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The 5 Best Training Shoes for High Arches (2025 Update)

Jake Bolyby Jake Boly Updated Feb 5, 2025 2 Comments

That Fit Friend is supported by its readers. I [Jake Boly] run this site myself and buy the gear I review. If you purchase through my site, I may earn commissions on sales, read more here!

It can be a tedious process when searching for the best training shoes for high arches. Every training shoe is built slightly differently and their last constructions can greatly differ which means some models will provide more arch support than others.

High arches and how much arch support you need in your training shoes when working out can vary pretty significantly. For example, some will only need a little arch support while others will want a much more supportive arch.

Whether you’re an avid CrossFit athlete who needs CrossFit shoes with arch support or you’re a recreational lifter who needs a little support for exercises like squats, this list should provide you with a few great training shoes to explore.

My Top Training Shoe Picks for High Arches

  • Best Men’s Training Shoes for High Arches: Inov-8 F-Lite 260 V2
  • Best Women’s Training Shoes for High Arches: On Cloud X 3
  • Best Training Shoes for High Arches and Wide Feet: Reebok Nano X3
  • Best Training Shoes for High Arches and Weight Training: Adidas Dropset Trainer 2
  • Best Training Shoes for High Arches and Standing All Day: Nike Free Metcon 5

Best Men’s Training Shoes for High Arches

When searching for and reviewing the best men’s training shoes for high arches, I’m looking at how a shoe fits in regard to men’s foot anatomies and relate that to the shoe’s overall performance.

A good well-rounded training shoe with arch support for men needs to provide the arches with adequate support while also being stable for heavy lifting and responsive for versatile training.

Top Pick: Inov-8 F-Lite 260 V2

  • Heel-to-Toe Drop: 8mm
  • Weight: 10.5 oz
  • Removable Insole: Yes
  • Sizing: True to Size, but if you have a wider foot, then some may want to size up a half-size
  • For More Info: Read My Review

Inov-8 F-Lite 260 V2

inov-8 f-lite 260 v2
4.6
Stability
4.6
Versatility
4.7
Durability
4.6

Pros

  • This shoe has a good level of versatility for lifting, CrossFit, and lifting. It's a good do-it-all-style training shoe.
  • If you enjoy sock-like fitting training shoes then you'll resonate with this shoe. It feels lightweight and mobile on the feet.
  • PowerFlow midsole has good responsiveness. This shoe feels great for plyometrics like box jumps, jump rope, and broad jumps.

Cons

  • This shoe can feel pretty narrow through the forefoot and midfoot for flatter feet and athletes with EE-width feet or wider.
  • With its narrower platform, this shoe can feel interesting for lateral work if you're used to wider midsoles. This isn't bad, per se, just different.

Best For

  • CrossFit Workouts
  • Recreational Lifting
  • Versatile Training
  • HIIT and Agility Workouts

Falls Short

  • For Wider Footed Athletes
  • For Cost-Efficiency
Shop Amazon
Shop Inov-8

The Inov-8 F-Lite 260 V2 is taking my top pick as the best men’s training shoe for high arches. This model features an adequate amount of arch and midfoot support and is a good all-around style training shoe.

inov 8 f lite 260 v2 vs g 300 vs 235 v3 for lifting

There is a lot to like about this shoe and there is multiple proprietary Inov-8 features built in. For example, this model features Inov-8’s signature Rope-Tec construction around the midfoot, the dynamic-fascia band on the outsole, and a POWER FOOTBED.

I think if you’re someone wanting a shoe with arch support that can excel for heavy lifting, CrossFit workouts, versatile training, and even short interval runs, then the Inov-8 F-Lite 260 V2 could be worth exploring.

inov 8 f lite 260 v2 running

My only note about this model is that most guys may want to size up a half size, especially if you’re on the larger end of your normal true-to-size shoes. If you want a bit more forefoot width in your shoes, then I’d suggest checking out the Inov-8 F-Lite G 300.

