7 Best Running Shoes For Low Arches

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.

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 £140 average of stability shoes and even the £150 average of other speed trainers.

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.

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 localised 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.

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 manoeuvre 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.

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.

Stability shoes average £140 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.