High Top Sneakers With Arch Support

What Does It Mean To Have High Arches

“High arches can make it difficult to fit into regular shoes,” Miguel Cunha, DPM, a podiatrist based in New York City and the founder of Gotham Footcare, tells Health. “Having high arches means that less of your foot actually touches the ground when walking or running, providing less shock absorption.”

High arches are genetic, Dr. Cunha explains, and as the name suggests, are characterized by an arch that’s higher than normal. The arch itself may not cause pain, but your feet might feel fatigued or sore, especially when you’re walking or standing. Other symptoms include arch inflexibility or stiffness, ankle pain, a tight Achilles tendon, discomfort in the ball and heel, or painful corns and calluses.

According to Dr. Marion Yau, a London-based podiatrist, this chronic discomfort is your sign to invest in a new pair of shoes. She warns: “It is very important for those with high arches to choose a supportive shoe because wearing the wrong type of shoes can lead to pain when walking or standing, cause instability and lead to ankle sprains, or tear in the plantar fasciitis.”

Brooks Men’s Ghost 13 Running Shoe

Amazon

• Many color options to choose from

• Fit may run small for some

The Brooks Men’s Ghost Running Shoe boasts the APMA Seal of Acceptance, which is awarded by the American Podiatric Medical Association to products that help promote good foot health.

We love that it features soft, durable foam in the midsole that responds to your stride and a series of shock absorbers to cushion your feet. The flexible mesh upper stays breathable even on long walks or runs, while a solid rubber outsole offers protection from dirt and moisture.

Each size comes in four different widths so you can find the right fit: standard, narrow, wide, and extra-wide. You can also choose from 20 different color combinations, ranging from neutral to bright.

Price at time of publication: $130

Material: Mesh upper, foam midsole, rubber sole | Cushioning: Foam | Closure: Lace-up

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

For this story, Theresa Holland interviewed two podiatrists for buying tips before considering dozens of supportive shoes for women. A fan of orthotic footwear for all occasions, she owns styles from Vionic, Dr. Scholl’s, Teva, SoftWalk, and Cole Haan.

Love a great deal? and well send you our favorite travel products each week.

Don’t Miss: Designer Slip On Sneakers Womens

The Best Walking Shoes

When shopping for shoes that youll wear for long distances or periods of time, not just any old pair will do. If its time to find a new set of sneaks that youll be excited to lace up and go walk in, weve selected some of the very best walking shoes for you. These shoes come from expert-recommended, SELF award-winning, or top-rated shoe brands like Reebok, Ryka, Hoka One One, New Balance, and many more.

All products featured on SELF are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Best For Trails: Merrell Moab 2 Vent Hiking Shoe

Made of durable and breathable materials, this hiking shoe from Merrell is strong enough for any trailhead and keeps your foot feeling comfortable and supported. “The Merrell M Select Fit.Eco+ blended EVA contoured footbed with added zonal arch and heel support is great to give those high arches support,” Dr. Yau assures. Additionally, its cushioned design ensures shock absorption and stability while its carefully crafted outsole gives you the traction to take on the trail with confidence.

“I have very wide feet, plantar fasciitis and the beginnings of a bunion, but these were comfortable right out of the box for me,” one reviewer shared. “The first day I wore these on a 7+ mile fast hike over varied terrain with lots of up and down, no problem. The next day a 10+ mile hike with less hills but varied terrain and again, no problem.”

Recommended Reading: Victoria Secret Pink Flip Flops

How To Find A Supportive Walking Shoe For High Arches

In general, there are a few features you should look for in a walking shoe, says Dr. Cunha. Shoes should have a rigid shank , padding around the ankle, and a spacious toe box so you can move your toes freely. Also important? A well-cushioned footbed to prevent arch collapse. Dr. Cunha says that while he usually recommends custom foot orthotics, they can be expensive and aren’t always covered by health insurance. “When this is the case, I highly recommend a good insole such as the Profoot Triad Orthotics insoles,” he says. “These over-the-counter orthotics can help realign and position the foot and ankle properly to stabilize your arch to help provide shock absorption.” The combination of orthotics with a shoe that already has shock-absorbing padding in the footbed will work together to keep your feet pain-free.