Best Women’s Training Shoes for High Arches

To assess the best women’s training shoes for high arches I’m constantly bothering my girlfriend for her thoughts on certain training shoes and listening to my YouTube community for feedback on particular shoes.

The picks below are directed by blending the feedback I get from the women lifters and athletes in my community with my personal interpretations of models when I review them.

Top Pick: On Cloud X 3

  • Heel-to-Toe Drop: 6mm
  • Weight: 8.8 oz (for my size 10 model)
  • Removable Insole: Yes
  • Sizing: True to Size
  • For More Info: Read My Review

On Cloud X 3

$149.99

On Cloud X 3 Product Shot
4.3
Stability
3.9
Versatility
4.5
Durability
4.2

Pros

  • Comfortable for walking and all-day wear
  • Good pick for cross-training and moderate lifting
  • Works great for runs up to 3-5 miles

Cons

  • Midsole isn't great for heavy lifting
  • Arch can feel uncomfortable for flat feet
  • Midsole durability isn't the best on concrete

Best For

  • Light Strength Training
  • Versatile Training
  • Classes/HIIT
  • Short Runs (1-5 miles)
  • Daily Wear

Falls Short

  • For Outdoor Workouts
  • For Heavy Training
  • For Wide Feet
Shop REI
Shop On

The On Cloud X 3 is taking the top pick as the best women’s training shoes for high arches. This model delivers a moderate amount of arch support and works well for a fairly wide range of training contexts.

Testing the On Cloud X 3 Running and Walking

The On Cloud X 3’s arch support comes from its Speedboard construction, CloudTec outsole, and Helion Foam midsole. The blend of these features gives the On Cloud X 3 a nice level of responsiveness for training.

In regard to performance, the On Cloud X 3 works best for class-style training, light to moderate lifting, and some light runs. It’s a good shoe for tackling a little bit of everything while also biasing a more versatile performance and construction.

On Cloud X 3 for Daily Wear

I also like the lightweight and breathable upper construction in this model. The upper construction gives this shoe a nice edge for daily wear and it makes this model easy to wear in warmer settings and climates.

Best Training Shoes for High Arches and Wide Feet

When looking into the best training shoes for high arches and wide feet, I’m mostly interested in how much arch support a model provides in addition to the width that it comes with.

Once I’ve assessed these two characteristics, I’ll then explore how the shoe performs. I’ll review the model’s stability for lifting, versatility, and overall durability.

Top Pick: Reebok Nano X3

  • Heel-to-Toe Drop: 7mm
  • Weight: 13.85 oz (for my size 10 model)
  • Removable Insole: Yes
  • Sizing: For wider feet, you should be safe going true-to-size in the Nano X3. Narrow/neutral-width feet, size down a half size.
  • Read My Review: Read My Review

Reebok Nano X3

Reebok Nano X3 Product Shot
4.4
Stability
4.5
Versatility
4.6
Durability
4.3
Quality
4.4

Best For

  • Recreational Weight Training
  • Functional Fitness and CrossFit
  • Athletic-Style Training
  • Short Runs/Sprints
  • Casual HIIT

Falls Short

  • For Minimalist Lovers
  • For Long-Distance Running
Shop Box Basics
Shop Reebok

The Reebok Nano X3 is earning the top spot as the best training shoe for high arches and wide(r) feet. In the context of sizing and fit the Nano X3 typically works over for E-width feet and below. If you have EE-width or wider feet, tread lightly with this model.

Testing the Reebok Nano X3 for Squats

Compared to prior Reebok Nano models, the Nano X3 will give you a little more arch support which is great for athletes and lifters who like lower to moderate degrees of arch in their training shoes.

When it comes to performance, the Nano X3 does fairly well across the board and will work for things like HIIT, CrossFit, and lifting. This shoe is often what I describe as a “jack of all trades” for most.

Testing the Reebok Nano X3 for Running

The Floatride Energy foam midsole is responsive and stable enough for heavy lifting, and the full rubber outsole is also great for giving you adequate traction on different surfaces when working out.

Best Training Shoes for High Arches for Weight Training

To review and assess the best training shoes for high arches and weight training I’m looking at how much arch support a shoe provides while also being good under heavy weight.

