7 Best Running Shoes For Low Arches in 2023

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 actual 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 in the most natural way 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.

Hoka Arahi 6 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 lab tests and actual runs, we crown it as the best daily trainer among low-arch shoes.

Striking the middle ground between comfort and support, it has a balanced cushion with J-Frame technology. Its high-density J-shaped foam surrounds the midsole providing steady support. Yet the cushion has enough stack to mute out ground feel. Its forefoot rises 4.0 mm above average, resulting in a more leveled platform. This results in even weight distribution and less localized tension.

Further ensuring a planted sensation is the vast platform. It provides an extra 2.1 mm in the forefoot and a major 7.4 mm in the heel. This means it’s a great stability option for all types of foot-strikers. 

Despite the dense foam and wide platform, it's surprisingly light. At a sleek 8.9 oz (252g), it’s much lighter than the average running shoe (9.5 oz / 268g). What’s even more amazing is that stability shoes are usually above 10.0 oz (283g).

Hoka missed Arahi 6’s grip. With less outsole to cover the midsole and harder rubber (less traction), we’re hesitant to corner at high speeds.

Stability shoes average £150 upon release, while ASICS GT 1000 12 offers the same support — with much more comfort — for the affordable price of £110. 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.

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 £170, it’s at the higher end of the spectrum vs. the £150 average of stability shoes and even the £150 average of other speed trainers.

The 30th iteration of Gel Kayano is our recommendation for the best-cushioned low-arch running shoes. This daily trainer holds the perfect mix of comfort and support with its ultra-stacked and soft cushion and 4D Guidance System. It delivers a breezy, buttery-smooth ride in a sure-footed manner, which often isn’t the case for maximalist shoes. 

Rising to 39.7/27.7 mm in the heel and forefoot, its skyscraper stack sits well above the average for added comfort. The cherry on the top is the FF Blast+ — ASICS' softest cloud-like foam. This combo feels so luxurious we could handle long miles without feeling tired.

GK30 proves a cushioned shoe can be steady. Its new 4D Guidance System and its wide platform are the main ingredients to a stable ride. The softer foam used right under the arch adjusted well to the shape of our feet for custom protection. The midsole is insanely spacious and can accommodate even the widest feet, measuring 124.3/105.4 mm in the forefoot and heel. That’s an extra 11.2/15.3 mm more than the average!

As expected, this wide and padded shoe weighs 10.7 oz (303g) vs. the 9.5 oz (268g) average. Not everyone needs a maximalist shoe. Other athletes may check lighter options.

Saucony Guide 16 is our top lightweight low-arch running shoe, providing low-key guidance despite its airy build and flexible midsole. It redefines the usual rigid stability shoe by mixing traditional and modern features to complete a stability system without being too forceful. 

The first thing that amazed us upon testing was the shoe’s light weight since stability shoes tend to be heavy. This lightweight runner only sits at 9.7 oz (275g), while its counterparts weigh an average of 10.5 oz (298.3g).

Next is how flexible it is, providing smoother mid-to-forefoot transitions. While stability shoes tend to be stiff, Guide 16 emerges 32.8% more flexible than the average running shoe (including neutral trainers). It’s easy to control and allows our feet to stride in its natural form.

The main support of this shoe lies in the firm midsole and its HOLLOW-TECH frame. It’s designed to catch our feet. The cushion that hugs our feet feels firm but has enough foam for support and shock absorption. The shoe’s sidewalls and sole flaring contribute to keeping our feet steady, with the rigid heel locking it down in place. In our stiffness test, it received the highest 5/5 score.

Guide 16 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.

We felt Gaviota 5's arch support through its cloud-like foam that dampens the impact of long miles. It’s immensely comfortable while providing stability through its wide platform and balanced cushion. Through lab tests and actual runs, we endorse this pair as the best long-distance shoe for low arches.

We find its plush cushioning, even on the forefoot, to be suited even to high-mileage enthusiasts. It stands 32.7 mm high (vs. 24.5 mm average), making it a great stability shoe for forefoot strikers. The foam feels velvety and our durometer confirms it’s 12.9 HA, 46.5% softer than average. Supported by a firmer 22.0 HA secondary foam, it's integrated into high-impact areas for better balance. 

Another stability feature is the massive base. Its 125.1/106.6 mm forefoot and heel is one of the widest we’ve tested with our caliper. That’s an extra 11.9/16.5 mm space for stable landings. This pair shines in terms of lateral stability with the H-Frame guiding us in place.

Gaviota 5 is not only accommodating to wide feet, but it’s also great for tropical weather! With a thin mesh and countless ventilation holes, the upper keeps our feet away from sweat and blisters. Its 5/5 rating on our lab breathability test confirms our observation.

We found Gaviota 5’s low heel-to-toe drop of 2.2 mm less suited for extreme heel-strikers and athletes with lower-leg issues.