Do your feet ache after a long day, especially if you have high arches? You are not alone! Many people with high arches find regular shoes uncomfortable. Finding the perfect fit, especially within a brand as popular as New Balance, can feel like a treasure hunt.
High arches mean your feet need extra support to spread impact evenly. Wearing the wrong shoes can lead to pain in your feet, ankles, and even your back. New Balance offers many great shoes, but figuring out which ones truly support high arches takes some know-how. It can be frustrating sifting through all the features.
This post cuts through the confusion. We will show you exactly what features to look for in New Balance shoes specifically designed for high arches. You will learn about cushioning, support, and the best models available right now.
Get ready to step into comfort! Keep reading to discover the best New Balance shoes that will finally make your feet happy.
Top New Balance Shoes For High Arches Recommendations
- Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is precision engineered to deliver an ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride
- Mesh upper with suede and knit hits
- Upper features no-sew overlays for a sleek fit and feel
- Textured logo and embroidered details
- Durable rubber outsole
- NDurance rubber outsole technology provides superior durability in high-wear areas to help get more out of the shoes
- ABZORB midsole absorbs impact through a combination of cushioning and compression resistance
- Lightweight injection-molded EVA foam midsole provides lightweight cushioning
- ABZORB midsole absorbs impact through a combination of cushioning and compression resistance
- Suede upper
- Lightweight injection-molded EVA foam midsole provides lightweight cushioning
- Internal midsole shank adds midfoot structure and support
- Dual density collar foam offers support and comfort for ankles
- Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is precision engineered to deliver an ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride
- Synthetic material
- Breathable engineered mesh
- 10 mm drop; due to variances created during the development and manufacturing processes, all references to 10 mm drop are approximate
- Lace closure
- Fresh Foam X midsole foam with approximately 3% bio-based content delivers our most cushioned Fresh Foam experience for incredible comfort. Bio-based content is made from renewable resources to help reduce our carbon footprint, enhancing these road running shoes.
- These running shoes for women feature a gusseted tongue designed to help keep debris out
- No-sew overlays
- Synthetic and engineered mesh upper
- Adjustable lace closure for a customized fit
- AT Tread outsole provides versatile traction during both on and off-road activities
- Synthetic upper
- Soft BIO Foam midsole for comfort underfoot
- Durable overlays and meshes for lasting wear
- Lace-up closure for a secure fit
- Therapeutic Cushioning: Equipped with a layer of super-soft foam, our cushioning shoe insoles for men and women conform to the contours of the foot
- Dual-Layer Cushioning: These soft sole insoles for women and men feature heel-to-toe cushioning that cradles the foot and helps provides pressure relief in sensitive areas
- Flexible Construction: Our sole inserts provide gentle support that moves with the foot
- Hypo-Allergenic: Our orthotic insoles are safe for and gentle on sensitive skin
- Heel Cushion: These shock absorbing insoles come specially engineered to soften impact forces from the ground
- Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is precision engineered to deliver an ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride
- Synthetic material
- Breathable engineered mesh
- 146 mm drop; due to variances created during the development and manufacturing processes, all references to 10 mm drop are approximate
- Lace closure
Finding Your Perfect Fit: A Buying Guide for New Balance Shoes for High Arches
Do your feet ache after a long day? Do you have a noticeable gap between the floor and the middle of your foot when you stand? You likely have high arches. High arches need special support to keep your feet happy. New Balance makes fantastic shoes that can help. This guide will show you what to look for when buying New Balance shoes for your high arches.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping for New Balance shoes, certain features make a big difference for high arches. High arches usually mean your feet don’t absorb shock well. You need cushioning!
Excellent Midsole Cushioning
- Thick, Soft Foam: Look for shoes with lots of soft foam in the middle layer (the midsole). This foam acts like a shock absorber. It protects your knees and back.
- Responsive Feel: The cushioning should feel springy, not flat. This springiness helps propel you forward when you walk or run.
Proper Arch Support (Not Over-Correction)
People with high arches often need a neutral shoe. Overly firm arch support can actually cause pain. The shoe should cradle your foot gently.
- Neutral Stability: Search for shoes labeled “Neutral.” These shoes offer good cushioning without forcing your foot into a position it doesn’t want to be in.