For example, if you’re deadlifting heavy or squatting, does the shoe help support your arches while also providing a stable base to train on?

Top Pick: Adidas Dropset Trainer 2

  • Best For: Heavy Lifting, CrossFit, and HIIT Workouts
  • Heel-to-Toe Drop: 6mm
  • Weight: 9.85 oz (for my size 10 model)
  • Removable Insole: Yes
  • Sizing: True to Size
  • For More Info: Read My Review

Adidas Dropset Trainer 2

$130

Adidas Dropset Trainer 2 Product Shot
4.7
Stability
4.6
Versatility
4.8
Durability
4.7
Quality
4.6

Pros

  • Fantastic training shoe for lifting due to its stability and it's well-rounded.
  • Good breathability for hotter gym climates.
  • Ample room in the toe box for toe splay for most foot anatomies.

Cons

  • Not the best shoe on the market for running and hybrid workouts.
  • Arch can feel a little uncomfortable for flat feet.
  • Ventilation in midsole isn't the best for walking in wet climates.

Best For

  • Cross-Training
  • CrossFit Workouts
  • Heavier Strength Training
  • Athletic Focused Sessions
  • Wider Feet

Falls Short

  • For Running
Shop DSG
Shop Amazon

It’s really tough to beat the Adidas Dropset Trainer 2 when it comes to it being the best training shoe for high(er) arches and weight training. This model delivers a really good amount of stability and has moderate arch support for different foot anatomies.

Testing the Adidas Dropset Trainer 2 for Lifting

I like that this shoe’s medial sidewall doesn’t feel super jarring and if you need a little support when lifting and jumping it provides “enough” to provide stability without completely tanking its comfort.

This shoe’s lower stack height is also a perk for those that like a little more ground feel with their training shoes when lifting. For heavy deadlifts, squats, and weightlifting, the Dropset Trainer 2 has been stellar.

Testing the Adidas Dropset Trainer 2 for Strength Training

I also like that this model can transcend lifting and work for athletic-style training sessions and CrossFit. It’s a good training shoe that definitely has a lifting bias, but can work as an all-arounder if that’s what you’re after.

Best Training Shoes for High Arches and Standing All Day

When assessing the best training shoes for high arches and standing all day, comfort is at the forefront of my tests. For this section, I’m mostly concerned with a shoe that provides enough arch support for folks on their feet all day.

Essentially, I’m assessing how comfortable a shoe is for standing all day for something like work, how a shoe performs for walking, and if you can actually train in it, too.

Top Pick: Nike Free Metcon 5

  • Heel-to-Toe Drop: 5mm (per Nike’s support team)
  • Weight: 10.05 oz
  • Removable Insole: Yes
  • Sizing: True to Size.
  • For More Info: Read My Review

Nike Free Metcon 5

$120

Nike Free Metcon 5 Product Shot
4.5
Stability
4.3
Versatility
4.6
Durability
4.6

Pros

  • The reworked upper and tongue give this shoe a more spacious fit and they're easier to get on than the FM4.
  • If you want a shoe for mostly HIIT/class-style workouts with some strength blended in, then you'll enjoy this shoe.
  • The Nike Free midsole is flexible in the forefoot while the heel is a little more stable. This shoe should be stable enough for most light to moderate-weight training contexts.

Cons

  • The heel can feel a little clunky and blocky at times and if you like lower-profile shoes, then you'll want to consider this.
  • The exposed midsole foam in the midfoot can hinder this shoe's long-term durability for daily wear and outdoor workouts.
  • For heavy strength sessions, I'd pass on this shoe. This shoe's midsole started to compress when I was lifting anything over 225 lbs.

Best For

  • HIIT
  • Class Workouts
  • Light to Moderate Strength Training
  • Short Runs (3 miles)

Falls Short

  • For Heavy Lifting (225+ lbs)
  • For CrossFit
Shop Nike
Shop DSG

The Nike Free Metcon 5 is bringing home my top pick as the best training shoe for high arches and standing all day. The Nike Free tech in this shoe’s midsole gives them a nice blend of feeling plush yet stable for all-day wear and they have moderate arch support.

