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 that needs a little support for exercises like their squats, this list should provide you with a few great training shoes to explore.
In this article, I’ve broken down a few of my best and favorite training shoes for arch support into different categories. This way you can assess which model will be best for the context of your training needs.
Contents
- Best Men's Training Shoes for High Arches
- Best Women's Training Shoes for High Arches
- Best Training Shoes for High Arches and Wide Feet
- Best Training Shoes for High Arches for Weight Training
- Best Training Shoes for High Arches and Standing All Day
- How Do I Build Arch Strength In My Feet?
- Are High Arches Bad for Working Out?
Looking for new cross-training shoes? Make sure you check out my TF2 Cross-Training Shoe Finder. This calculator matches you with training shoes that fit your needs best.
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
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.
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.
Must Read: Best Cross-Training Shoes | Picks for Flat Feet, CrossFit, and More
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 For: CrossFit-Style Training
- 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
- Read My Review: Inov-8 F-Lite 260 V2 Review
- Runner-Up Model: Inov-8 F-Lite G 300
Inov-8 F-Lite 260 V2
$140
Best For
- CrossFit Workouts
- Recreational Lifting
- Versatile Training
- HIIT and Agility Workouts
Falls Short
- For Wider Footed Athletes
- For Cost-Efficiency
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
The On Cloud X is taking the top pick as the best women’s training shoes for high arches. This model delivers an adequate amount of arch support and works well for a pretty wide range of training contexts.
The On Cloud X’s arch support comes from its Speedboard construction and CloudTec outsole and Helion Foam midsole. The blend of these features gives the On Cloud X a supportive and locked-down feeling.
In regard to performance, the On Cloud X 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.
Must Read: Nike Metcon 7 Vs On Cloud X | Which Is Better for You?
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 For: Shorter Runs, Light Lifting, HIIT, Agility
- Heel-to-Toe Drop: 6mm
- Weight: 8.8 oz (for my size 10 model)
- Removable Insole: Yes
- Sizing: True to Size
- Read My Review: On Cloud X Review
- Runner-Up Model: Nike Metcon 7
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: Inov-8 F-Lite G 300
The Inov-8 F-Lite G 300 is my top pick for the best training shoes for high arches and wide feet. This model delivers fairly rigid arch support through the midfoot and it has a size “5” fit in regard to Inov-8’s fit scale which runs from 1-5, 5 being the widest).
Outside of delivering good arch support and a wider forefoot construction, I like how the Inov-8 F-Lite G 300 performs across the board. This model has a good amount of stability through the midsole which is great for providing a solid and firm base to lift on.
This model also features a flexible and breathable bootie construction which is great for providing additional comfort when training in this model. The forefoot’s upper breaks in well and accommodates a variety of foot anatomies.
If you’re wanting a training shoe with good arch support and adequate forefoot width, then the Inov-8 F-Lite G 300 is a good option to explore. This model is a good “all-in-one” style training shoe and it delivers a good amount of durability for things like lifting and CrossFit.
- Best For: Lifting, HIIT, CrossFit-Style Training
- Heel-to-Toe Drop: 6mm
- Weight: 12.3 oz (for my size 10 model)
- Removable Insole: Yes
- Sizing: True to Size
- Read My Review: Inov-8 F-Lite G 300 Review
- Runner-Up Model: HYLETE Circuit II
Inov-8 F-Lite G 300
$150
Best For
- Versatile Training
- Recreational Lifting
- Shorter Runs
- Plyometrics
Falls Short
- For Cost-Efficiency
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: Nike Metcon 7
It’s hard to beat the Nike Mecon 7 when it comes to it being the best training shoe for high arches and weight training. This model delivers a really good amount of stability and has adequate arch support for different foot anatomies.
The medial sidewall in the Nike Metcon 7 features an extended outsole layer that wraps up the midfoot. This construction feature provides this model with a nice level of arch support and it’s great for providing additional grip and durability for rope climbs.
The Nike React foam midsole in the Metcon 7 provides a good amount of stability when training. In addition, the TPU Hyperlift Insert in the heel helps contribute to this shoe’s ability to support different loads and lock down the foot.
I think if you’re primarily wanting a training shoe with arch support that works really well in the context of weight training and even CrossFit, then the Nike Metcon 7 is a tough model to beat. This shoe also performs well for versatile forms of training.
- Best For: Lifting, HIIT, and CrossFit-Style Training
- Heel-to-Toe Drop: 4mm
- Weight: 12.4 oz (for my size 10 model)
- Removable Insole: Yes
- Sizing: True to Size
- Read My Review: Nike Metcon 7 Review
- Runner-Up Model: Reebok Nano X2
Reebok Nano X2
$135
Best For
- Recreational Lifting
- Athletic-Focused Training
- Casual CrossFit Sessions
- Shorter Runs
Falls Short
- For Cost-Efficiency
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 if a shoe 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 them, too.
Top Pick: OluKai Mio Li
The OluKai Mio Li is taking my top pick as the best training shoe for high arches and standing all day. This model is unique in the sense that it’s one of the few training shoes that can really double well as daily wear and training-focused shoes.
This model gets its arch support from its dual-density anatomical polyurethane insole, which also features a gel insert for additional comfort and support. The insole of this model provides a nice level of arch support and it contributes to this shoe’s stability.
The Mio Li features an EVA foam midsole and rubber outsole that also help provide a nice level of stability for standing, walking, and training. Despite assisting with stability, these features don’t make this model overly firm or stable which is why I like them for standing.
Another subtle perk and pro of the OluKai Mio Li is the drop-in heel construction. This feature allows this shoe to seamlessly turn into a loafer and slip-on model which is awesome for anyone wanting a training shoe with arch support that is easy to get on and off multiple times a day.
- Best For: General Training and High Arches
- Heel-to-Toe Drop: 8.5mm
- Weight: 11.25 oz (for my size 10 model)
- Removable Insole: Yes
- Sizing: True to Size.
- Read My Review: OluKai Mio Li Review
- Runner-Up Model: On Cloud X
OluKai Mio Li
$130
Best For
- Recreational Lifting
- Cross-Training Sessions
- Light and Short Runs
- Daily Wear
- High Arches
Falls Short
- For CrossFit
- For Heavy Barbell Training
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.
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”.
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 for supporting your needs and to train the feet and ankles directly to improve their strength and stability.
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 pf different criteria including things like.
- 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?
- 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?
- Upper Construction: Does the upper breathe well? Does it lock the foot down to prevent heel slip while also providing additional security and support?
- 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.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q:Do high arches need stability shoes?
Q:Do high arches need arch support?
Q:Are neutral shoes good for high arches?
Takeaway Thoughts
If you have high arches, then you likely know the importance of finding a good pair of training shoes for supporting 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).
I personally test every product featured on That Fit Friend using a regimen of training tests that I’ve developed over years of testing training gear. I buy the gear I test and may earn commissions on sales made through links on my site.
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!
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!