While running is one of the healthiest activities, it remains a relatively high impact workout. This means that it puts a lot of stress on your joints and heels, which is why proper arch support and cushioning are always critical for your comfort and shock absorption while picking running footwear.
If you’re looking for the best running shoes with arch support on the market, you’ve come to the right place!
In today’s article, we’ll provide you with all the information you need to know in order to pick the right shoe to maintain your stability and comfort while running.
How Does Running Shoes with Arch Support Work?
Humans have evolved to run for thousands of years. While feet are designed to run on flat surfaces, harder surfaces like asphalt and concrete can be quite painful on our foot arch, and that’s where the arch support hops in for the rescue.
The arch support is a design feature in the shoe’s midsole or an insert that helps in supporting the natural arch in our feet.
While running, our bodies put a lot of pressure on the natural arch of our feet. This ends up causing several problems and injuries while running.
By using a stiffer midsole padding to support the curves of our feet, they’ll be able to support that pressure easily.
Why an Arch Support is Necessary for Running
Having proper arch support in your shoes is critical for running long distances without discomfort or pain.
In this section, we’ll take a closer look at all the reasons why arch support is necessary for running:
1. Distribute the Load Pressure on Feet
The most common benefit of having proper arch support while running is weight distribution. Whether you’re walking or running, your feet are carrying the majority of your weight through the arches.
This is because our feet’ arches are like the spring mechanism that keeps us stable while standing and walking.
However, when we run, the extra load can cause excessive stretching of the arches, which can be noticeably painful, especially if you have naturally high arches (your feet are more curved up than usual).
By wearing a running shoe that has good arch support, the load pressure coming from your body will be distributed evenly across your entire feet, which ends up causing less fatigue after running, allowing you to run further without pain.
2. Stabilize the Feet
Running shoes are designed so that they have a lot of cushioning, which is ideal to absorb most of the shocks from heel impact on the ground. However, too much padding can easily alter the pressure points on the feet and throw you off balance while running.
This effect can have detrimental effects on your running technique, as you either need to slow down in order to compensate for the lack of stability or adjust your running technique to suit your balance.
If your feet aren’t stabilized, you may end up adjusting your posture so that most of your body weight is landing on your heel or the area where your lower leg and foot meet (the ball of the foot).
Luckily, with proper arch support, your feet will maintain their stability even at higher speeds, allowing you to avoid incorrect adjustments to your posture.
3. Helps Runners with Flat Feet to Run Better
If you have a flat foot, your arches simply can’t support the weight of your body or distribute the load across various points. This can be due to an anatomically flat foot or due to collapsed arches.
In both cases, wearing supportive footwear will help you overcome this problem and exercise more efficiently without any pain.
4. Helps in Preventing Many Running Injuries
There are many running injuries out there that are linked either directly or indirectly with improper running form. This includes conditions like plantar fasciitis, excessive heel pain, and shin splints.
Most of these injuries are overuse injuries that involve running very long distances or at a very high speed without proper warmup and preparation.
In most cases, the problem isn’t necessarily caused by running a long distance but is actually related to how many runners tune down their running form with time.
This happens as your body starts giving in to the accumulated fatigue from running a long distance.
Fortunately, this problem can be easily minimized or even avoided altogether by wearing a proper running shoe with decent arch support to keep your feet in the right position at all times
What to Look for While Buying a Running Shoe with Arch Support
Finding a good running shoe can be quite tricky with all the options on the market. This task becomes even trickier if you’re trying to find a good running shoe that provides decent arch support.
To help you with the process of finding the ideal ones for your needs, here’s a list of all the aspects and features that you need to keep in mind while buying one:
The Shoes’ Longevity
The first thing you need to consider while buying any running shoes is the materials used in making them.
Running shoes nowadays use mesh fabric and foam soles, which can vary in terms of sturdiness.
Ideally, a good running shoe should be good for running anywhere between 5 miles a day for up to 4 to 6 months depending on how frequently you’re going to use it.
Soles Construction and Arch Height
If you want a running shoe with proper arch support, you should always check the soles. Ideally, these shoes will have a relatively stiff midsole in order to support the arch of the feet.
The insoles, however, need to be relatively smooth in order to keep the feet comfortable and help in absorbing shocks, which is why most modern soles are now made of EVA foam, as manufacturers can adjust their firmness to be soft on the impact area and supportive at the arch.
Arch supporting shoes are usually labeled as neutral running shoes. However, if you want extra support, you should look for supportive running shoes. Yet, you should keep in mind that more support usually means firmer foam padding.
Your arch height is also a major factor when picking a running shoe, which can be low, medium, or high.
If you suffer from flat feet, you have a low arch height. In that case, your feet are more likely to overpronate (roll inwards while running). In that case, you need running sneakers with extra foam on that area to distribute the pressure.
On the other hand, if you have a relatively high arch, this means that you’re more likely to underpronate while running. In that case, you should go for neutral support.
Breathability and Moisture Management
As previously mentioned, most running shoes are now made of mesh fabric. This material is ideal for runners because of its properties.
