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

ASICS Novablast 5 vs Nike Pegasus 42

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 4.5). 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 #2 in Best Running Shoes for High Arches

Nike Pegasus 42

4.5

$145as of Jun 8

The Pegasus 42 is the versatile do-everything pick: a firm, durable neutral trainer with a curved Air Zoom unit that adds bounce and a very high effective drop that suits heel-striking high-arch runners. RunRepeat scored it 90/100 and called it highly versatile, while Run To The Finish rated it 92% as an easy-day shoe that can transition to uptempo work.

Strengths

— Highly versatile — handles easy runs, moderate uptempo, gym, and all-day wear
— RunRepeat measured a strong 90/100 CoreScore
— Curved full-length Air Zoom unit returns noticeably more energy than the Pegasus 41

Watch-outs

— Moderate stack doesn't match its fairly hefty weight
— Firmer, less plush than max-cushion rivals — less impact protection for very long runs
— Specialist range; pushed too far it wants more cushion and pop

$145 · Buy at nike.com 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.

Nike Pegasus 42

Firmer and lower-stacked than the plush ASICS Gel-Nimbus 27 and bouncy ASICS Novablast 5, but more versatile across paces. Its high effective drop mirrors the heel-biased ASICS Gel-Cumulus 28, and it competes most directly with the Brooks Ghost 18 as a do-it-all neutral daily trainer.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	ASICS Novablast 5	Nike Pegasus 42
Weight	9.0 oz (M)	10.1 oz (M)
Drop	8mm	10mm (14mm measured)
Stack height	41.5mm heel / 33.5mm forefoot	36mm heel / 22mm forefoot
Support type	Neutral	Neutral
Cushioning	Max (FF Blast Max)	Moderate (ReactX + Air Zoom)
Width options	Standard, Wide	Standard, Wide, Extra Wide
Upper	Engineered mesh	Engineered mesh

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