Does Arch Support Help Or Hurt
I know that when I say something like There is no support for arch support, and make a post to explain why I say that, some people respond, Yeah, but your minimalist shoes have no support in them, so of course you would say that.
To those respondents I say, You have the order backwards. I discovered the lack of support for support long before starting Xero Shoes.
But, theres no need to take my word for it.
Theres RESEARCH that backs up the idea that arch support whether its built into the shoe, or added with an insole or orthotic, isnt what its cracked up to be.
And the independent shoe review site, RunRepeat.com, has just posted an article asking the question Truth or Hype? when it comes to supporting the arch.
The synopsis is in the infographic from their site, below:
I take issue with the recommendation that you should only use arch support if a podiatrist recommends it, given that most podiatrists dont know about this research and think, incorrectly, that you DO need arch support.
Plus, not surprisingly, many of them make quite a bit of income from prescribing arch support.
So, Id rewrite the recommedation to recommended by a podiatrist who understands natural movement and knows that arch support is a temporary treatment for healing in most cases.
BTW, my favorite part of the article on RunRepeat.com is actually the list of Best Rated Running Shoes on the right hand side.
On Reviews: What Do Customers Think
If you search for On cloud shoes reviews online as we did, the results will show many fervent and loyal customers to the brand.
Customers are choosing On sneakers over more well-known brands and applaud the company for the:
- Level of comfort
- Customer service
- Fast shipping
Firstly, Running World, a site dedicated to providing advice on buying high-quality sportswear, reviewed the brand for its practices, products, and sustainability and was overall impressed with the brand.
What was especially noted in this review was how the shoes were constructed thoughtfully and with many redeeming features.
In each individual product from the brand, the review spoke favorably about how the shoes work and how they are meant to be worn. Most notably, the review loved the Cloudflyer and their in-house tester even stated:
The ride in this shoe is up there with the best tempo shoes Ive wornyou get a quick turnover and springy liftoff.
Another review from The Sports Edit, a site dedicated to promoting high-quality sportswear, agreed with the sentiments from Runners World.
In their review of the brand, after evaluating a few of the brands best sellers there is applause for the shoes construction, the versatility of use, and reliability. At the end of the review, the brand made their conclusion:
The most common complaint among customers is regardingOn customer service. Many have noted that theyve reached out to the customer service team only to beignored for weeks.
Do On Cloud Shoes Have Arch Support
Arch support: Being that the On Cloud is designed to promote a barefoot feel, one would expect little to no arch support. Im pleasantly surprised, however, as my arches feel moderately supported. The On Cloud features lightweight mesh upper at the forefoot which allows air to circulate into and out of the shoe.
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Identify Your Foot Arch Type
The arch type can affect how a foot functions as well as your knees and your back. You are going to need a proper support for your feet, and for this, you need to identify your own arch type. This will help you make sure the right footwear or orthotics to use to avoid possible foot injuries and prevent pain. Foot type can be determined through imprints or iStep scans.
The low arch type of feet or also referred to as a flat foot comprises about 20 percent of the population. This type of arch is more flexible and tends to overpronate and roll inwards. Imprints and iStep scans for the low arched foot can show almost the entire part of the foot. They are often biomechanically imbalanced and also make the feet more vulnerable to various foot problems like arch pain, heel pain, and plantar fasciitis.
About 60 percent of the population have the medium arch type of foot. They are more often biomechanically efficient but can somehow be still at risk for common foot problems such as discomfort on the ball of the foot and heel pain. Imprints and iStep scans for this type of foot will show a well-defined forefoot and rear foot and about half of the arch area. This type of foot can surely benefit from shock absorption, support, and extra cushioning.
Where To Buy On Cloud Shoes
Its also a very good shoe for running and triathlons due to their easy slip on design and comfort while running sock-less. They are a bit more minimal than say the On Cloud X for running, but if you enjoy running in a minimal shoe and want to look great while doing so, then these shoes are for you!
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Clarks Mens Reazor Drive Slip
Did you know Clarks has designed a pair of shoes for drive-in for all the people suffering from plantar fasciitis? The Clarks Mens Reazor Drive Slip-On Loafer is a product that you need to look out for.
Design Design of this shoe is minimal and attractive. It is a classic style shoe that comes in many colors. We love how simple and easy to put on these shoes are.
Materials: The upper material of this loafer is pure breathable leather. And its sole is constructed with solid yet flexible rubber.
Breathable mesh While keeping sweat in mind, the shoes are manufactured while using breathable mesh. You can use these loafers even in summers for all day long without having to worry about sweating them up.
Sheepskin Lining: Its lining material is of sheepskin to give you the ultimate level of comfort in the side, top, and heel areas.
Outsole: The rubber outsole of these shoes is soft, flexible, and sturdy. It offers good grip on any surface of the ground.
OrthoLite Footbed: It also features the same OrthoLite footbed to provide great level of comfort and support.
