7 Best Running Shoes For Low Arches in 2024

Jens Jakob Andersen
Jens Jakob Andersen on
7 Best Running Shoes For Low Arches in 2024
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Running longer miles is not easy – especially for low-arch or flat-footed runners wearing the wrong shoes. If you’re one of them, there are key factors to look for in running shoes that may help you feel supported and comfortable.

Equipped with our shoe testing lab and our staff of dedicated testers, we’ve tested and looked for the best stability tech, arch support, and motion control design to come up with our top picks of the best shoes for runners with low arches.

Depending on your specific needs, we’ve selected our best picks in different categories. Whether you want the best value for your money, a solid choice for the trails, or a more budget-friendly option, we’ve got you covered.

How we test running shoes

As a team of experienced runners, we constantly test the latest offerings in the low-arch running shoe category. Each pair of shoes is put to the wringer – lab-tested and wear-tested – and to see how it fares as compared to others in the selection. The entire process specifically includes:

  • Buying all the running shoes on this list with our own money. We follow this to keep everything transparent, honest, and unbiased.
  • Cutting the shoes into pieces in our lab. This allows us to get a much closer look at the parts and techs.
  • Weighing and measuring 30+ parameters from stability, cushioning motion control technology, and many others. We also compare the measurements and scores we extract to the average values for running shoes.
  • Wear-testing the shoe in various training conditions and racing environments. We log at least 30 to 50 miles for each model. 

Best running shoes for low arches overall

What makes it the best?

In our runs, Adrenaline GTS 23 kept our arches supported while making sure we remained comfortable. Despite being a stability shoe, it doesn’t force us to run in a particular way. Our lab results and runs show it has a good balance of stiff and flexible elements for low-key support — making it our top running shoe for low arches.

The balanced foam feels soft underfoot yet feels firm enough for steady strides. Our durometer confirms it’s 18.4% softer than the average running shoe. With a wider-than-average landing platform, it ensures a securely planted sensation. Further promoting steady landings is its GuideRails technology, which is integrated into the sides of the heels to support excess movement. 

Steady support is given most naturally thanks to its adaptive midsole. In our flex test, it boldly exceeds the average by 41.2%. This elevates comfort to the next level since it blocks off any fighting sensation from the midsole.

The ultra-breathable upper keeps our runs sweat and blister-free, thanks to the large ventilation holes we spotted under our microscope. This shoe showed very impressive airflow vs. all our lab-tested shoes.

We warn caution that the pair’s subtle support might not be enough for extreme overpronators. These runners should try out more aggressive stability shoes.

Pros

  • Excellent stability without being intrusive
  • Ideal for easy miles
  • Specifically designed for heel strikers
  • Outstanding breathability
  • Comfortable and cushioned
  • Availability in narrow and wide sizes
  • Capable of handling tempo paces
  • Not expensive at all

Cons

  • The engineered mesh upper lacks durability
  • Lacks cushion for forefoot strikers
Full review of Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23

Best speed training shoes for low arches

Saucony Tempus
89
Great!

What makes it the best?

Saucony Tempus is unlike any other, bringing a fresh approach to arch support, speed, and stability. Other than its wide base and rigid heel, this stability shoe surprises us with its light nature and soft, springy midsole. It provides the guidance and speed needed for any distance — making it our top speed trainer for low-arch runners.

Plush foam spoils our feet, feeling buttery-smooth underneath. Our durometer confirms its velvet touch, measuring 23.0% softer than average. The cushion is bouncy and keeps our momentum strong. Further improving our speed is the rocker geometry that encourages higher cadence and smooth turnovers.  

Overall, our runs feel steady without being forced to run in a certain way. Saucony Tempus delivers stability without being invasive through its wider-than-average landing platform and rigid heel counter. In our stiffness test, the heel scored 4/5 (vs. 2.7 average). A higher number means it’s tougher to bend.

Its airy nature allows us to be quick on our feet. At 9.4 oz (266 g), it’s much lighter than the 10.5 oz (298.3g) average of stability shoes.

Its price point tips the scale in the other direction. At $160, it’s at the higher end of the spectrum vs. the $139 average of stability shoes and even the $145 average of other speed trainers.

Pros

  • Stable but not aggressive
  • Responsive ride
  • Smooth transitions
  • Outsole is super solid
  • Bites on wet roads
  • Snug and secure fit
  • Breathable on warm days
  • Roomy toe box
  • Not heavy

Cons

  • Causes heel rubs
  • Expensive
Full review of Saucony Tempus

Best cushioned running shoes for low arches

What makes it the best?

