A high foot arch, also known as a Cavus foot, is a common foot condition where the arch is raised above normal levels. People with this condition want to get workout shoes with arch support.
Here are the 8 best workout shoes for high arches to get in 2023.
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Skechers Men's Gowalk Arch Fit.
The reason it’s our #1 pick for people with high arches is the podiatrist-certified support Arch Fit® technology. This technology, developed by and unique to Skechers shoes, provides extra comfort and support to the athlete’s arch.
Top 8 Best Workout Shoes For High Arches Reviewed
- Skechers Men's Gowalk Arch Fit-Athletic Workout Walking Shoe - Top Pick
- Brooks Men's Ghost 14 Neutral Running Shoe – Runner-Up
- ASICS Men's Gel-Nimbus 23 Running Shoes
- Saucony Men’s Triumph 19 Running Shoe
- ASICS Men's Gel-Cumulus 24 Running Shoes
- New Balance Men's Fresh Foam X 1080 V12 Running Shoe
- HOKA One Men's Clifton 8 Running Shoes
- Nike Mens Air Zoom Pegasus 39 PRM Running Shoe
Our top choice for the best cross training shoes with arch support goes to the aptly named Skechers Gowalk Arch Fit workout and walking shoe.
The reason it’s our #1 pick for people with high arches is the podiatrist-certified support Arch Fit® technology.
This technology, developed by and unique to Skechers shoes, provides extra comfort and support to the athlete’s arch.
- Heel Lift Height: 1 1/2-inch heel (around 38mm)
- Sole material: Rubber
- Upper material: Synthetic knit mesh
- Sizing: True to size
- Weight: Around 0.74 pounds for each shoe (roughly 340 grams)
Arch Fit® technology involves a contoured insole shaped to fit the natural curves of a foot arch, giving a more customized and supportive fit. The Arch Fit® insole is made up of multiple layers of cushioning materials, including a high-density foam to support the arch, a soft foam for walking comfort, and a moisture-wicking fabric that keeps the feet dry.
The insole of the shoes is removable, allowing the wearer to replace it with their own. This is an especially useful feature for people who have specially designed or medically provided insoles for treating a specific foot condition. The sole also features the high-rebound Comfort Pillars® design, also unique to Skechers shoes.
Photo by @titanesesportes
Positives:
Arch Fit® podiatrist-certified insole, which can also be removed to place your special insole
ULTRA GO® adaptable foam technology makes for a comfortable walk
Comfort Pillars® provide excellent shock absorption
Machine washable on cold, gentle cycles
Synthetic panels covering the toe and heel area increase durability
Could be better:
Only 4E width category, individuals with narrow feet may find them overly large inside
2. Brooks Men's Ghost 14 Neutral Running Shoe – Runner-Up
- Heel Lift Height: Around 1 ¼ inches (32 mm)
- Sole material: Rubber
- Upper material: Synthetic knit mesh, including 30% recycled materials
- Sizing: True to size
- Weight: Around 0.6 pounds per shoe depending on the size (roughly 285 grams)
With the Ghost 14, Brooks managed to create a fully carbon-neutral shoe by using recycled materials, low-impact dyeing processes, and using factories with renewable energy solutions. The midsole of the shoe is made from 100% DNA LOFT® cushioning that offers a soft and smooth step.
DNA LOFT® uses an adaptive EVA foam that creates cushioning guaranteed to perfectly adapt to every athlete’s unique stride, weight, and speed. Combined with the caterpillar-shaped shock-absorbing Segmented Crash Pad, the shoes create smooth heel-to-toe transitions for maximal return on energy.
Pgoto by @mahabadrunning
Using the Brooks unique 3D Fit Print process, the shoe top is made to have a snug fit while still maintaining flexibility and feeling lightweight. The shoes are true-to-size and are available in narrow and wider sizes (1B, 1D, 2E, 4E). The shoe lace-up system features a plush and cushioned tongue for a precise and comfortable fit.
Even though these are primarily designed as men’s shoes, some of the smaller and narrower sizes can fit female athletes as well. The Ghost 14 is available in an impressive 31 different color choices, from basic solid colors like black, gray, and red, to unique and interesting patterns that show personality.
Positives:
American Podiatry Medical Association (APMA) seal of approval for good foot health
Certified Off-the-Shelf Diabetic Shoes(PDAC A5500)
DNA LOFT® adaptive EVA cushioning specifically developed for this shoe
31 different color choices, including some unique patterns
Available both for narrow and wide feet (sizes 1B, 1D, 2E, 4E)
Could be better:
Tightly knit top, not as breathable, especially noticeable on longer runs
The brand ASICS requires no introduction for most people, as their athletic shoes are seen everywhere from daily use to professional sports.