- Deep Heel Cup: A deep pocket around your heel keeps your foot stable and centered inside the shoe.
Wide Toe Box
Sometimes, high-arched feet are also narrow. However, you still need room for your toes to wiggle. A wide toe box prevents pinching and blisters.
Important Materials Matter
The materials New Balance uses directly affect comfort and how long the shoe lasts.
Upper Materials
- Engineered Mesh: This material is light and lets air flow through. Good airflow keeps your feet dry and cool.
- Seamless Construction: Fewer stitches mean less rubbing. This reduces the chance of painful hot spots or blisters forming.
Outsole and Midsole Materials
- Blown Rubber Outsole: This rubber on the bottom grips the ground well. It provides reliable traction.
- Fresh Foam or FuelCell Midsole: These are New Balance’s proprietary foam technologies. They offer fantastic energy return and soft landings, which high arches really need.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Shoe Quality
Good quality means your shoes will support you for many miles. Poor quality means they break down quickly.
What Improves Quality:
- Durable Heel Counter: This is the stiff part at the very back of the shoe. A strong heel counter locks your heel in place, improving stability.
- High-Quality Stitching: Well-made seams hold up under stress. Inspect where the upper meets the sole. Strong connections last longer.
What Reduces Quality (Things to Avoid):
- Too Much Rigid Plastic: Some stability shoes use hard plastic shanks in the middle. For high arches, this can feel hard and uncomfortable.
- Thin, Flat Insoles: If the insole that comes inside the shoe feels thin, you will need to replace it quickly. Buy shoes with decent stock insoles, or plan to buy custom inserts.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about what you will do while wearing the shoes. The best shoe for a marathon is different from the best shoe for standing all day.
For Everyday Walking and Standing:
You need maximum softness. Shoes focused on comfort, like the New Balance 880 or 1080 series, are often great choices. They offer plush rides for long hours on concrete.
For Running:
Runners with high arches should prioritize cushioning and flexibility. Look for neutral running shoes designed for high mileage. These shoes reduce the impact shock that naturally occurs when running.
For Work:
If your job requires you to be on your feet, prioritize breathability and a roomy fit. A shoe that breathes well prevents sweat buildup, which can lead to foot issues.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About New Balance Shoes for High Arches
Q: Do people with high arches need motion control shoes?
A: Generally, no. Motion control shoes are for people whose feet roll inward too much (overpronation). High arches usually cause the opposite (supination or underpronation). Neutral shoes are usually better.
Q: Are New Balance Fresh Foam shoes good for high arches?
A: Yes, very good! Fresh Foam is known for its soft, protective cushioning that handles impact well, which benefits high-arched feet.
Q: Should I buy my usual size or size up?
A: Always try them on late in the day when your feet are slightly swollen. If you plan to use thick custom orthotics, you might need to go up a half size to accommodate the extra volume.
Q: What is the best New Balance line for walking with high arches?
A: The 800 and 1000 series (like the 880 or 1080) are often recommended because they focus heavily on neutral cushioning.
Q: How often should I replace my New Balance shoes?
A: If you wear them daily for walking or running, replace them every 300 to 500 miles, or when you notice the cushioning feels “dead” or flat.
Q: Can I put my custom orthotics inside New Balance shoes?
A: Most New Balance models allow you to remove the factory insole. This makes room for custom inserts. Check the shoe description to confirm the insole is removable.
Q: What makes a high arch different from a normal arch?
A: A high arch does not make full contact with the ground when you stand. This means less surface area absorbs the shock from walking or running.
Q: Are New Balance shoes generally wider than other brands?
A: New Balance is famous for offering multiple widths (Narrow, Standard, Wide, X-Wide). This is a huge advantage for finding a perfect fit, especially if your feet are narrow but your arch is high.
Q: Do I need special material if I have sweaty feet?
A: Yes. Look specifically for engineered mesh uppers. These materials wick moisture away better than heavy leather or synthetic overlays.
Q: Is it okay if the arch area feels slightly empty in a neutral shoe?
A: Yes, that slight gap is normal for high arches in a neutral shoe. The shoe is designed to support the heel and forefoot, not aggressively fill the gap under your arch.