Having high arched feet or cavus feet means you have added problems with your running style and gait. Finding the right shoes for high arches is not as easy as one may think which is why we have handpicked 5 of the best trail running shoes for high arches for you.
The impact of running is focused on our feet, and people with high arches face problems with load distribution and potential injuries over a period of time. If you are not wearing the right type of shoe for your high arched heels, your feet will feel tired quickly. You will develop sore Achilles, and you may even have painful corns.
Whether you are running or walking, you need shoes that will mold to your arched heels and give you the correct support and address your needs. Read on for more insights comparing various shoes, with their pros and cons.
Best Trail Running Shoes for High Arches:
- Salomon Speedcross 5 GTX Gore-Tex Women’s Trail Running Shoes
- Merrell Men’s Agility Synthesis Flex
- Salomon Men’s Speedcross 5 Trail Running Shoes
- ASICS Women’s Gel-Kahana 8 Trail Runner
- New Balance Leadville V3 Trail Running Shoe
- ALTRA Women’s Lone Peak Trail Running Shoe
- New Balance Men’s Trail Running Shoe
Salomon Speedcross 5 GTX Gore-Tex Women’s Trail Running Shoes
The Salomon Speedcross 5 GTX running shoes are best known for being super comfortable, firm, and for its extra bounce. The durable polypropylene in the midsole gives that added cushioning, and yet you can still get a firm feel of the ground. The construction adapts to wide feet and high arches, making it ideal for both elite and non-elite athletes.
The sole of the Salomon Speedcross shoes has five large lugs that deliver excellent braking grip and push-off grip, regardless of any surface conditions. The welded upper of the shoe has dissociated Sensifit arms that move naturally with your foot. The fit of this shoe is customized to mold to the contours of your feet, and the material keeps your feet dry, warm, and comfortable through the cold and rainy days.
Though the fit is snug, the shoe still has wiggle room for your toes in the forefront. The width and stability of this shoe make it a top choice for many runners with high arches.
Pros
- Tight grip outsole
- Good traction
- Snug fit but ample room for the toes
- Keeps feet dry in wet climates
- Foam midsole gives a good bounce
Cons
- Heel to toe drop
Salomon Men’s Speedcross 5 Trail Running Shoes
The Salomon Men’s Speedcross 5 Trail Running Shoes is probably one of the best trail running shoes for its comfort and lightweight. These shoes are ideal for rugged trail running as they perform well on outdoor surfaces. They are so lightweight, making them an excellent option for hiking as it doesn’t weigh you down or slow down your pace.
The outsole has deep and sharp lugs that give a precise foothold and aggressive grip for optimum traction for the rough terrains. The upper Sensifit design provides this shoe with a snug fit, preventing your feet from slipping inside the shoe. The innersole uses Ortholite technology to adapt to the shape of your feet. The wholesome construction of the shoe carefully molds to the contours of your feet to make your trail runs more comfortable and stable.
The features of this shoe include durability and sturdiness, besides extreme comfort. The heel to toe drop works well for those who land on their heel first. As trail running involves running through rough surfaces, this shoe features the Quicklace system to stash your laces in a pocket to prevent your laces from getting stuck in low branches while running.
Pros
- Great traction
- Excellent cushioning
- Lace pockets to keep laces from getting stuck
- Deep lugs for hard terrain running
Cons
- Treads can be too sharp for sneakers
Merrell Men’s Agility Synthesis Flex
When you are running off-road or on terrains, you need good shoes that will protect your feet, offer the right cushioning, and provide good traction, which is why Merrell Men’s Agility Synthesis Flex shoes are the right choice. These shoes are made to give the best result for terrain running, be it wet or rough.
The dual-directional flex midsole gives you the stability and agility you need for the train run. The shoe features a TPU upper traditional lace closure that allows you to mold the shoe to fit your feet as needed.
The toe box at the forefront is of a medium width giving extra wiggle room for average-sized feet. This is especially helpful when your feet swell after a long run. The support in the shoes gives that extra comfort to people with high arches.
Pros
- Great cushioning
- Good lace closure
- Comfortable padding around heel and ankles
- Lugs offer great grip
- Lightweight
- Breathable material
Cons
- Narrow midfoot area
ASICS Women’s Gel-Kahana 8 Trail Runner
If your choice is a blend of traditional with all the attributes running shoes need, the ASICS Women’s Gel Kahana 8 Trail Runner is the one for you. This shoe gives comfort, reliability, and stability at a great price. The main attraction of this shoe is the excellent foot-cradling it gives while providing decent foot protection, great traction, and comfort.
The hard toe cap protects your toes from getting stubbed while trudging through the terrains. The rearfoot-gel cushioning helps your feet to absorb shock on landing.
The stability of the shoe is attributed to the wide toe box and form-fitting uppers keeping the shoe rigid yet flexible. You can run comfortably in these shoes without any irritation. You can count on this pair of shoes for those trail runs on dirt roads and rough terrains.
Pros
- Good value for money
- Great traction
- Excellent cushioning and comfort
- Durable and stable
- Very flexible
Cons
- Hard upper
ALTRA Women’s Lone Peak Trail Running Shoe
The ALTRA Lone Peak 4.5 Trail Running Shoe guarantees to protect your feet as you chug through rough trails and surfaces. The spacious toe box and additional cushioning underfoot will keep you comfortable for long hours of running. The 25mm cushioning integrates a rock plate that makes running on treacherous terrain an easy run. Most marathon runners and hikers place this model on their top picks.