A fun fact about the company you may not have known is their name is an acronym for the Latin phrase “Anima Sana In Corpore Sano”, which means “a sound mind in a sound body”. The shape of the shoe is specifically designed for normal to high arching feet.
- Heel Lift Height: Around 0.9 inches (25 mm)
- Sole material: Rubber
- Upper material: Engineered mesh
- Sizing: True to size
- Weight: Around 0.7 pound for each shoe (roughly 315 grams)
The rear foot and heel area are supported by Asics-developed GEL® cushioning technology. GEL® is made from inert polymers that form a soft and flexible silicone material with excellent shock absorption.
The sole is made from FlyteFoam®, a material developed and patented for Asics shoes. FlyteFoam® is made from a combination of Kevlar and polyester PET fibers, which give it excellent elasticity while being able to absorb large amounts of force.
Photo by @nikeehsan
Equipped with an OrthoLite™ X-55 sockliner (insole), the shoe provides a softer and more responsive bounce back on each step. The top of the shoe is made from multi-direction engineered mesh that ventilates air from all sides, keeping the feet cool inside.
The shoes are equipped with special reflective materials for added safety in low light conditions, safe for an evening or night run.
Positives:
GEL® supportive material on rear foot and heel area
Flexible and shock absorbing FlyteFoam® sole
Multi-directional mesh ventilates air from all sides
Reflective materials for safety in low light conditions
Could be better:
The heel lands quite low, making the step feel flat
The Saucony Men’s Triumph 19 Running Shoe is a high-performance running shoe designed for both comfort and speed.
The shoe is made to be incredibly lightweight and with a high energy return, making it perfect for longer runs. The shoe style, materials, and manufacturing process are all vegan-friendly.
- Heel Lift Height: Around 1 ¼ inches (32.5 mm)
- Sole material: Rubber
- Upper material: Engineered mesh
- Sizing: True to size
- Weight: Around 0.6 pounds (roughly 285 grams)
The shoe features Saucony's original PWRRUN+ sole technology, which provides lightweight cushioning and maximal energy return with each stride. PWRRUN+ is a beaded Polyurethane based foam material that is lightweight and durable, yet half as light as similar shoes with EVA-based foam.
The Triumph 19 shoe molds comfortably to the shape of your foot using Saucony's FORMFIT technology. FORMFIT is made from three layers:
- A thin top layer that adapts to your foot's shape
- A foam middle layer that absorbs pressure
- A contoured bottom layer that keeps the foot in place
Photo by @mahabadrunning
The shoes also feature Saucony’s durable XT-900 outsole, made from carbon rubber that has excellent traction on any surface.
The upper part of the shoe is made from a recycled breathable mono-mesh material that lets air flow in and out to keep the feet cool and dry during exercise.
Positives:
Unique PWRRUN+ foam is lighter than most foams while being just as durable
FORMFIT triple layer design provides extra comfort
Saucony’s original XT-900 outsole made from carbon rubber has excellent traction and durability
Vegan-friendly shoes
Could be better:
Elastic laces don’t provide as snug a fit as you might want for running shoes
ASICS takes another sport in the top 5 best cross training shoes for high arches. The Gel-Cumulus 24 running shoes are available in standard, wide, or extra-wide sizes with plenty of color variety as well.
Additionally, the smaller-sized shoes can fit well as women's cross training shoes with arch support, too.
- Heel Lift Height: Around 0.95 inches (24 mm)
- Sole material: Rubber
- Upper material: Engineered mesh
- Sizing: True to size
- Weight: Around 0.6 pounds (roughly 285 grams)
The shoes feature the same Asics original FlyteFoam® shock absorbing material, as seen on the Gel-Nimbus 23. The shoes use an OrthoLite™ X-30 sockliner for added step comfort.
The midsole is made from FF Blast® cushioning that creates a softer landing and more energized rebound when walking or running. The material in the forefoot is made from original ASICS Lite outsole rubber that is lighter and more durable than typical rubber found on athletic shoes.
Photo by @runningconceptbasel
The heel is reinforced with AHARPLUS® made of durable and flexible rubber as seen in car tires. Asics guarantee the sponge-like material has about three times higher abrasion resistance than conventional rubber heels, meaning it won’t get damaged as easily due to wear and tear.
The shoes also feature light reflective details to improve athlete visibility in low-light conditions.
Positives:
The smaller sizes easily fit female athletes
ASICS Lite rubber outsole is stronger and lighter than outsoles of cheaper shoes
FF Blast® cushioning for softer landings
Could be better:
The point-shaped toe box is somewhat narrow, not recommended for people with wider front feet
The New Balance brand has gone under the radar of both recreational and professional athletes over the years.
