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The Best 5Reviewed by Mike Hunter·May 24, 2026

Best Running Shoes for High Arches

Top neutral, well-cushioned running shoes for high-arched feet, reviewed and ranked from real multi-source testing.

Quick answer

ASICS Novablast 5 is our top pick for running shoes for high arches — an averaged 4.6/5 across 3 published reviews at about $129.95. Runner-up: Nike Pegasus 42 (~$145).

Read the ASICS Novablast 5 review →$129.95 · Check Price on Amazon

At a glance

Tap any product for the full review
1ASICS Novablast 5Top Score
(3 sources)
$129.95Best for: high-arch runners who want a soft but lively neutral trainer for daily miles and long runs
$129.95 · Check Price on Amazon
2Nike Pegasus 42
(3 sources)
$145Best for: high-arch runners who want one firm, versatile shoe for easy runs, light speed work, and everyday wear
$145 · Buy at nike.com
3Brooks Ghost 18
(3 sources)
$149.95Best for: high-arch runners who want one dependable, balanced daily trainer rather than maximum cushioning
$149.95 · Check Price on Amazon
4ASICS Gel-Nimbus 27
(3 sources)
$160Best for: high-arch runners who want maximum plush protection for slow, high-mileage and recovery days
$160 · Check Price on Amazon
5ASICS Gel-Cumulus 28
(3 sources)
$144.95Best for: high-arch heel strikers who want plush cushioning at a lower price than the flagship Nimbus
$144.95 · Check Price on Amazon
Verdict is reader-supported. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Some links on this page are affiliate links — if you click through and buy, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Our ratings are sourced from independent publications, not sponsors.
Reviews aggregated from
Runrepeat.comBelieveintherun.comRuntothefinish.comRunningwarehouse.comDoctorsofrunning.comRoadtrailrun.comRunningshoesguru.com

The full ranking

How we rank →
ASICS Novablast 5
#1 · Top Score
Best for: high-arch runners who want a soft but lively neutral trainer for daily miles and long runs
ASICS Novablast 5
from 3 sources$129.95as of Jun 7

The Novablast 5 is the best overall pick for high arches: a genuinely neutral, highly cushioned daily trainer with no supportive posting to fight a high-arched stride. The new FF Blast Max foam is soft yet rebounds well, and reviewers consistently note the roomy midfoot accommodates higher-volume, high-arched feet. RunRepeat scored it 92/100 and praised its plush-but-poppy ride.

Strengths
  • — FF Blast Max foam delivers a bouncy, well-protected ride that high arches benefit from
  • — Light for a max-cushioned trainer at roughly 9 oz in a men's 9
Watch-outs
  • — The trampoline-like geometry can feel tippy for some runners on turns
  • — Mesh upper runs warm in hot weather
$129.95 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →vs. Nike Pegasus 42 →
Nike Pegasus 42
#2
Best for: high-arch runners who want one firm, versatile shoe for easy runs, light speed work, and everyday wear
Nike Pegasus 42
from 3 sources$145as of Jun 8

The Pegasus 42 is the versatile do-everything pick: a firm, durable neutral trainer with a curved Air Zoom unit that adds bounce and a very high effective drop that suits heel-striking high-arch runners. RunRepeat scored it 90/100 and called it highly versatile, while Run To The Finish rated it 92% as an easy-day shoe that can transition to uptempo work.

Strengths
  • — Highly versatile — handles easy runs, moderate uptempo, gym, and all-day wear
  • — RunRepeat measured a strong 90/100 CoreScore
Watch-outs
  • — Moderate stack doesn't match its fairly hefty weight
  • — Firmer, less plush than max-cushion rivals — less impact protection for very long runs
$145 · Buy at nike.comFull review →vs. ASICS Novablast 5 →
Brooks Ghost 18
#3
Best for: high-arch runners who want one dependable, balanced daily trainer rather than maximum cushioning
Brooks Ghost 18
from 3 sources$149.95as of Jun 7

The Ghost 18 is the dependable neutral daily trainer in this group: a balanced DNA Loft v3 midsole that is soft enough for long miles yet firm enough to push, with a high 10mm drop that suits heel-striking high-arch runners. Running Warehouse's testers averaged about 8.2/10, and Run To The Finish rated it 88%, praising its do-exactly-what-it-promises reliability.