The 31st iteration of Gel Kayano is our recommendation for the best-cushioned low-arch running shoe. This daily trainer delivers the best of both worlds in comfort and support with its ultra-stacked and plushly-packed cushion and 4D Guidance System. It delivers a forgiving ride in a sure-footed manner, which often isn’t the case for maximalist shoes.

Rising to 39.3/27.8 mm, GK31’s skyscraper stack sits well above the average for added comfort. The cherry on the top is the FF Blast+, the most cloud-like foam from ASICS. This combo feels so luxurious we could handle long miles without feeling tired.

GK31 proves a maximalist can be steady through its revolutionary 4D Guidance System and its wide platform—the main ingredients to its stable ride. The arch support adjusts to each foot shape for custom protection. The midsole is insanely spacious and can accommodate even the widest feet, measuring 122.1/97.6 mm in the forefoot and heel. That’s an extra 8.3/7.1 mm more than average!

As expected, this wide and padded shoe can use a diet with its 10.4 oz (295g) weight. Not everyone needs a maximalist shoe. Other athletes may check lighter options.

Pros

  • Excellent stability
  • Ideal for heel strikers
  • Good breathability
  • Comfortable and roomy upper
  • Great for easy paces
  • Maximalist cushioning
  • A bit lighter than v30
  • Plush FF Blast+ foam

Cons

  • Big and clunky
  • Not versatile at all
  • Outsole needs improvements
Full review of ASICS Gel Kayano 31

Best lightweight running shoes for low arches

Hoka Arahi 7
83
Good!

What makes it the best?

Hoka Arahi 7 is a light, low-key stability shoe offering gentle support. It’s tailor-made to accommodate low arches and overpronators through its wide and balanced platform. Through our lab tests and runs, we crown it as the best lightweight running shoe for low arches.

Despite the dense foam and wide platform, it's surprisingly light. Its sleek 9.4 oz (266g) build is much lighter than the 10.3 oz (293g) average stability shoe.

Striking the middle ground between comfort and support, it has a firm base with midsole sidewalls and the J-Frame technology. Its high-density J-shaped foam surrounds the midsole and wraps around the heel for steady support. Its 34.2/27.9 mm stack gave us enough protection and our durometer shows it’s 13.7% firmer than average. In our runs, we felt there was even weight distribution and less localized tension.

Further ensuring a planted sensation is the vast platform. It provides a major 7.2 mm extra space both in the forefoot and heel vs. the average, making it a great stability option for all types of foot-strikers. 

Though the platform is vast, the upper has a snug and performance-oriented fit. Those with wide or square-shaped feet should be cautious of the toebox.

Pros

  • Premium and comfy upper
  • Still surprisingly light
  • Subtle yet effective stability features
  • Versatile for all footstrikes
  • Reasonably priced
  • Excellent fit and security
  • Plush tongue
  • Cushioned

Cons

  • Limited breathability
  • Low energy return
  • Slightly snug fit
Full review of Hoka Arahi 7

Best daily running shoes for low arches

Saucony Guide 17
88
Great!

What makes it the best?

Saucony Guide 17 is our top daily trainer for low arches, providing low-key guidance despite its airy and loose build and cushioned midsole. Our lab shows it blends traditional and contemporary elements to redefine the conventional stability shoe, providing stability without overwhelming force.

The first thing that amazed us is its light weight since stability shoes tend to be heavy. Sitting at 9.7 oz (275g), it beats the 10.4 oz (296g) average of its counterparts. What’s also surprising is how light it feels despite its towering 34.9/27.9 mm stack. 

Guide 17 delivers smoother mid-to-forefoot transitions with its rocker geometry. While stability shoes tend to be stiff, it's 24.5% more flexible than the average running shoe thanks to the flex grooves in the outsole. It feels easy to maneuver since we can stride with our natural form.

The underlying support lies in the balanced and broad midsole and its subtle guiding features. Our durometer reveals the cushion is a balanced 22.3 HA, supporting our arches and absorbing impact. To ensure steady landings, Guide 17 adds width to its 121.0/104.6 mm base (vs. the 113.5/90.3 mm average). The midsole sidewalls and sole flares contribute to locking our feet down for a well-planted feeling.