Me testing the Nike Free Metcon 5 comfort and fit for walking

For example and to give context here, the Nike Free Metcon 5 is one of my go-to recommendations for other trainers and coaches that ask about the best trainers for being on their feet all day.

When it comes to performance, the Nike Free Metcon 5 works best for versatile training and is a suitable option for anyone who does a lot of HIIT, cross-training, and light to moderate lifting on a weekly basis.

Me testing the Nike Free Metcon 5 for jump rope

I also like that this shoe has a slightly wider toe box compared to its predecessors. If you need a model for walking, training, and want a shoe that’s pretty comfortable for high-volume use, the Free Metcon 5 is a good option.

How Do I Build Arch Strength In My Feet?

When discussing high arches and working out, it’s important to understand that no two arches are the same. Different athletes and lifters will require different degrees of arch support in their shoes and additional arch training if they wish to improve their arch strength.

Training shoes with built-in arch support can be useful tools for promoting performance, however, that does not mean you should necessarily ignore training your arches directly and just bank on your shoes to pick up the work in regard to support.

Three Arches of the Foot

In my coaching opinion, no matter your arch height, it can be useful to spend a little time each week training the feet and more specifically the arches of the feet. The foot has three primary arches including the transverse arch, medial longitudinal arch, and lateral longitudinal arch.

One of the easiest ways to start building your foot’s arch strength slowly is to simply walk and be barefoot more often. You could also wear barefoot shoes for progressive periods of time during your week to build your foot and arch strength slowly.

Once you’ve built up a baseline level of arch strength and feel comfortable moving without additional arch support you can explore foot exercises to build your arch strength and endurance.

I personally love programming a couple of active foot exercises into each of my training blocks. They’re a great way to build your foot strength and resilience slowly without taking a ton of time out of your weekly training.

I consider them [active foot exercises] more of tune-up work to ensure that I’m training and building a well-rounded lower body. When we’re talking about training, we have to remember that pretty much all of our movement starts with the feet.

You can also perform some massage work on the feet if you experience discomfort regularly when training and explore short foot exercises to help build the feet’s strength.

Are High Arches Bad for Working Out?

When discussing the topic of high arches being “bad” for working out, I think it can be more productive to take an individual and contextual approach when looking at this topic.

For example, let’s say you have high arches, but you don’t have issues or discomfort with your feet and ankles when training. In this case, if your arches aren’t hindering your performance, then they’re not necessarily “bad”.

Reviewing the YORK Athletics Mfg The Frank Trainer for running

Now, in this context, it can still be useful to train the feet and arches directly and not completely ignore them even though there may be no discomfort present. However, there’s likely no need for immediate alarm if you’re not experiencing any performance decreases due to your arches.

Conversely, if you’re experiencing discomfort due to high arches when training, then it would be wise to look into shoes designed to support your needs and to train the feet and ankles directly to improve their strength and stability.

Nike MC Trainer Outsole Performance and Traction

That being said, different forms of training will produce varying degrees of stress on the tissues surrounding the feet. Thresholds for our tissues will all vary based on multiple factors and it’s important to recognize that there’s no “one-size-fits-all” for what’s best in regard to our feet and biomechanics when training.

How I Rank Training Shoes for High Arches

When assessing and reviewing training shoes for specific contexts like high arches I create a subtle bias in how I approach my typical review process. Essentially, I’ll go through my normal shoe testing, but also be hyper-conscious of the specific aspects I’m exploring.

In the case of training shoes for high arches, I’m constantly assessing how the medial side of the shoe interacts with the foot when I’m training. Does it provide additional support? Can I physically feel material supporting my arch when lifting, jumping, and running?

I personally have a neutral foot with a moderate arch height and am constantly working on strengthening my feet and arches. By assessing multiple training shoes and comparing them directly I can typically identify which models clearly have more arch support than their peers.

