These Running Shoes Are *Just* What Your Aching Arches Need (2024)

This trail runner from Altra keeps your arches feeling super supported even on rocky terrain. The sneakers are made with Altra Running's Balanced Cushioning platform system, which keeps your heel and forefoot at an equal distance from the ground, ensuring your whole foot stays aligned saving you from soreness.

Rave Review: "As an avid runner, these sneakers check all of the boxes! They are the most comfortable sneakers I've ever put on, along with being incredibly supportive and sturdy...I have already done both hiking and running in these magical sneakers, and all of it has been like being on a cloud of comfort."

Lynsey Romano, an RRCA-certified running coach at Skyline Run Coaching, likes these Nike sneakers because they are a lightweight option, but provide tons of cushioning. Plus, their stability makes them ideal for both long and short runs. "A panel is embedded at the heel of the shoe to provide support and stability, which is an alternative to a more traditional medial post [a midsole feature often used to limit pronation] to stabilize the foot," says Romano.

Rave Review: "Invincible is the perfect name for this shoe! I thought it might be a bit clunky or stodgy based on the massive heel, but once I put it on and got going, it was like I could just bounce along forever."

These New Balance running shoes were made for painless everyday runs. Romano specifically likes them for road running. "These are a good option for a runner seeking a shoe for faster workouts on the road. They are light and fast with propulsive cushioning; a great option for someone looking for a quick shoe that also provides support," she says.

Rave Review: “I have many New Balance shoes and these are one of the best shoes for my plantar fascitis. I need support and these work SO WELL for me. I wish they had more styles and colors!”

More cushion doesn’t have to equate to more weight and bulkiness. The Saucony Guide 15 will smooth out your run with flexible material that still keeps your foot supported. These are designed with higher sidewalls, so you feel like you're actually in the shoe instead of sitting on top of it.

Rave Review: “I was skeptical, but per other reviews, I figured I’d try them. I’ve always had a hard time finding a gym shoe that’s supportive, lightweight, and has enough cushion for my terribly flat feet. These shoes are a DREAM. I have never been more comfortable in shoes before! My only wish is that I would have found them sooner!"

Hamilton likes these running shoes because they offer motion control, which is especially useful for runners who deal with overpronation. They're designed with Brooks' Extended Progressive Diagonal Rollbar (PDRB), a multi-layered midsole design that helps prevent your foot from rolling inward (pronating) too much as you land. The cushioning also provides comfort in every stride.

Rave Review: “Supportive, comfortable. I wear these all day and my feet feel great at the end of a busy day.”

The Gaviota 4 is designed to offer maximum stability for runners who have flexible arches and tend to overpronate. The foam in its cushioning has a firm feel to support the bottom of your arch and keep it from collapsing inward too much.

Rave Review: “Love these shoes! I've had eight pairs of Hokas and the Gaviotas are my favorite. Great support and comfort."

If you're looking for shoes that cater to your arches and fit securely, consider these "Best For Long Workouts" winners from Women’s Health's 2022 Sneaker Awards. Dr. Schaeffer prefers Brooks' running shoes because they are able to accommodate insoles, which he typically recommends. These particular sneakers are made with Brooks' proprietary DNA Loft cushioning, which extends from the heel to the forefoot for extra support.

Rave Review: “I have severe arthritis in my feet and these shoes support them well and they don’t hurt after being on my feet for hours. They are stylish and still affordable. I’m sold on this brand!”

Another sneaker brand Dr. Schaeffer loves for arch support? Asics, since their shoes go through extensive testing. Made with Asics' 'dynamic duomax' technology, which increases stability for runners whose feet roll inward too much, the Gel-Kayano's are supportive without sacrificing an ounce of flexibility.

Rave Review: “Super supportive and comfortable for overpronators…Looking forward to many miles in these shoess."

If you crave that feeling of walking on air, these New Balance sneakers need to become your go-to's. They're made with a knitted bootie that hugs your foot (including those arches) for the ultimate secure, cloud-like fit. The shoes are ultra-cushioned, but don't worry—they're super lightweight.

Rave Review: "These are exactly what I was looking for!!! I have custom insoles to treat my flat feet and they're pretty thick. It's always been a struggle to find sneakers that have a deep enough heel cup to accommodate my insoles. These sneakers fit them in PERFECTLY."

The cushioned insole on these babies isn't the only thing that will make your arches feel good during short and long runs. What's even better is that their soles were constructed using natural and recyclable materials like sugar cane, banana oil, and recycled plastic bottles. Just check out the rave review they got in Women's Health's Sneaker Awards 2021 below.

Rave Review: "This sustainable sneaker brand put four years of research and development into the redesign of its first running shoe and all that hard work has clearly paid off. This pair is perf for long or short runs, and the Amazonian rubber on its soles is naturally grippy AF so you can stay the course—no matter how long it might be."