Strengths
  • — Balanced DNA Loft v3 midsole — soft enough for long miles, firm enough to pick up the pace
  • — Reliable, durable daily workhorse with a high 10mm drop that eases Achilles strain
Watch-outs
  • — Conservative, no-frills feel that some reviewers find unexciting
  • — Lower stack height than max-cushion rivals
$149.95 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →vs. ASICS Novablast 5 →
ASICS Gel-Nimbus 27
#4
Best for: high-arch runners who want maximum plush protection for slow, high-mileage and recovery days
ASICS Gel-Nimbus 27
from 3 sources$160

The Gel-Nimbus 27 is ASICS' range-topping neutral cushioned trainer and a classic high-arch recommendation. Its 42mm-plus stack and reinforced sidewalls deliver a stable, shock-absorbing ride that protects a high arch on slow miles. RunRepeat scored it 85/100 but flagged it as best for easy paces, and Believe in the Run found it soft with a touch of road feel.

Strengths
  • — Among the highest stack heights and most cushioning of any neutral trainer
  • — Stable, shock-absorbing platform with reinforced sidewalls that high arches appreciate
Watch-outs
  • — Bottom-heavy feel and firmer-than-expected foam isn't for everyone
  • — Heavy at over 10.5 oz, lacking versatility for faster paces
$160 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →vs. ASICS Novablast 5 →
ASICS Gel-Cumulus 28
#5
Best for: high-arch heel strikers who want plush cushioning at a lower price than the flagship Nimbus
ASICS Gel-Cumulus 28
from 3 sources$144.95as of Jun 7

The Gel-Cumulus 28 is the value pick: a lighter, more affordable sibling to the Nimbus with plush cushioning, a wide stable base, and a very high effective drop that suits heel-striking high-arch runners. RunRepeat measured a 42.8mm heel stack and praised its plush, stable geometry for heel strikers, though it flagged the limited pace range.

Strengths
  • — Plush cushioning on a wide, stable platform — great for heel-striking high arches
  • — Light for its cushioning at about 8.9 oz
Watch-outs
  • — Tall heel-biased geometry feels extreme for forefoot strikers
  • — Limited pace range and modest energy return
$144.95 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →vs. ASICS Novablast 5 →

Spec comparison

5 products
SpecASICS Novablast 5Nike Pegasus 42Brooks Ghost 18ASICS Gel-Nimbus 27ASICS Gel-Cumulus 28
Weight9.0 oz (M)10.1 oz (M)10.2 oz (M)10.5 oz (M)8.9 oz (M)
Drop8mm10mm (14mm measured)10mm8mm8mm (13.3mm measured)
Stack height41.5mm heel / 33.5mm forefoot36mm heel / 22mm forefoot36mm heel / 26mm forefoot42.7mm heel / 34.4mm forefoot42.8mm heel / 29.5mm forefoot
Support typeNeutralNeutralNeutralNeutralNeutral
CushioningMax (FF Blast Max)Moderate (ReactX + Air Zoom)Moderate (DNA Loft v3)Max (FF Blast Plus Eco)High (FF Blast Plus)
Width optionsStandard, WideStandard, Wide, Extra WideStandard, Wide, Extra Wide, NarrowStandard, Wide, Extra WideStandard, Wide, Extra Wide
UpperEngineered meshEngineered meshEngineered air meshEngineered stretch knitEngineered mesh

Frequently asked questions

What is the best running shoes for high arche?
ASICS Novablast 5 is our top pick for running shoes for high arches, with an averaged rating of 4.6/5 from 3 published reviews. The Novablast 5 is the best overall pick for high arches: a genuinely neutral, highly cushioned daily trainer with no supportive posting to fight a high-arched stride. The new FF Blast Max foam is soft yet rebounds well, and reviewers consistently note the roomy midfoot accommodates higher-volume, high-arched feet. RunRepeat scored it 92/100 and praised its plush-but-poppy ride.
What's the runner-up if the top pick is unavailable?
Nike Pegasus 42 (around $145) rates 4.5/5 in our analysis. The Pegasus 42 is the versatile do-everything pick: a firm, durable neutral trainer with a curved Air Zoom unit that adds bounce and a very high effective drop that suits heel-striking high-arch runners. RunRepeat scored it 90/100 and called it highly versatile, while Run To The Finish rated it 92% as an easy-day shoe that can transition to uptempo work.
How does Verdict rank these products?
Every rating on Verdict is the numerical average of scores published by independent review sites, YouTube reviewers, and Reddit buyer reports. No editor adjusts the order — the ranking is whatever the source data produces. See our methodology page for the full process.
When was this guide last updated?
This guide was last re-checked in May 2026. We re-run our research pipeline for each category on a rolling basis so prices and rankings reflect current market reality.

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