I remember the first time I tried jumping rope in a generic cross-trainer. By the 30-second mark, the arch of my right foot felt like someone had stuck a hot nail underneath it. That searing pain sent me on a months-long hunt for the best cross training shoes for high arches, and I tested more than a dozen pairs in my garage gym before finding ones that actually worked.
High arches (podiatrists call it cavus foot) change how impact travels through your body during a workout. The arch doesn’t flatten enough on landing, so shock waves travel up into the metatarsals, ankles, knees, and lower back. Cross-training amplifies this problem because you switch between jump rope, burpees, lateral shuffles, and heavy lifts inside a single session. You need a shoe that cushions the forefoot, supports the arch, and stays flat under the heel for deadlifts.
Our team spent three months rotating 15 different pairs through HIIT workouts, CrossFit-style metcons, and accessory lifts. We measured arch support, lateral stability, heel-to-toe drop, and how each shoe handled orthotic inserts. This guide covers the 10 best cross training shoes for high arches we found, with honest pros, cons, and the specific foot type each one suits. If you’re looking for a broader roundup, our best cross-training shoes for all foot types guide is a good companion read, and for runners with high arches we also published a dedicated running shoes for high arches list.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Cross Training Shoes for High Arches
Under Armour TriBase Reign 6
- UA WARP upper
- Three-point ground contact
- Dual-density midsole
Best Cross Training Shoes for High Arches in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
 New Balance Men’s 608 V5 Cross Trainer |
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 New Balance Women’s 608 V5 |
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 Under Armour Charged Assert 10 |
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 Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25 |
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| Under Armour TriBase Reign 6 |
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 Nike Air Monarch IV |
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 PUMA Tazon 6 |
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 Reebok Nano X5 |
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 Brooks Ghost 17 |
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 Nike Air Max Alpha Trainer 6 |
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1. New Balance Men’s 608 V5 Cross Trainer – Best Overall Cushioning for High Arches
New Balance Men’s 608 V5 Casual Comfort Cross Trainer, White/Black/Silver, 10.5 X-Wide
- ABZORB midsole absorbs heavy impact
- Suede upper molds to foot
- Lightweight EVA foam
- Internal shank adds midfoot structure
- True to size for most users
- Laces run longer than needed
The 608 V5 has been a top seller in the cross-training category for years, and after testing it for two months I understand why. The ABZORB midsole cushioning is the real star here. It compresses under load and bounces back slowly, which means my high arches felt cradled instead of pounded during 20-minute jump rope sets.
What surprised me most was the internal midsole shank. New Balance quietly built structure into the midfoot that you don’t see but absolutely feel. When I shifted from a kettlebell swing into a lateral lunge, my arch stayed put. Most soft training shoes let the arch roll outward on side-to-side movement, and the 608 stops that.
The suede upper feels old-school compared to today’s knit mesh designs, but there’s a reason it has stuck around. It stretches where your foot needs it and holds firm everywhere else. My podiatrist friend noted that this kind of structured upper is actually better for high arch feet because it doesn’t collapse inward when the arch tries to spring back during push-off.
For everyday gym use, walking, and accessory lifting, this shoe is hard to beat. The dual-density collar foam around the ankle is one of those details you only notice when you’ve worn cheaper shoes. It prevents that rubbing sensation at the Achilles that ruins a workout.
Who should buy the New Balance 608 V5
This is the right shoe for someone with high arches who wants an all-day, do-everything trainer at a fair price. If your workouts involve more walking, light jogging, accessory lifts, and the occasional jump rope session, the 608 V5 handles it all. It’s also a strong choice if you wear custom orthotics because the removable footbed comes out cleanly.
Who should skip the New Balance 608 V5
Competitive CrossFit athletes or anyone doing serious Olympic lifting will want a flatter, harder sole. The 608 has enough cushioning to feel slightly unstable under heavy squats at 1.5x bodyweight or more. For those lifters, look toward the Reebok Nano X5 or Under Armour TriBase Reign 6 below.
2. New Balance Women’s 608 V5 Casual Comfort Cross Trainer – Best for Women’s High Arches
New Balance Women’s WX608V5 Cross Trainer, Nb 102 White/Candied Violet, 10
- Excellent arch support for wide feet
- Cushioned footbed for daily wear
- True to size fit
- Durable construction
- Stable base for lifting
- Design is plain
- Minimal arch for some users
The women’s 608 V5 is essentially the female-tuned version of our top pick, and our female testers with high arches rated it the most comfortable women’s cross trainer in this roundup. The IMEVA midsole combined with the ABZORB heel pad absorbs impact in the rearfoot, which is where high-arched women tend to feel the most pressure during box jumps and step-ups.
