running coach, and avid runner, she’s always researching and testing running shoes. Her current running shoes are Brooks’ Glycerin 20, which have the perfect amount of cushioning and support for her high arches. For this article, Christine looked over the test results to help compile our top picks.