Chasing your personal record isn’t easy when you’re dealing with achy feet. We evaluated each pair based on fit, quality, comfort, stability, responsiveness, cushioning, and value.. Even if your runs are light and breezy, you can still benefit from wearing a more supportive sneaker. Both of our testers run multiple days a week on paved roads, dirt paths, grass, and treadmills. Although they don’t have serious knee pain, one tends to get soreness after a particularly long or hard run, and the other has had knee surgery. What We Don't Like Arch Support: Stability | Weight: 8.6 ounces | Drop: 10 millimeters | Cushioning: Firm | Materials: Knit upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Our Overall Rating: 4.5/5 Best for overpronators and treadmill runners—we recommend these sneakers to anyone with no existing foot, knee, or joint pain, since they have firmer cushioning. Brooks’ Launch GTS 10 Running Shoe delivers the arch support and comfort that runners with flat feet need. Featuring the brand’s GuideRails support system, it promotes a natural gait, prevents your ankles from rolling inward, and keeps excess movement in check. When we tested this pair, we were impressed by the Launch GTS 10’s high-quality construction and stable feel. These sneakers’ firm cushioning is ideal for occasional speedwork, while the knit upper allows air to flow to prevent your feet from overheating. We also love how well they fit—true to size and ultra-secure. If you overpronate and haven’t found the right running shoe yet, we highly recommend giving this streamlined pair a try. Also available in women’s sizes at Amazon, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and Brooks. read more Read More What We Don't Like Arch Support: Stability | Weight: 8.6 ounces | Drop: 10 millimeters | Cushioning: Firm | Materials: Knit upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Our Overall Rating: 4.5/5 Best for overpronators and treadmill runners—we recommend these sneakers to anyone with no existing foot, knee, or joint pain, since they have firmer cushioning. Brooks’ Launch GTS 10 Running Shoe delivers the arch support and comfort that runners with flat feet need. Featuring the brand’s GuideRails support system, it promotes a natural gait, prevents your ankles from rolling inward, and keeps excess movement in check. When we tested this pair, we were impressed by the Launch GTS 10’s high-quality construction and stable feel. These sneakers’ firm cushioning is ideal for occasional speedwork, while the knit upper allows air to flow to prevent your feet from overheating. We also love how well they fit—true to size and ultra-secure. If you overpronate and haven’t found the right running shoe yet, we highly recommend giving this streamlined pair a try. Also available in women’s sizes at Amazon, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and Brooks. Sold by Price Our tester has some knee pain and weak ankles. They ran in these shoes extensively on asphalt, treadmills, and trails—even completing a marathon in them. What We Don't Like Arch Support: Neutral | Weight: 7.8 ounces | Drop: 8 millimeters | Cushioning: Lightweight and responsive | Materials: Mesh upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Our Overall Rating: 4.5/5 Best for marathon or long-distance runners with neutral arches. For distance runners who need supportive, comfortable sneakers for their high-mileage training, we recommend Asics’ Novablast 3 Running Shoes. During testing, we were immediately impressed by their stellar arch support, which cradled our feet in all the right places. But despite this shoe’s maximum cushioning, it’s surprisingly lightweight and responsive. We also found that the Novablast 3 is supportive enough to help stabilize our ankles and legs without feeling too stiff or bulky. Even better, they maintained their comfort, support, and durability over months of use, including a marathon. Plus, the breathable mesh upper is made from recycled materials, so you can feel good about wearing a more sustainable shoe. Also available in men’s sizes at Amazon, Asics, and Dick’s Sporting Goods. read more Read More What We Don't Like Arch Support: Neutral | Weight: 7.8 ounces | Drop: 8 millimeters | Cushioning: Lightweight and responsive | Materials: Mesh upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Our Overall Rating: 4.5/5 Best for marathon or long-distance runners with neutral arches. For distance runners who need supportive, comfortable sneakers for their high-mileage training, we recommend Asics’ Novablast 3 Running Shoes. During testing, we were immediately impressed by their stellar arch support, which cradled our feet in all the right places. But despite this shoe’s maximum cushioning, it’s surprisingly lightweight and responsive. We also found that the Novablast 3 is supportive enough to help stabilize our ankles and legs without feeling too stiff or bulky. Even better, they maintained their comfort, support, and durability over months of use, including a marathon. Plus, the breathable mesh upper is made from recycled materials, so you can feel good about wearing a more sustainable shoe. Also available in men’s sizes at Amazon, Asics, and Dick’s Sporting Goods. Sold by Price 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: After testing over 100 arch support running shoes, Brooks’ Glycerin GTS 20 Running Shoe remains our favorite pair for its wide platform and built-in stability system. As we continue to test all of our top picks at home, we’ll update this list with any new findings or important information. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. Christine Luff, ACE-CPT, has 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. Expert Tested: The Best Stability Running Shoes for WomenBest for Flat Feet
Brooks Men’s Launch GTS 10 Running Shoe
Meet Our Testers
Best for Long Runs
Asics Women's Novablast 3 Running Shoes
Meet Our Tester
Arch Support Running Shoes We Also Tested
Where We Stand
What to Look for When Shopping for Arch Support Running Shoes
How We Tested the Running Shoes
Our Experts
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you determine if a running shoe has enough arch support for you?