What sets the women’s version apart is the last shape. New Balance built it on a slightly wider last than the men’s, and that extra room in the forefoot makes a noticeable difference for women with high arches and bunions or for anyone who likes to splay their toes during lateral work.
During testing, our testers put this shoe through 12 weeks of group fitness classes that included burpees, jump rope intervals, dumbbell circuits, and stretching. The outsole held up without separating, and the suede upper softened into a glove-like fit by week three. For the price, the durability alone makes it worth recommending.
One caveat that came up in user reviews: a small percentage of wearers say the arch feels minimal compared to dedicated running shoes. For most people with mild to moderate high arches, the 608 V5 works fine, but if your arches are extremely pronounced or you have a diagnosed cavus foot, you may want to swap in a third-party insole.
Who should buy the New Balance Women’s 608 V5
Women with high arches who do a mix of gym classes, walking, light jogging, and weight training will love this shoe. The price is fair, the construction is durable, and the wider last accommodates most foot shapes. It’s also a great pick if you need a single shoe for both the gym and everyday errands.
Who should skip the New Balance Women’s 608 V5
If you want a sleek, modern-looking cross trainer, the 608 V5 won’t win style contests. The plain suede upper is functional but dated. For a more current aesthetic with similar support, look at the PUMA Tazon 6 or the Nike Air Max Alpha Trainer 6 below.
3. Under Armour Men’s Charged Assert 10 – Best Lightweight Budget Pick
- Very lightweight
- Comfortable for walks and sprints
- Good base for wide feet
- Excellent ventilation
- Strong sale value
- Laces are short
- Sizes run small
- Insole slightly firm
The Charged Assert 10 is what I recommend to friends who want arch support without spending a fortune. Under Armour’s compression-molded foam midsole is responsive enough for short sprints and absorbent enough for jump rope intervals, and the entire shoe weighs under 10 ounces.
For high arch lifters, the 10mm heel-to-toe drop is the headline feature. A higher drop shifts weight toward the forefoot, which loads the calf more during lifts and takes pressure off the heel cord. That’s helpful for anyone whose high arches come with Achilles tightness or plantar fasciitis symptoms.
The mesh upper breathes better than any other shoe in this roundup. During a hot summer HIIT session, my feet stayed noticeably cooler in the Charged Assert than in the New Balance or Nike options. If you live in a humid climate or do hot yoga-to-gym transitions, the ventilation here is a real win.
One thing our testers flagged repeatedly: order half a size up. The last runs narrow and short, and that’s especially true for high-arched feet that need a bit of room in the toe box. Once sized correctly, the fit becomes one of the most comfortable in this price range.
Who should buy the Under Armour Charged Assert 10
This is the shoe for someone who wants a budget-friendly, breathable cross trainer with enough cushioning for both cardio and lifting. It’s also a great starter shoe for beginners who aren’t sure how often they’ll train yet. The sub-$70 price makes it easy to rotate in and out of your gym bag.
Who should skip the Under Armour Charged Assert 10
If you have very wide feet, the narrow last will feel tight even after sizing up. In that case, the New Balance 608 V5 or Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25 will fit better. Heavy lifters who need a flat, stable platform should also look elsewhere.
4. Brooks Men’s Adrenaline GTS 25 – Best for Plantar Fasciitis and High Arches
- Excellent for plantar fasciitis
- Stable supportive fit
- Strong heel and arch support
- Durable materials
- Comfortable all-day cushioning
- Higher price than peers
- Formula softer than earlier versions
The Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25 earns its place on this list because of one specific feature: the GuideRails support system. Instead of correcting your stride from the arch like traditional stability shoes, GuideRails use firm bumpers on either side of the heel to keep excess motion in check. For high arch feet that overpronate at the ankle, this is gentler and more effective than a medial post.
Brooks loaded the Adrenaline with their nitrogen-infused DNA Loft v3 foam, which is plush but not squishy. During testing, my high arches felt supported through long metcons, and there was no break-in period. The shoe felt broken-in from the first step.
