Arch support shoes are great for people who are flat footed, have ankle-related issues, suffer from shin splints, or have a high arch (which can cause pain and affect running technique). In this article we are taking a look at five of the best Nike arch support shoes. Helping you to make the right decision for your needs when finding a new set of running shoes.
Why Do We Need Arch Support Shoes?
Well, for starters, not everyone does need arch support shoes. Arch support shoes are useful if you have a problem with the arches of your feet (flat footed for example) or if you suffer from any of the following issues:
- Overpronation
- Flat feet
- Ankle (internal rotation)
- Shin splints
- High arches
Many people believe that arch supported shoes can help to prevent injuries, but the evidence for this is very slight. The true benefit to arch support shoes is their ability to help manage injuries or mobility issues. They may help you to run better despite having shin splints or ankle issues. They are also excellent for people with flat feet.
Running shoes with arch support can also offer improved energy return as you run, and may improve balance and agility, good for any sports that require quick changes in direction.
What to Look For in Arch Support Shoes?
There are several things that you want to look out for when purchasing arch support shoes. Stability is very important, as that is one of the main reasons why you are buying them as opposed to regular running shoes. We’re also rating them on performance, how well they allow you to travel in different directions and how they can improve balance.
You also have the regular factors such as comfort, aesthetics, and value for money. Each factor will be measured out of a total of five, and then the shoes will be given a score out of 25. If you aren’t too fussed about aesthetics, or value for money, then you can just disregard those scores, and find a shoe that fits your other criteria best.
When reviewing these shoes, we mostly focused on how they would feel while running, they are after all running shoes. But all five can also be used for comfortable walking or as fashion items. Shoes with higher comfort scores out of five will probably be best for walking in, while shoes with higher aesthetics scores will be best for fashion (though aesthetics is highly subjective and based on our personal opinion).
- Comfort
- Aesthetics
- Value for money
- Stability
- Performance
Top Five Best Nike Arch Support Shoes
| The Top 5 Best Nike Arch Support Shoes | Value | Comfort | Fashion | Stability | Performance | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nike Air Zoom Structure 22 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 23/25 | Check Price |
| Nike Zoom Winflo 6 | 4 | 5 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 20/25 | Check Price |
| Nike Zoom X Invincible Run | 3 | 5 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 22/25 | Check Price |
| Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 33 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 21/25 | Check Price |
| Nike Air Zoom Free RN Flyknit | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 21/25 | Check Price |
So, that is your list of five of the best Nike arch support shoes that are currently available. As you can see, we’ve scored the Nike Air Zoom Structure 22 as the highest on this list, with 23/25. It is excellent value for money, is highly comfortable and scores well in fashion, stability, and performance.
Now that you’ve seen how each shoe is scored, let’s take a more in-depth look at each shoe on this list. That way, you can get a much better idea of which shoe fits your needs.
Nike Arch Support Shoe #1: Nike Air Zoom Structure 22
The Nike Air Zoom Structure 22 running shoes are fantastic shoes for runners who want comfort and stability in their running shoes. The shoes are incredibly lightweight, and really allow for a natural run. This is the biggest benefit they have over older shoes in the series. The mesh upper really helps with breathability, and the dynamic support is excellent for flat footed runners.
If you have medium to high arches, then these are the running shoes for you. They suit longer distances such as marathons but can also be used for medium distances such as 5k or 10k races. If you are looking to run a faster marathon than last time, these shoes could really work for you.
The foam midsole really helps to improve your comfort and cushioning as you run, and the traction is superb. Aesthetically they are pretty good in a low-profile inoffensive kind of way. Their value for money is excellent. These are the highest scoring shoes on this list, and you can see why. They tick every box and will really help with stability and comfort for medium to long distance runners.
Nike Arch Support Shoe #2: Nike Zoom Winflo 6
The Nike Zoom Winflo 6 is a great choice for runners on a budget and comes at an excellent price considering the quality and brand name. The Winflo range is basically a lower budget version of the Pegasus range (see shoe #4). Obviously, they won’t outperform the Pegasus shoes, but the difference is surprisingly small. Expect a well-made, comfortable, and stable running shoe that will last you a long time.
The shoes are really comfortable and are ideal for flat footed or high-arch footed people who need to stand around a lot for work, or who run longer distances. They perform really well during runs, as you would expect from a Nike running shoe, and the comfort and stability is matched with improved balance and agility.
We scored them low on fashion, as they are quite bulky looking compared to others on this list. They would probably look the worst when worn on the streets, but if you are purely focused on performance and value for money then the shoes are a great choice.
Nike Arch Support Shoe #3: Nike Zoom X Invincible Run
The Nike Zoom X invincible run shoes are the most comfortable shoes on this list, possibly the most comfortable stability shoes on the market! Incredible. It offers amazing energy return as you run on it, making it great for training and for running on harder surfaces. The only downsides are the price range, and the durability. The cushioning is incredible, but it can be worn down with repeated use.
We’ve scored it high for performance, as it is amazingly versatile, but we’re not sure that it should be worn for race day. These shoes are great for training, and for everyday use. The stability side is excellent and will really help support your arches throughout the day. Fashion-wise they are a bit of an acquired taste. The all white version does actually look really good, but other colour combinations can be hit or miss.
This is our lowest performing shoe when it comes to value for money, this is mostly due to the higher price tag and the low durability of the cushioning. But that is just in comparison to the other high-quality shoes on this list. If viewed in comparison to other shoes on the market, it is highly durable and decent value for money. If you have a higher budget and want a truly comfortable running shoe, then this is perfect.
Nike Arch Support Shoe #4: Nike Zoom Pegasus 33
The Nike Zoom Pegasus 33 is an extremely well made arch supporting running shoe. It is one of the best stability shoes for training and can also be worn while walking or in the gym. The shoes may not be suited to race day, depending on how seriously you take your races. But they are going to last you a long time as a daily running shoe.
The upper is well made and fits your foot perfectly. This is a highly comfortable running shoe. The cushioning is decent, though not as good as the Nike Zoom X Invincible shoe. However, the traction is superb, and this shoe is both lighter and better for performance.
It is well priced, and ticks a lot of boxes for most runners, particularly ones with mid to high arches who enjoy running. Definitely one to look out for.
Nike Arch Support Shoe #5: Nike Air Zoom Free RN Flyknit
The last shoe on our list is the Nike Air Zoom Free RN Flyknit. A great set of running shoes that provides good support for high arches, while delivering an amazingly light and breathable running shoe. These are excellent all-rounder running shoes that are very minimal compared to the other four on this list. Yet they are still comfortable and will provide the stability you require.
They look amazing, are nicely cushioned (considering the minimalist approach) and are highly breathable thanks to a well designed mesh upper. The traction is decent, and the value for money is very good as the shoes are durable and well-priced. Definitely a good option for people with medium arch support requirements who want a lightweight running shoe.