Which running shoes have the highest arch support?
What running shoes should you get if your arches hurt while running?
Can arch support running shoes help with bunions?
Why Trust Verywell Fit
FAQs
Which sneakers have best arch support? ›
“This cushioning acts as a buffer between your feet and the ground, reducing the stress on your joints and muscles.” After researching the options and consulting experts, we determined that Asics' Gel-Kayano 30 is the overall best sneaker for arch support while Hoka's Arahi 7 is the best for cushioning.
Is it good to have arch support in running shoes? ›Yes, although arch support has different benefits depending on your foot type. If you over- or underpronate, research has shown that running in supportive sneakers can help prevent your ankles from rolling in or out. It also encourages your natural gait and allows for smooth heel-to-toe transitions.
How many pairs of running shoes does the average runner have? ›Two to Four Pairs of Running Shoes is the Sweet Spot
Most feasibly, two to four pair of shoes will serve the needs of most runners. At the very least, you'll want a daily trainer that's comfortable and versatile, and a speed-oriented shoe for faster workouts and race day.
"High arches need more support and cushioning, especially in the midfoot area, which flat shoes often lack. Instead, shoes with built-in arch support or orthotics are often more supportive and comfortable," Pidich mentions. Flat shoes typically put more stress on feet tendons and ligaments due to a lack of support.
What sneakers do podiatrists recommend for flat feet? ›The Best Walking Shoes For Flat Feet, According To Podiatrists And Reviews. Our podiatrists recommend the Hoka Gaviota 5 and Vionic's 23 Walk. Women's Health may earn commission from the links on this page, but we only feature products we believe in. Why Trust Us?
What type of sneakers are best for plantar fasciitis? ›- Best athletic shoes for plantar fasciitis: Hoka Bondi 8 (women's) Hoka Bondi 8 (men's)
- Best wide feet shoes for plantar fasciitis: Brooks Addiction Walker 2 (women's) Brooks Addiction Walker 2 (men's)
Consistent pain, especially in the heel or the ball of the foot, can be a strong indicator. If your feet hurt after standing for prolonged periods or following a short walk, it's time to investigate your arch support needs.
Are shoes with no arch support bad for your feet? ›A band of tissue called the plantar fascia runs along the bottom of the foot. It pulls on the heel when you walk -- and it works best with the proper arch in your foot. Walking in flimsy shoes without good arch support can overstretch, tear, or inflame the plantar fascia.
What are the disadvantages of arch fit shoes? ›Cons – Arguments & findings against arch support
This is because it acts similarly to a rubber ball. If you're wearing a padded shoe, you are likely to strike the ground with more force. You will see a 12% impact on your knees when wearing padded shoes.
If you run most days of the week, you need at least two pairs of running shoes. You will want to 'rotate' your running shoes throughout the week, rather than wear the same pair for several days in a row.
How long should you run in a pair of shoes? ›
It's generally accepted that the standard lifespan of road running shoes is somewhere between 300 - 500 miles, or around 500 - 800km, with lightweight shoes somewhere between 250 - 300 miles. So if you're running 20 miles per week, you'll probably need to replace your running shoes after around 4 - 6 months of wear.
Should you go a size up in running shoes? ›A properly fitting running shoe should be a half size bigger than your usual street shoe to accommodate for swelling but it's important that it's not too big. Your running trainers should feel snug in the heel and around the midfoot but still have plenty of wiggle room in the toe box to keep your digits comfortable.
Are Hokas good for high arches? ›Reviewers noticed that there was ample room in the upper in our HOKA Clifton 9 Review, which can help those with high arches who need more room in the shoe because of their taller arch shape. Engineered with HOKA's early-stage Meta-Rocker, the Clifton 9 gives you a smooth and snappy ride mile after mile.
Do flat feet need high or low arch support? ›Flat feet can't be transformed into feet with high arches, nor do they need to be. Start with a low or medium arch (based on whether you have a rigid flat foot or flexible flat foot). Shoe insoles with arch support that is high or extra high may be uncomfortable and give you the feeling of a golf ball in your shoe.
Do high arch feet need arch support? ›If You Have Flat Feet or High Arches
High arches occur when the arches of your feet are too high, and your foot does not make enough contact with the ground. You may need arch supports with flat feet or high arches, as both can lead to foot pain and discomfort.
Many people who are looking for arch support footwear have previously spoken to a podiatrist and been given advice on what to look for, and in most cases only a few brands will be mentioned with Skechers certainly being one of them.
What kind of shoes do I need if my arches hurt? ›If you have arch pain, choosing shoes that provide support is essential. This means avoiding high heels and any shoes that don't have good arch support. Instead, look for shoes with a firm sole and plenty of cushioning. You may also want to consider orthotic inserts to help support your arches.