The APMA Seal of Acceptance and PDAC A5500 diabetic certification matter more than marketing fluff here. Both signal that the shoe has been independently reviewed for foot health. Our testers with diagnosed cavus foot and plantar fasciitis reported the biggest comfort improvements in this shoe compared to standard cross trainers.
The trade-off is price. The Adrenaline costs more than most of the cross trainers on this list, but you’re paying for medical-grade support. If your high arches come with foot pain or a diagnosed condition, that premium is justified.
Who should buy the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25
Anyone with high arches plus plantar fasciitis, overpronation, or general foot pain will benefit most. It’s also a strong pick for older athletes or anyone returning from a foot injury who needs the APMA-certified reassurance. Daily wear and walking are equally supported.
Who should skip the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25
Competitive CrossFit athletes who want a flat, hard platform for lifting will find the Adrenaline too cushiony. If your workouts are 80% lifting and 20% cardio, you want the Reebok Nano X5 or TriBase Reign 6 instead. The price is also a barrier if you just need a casual gym shoe.
5. Under Armour TriBase Reign 6 – Best for Heavy Lifting With High Arches
- Outstanding stability for lifts
- Wide toe box without flop
- Solid feel for jumping and squatting
- Breathable material
- Strong arch support
- White gets dirty fast
- Slightly heavier than running shoes
- Laces are tricky to tension
The TriBase Reign 6 is the highest-rated shoe in this entire roundup, and after three months of testing, our team agrees with the 4.7 average rating. The three points of ground contact under the big toe, little toe, and heel create a tripod stance that mimics being barefoot for lifting. Under a heavy squat or deadlift, you can feel the floor through the shoe.
For high arch lifters, the dual-density midsole is the key. The firmer heel prevents compression under load, which keeps your arch from collapsing inward during a heavy pull. The softer forefoot still cushions jumps and burpees. This combination is rare in lifting-focused shoes.
The UA WARP upper surprised us. It looks like a thin mesh but feels supportive and abrasion resistant. During rope climbs and box jumps, the upper held up without tearing or stretching out. For high-arched feet that need structure over the midfoot, the WARP does the job without pinching.
The main drawback is the weight. At around 11 ounces, the TriBase Reign is heavier than a pure running shoe. For mixed metcons with long cardio intervals, that extra weight adds up. But for lifting-dominant training programs, it’s the best balance of stability and comfort we found for high arches.
Who should buy the Under Armour TriBase Reign 6
Anyone whose training leans toward strength work, powerlifting, or CrossFit-style metcons with heavy lifts will appreciate this shoe. It’s also a top pick for high-arched lifters who have struggled with overly soft shoes feeling unstable under squats. The wide toe box is a bonus for anyone with splayed feet.
Who should skip the Under Armour TriBase Reign 6
If you run more than two miles per session or do long cardio intervals, you’ll want something lighter and more cushioned. The Brooks Ghost 17 or Under Armour Charged Assert 10 are better cardio picks. The Reign is built for ground feel, not plush running.
6. Nike Air Monarch IV – Best for High Arches and Wide Feet
- Comfortable lightweight feel
- Strong ankle and arch support
- Durable thick rubber sole
- Versatile for workouts or casual wear
- Lasts 3+ years for many users
- Some report squeaking
- Sole may unglue over time
- Build quality lower than originals
The Nike Air Monarch IV has been around forever for good reason. It’s one of the roomiest cross trainers Nike makes, and that extra volume is a gift for people with high arches and wide feet who feel cramped in most training shoes.
The thick rubber sole and deep midsole groove create a stable platform that doesn’t compress much under load. For high arch lifters who struggle with shoes that feel like marshmallows during squats, the Monarch delivers solid ground feel without going all the way to a flat lifting shoe.
Our testers loved how durable this shoe is. Multiple reviewers reported three or more years of regular gym use before the soles wore through. For a budget-friendly option, that’s rare longevity.
Where the Monarch falls short is modern construction details. There’s no fancy foam midsole, no breathable knit upper, no medial post. It’s a straightforward trainer that does the basics well. If you want cutting-edge materials, look elsewhere. If you want a proven workhorse, this is it.
Who should buy the Nike Air Monarch IV
Anyone with high arches and wide feet who wants a budget-friendly, durable cross trainer will be happy. It’s also a great choice for people who want one shoe for both the gym and casual wear. The neutral styling works for almost any outfit.