However, Guide 17 performs best on easy-to-tempo runs but lacks the explosive energy for faster paces. If speed is a priority, this shoe won’t deliver.

Pros

  • Enhanced stability features
  • Improved stack height
  • Spacious upper
  • Lightweight
  • Fairly priced
  • Smoother transitions with new rocker
  • Premium PWRRUN+ sockliner

Cons

  • Grip could be better
  • Less agile than before
  • Exposed midsole
Full review of Saucony Guide 17

Best running shoes for wide feet and low arches

Hoka Gaviota 5
83
Good!

What makes it the best?

Multiple tests in and out of the lab allowed us to discover the best low-arch running shoe for wide feet: Hoka Gaviota 5. It provides supreme comfort and unwavering support suited for those who need extra stability and arch support. It has a dual-density foam setup, an exceptionally wide base, and an unobstructed upper that improves the overall running experience.

We felt like we could run endlessly with Gaviota's cushioned and leg-saving ride. Our numbers reveal a generous amount of protection underneath no matter where we land. Its plush 12.9 HA midsole vs. the 23.5 HA average ensures comfort, while the firmer 22.0 HA foam in high-impact areas enhances stable strides. 

The remarkably wide landing base, measuring 125.1/106.6 mm in the forefoot and heel, accommodates wide feet with ease because it provides an astounding 11.7/16.3 mm of additional space than average. Further guiding our foot alignment is the H-Frame that keeps us stable laterally. 

Our feet never felt trapped in this shoe because of the spacious toebox and breezy upper. The toebox promotes natural toe splay, while the engineered mesh upper has ventilation holes for optimal airflow. Our breathability test confirms this with a well-deserved 5/5 rating.

As expected of a cushioned stability shoe, the Gaviota 5 weighed us down during quicker paces with its 10.6 oz (299g) build vs. the 9.4 oz (266g) average.

Pros

  • Remarkably stable
  • Breathable and comfortable upper
  • Lightweight for its size
  • Plushier than ever
  • Good stability option for forefoot strikers
  • Ideal for wide feet
  • Excellent for long runs

Cons

  • Low drop might pose issues for heel strikers
  • Performs poorly in colder conditions
  • Not for narrow feet
Full review of Hoka Gaviota 5

Best budget running shoes for low arches

What makes it the best?

Stability shoes average $139 upon release, while ASICS GT 1000 12 offers the same support — with much more comfort — for the affordable price of $100. Unfazed by the standard, this shoe excels in natural movement, durability, and out-of-this-world breathability. We’re confident this is the best budget low-arch running shoe.

ASICS’ GEL is the main stability feature of this pair. Integrated into the outer heel, it ensures safe and sound landings on the plush Flytefoam. Our durometer shows the foam is 46.9% softer than average, providing relieving support in the arch. The subtle guidance doesn’t feel obtrusive since the midsole feels very fluid. Our flex test validates it’s a mindblowing 60.4% more flexible than average.

The outsole delivers traction without sacrificing durability. It maintains the equilibrium through its 74.8 HC softer-than-average rubber and 4.8 mm thicker-than-average material. Softer rubber means more grip, while a thicker outsole means it’s more resistant to wear.

Light in the pocket and on the feet, it weighs 9.6 oz (271g). Most stability shoes weigh above 10.0 oz (283g). Its top-tier upper has countless ventilation holes for breathability. Goodbye, blisters and sweaty feet!

While this shoe gives all the support and comfort, the Flytefoam isn’t responsive and bouncy enough to pick up the pace.

Pros

  • Incredible value for the price
  • Cushioned and soft midsole
  • Offers great stability
  • GEL technology in the heel
  • Perfectly comfortable for cross-training or walking
  • Built to endure long-distance runs
  • Offers exceptional breathability
  • Durable outsole with a long lifespan

Cons

  • Flytefoam could offer better energy return
  • Upper lacks durability
Full review of ASICS GT 1000 12
Author
Jens Jakob Andersen
Jens Jakob Andersen
Jens Jakob is a fan of short distances with a 5K PR at 15:58 minutes. Based on 35 million race results, he's among the fastest 0.2% runners. Jens Jakob previously owned a running store, when he was also a competitive runner. His work is regularly featured in The New York Times, Washington Post, BBC and the likes as well as peer-reviewed journals. Finally, he has been a guest on +30 podcasts on running.