Ready to make the switch to a more supportive shoe? These podiatrist-approved walking shoes will keep you comfortable during every part of your trek.

Gentle Souls By Kenneth Cole

Another transitional option for you, the Gentle Souls boots combine the styling of boots and shoes. Perfect for wearing with your summer dresses instead of sandals when the weather starts to cool down.

Of course, when it does get colder, youre also likely to want a pair of knee-length boots to wear with your skinny jeans or your dresses or skirts. The boots feature footbeds that mold to the shape of your feet along with memory foam to cushion pressure points.

Gentle Souls by Kenneth Cole Emma Stretch Boot / Zappos

Read Also: What Shoes Should I Wear For Volleyball

Cole Haan Generation Zerogrand Ii Sneaker

Courtesy of Amazon

Why We Love It: These fashion-forward sneakers feature thick-yet-lightweight outsoles, supportive arches, and cushioned footbeds to absorb shock.

What to Consider: They’re not the most compact pair to pack in a suitcase.

Cole Haan’s Generation ZeroGrand II Sneaker has built-in arch support to evenly distribute your weight for a more comfortable stride. Not only that, the lightweight rubber soles and cushioned footbeds absorb impact to help take pressure off your knees, calves, and ankles.

This sporty-chic shoe is also one of the most sustainable options we found. It’s made with at least 25 percent recycled or earth-sourced materials, including rubber derived from dandelions yep, those weedy yellow flowers. The chunky outsoles are undoubtedly fashion-forward. And while they’re not the most compact for packing, you can always wear them en route to your destination.

Price at time of publish: $130

Sizes: 511 | Material: Textile upper, rubber sole

Best Fitness Walking: Brooks Ghost 14 Sneaker

The Brooks Ghost 14 Sneaker achieves the balance between lightweight and structured with its thoughtful design, which includes soft-yet-energizing cushioning, a breathable stretch, a removable foam insole, and strategic flex grooves to promote your forefoot’s natural movements. Dr. Cunha says the sneaker also provides proper support to the heel. “When you are walking or running, it will help prevent ankle sprains in people with high arches,” he explains. “The heels of the shoe should be a little wider on the bottom to add stability.” This also allows for a smoother landing to toe-off transition.

“These shoes are extremely comfortable, with arch support suitable for my needs,” . “While walking, I no longer have the pains on the top of my foot, or the back of my heel.”

Don’t Miss: Rei Rain Boots Women’s

The Best Arch Support Shoes: Sneakers Sandals And Slip

Save this for later.

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Laying on my bed in Stockholms Story Hotel, I stared at my feet high above me, resting against the funky wallpaperthis was day one of my first solo trip and my feet were already in such excruciating pain that I couldnt bear the thought of standing up.

Throughout my travels, this routine became par for course until a podiatrist told me what I already knew, but didnt realize was a condition: I have flat feet. While the common condition inflicts about 18 million American adults and can go unnoticed, for some, it can cause pain with every step, especially when tendons gets inflamed or tear.

For anyone who has symptomatic flat feet, the more they walk without proper support, the greater the chances for potential foot issues, says Justin Hill, a certified pedorthist with Hanger Clinic in Albuquerque. For many travelers, these issues are worse when on a trip because they are more active than when they are at home. This is further compounded by wearing unsupportive shoes, such as slip-ons or flip-flops.

Heres what New York Universitys Dr. Louis Iannuzzi, who is on the Pedorthic Footcare Association Board of Directors, and other experts have to say about finding the best shoes for travelers with flat feet.

