8 Best Workout Shoes For High Arches In 2024

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 best workout shoes for high arches to get.

Top 8 Best Workout Shoes For High Arches Reviewed

1. Skechers Men’s Gowalk Arch Fit-Athletic Workout Walking Shoe – Top Pick
2. Brooks Men’s Ghost 14 Neutral Running Shoe – Runner-Up
3. ASICS Men’s Gel-Nimbus 23 Running Shoes
4. Saucony Men’s Triumph 19 Running Shoe
5. ASICS Men’s Gel-Cumulus 24 Running Shoes
6. New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam X 1080 V12 Running Shoe
7. HOKA One Men’s Clifton 8 Running Shoes
8. Nike Mens Air Zoom Pegasus 39 PRM Running Shoe

Product	Total	Stability	Materials	Durability	Arch Support	Breathability	Grip
Skechers Gowalk	58	10	9	10	10	10	9
Brooks	57	10	10	9	10	9	9
ASICS Gel-Nimbus	56	10	10	9	9	9	9
Saucony	55	10	9	9	9	9	9
ASICS Gel-Cumulus	54	9	9	9	9	9	9
New Balance	53	9	9	9	9	8	9
HOKA One	52	9	9	9	9	8	8
Nike Zoom	51	8	8	8	9	9	9

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.

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.

The technology uses strategically placed foam pillars or pods placed throughout the sole that provide excellent cushioning and shock absorption, which is especially useful when walking, running, and exercising. The midsole features lightweight and responsive ULTRA GO® cushioning.

ULTRA GO® is made from a single foam material that offers a balance between softness and durability, while also being adaptive to the wearer’s movements.

The top is made from a synthetic mesh with knit-in cooling weave panels that provide extra breathability.

The toe and heel area are covered in a smooth, synthetic overlay that keeps the shoe from tearing, increasing the shoe’s durability.

For easy maintenance, the shoes are made to be machine washable on cold, gentle cycles.

Our runner-up cross training shoe for high arches is the Brooks Men's Ghost 14 Neutral Running Shoe. Brooks used a combination of unique technologies and renewable materials to make a high-tech, carbon-neutral running shoe.

The shoes received a Seal of Acceptance from the American Podiatry Medical Association (APMA) for promoting good foot health, including Off-the-Shelf Diabetic Shoes certification (PDAC A5500)

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

1. 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?

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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?

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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

People with high arches want to get shoes with proper arch support to alleviate discomfort and prevent injuries. Many sports shoe manufacturers create products with increased arch support, making them ideal as both everyday or workout shoes for people with high arches.

Overall, the Skechers Men's Gowalk Arch Fit proved to be the best workout shoe for high arches. That said, we encourage you to check out the other products on the list as well, as all of them have unique comfort and functionality features that may be better suited for your needs.

Do you have high arch feet? If so, what is your favorite workout shoe? Share your thoughts in the comments and remember to follow my social media for similar fitness content.

Also read:

• Best Cheap Weightlifting Shoes
• Deadlifting With Squat Shoes
• Squatting Barefoot Vs Shoes
• Best High Top Workout Shoes
• Raised Heels Squatting Vs Flat
• Best Shoes for Powerlifting
• Best Squat Shoes
• Best Running and Lifting Shoes
• Best Hiit Shoes for Women

References:

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