7 Best Running Shoes For Low Arches in 2025

Jens Jakob Andersen
Jens Jakob Andersen on
7 Best Running Shoes For Low Arches in 2025

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

Depending on your specific needs, we’ve selected our best picks in different categories. Check them out here!

How we test running shoes for low arches


As a team of experienced runners, we constantly test the latest offerings in the low-arch running shoe category. Each pair of shoes is lab-tested and wear-tested. The entire process of reviewing shoes includes these steps:

  • 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 20+ parameters, including energy return, stability, heel counter stiffness, platform width, and many others. We also compare the measurements and scores to the average values for running shoes.
  • Wear-testing the shoe in various training conditions and paces.

Best running shoes for low arches overall

What makes it the best?

In our runs, Adrenaline GTS 24 kept our arches supported while making sure we remained comfortable. Despite being a stable 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 cushion feels firm yet thick enough for protected landings. Our durometer confirms it’s a balanced 44.1 AC, which delivers a steady and springy ride. Meanwhile, our calliper shows the heel is 39.0 mm tall.

With a wider-than-average rear, it ensures a securely planted sensation. Further promoting steady landings is its GuideRails technology, which is integrated into the sides of the shoe to prevent excess movement. It also includes a medial post to reinforce our arches.

Steady support is given most naturally thanks to its adaptive midsole. In our flex test, it boldly exceeds the average by 19.9%. This elevates comfort to the next level since it blocks off any fighting sensation from the midsole.

We warn caution that this shoe has an aggressive offset that’s only suited for rear strikers. We recommend mid-to-forefoot strikers to find a pair that complements their running dynamics.

Pros

  • Stack height upgrade!
  • Reliable support
  • Breathable mesh with oversized vents
  • Price remains unchanged
  • Available in 4 width options
  • Good durability
  • Plush tongue for top comfort
  • Ideal for heel strikers
  • Foam upgrade to DNA Loft v3

Cons

  • Firmer-than-expected midsole
  • High drop may feel too steep
  • Toebox height is a bit low
  • Non-gusseted tongue
Full review of Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24

Running shoes for low arches with the best shock absorption

What makes it the best?

The 25th iteration of the Saucony Hurricane is our recommendation for the best shock-absorbing low-arch running shoe. This comfortable yet speedy trainer delivers the best of many worlds in comfort, responsiveness, and support with its ultra-stacked and plushly-packed PWRRUN PB cushion. It delivers a protective ride in a sure-footed manner through the CenterPath technology, which often isn’t the case for maximalist shoes.

Rising to 40.2/33.1 mm, Hurricane 25’s skyscraper stack sits well above the average for added comfort. The cherry on the top is the cloudlike touch we felt with every stride. Our shock absorption test reveals a high rating of 151 SA in the heel and 140 SA in the forefoot. This combo feels so luxurious that we could handle long miles without feeling tired.

To avoid feeling its bulk, the midsole is actually more energetic than we expect. Testing for its rebound, the heel scored 68.4% and the forefoot a massive 74.0%!

Hurricane 25 proves a maximalist can be steady through its revolutionary CenterPath technology and its wide platform—the main ingredients to its stable ride. The shoe keeps us centred as it resists twisting (4/5). The midsole is also insanely spacious, reaching 124.4/102.2 mm in the forefoot and heel. That’s an extra 10.0/11.5 mm more than average!

As expected, this wide and padded shoe can use a diet with its 10.1 oz (286g) weight. Not everyone needs a maximalist shoe. Other athletes may check lighter options.

Pros

  • Fantastic energy return with PWRRUN PB foam
  • Lighter than previous version
  • Excellent cushioning for long miles
  • Top-tier stability with redesigned midsole
  • Upper offers top comfort
  • Outsole redesign with improved grip
  • Premium SRS insole
  • Top-tier stability thanks to midsole redesign

Cons

  • Price hike from previous version
  • Poor breathability
  • Lacks agility due to its size
Full review of Saucony Hurricane 25

Running shoes for low arches with the best energy return

Saucony Tempus 2
89
Great!

What makes it the best?

Saucony Tempus 2 is unlike any other, bringing a fresh approach to arch support, speed, and stability. Other than its wide base and PWRRUN frame, this stability shoe surprises us with its springy midsole in lab tests. It provides the guidance and speed needed even for tempo runs, making it our low-arch running shoe with the best energy return.

The PWRRUN PB cushion is bouncy and keeps our momentum strong. We tested the midsole in the lab and recorded remarkable energy return scores of 69.9% in the heel and 72.2% in the forefoot. Picking up the pace was never a problem in our runs.

Overall, our runs feel steady through its wider-than-average landing platform, confirmed by our calliper with 119.1/94.5 mm measurements. 

Moreover, its firm PWRRUN frame adds twist-resistance to the shoe, forcing us to move forward with its solid side-to-side containment. Our manual assessment verifies its high torsional rigidity with a solid 4/5 rating.