My Opinion:
Pros: These Clarks shoes are perfect for wearing during long road trips. They have a classic and stylish design, and they offer good level of comfort.
Cons: Some people have complained about leather tearing. Also, it is not designed to fit every foot.
Are On Shoes Worth It
On is a good brand for people who are looking for running shoes at a lower price. On shoes are all under $100, which is still pricey but much less expensive than other brands.
For someone who wants to start walking or running, the right pair of shoes can be the difference between walking/running for years or walking/running once and never doing it again. I found On Running Shoes are great for the average person looking to exercise regularly with limited amounts of prior experience.
If you are looking into exercise as a lifestyle change, there might be better shoe brands out there to invest in. On the other hand, if you are looking to purchase a pair of shoes to either take up running or have been doing it for a while, then this brand might be right for you. These shoes are great for beginners who need a cheap, comfortable pair of shoes to start running.
All in all, if you are looking for an above-average quality shoe that is attractive, comfortable, and affordable, then On Running Shoes are probably the perfect fit. They might not be the most durable or high-end sneakers out there, but they are worth every nickel.
Additionally, the business offers a Home Try-On, which entails the brand allowing you to try on the shoes for 30 days risk-free!
On is a brand that genuinely believes in developing shoes that will only improve your performance, whether youre an expert athlete or just as relaxed evening strolls.
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Clarks Womens Maypearl Ramie Ankle Bootie Price Range From $130 To $ 157
We realized that in our list, we only recommended single heels for all our ladies out there. So, we thought, why not end our list on a loud note with Clarks Maypearl Ramie, stylish and extravagant heels for women who love to show off their style choices.
Material: The Maypearl Ramie is manufactured by using pure leather. These are breathable shoes so that you wont feel any irritation during summers.
Boot Opening: This long boot for women has an opening of around 11 inches. It means any normal woman can use these boots without any problem.
Textile Lining: They feature textile lining to give you great level of comfort in all areas of the foot. You will not feel any irritation on your feet.
Sole The sole has been made up of synthetic material. It will never let debris or dirt stick to it. These shoes are also washable.
OrthoLite Footbed: It also comes with OrthoLite footbed for cushioning, comfort, and support.
Heel This boot is not featured with a high heel. Its heel height is only 1.77-inch that makes it ideal to use for a woman of any age.
My Opinion:
Pros: Thee shoes are extremely stylish and highly comfortable. They are also ideal for office use and will definitely help you make a style statement.
Cons: They cannot be used for longer time durations. Also, they are not suitable for fat people.
Most Comfortable: Hoka One One Clifton 8 Knit Running Shoe
What Youll Love: The breathable and lightweight shoe has a wide toe box to prevent toe scrunching.
What You Need to Know: The upper knit can stretch out over time, impacting the fit of the shoe.
A trifecta of breathability, comfort, and stability, this running shoe has a thin sock-lock collar construction and a cute knit design that youll actually want to sport outside of the gym. The lightweight frame molds to your foot with an adaptive forefront that makes every step smoother than the last. The shoe is constructed to give you full-ground contact on every step for an extra boost of stability, while the brands signature Hoka One One midsole offers a dose of cushioning that doubles as shock absorption.
Rave Review: Hoka has won my heart! I’ve worn Clifton 6 7 and Bondi’s models, and none of them has nailed it like the newly released Clifton 8 model has. Super supportive, stable, and the toe box is perfect for me to wiggle my toes when they burnClifton 8 is my favorite, I’ve purchased a second pair!
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Best Budget: Feetmat Womens Running Shoes
What Youll Love: The budget-friendly pick still has moisture-wicking upper, no-slip outsoles, and plenty of arch support.
What You Need to Know: A lower price point comes with less research and lower-quality materials.
Shoe brands that invest in research to create top-of-the-line products should really be your first choice if you want high-quality support. But when those podiatrist-approved picks arent in budget, fiscally responsible shoppers have you covered with affordable alternatives. Theyve narrowed down Feetmats memory sole sneakers as a reliable option at a low price point. With non-slip outsoles and a moisture-wicking mesh material, these comfy sneakers wont break the bank yet still offer all the support you could dream of.
Rave Review: I love these sneakers! I needed water sneakers that could provide stable arch and sole support for walking on uneven trails, and water-friendly for when the hiking trail goes through shallow streams. I thought that these might work and they do. They’re perfect.
Zoned Mesh Upper Creates Comfortable Fit
Like all On running shoes, the Cloudflyer sports a sleek, minimalist design and quality construction with Ons signature CloudTec midsole.
A zoned mesh upper creates different characteristics across the top of the shoe, and an accommodating toe box meets a secure midfoot and heel.
I am a big fan of the spacious toe box, says one reviewer.
Designers covered the Cloudflyer in a cushioned engineered mesh upper thats comfortable and flexible.
Plus, different zones of mesh across the upper enhance flexibility further along with an open-patterned mesh on the toe box to vent heat. A tighter weave wraps the midfoot for added structure.