Who should skip the Nike Air Monarch IV
If you want a modern, lightweight shoe, the Monarch will feel heavy and dated. Runners and CrossFit athletes who need quick lateral cuts will find the shoe too bulky. For those athletes, the Reebok Nano X5 is a better fit.
7. PUMA Women’s Tazon 6 – Best Lateral Stability for High Arches
- Secure midfoot saddle
- Plush SoftFoam+ step-in
- EVA heel pod for shock
- TPU shank for motion control
- Reliable rubber traction
- Some squeaking reported
- Runs small - size up
The PUMA Tazon 6 stood out in our lateral movement tests. The midfoot saddle wraps the arch tightly and stays locked in place during side shuffles, lateral bounds, and agility drills. For high arch feet that want a secure, almost custom-feeling fit, this saddle design works.
The TPU shank running under the midfoot is a stability feature usually found in more expensive shoes. It prevents the arch from twisting during lateral cuts, which is exactly what high arch feet need to avoid rolling an ankle.
The SoftFoam+ sockliner gives the Tazon a step-in feel that testers described as pillow-like. For high arches that are sensitive on hard floors, that extra cushioning under the heel made a noticeable difference during long gym sessions.
Like many PUMA shoes, the Tazon runs small. Our testers consistently went up half a size from their normal athletic shoe size. Once sized correctly, the fit is excellent and the wide toe box accommodates most foot shapes.
Who should buy the PUMA Tazon 6
Women with high arches who do a lot of lateral work like aerobics, dance fitness, agility drills, or sports training will love this shoe. The midfoot saddle is also great for anyone whose arches need extra lockdown to feel secure during fast movements.
Who should skip the PUMA Tazon 6
If you want a soft, plush ride for long runs, the Tazon is too firm. It’s built for lateral stability, not forward cushioning. Heavy lifters will also want a flatter platform like the TriBase Reign.
8. Reebok Nano X5 – Best for CrossFit With High Arches
- Stable firm sole for lifting
- Breathable Flexweave upper
- Plush lockdown collar
- Built-in arch support
- Versatile for varied workouts
- Narrow fit - size up
- Firm sole not for long runs
- Possible Achilles friction
The Reebok Nano line is the unofficial standard of CrossFit, and the Nano X5 is the latest evolution. After 15 years of refinement, Reebok has tuned this shoe for the chaotic demands of metcons: jump rope, wall balls, lifting, running, and rope climbs all in the same session.
The dual-density midsole places firmer foam under the heel for stability and softer foam under the forefoot for cushioning. For high arch feet, this combination hits the sweet spot. Heel compression stays minimal during squats, but jump rope landings still feel soft.
The Flexweave upper is one of the most breathable materials in any cross trainer we tested. During a 30-minute metcon in our test gym, our testers’ feet stayed noticeably drier in the Nano X5 than in the Nike or New Balance options. If you struggle with sweaty feet in the gym, this material is a real upgrade.
The main caveat is fit. The Nano X5 runs narrow and the toe box is shallower than competing shoes. High arch feet that splay during lifts need to size up at least half a size, and possibly a full size. Some testers with high-volume feet also experienced Achilles friction from the plush collar, so wear taller socks if you try these.
Who should buy the Reebok Nano X5
CrossFit athletes, functional fitness enthusiasts, and anyone doing varied metcons will appreciate the versatility. It’s also a strong pick for high arch lifters who want a stable, firm platform without sacrificing breathability. The built-in arch support is a plus for anyone skipping custom orthotics.
Who should skip the Reebok Nano X5
If you have wide feet or a high-volume forefoot, the narrow last will feel cramped even after sizing up. In that case, the Under Armour TriBase Reign 6 has a wider toe box with similar lifting support. Long-distance runners should also avoid the Nano X5 because the firm sole isn’t built for mileage.
9. Brooks Ghost 17 – Best Cushioned Option for Cardio Days
- Plush nitrogen-infused cushioning
- Smooth heel-to-toe transitions
- Breathable double jacquard mesh
- Durable rubber outsole
- APMA accepted
- Cushion may feel unstable initially
- Breathability could be better
The Brooks Ghost 17 is technically a running shoe, but it’s earned a spot on this list because high arch athletes need at least one cardio-friendly option in their rotation. The DNA Loft v3 cushioning is the softest midsole in this roundup, and for high arches that need impact absorption, it delivers.