The toe cap is quite flexible, but it will protect you from stubs. The breathable mesh material keeps particles from getting inside, which makes it great for sandy adventures. The closure incorporates a velcro gaiter strap that makes it easy and quick to put on. Its excellent moisture-wicking makes it a winner for wet terrains, and it drains well and quickly.
Whether you are going through steep terrains, mountains, or trudging through muddy surfaces, this shoe wins on giving an overall performance with its lugs and outsole.
Pros
- Wide toe box
- Is ideal for rough surfaces
- Excellent moisture-wicking
- Very flexible
- Easy to put on and take off
- Protection from toe stubbing
Cons
- Isn’t that lightweight
- Issues with durability
New Balance Men’s Trail Running Shoe
The New Balance Trail Running Shoe is a perfect choice for those who are looking for a durable shoe both on the pavements and trails. These shoes give overall comfort with its advanced cushioning and breathable mesh upper.
The IM ethylene vinyl acetate midsole goes a long way to give you that perfect impact and cushioning absorption that will protect your heels as you land. The memory top comfort provides a certain level of arch support that keeps the natural shape of your arch, keeping it free from pain.
The outsole is extremely durable that can withstand sticks, rocks, and other hard substances that you will be running on in the trails. The outsole has a special AT tread that will protect your soles from any hard substances and provide you with maximum traction on wet surfaces. The toe box is a blend of leather and textile, making it extremely durable, while the mesh material keeps the shoe lightweight and well ventilated.
Pros
- Good value for money for such excellent features
- Good grip
- Excellent traction
- Robust outsole to protect your sole
- Well ventilated
- High durability
Cons
- Material may seem a bit stiff
New Balance Leadville V3 Trail Running Shoe
For those looking for trail trainers that will cater to all their needs, the New Balance Leadville V3 Trail Running Shoe has a lot to offer. These shoes are packed with durability, stability, comfort, good cushioning, protection, and a smooth ride. You get all these attributes and still get away from foot blisters and irritation.
Its N2 technology gives a fair amount of cushioning in the underfoot. Its tight mesh upper ensures to keep debris away and absorbs less water from outside. The breathable mesh upper prevents any toe-stubbing from low-lying rocks and vegetation. The padded tongue is gusseted well without any bulky feeling. The toe box is spacious to accommodate any toe swelling.
This is a perfect wear for ultra running that can withstand any conditions and terrains. You may not find many tech features, but it gets the job done without costing a lot.
Pros
- True to size
- Good value for money
- Spacious toe box
- A good amount of cushioning
Cons
- Not enough traction for muddy surfaces
Factors to Consider Before Buying Trail Running Shoes
Comfort
Comfort is one of the most important features while considering buying a running shoe. The need for comfort is much more in people with high arched feet, especially the positioning of the cushions in the shoe’s insole is crucial. The purpose of having a running shoe is to maximize comfort and minimize the pain in your foot while running. High arches need good cushioning and arch support. Another added feature for comfort will be to look for the toebox. The foot tends to curve upwards, so look for shoes that give a little room to move the toes around. Regardless of your foot type, one must-have feature for your shoes is breathability, heat should be able to escape from your shoes to avoid further complications.
Fit
The importance of a properly fitted running shoe cannot be understated. You may need to do some thorough research to find a perfectly fitted shoe, one of the most trusted and easy ways is to search and read some customer reviews about the product. One must be aware that running shoes are thicker than flat shoes, so a specific shoe size of a flat shoe won’t necessarily be the same size as that of a running shoe.
Outsole
Regardless of your foot type, the outsole of your shoe is usually the most visible and exposed part of your shoe. The outsoles are found in varying colors and materials, depending on how you intend to use it, the type of terrain, and weather conditions. Most common running shoes are made for conventional road conditions, meaning asphalt. So shoes made for these kinds of conditions will not fare well in dirt roads and wet conditions. For someone who prefers to run in parks and natural conditions, investing in a trail running shoe will be the best option.
Stability
A common feature of high arches is flexibility, and good cushioning, though stability should not be compromised. While looking for stability, always look for shoes with stabilizing heels, a flexible and firm sole.
FAQS
Can trail running shoes be used on roads?
Trail running shoes are made for rugged terrains and more natural settings, as such, they offer better traction and stability. As the name suggests, these types of shoes are made for nature trails, but it is safe to wear on asphalt and paved roads while running.
How is a trail shoe different from a running shoe?
A trail shoe is usually bulkier, and it is designed in such a way as to protect your feet from rugged terrains and unpaved roads. Whereas running shoes are generally made using lightweight materials, which are usually built for speed and responsiveness.
Which type of shoes should I get for high arches?
If you have high arches, you need shoes that are well cushioned and slightly supportive. When you have high arches, you have less flex in your feet, which is why you do not require a lot of support, but you need ample cushioning to mold into the gap in your arches to support your feet from landing impact.
Conclusion
Most people with high arches find it challenging to run for long hours, especially on terrains and trails. You will not notice any additional problems with the right shoes when you are running through high mountains, rocky surfaces, and wet terrains.
This comprehensive guide on the best trail running shoes for high arches is intended to give you a clear insight to choose the right pair of runners for your outdoor adventures.