Even though the mesh changes from the forefoot to the midfoot, the inside of the shoe is soft and smooth. A cushy internal bootie lines the inside of the shoe, which adds a little bit of plushness throughout.
A padded tongue sewed into the bootie helps keep debris out and adds a cushioned feel. From the moment you step in, the Cloudflyer feels built for comfort.
The tongue is plush and padded, and the heel collar tapers out ever so slightly to avoid any rubbing, one reviewer says.
The heel of the Cloudflyer offers supportive structure and a solid design.
An external heel counter wraps around the back of the shoe to create a rigid heel cup, and it blends cleanly into the overall design of the shoethe heel counter creates a clean line with the two-tone midsole.
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On Running Review: The Worlds Lightest Trainers
On has made a big splash in its relatively short existence, and now has the accolade of being the fastest growing running shoe brand in the world. Founded in 2010 by a three-time world duathalon champion and multiple Ironman winner Oliver Bernhard, together with his friends David Allemann and Casper Coppetti, the vision from the off was to come up with a fast and truly revolutionary running shoe. Whilst that term gets bandied around too much, in Ons case you just have to look at the Cloud or Cloudflow to realise that these are unlike any other running shoes on the market.
They set out to solve the two perennial problems in distance running shoes: of combining a cushioned, soft landing with a firm, responsive take-off and a highly cushioned shoe that is also extremely lightweight. Plenty of shoes on the market are good at one or the other, but not both. Distance shoes tend to be either fast, responsive and lightweight or comfortable, cushioned and heavier. On has come up with a shoe design that genuinely delivers on both fronts, built around two main innovations.
Most Secure Fit: Mizuno Womens Wave Horizon 3 Running Shoe
What Youll Love: The stabilizing technology stops overpronation without impacting the plush cushioning.
What You Need to Know: Reviewers complain the shoes require a break-in period and have a shorter lifespan than other Mizuno models.
Prepare to take your runs to the next level with Mizunos most advanced support shoe. The cushioned midsole offers optimal comfort, while the built-in Wave plate technology in the footbed stabilizes your run by dispersing energy evenly post-impact . The responsive plate also optimizes your head-to-toe transitions for smoother strides, gives you critical arch support, and prevents pronation. But the real standout is Mizunos AeroHug technology, which molds the breathable mesh upper to your foot for a secure fit that eliminates slipping and sliding during your run.
Rave Review: I overpronate and have back issues, so I need excellent footwear. These are the most comfortable and supportive shoes I have ever put on my feet.
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On Cloud Womens Shoes Review
This On cloud shoes review will now move on to the bestselling womens sneakers. Any woman knows that shoes are true assets in aesthetics, confidence, and most importantly, movement.
On strives to create womens shoes that not only look great but also allow for freedom of movement, protection, and breathability so the modern and active woman can stride freely and confidently.
A new and improved version of the initial On Cloud 2.0, the Cloudstratus now delivers the ultimate cushioning experience. The shoe provides a double layer of CloudTec, meaning more clouds, more performance, and more run.
While these sneakers feature maximum cushioning, they also stay responsive and offer additional support that doesnt stifle speed.
The mesh is designed asymmetrically with movement in mind. Soft and firm, theyre optimized for comfort and breathable airflow. The shoe also features a star lacing configuration, wrapping the foot for a secure fit to support your natural motion.
Where your foot flexes, the shoe flexes, too! The Cloudstratuscomes in five vibrant colors to complement any workout outfit and can be your next go-to running essential for $169.
The Cloudflyer Waterproof is a next-generation shoe. With a wider outsole and more plush tongue than the average running shoe, the lightweight cushioning and Helion super foam provide cloud-like comfort.
Best For Trail Running: Salomon Sense Ride 2
What Youll Love: The dirt-resistant mesh upper and tractioned midsole keep feet clean and steady during trail runs.
What You Need to Know: Theres less cushioning in the forefoot than the sole, which may make the shoe feel unbalancedand a few reviewers complain theyre noisy.
These durable running shoes are specifically created for trail running with a stabilizing design that prevents painful over-rotation. The structured outsole protects your feet and ankles from twisting on rocks and other uneven surfaces while simultaneously adapting to the foots natural movements to give an extra boost of support wherever its needed. You can quickly adjust the fit of the stitch-free upper with the quick-lace system, which uses one-pull adjustments to tighten and loosen the fit.
Rave Review: The trails around our city are pretty modest but full of scree at the steeper points, and regular running shoes just won’t cut it. We need shoes with a big grip to stay on our feet if we want to maintain any kind of speed, and the Contagrip outsole does the trick. Now there’s nothing all that special about this outsolein fact it’s a fairly simple sole with firm rubber diamonds that kinda work like spikes to hold you in placebut my favourite thing about them is that they’re spaced wide enough apart that it’s pretty much impossible to get anything caught in the treads to gum them up.
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