The Gel-Ventures from Asics are a cult-favorite on Amazon, with more than 7,000 five-star reviews. They're ideal for runners who don't have to take over or under-pronation into account, and only need slight arch support. Tons of customers say these are especially comfy for long wear, but that they tend to run small, so be sure to size up by half or one size.

Rave Review: “Within a month of wearing these shoes daily my plantar fasciitis was GONE. Extreme pain to zero pain.”

If you're looking for a safe-bet running shoe, you can't go wrong with Adidas Cloudfoam Pures. Thousands of people on Amazon have given them positive reviews, saying that the shoes provide arch support without being too bulky, so you can rest assured knowing your stride will feel super light.

Rave Review: "These are probably the most comfortable athletic shoes I’ve ever had. Super lightweight, great arch support, stylish, with quick slip-on. I walked about a mile with no socks and they never rubbed on the back of my heel."

These Brooks bestsellers provide all of the support without making your feet feel like they need to come up for air. The upper is designed so that it securely hugs the foot while still providing plenty of breathability. These sneakers also address the needs of those with in-between arches and ensure your landing and toe-off positions are in tip-top shape.

Rave Review: “I have spent lots of money over the years to find a shoe that helps my heels, arch, and/or all over feet be pain free! These are the winner!"

When it comes to arch support, Dr. Schaeffer recommends looking for sneaks that provide great shock absorption. These New Balance shoes are made with 'Abzorb' cushioning that absorbs impact while delivering lightweight support, whether you're jogging or trying to break your PR.

Rave Review: “The NB 860 is a support shoe for overpronators. I have flat feet and they're really comfy and lightweight. Might make me run faster!”

Arch support

Arch support is found in the midsole of the shoe. The midsole support can be characterized in three different levels: neutral, stability, and motion control, says Dr. Nelya Lobkova, DPM, owner of Step Up Footcare in New York City. “Neutral sneakers have the least midsole rigidity, whereas motion control has the most midsole rigidity,” she explains.

For people with flat feet—who, btw, have a tendency to overpronate—Dr. Lobkova recommends shoes with stability support. The midsole stability that this level of support offers will help with your propulsion (when the heel comes off the ground), which is compromised with people who have flat feet.

On the inverse, people with high arches will benefit from more neutral shoes because they offer more flexibility in the midsole, Dr. Lobkova says. “Most sneaker brands have a neutral category,” she explains. “High-arched feet generally require a shoe with at least slight heel elevation (higher heel drop) and cushioning under the toes to dissipate pressure under the ball of the foot.”

People with high arches are also more prone to issues like plantar fasciitis, in which the connective tissue that runs between their heels and toe bones becomes inflamed. Those with high arches also tend to oversupinate (a.k.a. excessively roll outward with each step), so the correct shoe can help keep strides more neutral, Dr. Schaeffer says.

If you’re picking out your shoes at the store, Dr. Lobkova says to test the rigidity of the midsole by trying to bend it. If it’s difficult to bend, that’s an indication that the shoe comprises more support.

The best pair for you, though, depends on your individual needs. Consider whether you have flatter feet or higher arches, whether you need sneaks for shorter or longer runs, and whether you're hitting the trails or the roads, Romano suggests.

Fit

When it comes to the insole, sneakers don’t really come with an extra level of support. Instead, you’ll find a thin, flexible layer that separates the outside of the shoe from the inside. Dr. Lobkova says the best insole is firm, but also conforms to the foot. “Good insoles, also known as orthotics, are the only devices that place and hold the foot in an optimal biomechanical position by providing the correct tilt in the heel as well as arch support,” Dr. Lobkova says.

When it comes to the sneakers themselves, allow two weeks to break them in, she adds. Dr. Lobkova also advises avoiding high impact exercises and to focus on walking in them to break them in.

Material

The midsole of the shoe or the orthotics that you may choose to buy can be comprised of different materials. The most common and effective include cork, polyethylene foam, and carbon fiber, the last of which is used as a firmer stabilizer, Dr. Lobkova notes. Layers of different foam material called EVA are also a good choice.

In fact, you might find most running shoes with great arch support are made of EVA, which is a foam material similar to rubber but lighter. EVA is known for being firm but responsive, and it’s good for shock absorption on impact.

Dr. Lobkova recommends adding insoles to your sneakers as they will be able to put your foot in the most optimal position. “Insoles, if used correctly, can provide the support needed for multiple activities and performance levels without problems,” she adds.

For those with flat feet, she says to look for insoles with a heel cup and a stabilizing post under the heel section. The insoles should also be semi-rigid, meaning you shouldn’t be able to bend them in half.

For people with high arches, you’ll want something more flexible. She recommends insoles with a neutral heel that don't have a stabilizing post.

But, like anything else in life, you have to make sure they’re right for you. If you can get custom orthotics, those will offer the best support for your individual needs, Dr. Lobkova says. If that’s not an option, Lobkova recommends over-the-counter insoles from Superfeet and Powerstep.