However, recently they’ve come out with great ranges of both lifestyle and workout shoes and are slowly becoming more popular.
The New Balance Men's Fresh Foam X 1080 V12 Running Shoe is a high-quality running shoe that is both comfortable and functional, making it a good choice for everyday walks as well as running and training.
- Heel Lift Height: Around 1.45 inches (37 mm)
- Sole material: Rubber
- Upper material: Knit mesh
- Sizing: Large, manufacturer recommends ordering a half-size down
- Weight: Around 0.64 pounds (290 grams)
The shoe features New Balance's Fresh Foam X midsole technology, which is designed to provide a soft and cushioned feel while also being responsive and durable. The upper of the shoe is made of a breathable and lightweight engineered mesh, with a Hypoknit upper designed that has strategically placed areas of stretch and support.
The outsole of the shoe is made of a blown rubber material that provides traction and durability. Another notable feature of the Fresh Foam X 1080 V12 Running Shoe is the elongated, molded heel counter that provides stability and keeps the foot from slipping out.
Photo by @sklep_biegacza
Positives:
Comfortable and soft Fresh Foam X original midsole technology
Hypoknit design has strategically placed areas of stretch and support
The blown rubber outsole is highly durable and won’t lose shape as easily
Molded heel counter provides excellent stability and keeps the foot inside
Could be better:
The bottom is too heavy and thick for faster running
Sizing may not be as accurate for everybody, the manufacturer recommends getting half-a-size down from your previous athletic shoe
The Clifton series has been a staple of Hoka's running shoe line for several years, with the eighth iteration continuing the trend of excellent comfort and durability.
If you don’t mind spending an extra dollar, you’ll treat yourself to a pair of high-quality arch support training shoes.
- Heel Lift Height: Around 1 ⅙ inches (29 mm)
- Sole material: Rubber
- Upper material: Engineered mesh
- Sizing: True to size
- Weight: Around 0.55 pounds
The top mesh is made from breathable textile lining that’s durable and abrasion-free, meaning it won’t easily succumb to wear and tear like cheaper athletic shoes. The insole is foam padded and very comfortable.
If necessary, it can even be removed to place your own specialized (orthopedic, medical) insole.
Photo by @trisakticollection11
The shoes feature a durable full-length EVA midsole that has excellent shock absorption and stability. Considering their size, you’d expect these shoes to be quite bulky and heavy, however, the fit is snug and at just 0.55 pounds they’re light on the feet. The shoes also have an easy on/off tab on the heel counter, which is a nice addition
Positives:
Foam padded insole which is also removable
Full-length EVA midsole
Durable abrasion-free top can withstand more wear and tear
Could be better:
Noticeably expensive compared to our picks
A top list for training shoes would not be the same without mentioning Nike.
Nike always aims to be the leader of the running shoe industry, spending countless resources in research and development to keep them ahead of the competition.
- Heel Lift Height: Around 1 ⅕ inches
- Sole material: Rubber
- Upper material: Engineered mesh
- Sizing: Narrow fit
- Weight: Around 0.6 pounds depending on size (roughly 285 grams)
Air Zoom is not just a name or tagline, but a reference to Nike’s original Zoom technology. Zoom sole technology uses tightly stretched fibers and pressurized air to create excellent impact absorption without losing shape. This severely reduces stress on muscles, joints, tendons, etc.
The sole shape provides decreased pronation while running, correcting your foot landing and providing excellent arch support.
Photo by @shijyuhaowu
The shoes use the trademarked Nike Flywire design that keeps a firm grip on the foot, preventing it from moving inside the shoe, without feeling too tight. The tongue and collar of the shoe feature additional padding for increased comfort on the feet.
The narrow, closed lace-up system provides a much tighter fit than open-laced shoes, meaning your laces won’t come undone even during intense exercise sessions.
Positives:
Nike Zoom sole technology reduces stress on muscles, joints, tendons
The sole shape corrects your foot landing by decreasing pronation
Flywrite technology keeps the foot securely in place without feeling tight
Padded tongue and collar for extra comfort
Closed lace-up system is much harder to come undone
Could be better:
The shoes are particularly narrow in the heel area, they won’t fit comfortably for people with wide ankles
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What Is High Arch?
A high arch foot, also known as a Cavus foot, is a condition in which the foot arch is raised more than normal. It can be a result of genetic factors, neurological conditions, or a previous foot injury.
People with high arch feet may experience pain and discomfort when standing, walking, or running, and are more prone to developing certain foot injuries such as calluses, blisters, hammertoes, ankle sprains, etc.
Although workout shoes with arch support can help solve some of these issues in everyday life, it’s recommended to visit a doctor if you suspect having this condition.
How to Understand You Have High Arches?