Once I’ve assessed a shoe’s abilities to support high arches, I then cross-reference this aspect to my traditional training shoe tests which constitute of different criteria including things like.

  1. Midsole Construction: How does the midsole interact with different types of training? Is it stable under heavy weight? What is the material used to create the stability of the model’s midsole?
  2. Outsole Construction: Does the outsole provide additional stability support? How does the tread interact with the ground for multi-directional training? Does the outsole protect the midsole and prolong the shoe’s durability?
  3. Upper Construction: Does the upper breathe well? Does it lock the foot down to prevent heel slip while also providing additional security and support?
  4. Sizing and Fit: How does the shoe fit in regard to length and width? What types of foot anatomies will align best with said training shoe’s last construction?

These are only a few of the questions that I explore when testing training shoes, and in this case, cross-referencing a shoe’s performance with its ability to support athletes and lifters with high arches.

Takeaway Thoughts

If you have high arches, then you likely know the importance of finding a good pair of training shoes to support your training needs. There are countless training shoes on the market that can be viable options for supporting those with high arches.

The training shoes for high arches featured above are only a few to explore if you need additional arch support when lifting and working out.

If you have additional questions on any of the cross-training shoes for high arches featured in this article, drop a comment below or reach out to me personally via Instagram (@jake_boly or @that_fit_friend).

 
Jake Boly

About Jake Boly

CSCS, MS Sports Science

Jake Boly is the Founder and Editor-In-Chief of That Fit Friend. He's often regarded as a go-to resource in various performance shoe communities. He’s been formally reviewing shoes and training gear for over 7 years and has hand-tested over 400 pairs of shoes. Jake is known on the internet and YouTube for blending his review process with his educational, strength sports, and personal training background.

Jake has a Masters in Sports Science, a Bachelors in Exercise Science, a CSCS, and he's been personal training for over 10 years helping hundreds of clients get stronger, lose weight, and accomplish their goals. He uses his exercise science brain and personal training background to make curated and thoughtful review content on the fitness gear he's testing.

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Comments

  1. Kevin

    Mon, Dec 26, 2022 at 12:26 pm

    Hi Jake, I’m new to your site (google led me here) but you seem to be the most knowledgeable on all things fitness footwear so I was hoping you could help. I’ve recently started CrossFit and I am getting terrible arch pain in my Reebok Nano X1s when I jump rope or do any box jumps and even when running. I’ve ran marathons before in Nike Free Flyknits with no foot issues but these reeboks are killing me. Does this mean I have flat feet or high arches? I’m getting confused reading articles because they seem to group the two together but that seems counterintuitive. Looking for a lifting/CrossFit/light running/jumping shoe to alleviate my arch pain. Not trying to break any records just make it through a workout without having to stop to roll out my foot. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!

    Reply
    • Jake BolyJake Boly

      Tue, Dec 27, 2022 at 12:34 pm

      Hey Kevin! There could be multiple reasons for this. Do note, I have no idea what’s going on from a biomechanics standpoint or a training history POV, so I’ll be limited and there I’ll just talk to shoes.

      It may be that the Reebok’s last construction doesn’t align with your feet which could be why you’re experiencing the discomfort. Different companies will use different molds for their shoes and when you’re training at a high-intensity, mismatched shoes + anatomies can be heightened regarding the feedback you get from shoes (whether that’s good or uncomfortable). Two models that could work a little better for your needs just based on the context you shared would be the be TYR CXT-1 Trainer (they have a little more arch and ankle support which could help) and the Inov-8 F-Lite G 300!

      Both of those shoes perform really well and sound like they may match your training/anatomical asks a little better. Hit me if you have additional questions and if you go with either, please let me know how they work!

      Reply

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Jake Boly

About Jake Boly

CSCS, MS Sports Science

Jake Boly is the Founder and Editor-In-Chief of That Fit Friend. He's often regarded as a go-to resource in various performance shoe communities.

He’s been formally reviewing shoes and training gear for over 7 years and has hand-tested over 400 pairs of shoes.

  • YouTube
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  • Linkedin
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