For example, mesh fabrics are quite porous, which allows the air to cycle through the shoes. This keeps your feet cool and prevents sweat from accumulation.
Additionally, mesh fabric can be a bit stretchy and soft. This provides a snug fit over your feet, which is essential for runners, but more about that in the following section.
Size and Fit
If you want to take full advantage of your new running shoes, they have to provide a snug fit. To avoid sizing problems, you should always keep the measurements of your feet and compare them to the sizing chart provided with the shoe model you want to wear.
Cushioning and Comfort
Padding is quite essential for all kinds of running shoes, but it becomes even more critical for runners that require arch support.
This is because arch support designs tend to be a little firm, which can be painful if the shoes aren’t padded properly to absorb such load.
The best types of cushioning on the market are gel cushioning and foam cushioning, especially ethylene-vinyl acetate foam (EVA).
Memory foam is also a great addition when it’s added to the cushioning of the shoes because they conform to the curves of the foot, providing a custom fit for each runner.
Top 7 Running Shoes with Arch Support Available on the Market
Now that you know how to choose the right running shoes for your needs, let’s have a quick look at the best shoes on the market that offers extra arch support for running:
1. ASICS Gel Nimbus 24 Running Shoes
The Asics Gel Series is among the best lines of athletic shoes in the world. The Gel Nimbus 24 is an overall brilliant solution for comfortable running, especially if you’re looking for a shoe with proper arch support for overpronation.
The Gel Nimbus 24 has upgraded neutral arch support that is designed to suit runners with relatively high arches.
The shoe is padded with optimized foam, called FlyteFoam that retains the responsiveness of the toes to increase your running speed.
The Gel cushioning technology is also great for shock absorption. This means that it’s not only ideal for comfortable running but also brilliant in the case of painful foot conditions, such as plantar fasciitis.
We also like the general construction of the shoe, which reduces the midsole weight, and promotes a more natural gait while reducing the pressure of wear on the shoe, extending its life.
The shoe upper is made of premium mesh fabric that is highly breathable and durable. The shoe is also available in an amazing set of colors and sizes that suits a wide range of runners. Moreover, the shoe is available in a wide version for those who have relatively wide feet.
Top Features
- Highly durable construction without adding extra weight on the midsole
- Aesthetically pleasing design and color combinations
- Available in wide versions for larger feet
- Incredibly comfortable to wear
What People Say
The new Gel Nimbus is an instant success among users, as the shoes feel remarkably comfortable and easy on the feet, although some users noticed that the shoes are a bit tighter than previous versions.
Click here to read more reviews on Amazon
2. Brooks Women’s Adrenaline GTS 22 Running Shoe
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22 is considered the best running shoe by many runners. The shoe is remarkably smooth and gives an immediate sensation of comfort thanks to its unique design.
For starters, the Adrenaline GTS 22 has an adaptable midsole to conform to your running motion to provide you with stability and comfort, even if you overpronate.
The DNA Loft cushioning is also soft enough to absorb shocks and dissipate the pressure throughout the midsole, making it ideal for those who land on their heels.
The shoes upper is made of elastic mesh fabric, which is both highly breathable and provides a snug fit for extra support and comfort.
As for the arch support, the shoe is built with GuideRail technology that corrects excess movement and helps your feet land in a more consistent pattern while running, which improves your overall stability.
The Adrenaline GTS 22 has a 12 mm midsole drop and extra support at the arch region. It’s also available in a variety of color combinations and even a wide range of sizes and shoe widths.
Top Features
- The improved midsole is specifically designed to provide stability and arch support
- Stylish design with a breathable mesh fabric
- The GuideRail technology helps in correcting movements to reduce running injuries
- Shock absorbing insole for added comfort
What People Say
The vast majority of buyers’ reviews about these sneakers are positive. The shoe is highly recommended by a lot of runners with overpronation problems and for those who are looking for supportive midsoles.
Click here to read more reviews on Amazon
3. ASICS Women’s Gel-Kayano 26 Running Shoes
The Gel Kayano 26 is another flagship from Asics, which is designed for anyone who is looking for support and comfort, whether you have a neutral or overpronation gait.
This is because this shoe has a stiffer type of foam in the midsole area, especially at the medial side, which helps in preventing overpronation
The shoes are highly versatile and you can wear them for various activities. Similar to the Gel-Nimbus, this shoe also features FlyteFoam midsoles that use organic fibers to keep you balanced without weighing you down.
The shoe also has an impact guidance system that absorbs most of the shock from heels. Combined with Asics’ Propel technology, this design enhances the stability of your natural gait.
The outsole of the shoe is specifically created to provide excellent anti-slip performance on roads, which makes it an excellent shoe for road running events like 5Ks, 10Ks, and half marathons.
Additionally, the shoe has a toe drop of about 13 mm and a mesh upper for comfort and maintaining a smooth ride.