The only guaranteed way is a visit to the doctor for an orthopedic checkup, or more specifically seeing a podiatrist. However, if you have doubts about whether you need to do this, there’s a simple way to test your foot arch at home. Simply dip your foot in water and step on a flat surface, then look at the print you left behind.
You can also use a piece of cardboard or paper since they’ll absorb the water and the imprint will be more visible. If you notice a large gap or even no imprint in the middle foot, there’s a good chance you have high-arching feet.
Why Get Workout Shoes for High Arches?
Workout Shoes Help You Step Evenly
According to research, workout shoes with arch support can increase the midfoot contact area with the ground by up to 68%.
This creates the effect of stepping down with your whole foot, which also increases confidence in your step, allowing you to walk or run more freely.
Workout Shoes Improve Balance
Compared to regular flat-sole shoes, gym shoes for high arches provide much better balance in several ways. Workout shoes have thicker, more cushioned soles made from materials that bend to the shape of your foot. This leads to a feeling of stepping on a larger surface area, which results in a more even weight distribution.
Workout Shoes Reduce Injury Risk
People with high arches experience greater impact forces while walking or running, particularly in the heel and forefoot area, which can lead to discomfort or injury. All arch support training shoes have necessary cushioning, most commonly in some type of foam or gel, that bends on impact to absorb shock.
Research has found that shoes with arch support reduce pressure in the middle of the foot, where high arches occur.
How To Choose The Best Workout Shoes For High Arches?
Stability
Workout shoes help people with high arches feel more confident in taking steps. The feeling of stability is a major difference between everyday shoes and workout shoes.
When laced together, workout shoes have to fit snugly around the foot, securing it from moving inside the shoe. Additionally, the pattern and material on the outer sole must give you the feeling of gripping the ground, as opposed to slipping and sliding.
Materials
Workout shoes are designed to take on the impact of exercising from people of varying shapes and sizes. The quality of the materials and their construction will impact the shoe’s performance, as well as its life cycle.
Although the shoes on this list are made with commercial-grade quality that fits the needs of most athletes, it’s to be expected that more expensive shoes are made of higher-quality materials.
Durability
The durability of your gym shoes for high arches will depend on material and construction quality. Generally, more expensive shoes will be made from more durable materials that can take on more wear and tear.
Additionally, they’ll feature stronger construction - cheaper shoes are typically glued together to save cost and production time, while high-end shoes opt for stitching or sewing in those areas. That said, keep in mind that durability is severely tied to the amount and type of workout or daily activities you do in your workout shoes.
Arch Support
Arch support training shoes are commonly designed with a curved or contoured sole made from flexible materials that bend to the shape of your foot. In practical terms, this fills out the gap in your step created by an arched foot.
This design helps to distribute weight more evenly across the foot, reducing the pressure on the arch and providing support where it's needed most.
Breathability
All workout shoes are designed to be breathable. Breathable shoes allow air to flow in and out to help keep your feet cool and prevent sweating from physical activity.
They typically feature mesh or perforated panels in the top part, allowing air to circulate around the foot and reducing the heat inside the shoe.
Grip
Workout shoes provide the feeling of gripping the surface due to a combination of materials and design features. The top of the shoe also features lacing or straps that help to secure the foot in place and prevent it from moving around inside the shoe.
The outsole of workout shoes is made of some type of rubber or material with similar properties that minimizes traction on various surfaces. Additionally, the design of the outsole includes patterned shapes such as treads or grooves. These patterns grip the surface by reducing friction, especially if stepping on wet surfaces.
FAQ
Should You Wear Running Shoes If You Have High Arches?
Yes, running shoes provide proper support and cushioning that prevents injuries and maximizes comfort while exercising, walking, and running. Running shoes are highly recommended for people with high arches both for working out and everyday outdoor activities.
Are Flat Shoes Better For High Arches?
No, flat shoes are generally not recommended for individuals with high arches. High arches prevent the foot from fully touching the ground, which can make it roll to the side during walking or running
This prevents crucial balance and shock absorption, which can lead to injury
People with high arches should stick to arch support training shoes.
Conclusion
- The relationship between foot posture and plantar pressure during walking in adults // NCBI: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29524798/
- Effect of Running Shoe Type on the Distribution and Magnitude of Plantar Pressures // JAPMA Online: https://japmaonline.org/view/journals/apms/99/4/0980330.xml
- What Is a Podiatrist? // WEBPM: https://www.webmd.com/diabetes/podiatrist-facts
- High arch // MedlinePlus: https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001261.htm
- PDAC Coding Guidelines for Off-the-Shelf Diabetic Shoes (A5500) // DmePdac: https://www.dmepdac.com/palmetto/PDACv2.nsf/DIDC/GP5NSWM1TD~Articles
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