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
Should you 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.
What brand of sneakers do podiatrists recommend? ›Thankfully, there are plenty of sneaker brands — like New Balance, Hoka and Brooks — that make shoes specifically for people with wide feet. We interviewed podiatrists about what to look for when shopping for the best women's wide sneakers for running and walking.
What sneaker has the most support? ›The Adidas Ultraboost 22 running shoes stand out for their sock-like fit, which hugs the foot from all directions. And even though these shoes are cushioned, they have the stability you need on the outsole to feel supported with every step.
What brands are good for arch support? ›- SOVELLA. Sovella is a renowned brand known for its exceptional recovery abilities, comfort, and remarkable arch support. ...
- AETREX. ...
- DANSKO. ...
- OLUKAI. ...
- NEW BALANCE. ...
- HOKA. ...
- BROOKS. ...
- ECCO.
Not only do these shoes provide more arch support than most running shoes we've tried, but they also provide relief from knee pain and other joint issues. The midsole also absorbs shock incredibly well, allowing us to run farther during testing.
Do podiatrists recommend arch support? ›DPMs often recommend orthotics and other conservative care for many foot and ankle problems before considering podiatric surgery.
Do Hoka shoes have good arch support? ›Hoka is widely recognized for its innovative designs and exceptional cushioning. One of the key features of Hoka shoes is their meta-rocker technology, which promotes a smooth and efficient gait cycle. This design, combined with generous arch support, helps to reduce strain on the arch and prevent overpronation.
Why do podiatrists not recommend Skechers? ›Sketchers DO NOT have appropriate stability in the upper fabric and the heel counter to complement an orthotic. As such, you will probably find the orthotic redundant, or in worse case contributing to the cause of injury. Remember, an orthotic does 50% of the work. The shoe does the other 50%.
Why do podiatrists like Hoka? ›Beloved by style-seekers and podiatrists alike, the brand has a wide range of models to choose from, all of which fit expert recommendations for supportive footwear: They won't fold in half if you try to bend them, they have removable insoles, and they have firm heel counters.
Why do podiatrists recommend new balance? ›One of the primary reasons podiatrists recommend New Balance shoes is their exceptional arch support. Proper arch support is vital for maintaining the natural alignment of the foot and preventing issues like overpronation (inward rolling of the foot) or supination (outward rolling of the foot).
Who is the number 1 sneaker in the world? ›
1. Nike. This athletic apparel and footwear titan needs no introduction, dominating sports and shoe culture through revolutionary technology and endorsem*nt deals with superstar athletes across every sport.
What is the No 1 sneaker brand? ›Nike is the most popular sneaker brand among U.S. consumers, with 64 percent of respondents who know the brand actually liking it. Adidas also enjoys a significant preference but lags behind Nike. New Balance, Converse, and Skechers follow some way behind.
What is the most cushioned shoe for running? ›- HOKA Bondi 8.
- Brooks Glycerin 21.
- ASICS GEL-Nimbus 26.
- Karhu Mestari Run.
- Saucony Triumph 21.
- On Cloudstratus 3.
- Mizuno Wave Sky 7.
- New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 v13.
Orthopedic shoes are designed to provide support and cushioning for your feet. They can help relieve pain from plantar fasciitis, bunions, Achilles tendonitis, and other foot problems. There are many different types of orthopedic shoes available. Some have a higher arch, while others have a lower arch.
Do new balances have good arch support? ›One of the primary reasons podiatrists recommend New Balance shoes is their exceptional arch support.
Do Skechers have good arch support? ›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.