Hoka One One Clifton 7

These are among HOKA One Ones most popular running shoes because they are great for any distance with optimum cushioning and support for runners with high arches. The midsole design is engineered to help you run more efficiently. The overall fit of this shoe is snug but the toe box provides plenty of room. Some reviewers on Amazon that have plantar fasciitis say that this shoe and the Arahi are some of the most comfortable shoes they have ever worn and that these shoes helped fix their foot pain. These shoes have also earned hundreds of positive reviews from Zappos customers, making them an all-around great choice for underpronators.

Read Also: Tory Burch Thin Flip-flop

Slippers With Arch Support

All of you, Im sure, have been at home more than usual so you may want a pair of comfy slippers for relaxing in. And, of course, to keep your feet cozy.

If you usually need arch support, then walking around in bare feet or just your socks can be uncomfortable.

Lydia @birabiro above chooses a pair of bright pink slipppers to go with her loungesuit.

Steal her look with this similar lounge set, vest and slippers.

The Nine Best Sneakers With Arch Support

Designed to enhance your natural gait, these lightweight arch support shoes feature FlyteFoam foam technology to improve bounce as you run or walk. The organic nano-fibers cushion the feet from pressure, and the gel forefoot and rear deliver shock absorption.

Main Features

• Available in normal and wide
• 20 different colors

• Not as cushioning as some other sneakers

You May Like: Where Can I Get Wrestling Shoes

The Other Sneakers With Arch Support We Reviewed

Women’s Gel-Venture 6 Running-Shoes by ASICS

Piring synthetic material and rubber soles, these comfortable shoes with arch support are ideal for women with neutral gait or underpronation. Plus, they feature removable sock liners to fit custom-made orthotics, and outsoles designed for up- and down-hill traction. On the downside, some reviewers have said that these sneakers lack cushioning.

Men’s Air Monarch IV Cross Trainers by Nike

These sneakers with arch support for men combine a leather upper and rubber soles for maximum comfort and traction on a variety of surfaces. The upper comes with overlays and perforations to keep you cool and dry, and the heel pull tabs make these shoes easy to pull on and off. Please note that these sneakers can make a squeaking sound during walking.

Women’s Cohesion 10 Running Shoes by Saucony

These mesh womens shoes are available in normal and wide sizes and a variety of colors. Plus, they feature lug soles, neutral arch support, and are breathable to keep you sweat-free even during strenuous activities. Unfortunately, some users have found these sneakers insufficiently supportive in the arches.

Women’s Devotion Plus 2 Walking Shoes by Ryka

Men’s Made in Us 990 V5 Sneakers by New Balance

Men’s Ultraboost 19 M Running Shoes by Adidas

Dr Scholl’s Madison Slip

Courtesy of Nordstrom

Why We Love It: Available in over two dozen designs, these stylish slip-ons are also insanely comfortable and supportive.

What to Consider: They’re not the most breathable, so you may not want to wear them in hot or humid weather.

After trying on over a dozen pairs of women’s sneakers, the Dr. Scholl’s Madison was clearly the standout slip-on pair. This wear-anywhere shoe boasts memory foam insoles with deep heel cups and built-in arch support, plus thick-yet-flexible rubber outsoles with traction underfoot. Additionally, the padded collar cushions your forefoot, while the stretchy gore panels make them easy to get on and off.

The lightweight design is not only extra comfortable, but conveniently packable as well. Available in more than two dozen styles including solid colors, prints, and various textures, the Madison is sure to complement your personal aesthetic at the same time. The only downside our testers mentioned is that the synthetic uppers could cause your feet to overheat, so they may not be ideal for hotter climates.

Price at time of publish: $80

Sizes: 513 | Material: Faux leather or microsuede upper, rubber sole

Why We Love It: Featuring all-over teardrop perforations, these sneakers allow air to pass through without exposing your toes.

What to Consider: Only whole sizes are available, so order the next size up.

Price at time of publish: $94

Sizes: 611 | Material: Microfiber upper, rubber sole

Recommended Reading: How To Sell Used Shoes On Goat

So Which High Arch Support Shoes Should You Choose

With that being said, we included all the best high arch support shoes that we could find in the market. Not only that, but we also added a buying guide for your convenience. We hope this will ease your path of picking the best fit according to your requirements.

