Head-to-head · Best Running Shoes for High Arches

ASICS Novablast 5 vs Brooks Ghost 18

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

The short answer

ASICS Novablast 5 comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.6 vs 4.4). The gap is mostly about high-arch runners who want a soft but lively neutral trainer for daily miles and long runs — read the strengths below before deciding.

Higher ratedRanked #1 in Best Running Shoes for High Arches

ASICS Novablast 5

4.6

$129.95as of Jun 7

The Novablast 5 is the best overall pick for high arches: a genuinely neutral, highly cushioned daily trainer with no supportive posting to fight a high-arched stride. The new FF Blast Max foam is soft yet rebounds well, and reviewers consistently note the roomy midfoot accommodates higher-volume, high-arched feet. RunRepeat scored it 92/100 and praised its plush-but-poppy ride.

Strengths

— FF Blast Max foam delivers a bouncy, well-protected ride that high arches benefit from
— Light for a max-cushioned trainer at roughly 9 oz in a men's 9
— Slightly wider midfoot and a subtle internal arch lift give high arches more room and support

Watch-outs

— The trampoline-like geometry can feel tippy for some runners on turns
— Mesh upper runs warm in hot weather
— Not a stability shoe — pure neutral, so it offers no medial post

$129.95 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Ranked #3 in Best Running Shoes for High Arches

Brooks Ghost 18

4.4

$149.95as of Jun 7

The Ghost 18 is the dependable neutral daily trainer in this group: a balanced DNA Loft v3 midsole that is soft enough for long miles yet firm enough to push, with a high 10mm drop that suits heel-striking high-arch runners. Running Warehouse's testers averaged about 8.2/10, and Run To The Finish rated it 88%, praising its do-exactly-what-it-promises reliability.

Strengths

— Balanced DNA Loft v3 midsole — soft enough for long miles, firm enough to pick up the pace
— Reliable, durable daily workhorse with a high 10mm drop that eases Achilles strain
— Running Warehouse testers averaged about 8.2/10 across three reviewers

Watch-outs

— Conservative, no-frills feel that some reviewers find unexciting
— Lower stack height than max-cushion rivals
— Not built for speed despite handling moderate pickups

$149.95 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

How they stack up

ASICS Novablast 5

Bouncier and lighter than the ASICS Gel-Nimbus 27, with a more energetic ride, while the Nimbus 27 is the plusher, more protective option. Roomier and softer than the firmer Nike Pegasus 42, and a more neutral choice than the heel-biased ASICS Gel-Cumulus 28.

Brooks Ghost 18

Firmer and lower-stacked than the ASICS Gel-Nimbus 27 and ASICS Novablast 5, trading plushness for a more grounded, do-it-all ride. Its high 10mm drop matches the heel-biased ASICS Gel-Cumulus 28 and Nike Pegasus 42, making it friendly to heel-striking high-arch runners.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	ASICS Novablast 5	Brooks Ghost 18
Weight	9.0 oz (M)	10.2 oz (M)
Drop	8mm	10mm
Stack height	41.5mm heel / 33.5mm forefoot	36mm heel / 26mm forefoot
Support type	Neutral	Neutral
Cushioning	Max (FF Blast Max)	Moderate (DNA Loft v3)
Width options	Standard, Wide	Standard, Wide, Extra Wide, Narrow
Upper	Engineered mesh	Engineered air mesh

← See the full ranking of best running shoes for high arches