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The Best 5Aggregated review·14 sources·updated May 24, 2026·checked July 30, 2026

Best Running Shoes for High Arches

Top neutral, well-cushioned running shoes for high-arched feet, ranked by aggregate score from 14 published reviews from real multi-source testing.

This guide aggregates 14 published reviews across 5 products; the thinnest-sourced pick rests on 2. How we rank.

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.
Quick answer

ASICS Novablast 5 is our top pick for running shoes for high arches — an averaged 4.5/5 across 3 published reviews at about $129.95. Runner-up: Nike Pegasus 42 (~$191.56).

Read the ASICS Novablast 5 review →$129.95 · Check Price on Amazon
At a glance5 products ▾
1ASICS Novablast 5Top Score
3 sources1 derived
$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 sources1 derived
$191.56Best for: high-arch runners who want one firm, versatile shoe for easy runs, light speed work, and everyday wear
$191.56 · Check Price on Amazon
3Brooks Ghost 18
2 sources1 derived
$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 sources2 derived
$109.95Best for: high-arch runners who want maximum plush protection for slow, high-mileage and recovery days
$109.95 · Check Price on Amazon
5ASICS Gel-Cumulus 28
3 sources2 derived
$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

Derived means the reviewer published no score, so one was inferred from their written verdict. Everything else is a number the publisher printed. How we rank.

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
3 sources1 derived$129.95as of Aug 1
▾Why it's ranked here

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
3 sources1 derived$191.56as of Jul 1
▾Why it's ranked here

The Pegasus 42 is the do-everything pick: a firm, durable neutral trainer with a curved Air Zoom unit that adds bounce and a very high effective drop suited to heel-striking high-arch runners. RunRepeat scored it 90/100 and called out how many jobs it covers, 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
$191.56 · Check Price on AmazonFull 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
2 sources1 derived$149.95as of Aug 1
▾Why it's ranked here

The Ghost 18 is the dependable neutral daily trainer in this group: a balanced DNA Loft v3 midsole soft enough for long miles yet firm enough to push, with a high 10mm drop suited to 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
3 sources2 derived$109.95as of Aug 1
▾Why it's ranked here

The Gel-Nimbus 27 is ASICS' range-topping neutral cushioned trainer and a classic high-arch recommendation. A 42mm-plus stack and reinforced sidewalls give it a stable, shock-absorbing ride that protects a high arch on slow miles. RunRepeat scored it 85/100 while flagging it as best at 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
$109.95 · 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
3 sources2 derived$144.95as of Aug 1
▾Why it's ranked here

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 →
Reviews aggregated from
RunrepeatBelieveintherunRuntothefinishDoctorsofrunningRoadtrailrunRunningshoesguru

Spec comparison

5 products
vs
SpecASICS Novablast 5Nike Pegasus 42
Weight9.0 oz (M)10.1 oz (M)
Drop8mm10mm (14mm measured)
Stack height41.5mm heel / 33.5mm forefoot36mm heel / 22mm forefoot
Support typeNeutralNeutral
CushioningMax (FF Blast Max)Moderate (ReactX + Air Zoom)
Width optionsStandard, WideStandard, Wide, Extra Wide
UpperEngineered meshEngineered mesh
Dimensions12.7 x 7.9 x 4.5 inches; 1.44 pounds—

Frequently asked questions

What is the best running shoes for high arche?
ASICS Novablast 5 holds the top score for running shoes for high arches — 4.5/5 averaged 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.
How current is this ranking?
This guide was last re-checked in May 2026. Prices, links, and source ratings are re-verified on a rolling basis, and the ranking updates when the underlying scores change.

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