Moreover, the best fit wont be identical for everybody. Personal experience and preferences make the difference. If you just want to pick a product casually, then this buying guide is enough to lead you down the path. But, if you are looking for more, you need to conduct some research before purchasing.

Kenneth Cole Gentle Souls Gianna Sandal

Courtesy of Nordstrom

Why We Love It: These wedge sandals are flattering and extremely comfortable, thanks to contoured arches and lightweight cushioning.

What to Consider: The leather may feel stiff at first, but should soften after a few wears.

Looking for a little extra height? Check out the Giana Sandal from Gentle Souls by Kenneth Cole. This flattering and stylish shoe has black leather or natural cork uppers with thick straps and a concealed hook-and-loop closure. The wedge heel offers 2 inches of elevation, but thanks to the half-inch platform, it doesn’t feel like walking in high heels.

The Giana features contoured arch support, plus lightweight cushioning throughout the footbed. These classy shoes can be dressed up or down and worn day or night for various outings, making them an excellent choice for travel. If you opt for the leather pair, they might feel slightly stiff right out of the box, but the material will soften as you wear them.

Price at time of publish: $99

Sizes: 611 | Material: Leather or cork upper, rubber sole

Read Also: Extra Wide Sandals For Women

What Features To Look For In Sneakers For Standing All Day

After a long day of being on your feet, the last thing you want to deal with is pain. But according to Brenner, there can be some serious consequences to wearing sneakers with underwhelming support levels. “It’s important to wear supportive sneakers to allow your feet to have proper shock absorption and place your skeletal system in a proper alignment,” explains Brenner. “For instance, if you don’t have supportive shoes, your center of gravity is thrown off. When this happens you put extra pressure on your back, knees, hips, and overwork muscles, tendons, and ligaments.”

Best For Working Out: Saucony Endorphin Shift Sneaker

If your walks oftentimes turn to runs, or you find yourself wearing your walking sneakers to your workouts, you’ll need a supportive and responsive sneaker like the Saucony Endorphin Shift. “I love this shoe as it is very hip and , making anyone walking with you envious,” Dr. Yau says. “It has breathable mesh uppers so the toes can breathe and stay dry. By having a lightweight cushioning, it provides a spring of the rearfoot and a medial rubber wrap that increases structure and support, which is ideal for those with the high arch feet.” The brand’s FormFit technology allows the sneaker to conform to your foot, creating a personalized fit.

“Love the look and love the cushioning, great overall fit,” one reviewer said. “My pace has actually improved.”

Read Also: Where To Buy Bare Traps Shoes

Most Stylish Sneakers: Naturalizer Morrison Sneaker

If you want shoes that you can wear on your walk to work these are a great choice. The durable white leather and tan tweed keep them office appropriate, while the podiatrist-approved contoured footbed and heel and arch support mean your raised arches will be comfortable on your commute. The lace-up sneaker also features dual-density cushioning and advanced flexibility, which will help you navigate the obstacles on your commute without hindering your stride.

“We walked six to nine miles daily and my feet were happy,” one customer said. “I got loads of compliments on how they looked from my teen and college-aged girls.”

Why Is Arch Support Important

“The arch of the foot functions to absorb shock, store it, and then convert that energy into propulsion during the gait cycle,” explains Austin-based podiatrist Anne Sharkey, DPM.”Arch supports in shoes can help by improving shock absorption, posture, and stability.”

, agrees. “Arch support is important for keeping your feet and body aligned to help prevent injury,” she adds. “Proper arch support helps reduce overpronation and absorb shock, and orthotics help create an equal distribution of pressure as we walk or run.”

It’s also important to understand that some degree of pronation is normal and necessary for efficient gait dynamics. Your shoes should provide just the right amount of arch support for your foot shape specifically. Podiatrists say a common sign of too much arch support is if your shoes cause discomfort or you notice existing symptoms worsening with wear.

Also Check: What Shoes To Wear On The Beach