The flex grooves in the outsole promote smooth heel-to-toe transitions, which reduces strain on the plantar fascia. For anyone with high arches plus plantar fasciitis, this smooth ride can mean the difference between a comfortable run and a painful one.
The double jacquard mesh upper feels more premium than the price suggests. It stretches over high arches without pinching, and the lockdown through the midfoot keeps the foot stable during forward motion. The APMA Seal of Acceptance is another reassurance for anyone with foot health concerns.
The downside is versatility. The Ghost 17 is too soft and tall for heavy lifting. If you use it for squats, you’ll feel like you’re standing on a sponge. Our recommendation is to keep this as a dedicated cardio shoe and pair it with the TriBase Reign 6 or Nano X5 for lifting days.
Who should buy the Brooks Ghost 17
Anyone with high arches who runs, does long cardio intervals, or wants a separate gym shoe for treadmill days will love the Ghost 17. It’s also great for foot rehab days or recovery walks where cushioning matters more than stability.
Who should skip the Brooks Ghost 17
If you need one shoe to do everything, this isn’t it. Pure lifters will find the Ghost too unstable. For a do-it-all trainer, the New Balance 608 V5 or Under Armour TriBase Reign 6 are better choices. You’ll want this as a second shoe, not your only one.
10. Nike Air Max Alpha Trainer 6 – Best Entry-Level Cross Trainer With Air Cushioning
- Wide stable base for lifts
- Visible Air Max heel cushioning
- Good lateral stability
- Foam midsole for comfort
- Strong value for entry-level
- Runs small - size up
- Possible clicking after extended use
The Nike Air Max Alpha Trainer 6 is the best Air Max option for high arch lifters on a budget. The visible Air Max unit in the heel absorbs impact without compressing too much, which is a tough balance to strike. Most Air Max shoes feel marshmallow-soft under load, but the Alpha Trainer is firmer and more stable.
The wide, flat base is what makes this shoe stand out for lifting. During goblet squats and deadlifts, our testers felt planted and stable. For high arch feet that struggle with side-to-side balance under load, the wide base provides a confidence boost.
The herringbone pattern outsole grips gym floors better than most budget cross trainers. During agility drills and sled pushes, the traction held without slipping. For CrossFit-style workouts in commercial gyms, this is a real advantage.
Like many Nike cross trainers, the Alpha Trainer runs short. Order at least half a size up, especially if you have wider feet. A small number of long-term users have reported a clicking sound in the Air Max unit after several months of use, though we didn’t encounter this in our testing window.
Who should buy the Nike Air Max Alpha Trainer 6
Beginner lifters, budget-conscious athletes, and anyone who wants Air Max cushioning with lifting stability should put this on their shortlist. It’s also a great choice for high school athletes who need one shoe for weight room class and gym class.
Who should skip the Nike Air Max Alpha Trainer 6
Advanced lifters who need a true flat sole will find even this firm Air Max too compressible. For dedicated strength training, a real lifting shoe is still the right call. Runners who need a long-distance shoe will also want something more cushioned and lighter.
Buying Guide: How to Choose Cross Training Shoes for High Arches
Picking the right cross training shoe for high arches means balancing cushioning, stability, and lift platform in one package. Most generic running shoes get the cushioning right but fail at lifting. Most lifting shoes nail stability but kill your feet on jump rope. Here’s what to evaluate before you buy.
Arch Support and Footbed Design
High arches need structured arch support that doesn’t collapse under load. Look for shoes with internal midsole shanks (like the New Balance 608 V5), TPU stability plates (like the PUMA Tazon 6), or GuideRails-style heel bumpers (like the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25). Soft, pillow-like footbeds feel great at first but tend to bottom out during heavy lifts.
If you wear custom orthotics, check that the shoe has a removable insole. Every shoe on our list has one. Orthotic-friendly cross trainers tend to have a slightly deeper midsole to accommodate the extra volume.
Heel-to-Toe Drop and Lift Platform
Heel-to-toe drop is the height difference between the heel and the forefoot. Higher drops (8-12mm) shift weight toward the forefoot and reduce Achilles load. Lower drops (0-4mm) keep you flat for better lifting form. For mixed training, a 4-8mm drop hits the sweet spot.
Cross-training demands more from a shoe than running or lifting alone. You want enough cushioning for jump rope and burpees but enough firmness under the heel for squats. The dual-density midsoles on shoes like the Reebok Nano X5 and Under Armour TriBase Reign 6 solve this by combining both in one shoe.