However, the toebox has limited room for swollen and broad feet. Runners who need more room up front should go for wider pairs.

Pros

  • Excellent energy return
  • Very stable ride
  • Durable and grippy outsole
  • Classic, non-aggressive rocker
  • Works amazing for heel strikers
  • Solid and secure fit
  • No price increase from v1
  • Perfect as a daily workhorse

Cons

  • Poor breathability
  • Feels a bit too firm
  • Slight weight increase
  • Fit is narrow in the forefoot
Full review of Saucony Tempus 2

Running shoes for low arches with the best traction

What makes it the best?

The 32nd iteration of Gel Kayano is our recommendation for the best shock-absorbing 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 cushioned ride in a sure-footed manner, which often isn’t the case for maximalist shoes.

Rising to 39.9/30.6 mm, GK32’s skyscraper stack sits well above the average for added comfort. The cherry on the top is the cloudlike touch we felt with every stride. Our shock absorption test reveals a high rating of 133 SA in the heel and 116 SA in the forefoot. This combo feels so luxurious that we could handle long miles without feeling tired.

GK32 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 119.8/97.2 mm in the forefoot and heel. That’s an extra 5.5/6.5 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

  • Amazing shock absorption
  • Plush and breathable upper
  • Made to last
  • Dependable for most pronators
  • Heavy-duty outsole with excellent grip
  • Stable as a table
  • Pillow-soft heel padding
  • Improved fit
  • Excellent build quality

Cons

  • Not for soft-foam lovers
  • Bad energy return
  • Overpriced in Europe
Full review of ASICS Gel Kayano 32

Best lightweight running shoes for low arches

HOKA Arahi 8
83
Good!

What makes it the best?

Hoka Arahi 8 is a low-key stability shoe offering gentle support. It’s tailor-made to accommodate low arches and overpronators through its wide and stiff midsole. Through lab tests and runs, we crown it as the best lightweight trainer among low-arch shoes.

One thing struck us as soon as we wore this shoe: it's surprisingly light! At a sleek 9.1 oz (259g), it’s much lighter than the 10.3 oz (293g) average stability shoe.

Striking the middle ground between comfort and support, it has an impact-absorbing base with the rigid H-Frame technology. This framework adds structure to the shoe so that it doesn’t give in to excessive lateral motions and ankle twists, proven by its maximum 5/5 torsional rigidity score.

Meanwhile, it offers supreme cushioning through its tall 39.4/28.1 mm stack, which offers exceptional shock absorption. Our lab results show it’s able to reduce the impact of landing better than average, with high scores of 138 SA in the heel and 113 SA in the forefoot.

Further ensuring a planted sensation is the vast heel. At 96.3 mm, it provides extra room to find our footing, making it a great stability option for rear strikers.

However, its grip is lacking, especially when we encounter wet surfaces. Those seeking top-level traction should skip this pair.

Pros

  • Impressively lightweight for its size
  • Strong shock absorption
  • Wider fit than previous versions
  • Outstanding durability across upper and outsole
  • Early-Stage Meta Rocker smooths transitions
  • Higher drop suits better heel strikers
  • Comfy and plush for everyday use
  • H-Frame stability system
  • Comfortable heel counter

Cons

  • Very poor breathability
  • Grip needs to improve
  • Still no supercritical foam
  • Minor price bump
Full review of HOKA Arahi 8

Best daily running shoes for low arches

What makes it the best?

Saucony Guide 18 is our top daily trainer for low arches, providing low-key guidance despite its light, loose, and cushioned midsole. Our lab tests show 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 9.8 oz (278g), it beats the 10.1 oz (286g) average of its counterparts. What’s also surprising is how light it feels despite its towering 36.0/27.7 mm stack. 

Guide 18 delivers smoother mid-to-forefoot transitions with its rocker geometry. While stability shoes tend to be stiff, it's 8.9% more flexible than the average running shoe, which adds to its comfort and versatility. 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 38.3 AC, supporting our arches and absorbing impact. To ensure steady landings, Guide 18 adds width to its 121.9/105.0 mm base (vs. the 114.1/90.7 mm average). The midsole sidewalls and heel flare contribute to locking our feet down for a well-planted feeling.

However, Guide 18 leaves too much foam exposed, sacrificing the shoe’s grip and longevity. Those seeking a robust outsole that can handle wet surfaces and long mileage should check elsewhere.

Pros

  • Upper now has exceptional breathability
  • Stable yet non-restrictive ride
  • Cushioned enough for long runs
  • Handles walking too
  • Impressively wide platform
  • PWRRUN PB insole
  • Secure and comfortable lockdown
  • Excellent heel rocker design

Cons

  • Too much exposed foam on outsole
  • Feels bulky and not agile
  • Midsole runs a bit firm
  • Midsole runs a bit firm
Full review of Saucony Guide 18

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 36.6 AC midsole vs. the 41.0 AC 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
  • Good stability option for forefoot strikers
  • Ideal for wide feet
  • Excellent for long runs
  • Excellent for long runs

Cons

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