Top Features
- Remarkably comfortable and smooth on the feet
- Available in many colors and different size versions
- Specifically designed to prevent overpronation
What People Say
Many runners claimed that these shoes “unlocked a new level of comfort”, which allowed them to run for a noticeably longer distance than they’re used to
Click here to read more reviews on Amazon
4. Saucony Omni 20 Running and Hiking Shoes
Next up, we have one of the most efficient running shoes out there that provides extra stability for runners who suffer from high arches and overpronation.
Not only that, but you can also use this shoe as a trail running shoe or a walking shoe, which makes it a great value for the money!
The Saucony Omni 20 has a special design that is optimized for those with flat feet as well as runners who suffer from overpronation.
The shoe has a relatively low toe drop of about 8 mm, which is relatively low when compared to other shoes on the list, but it makes it suitable for walking around as well.
When it comes to cushioning, this shoe has less padding than some other shoes on the market, especially at the heel. Yet, Saucony uses higher quality foams that keep your feet comfortable without bulking up the shoe.
Top Features
- The PWRRUN padding keeps the shoe compact without compromising its softness
- Flexible shoe that can be used in a wide range of situations
- Excellent underfoot support to prevent overpronation
- Sleek and stylish design
What People Say
A lot of buyers enjoyed the Saucony Omni 20, and many runners noticed the major improvements in this model when compared to the previous one, although the toe box here seems a bit small.
Click here to read more reviews on Amazon
5. ALTRA Torin 5 Luxe Road Running Shoe
If you’re looking for a running shoe that provides decent arch support and also has a relatively wide toe box, you shouldn’t look further than the Altra Torin 5.
This road running shoe is specifically designed to keep your foot at a consistent level of comfort whether you’re running or walking.
The shoes upper is made of mesh-like knit fabric that is quite stretchy and provides a snug fit to your feet.
The fabric is also quite breathable, so you can wear the shoe all day without worrying about over sweating.
The midsole of the shoe is relatively stiff to prevent overpronation but is also surprisingly lightweight, so it doesn’t weigh you down while running.
Top Features
- Very comfortable to wear for a long time
- Excellent choice for runners with a wide toe box
- A neutral running shoe with highly supportive properties
What People Say
Although some users complained about the shoe tongue, the majority of runners are quite satisfied with the quality of these shoes, with some of them claiming that wearing these shoes feels like walking on pillows!
Click here to read more reviews on Amazon
6. New Balance Men’s 870 V5 Running Shoe
New Balance offers a wide range of supportive running shoes. However, the 870 V5 remains one of their most successful models!
These shoes are made with quality in mind, despite being quite affordable when compared to some of the shoes’ direct competitors.
The responsive foam cushioning in the shoes makes them remarkably comfortable to run with, even on trickier terrains.
The shoe comes in various color combinations as well as size options that range from size 7 to size 15, including alternative versions with a wide toe box. Additionally, the lightweight design of the shoe makes it suitable for more than one foot type.
Top Features
- A highly balanced neutral shoe with a supportive midsole and insole
- Available in various sizes with wide alternatives
- Comfortable shoes that can be used for various purposes
What People Say
Many runners loved how soft and comfortable these shoes are. However, a few users complained about the durability of the shoe.
Click here to read more reviews on Amazon
7. Mizuno Women’s Wave Inspire 17 Running Shoe
Although the market is full of nice options with improved midsoles to help runners who suffer from overpronation, Mizuno’s running shoes are always a favorite among many runners.
One of the aspects that makes the Inspire 17 running shoes from Mizuno unique is their overall construction.
These shoes are designed to be lighter than most running shoes on the market, weighing as little as 10.9 ounces. Although the Lite version of the Asics Gel Kayano is still lighter, these shoes strike an excellent balance between weight and foam padding.
The shoe uses just the right amount of padding so that it’s not too heavy or bulky while running. At the same time, the Double Wave cushioning technology provides remarkable support and comfort with every stride.
The shoe is also noticeably durable and lasts quite a bit longer than many other options on the market.
The shoe uppers are also highly breathable for proper air circulation, which helps in keeping your feet cool and dry for much longer to increase your daily mileage.
Top Features
- Durable construction that lasts for a longer time
- Highly comfortable without excessive padding thanks to high quality EVA cushioning
- Lightweight design that helps in increasing your mileage and running speed.
What People Say
When it comes to cushioning and comfort, the Inspire 17 left a lot of runners and walkers with remarkable satisfaction with its quality. The only downside regarding this shoe with the lack of size options, as some users claim that the shoe runs a bit narrow.
Click here to read more reviews on Amazon
Wrap Up
This concludes our brief guide that walks you through the best running shoes with arch support that the market has to offer!
As you can see, shoes with high arch support are excellent for those who suffer from flat feet and heel pain while running, and with that guide, you’ll be able to choose the ideal pick for your needs!
However, if you’re looking for a good overall recommendation, you might want to consider the ASICS Gel-Nimbus 24 Running Shoes or the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22 Running Shoe. These two options are superior when it comes to arch support and extra cushioning for added shock absorption.
Alternatively, if you’re looking for a versatile shoe that you can use for more than just running, you may want to consider the Saucony Omni 20 Running and Hiking Shoes. It’s also decently affordable, which makes it a great bang for the buck!