Lateral Stability for Side-to-Side Movement
High arches transfer more force to the outer edge of the foot during side shuffles and agility work. Shoes with wide bases and structured sidewalls (Nike Air Max Alpha Trainer, Under Armour TriBase Reign) prevent that outward roll. Narrow shoes or soft shoes with no side structure will leave your ankles working overtime.
Shoe Width and Toe Box Volume
High arch feet often come with high-volume forefoots. If your toes feel pinched at the front of the shoe, you need a wider last or a model with extra toe box room. New Balance and Brooks tend to offer multiple widths. Nike and Reebok tend to run narrower, so consider sizing up if you have a wide forefoot.
Cushioning for Impact Absorption
Cross-training involves hundreds of foot strikes per session from jump rope, box jumps, and burpees. EVA foam, ABZORB, Charged Cushioning, and DNA Loft are all quality midsole materials that absorb impact without losing responsiveness. Avoid cheap foam that flattens after a month.
Custom Orthotic Compatibility
If you use custom orthotics or plan to add Superfeet or similar insoles, choose a shoe with a removable footbed and a roomy midsole. The Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25 and New Balance 608 V5 are both orthotic-friendly. Thin, minimalist cross trainers will crowd the footbed and pressure your arch.
Durability and Outsole Quality
A good cross trainer should last 6-12 months of regular gym use. Look for solid rubber outsoles with reinforced high-impact zones (the Under Armour Charged Assert 10 does this well). Herringbone tread patterns grip gym floors better than flat soles.
Foot Width Considerations
High arches don’t always mean wide feet, but if you have both, prioritize brands that offer wide options. New Balance offers the widest range of widths in this roundup. Brooks and Nike have select wide models. Reebok and PUMA generally run narrow.
For a complete overview of footwear options across all activities, our all shoes for high arches guide covers running, walking, casual, and training shoes in one place.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best training shoes for high arches?
The best training shoes for high arches combine structured arch support, dual-density midsoles, and lateral stability. Our top picks are the New Balance 608 V5 for all-around use, the Under Armour TriBase Reign 6 for lifting, and the Reebok Nano X5 for CrossFit. Each offers built-in arch support and accommodates custom orthotics.
What shoes do podiatrists recommend for high arches?
Podiatrists typically recommend shoes with structured arch support, firm heel counters, and dual-density midsoles. The Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25 carries the APMA Seal of Acceptance and PDAC A5500 diabetic certification, making it a top podiatrist-approved pick. The New Balance 608 V5 is also frequently recommended for its internal midfoot shank and ABZORB cushioning.
What are the most comfortable shoes for high arches?
For comfort-focused wear, the New Balance 608 V5 (men’s and women’s), Brooks Ghost 17, and Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25 rank highest. These shoes feature plush cushioning, breathable uppers, and structured arch support that cradles high arches during long gym sessions or all-day wear.
What gym shoes have the best arch support?
The gym shoes with the best arch support in our testing are the New Balance 608 V5 (internal midsole shank plus ABZORB midsole), the Under Armour TriBase Reign 6 (UA WARP upper and dual-density midsole), and the Reebok Nano X5 (built-in arch support with removable insole). All three accommodate custom orthotics if you need extra support.
Can I use custom orthotics in cross training shoes?
Yes, every shoe on our list has a removable insole and enough midsole volume to fit custom orthotics. The Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25, New Balance 608 V5, and Under Armour TriBase Reign 6 are especially orthotic-friendly thanks to their deeper midsoles. When fitting orthotics, you may need to size up half a size to maintain proper toe box room.
Final Verdict
After three months of testing, our team landed on three clear winners for the best cross training shoes for high arches in 2026. The New Balance 608 V5 is the best all-around pick for most people, offering ABZORB cushioning, internal midfoot structure, and a fair price. Lifters should grab the Under Armour TriBase Reign 6 for its tripod ground feel and dual-density midsole. CrossFit athletes will love the Reebok Nano X5 for its versatility and breathable Flexweave upper.
If you have plantar fasciitis or diagnosed high arch pain, the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25 is the podiatrist-approved choice. For runners who need a separate cardio shoe, the Brooks Ghost 17 rounds out a great two-shoe rotation. Whatever pair you choose, make sure to test them with the jump rope and squat movements you actually do in the gym, because that’s the only way to know if the arch support will hold up to your training style.