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Whatever your age, body type, or foot shape, if you spend an entire day in uncomfortable shoes, your feet will feel it. That’s why comfortable sneakers with arch support are an essential item for everyday use. You can opt for something more fashionable, for nine-to-five on your feet at the office, or a pair designed for days hiking through the outdoors, but either way you should feel supported.
“Our feet are meant to move, and our arches are there to help act as natural shock absorbers. Too much support, and the arch can’t do its job. Too little, and it can be overworked,” explains Bekah Broe, senior director of product for performance footwear at Hoka. Arch support, she tells Bazaar, can mean different things for different people, depending on their needs, the shape of their feet, and their unique biomechanics: “When some people say ‘arch support,’ they’re talking about the contour of the sock liner or insert shape and how it cradles your arch. For others, they’re talking more about the support and stability the overall system of the shoe provides.”
You can turn to performance-based brands like Hoka or Nike for sporty options, but high-fashion labels like Bottega Veneta and Gucci are also offering designer sneakers that don’t skimp on support. When trying on a pair of shoes, Broe suggests looking out for any sneaker that feels bumpy or pokes at your arch. A new sneaker should feel supportive, stable, and should also offer cushioning under foot. If in doubt, Broe notes that a local shoe store will be able to watch you run or walk and offer pointers on what style may be best.
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Best Sporty Sneakers
Salomon XT-6 Advanced Mesh and Rubber Trainers
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Best Sporty Sneakers
Salomon XT-6 Advanced Mesh and Rubber Trainers
A cushioned midsole and a stiff, grippy bottom make these the ideal choice for days outdoors. They’re designed with a breathable mesh upper and easy lacing, so you don’t have to fret over your feet.
Sizes: 5–10½
Colors: Black
Materials: Mesh, rubber
These athletic sneakers will work for the times when you’re logging some major miles, and are also stylish enough to style with jeans or a lightweight summer dress. The sturdy sole will keep your feet happy all day long.
Sizes: 6–11
Colors: Malachite green, faded ash, concrete, and 10 more
Materials: Mesh, shadow
Reviewers say: “The most comfortable shoes ever! Literally can’t wait to buy more, my new everyday shoe. I sized up a half size & the fit is perfect!”
“Hoka is known for several key technologies, including our Active Foot Frame, which supports key areas of the foot providing a cradled feeling,” says Broe. “This means your entire foot, including the arch, feels like it’s working with the shoe instead of just sitting on top of it. A shoe like the Bondi 8 is great if you’re looking for great cushioning, a cradled feeling for your arch, and great overall support.”
Sizes: 5–12
Materials: Engineered mesh
Colors: Cosmos, dusk, cream, and 19 more
Reviewers say: “I am a nurse who works 12 -16 hour shifts, 4-6 miles on a shift. I absolutely love my Hokas.”
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Best Luxury Sneakers
Gucci Women’s Gucci Run sneaker
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Best Luxury Sneakers
Gucci Women’s Gucci Run sneaker
Not every sneaker works for dressy occasions, but the combination of sheer mesh and sparkling double-G logos makes these feel fabulous.
Sizes: 4–12
Colors: Pink, black, white
Materials: Mesh
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Best Low-Profile Sneakers
Everlane The Tread-Bare Sneaker
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Best Low-Profile Sneakers
Everlane The Tread-Bare Sneaker
If you are looking for a streamlined, sleek sneaker to wear to the office, this style has a low-profile look that doesn’t sacrifice comfort.
Sizes: 6–13
Colors: Canvas, lapis
Materials: Cotton canvas
Reviewers say: “They weren’t lying...these are their lightest sneakers. Super comfy to walk around in the summer and look really cute. Would recommend.”
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Best Dad Sneakers
New Balance 990v5
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Best Dad Sneakers
New Balance 990v5
There’s a reason this sneaker has been a favorite for decades. The dad sneaker silhouette, in a streamlined gray, has been worn by Kaia Gerber and Timothée Chalamet.
Sizes: 5–17½
Materials: Suede, mesh
Colors: Gray
Reviewers say: “One of my most comfy sneakers! They are the perfect touch to a cozy/casual outfit. So glad I bought these!!!”
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Best for Running
Nike Pegasus 40 Sneaker
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Best for Running
Nike Pegasus 40 Sneaker
You don’t want to risk achy arches or a rolled ankle on a run. These sneakers are soft and responsive, with enough cushioning to leave you forgetting your feet are busy hitting the pavement.
Sizes: 5–12
Materials: Mesh, foam
Colors: White, black, pink, volt, and 11 more
Reviewers say: “Best running shoes I’ve ever owned! They have a noticeable spring to them that makes it feel like you are running on air. I’m in my mid 40s but still run and this makes the impact so much better. I plan to purchase other colors as I can’t see running in any other shoe!”
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Best for Workouts
On Cloudvista Trail Running Shoe
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Best for Workouts
On Cloudvista Trail Running Shoe
Hit the trails or hit the gym in these grippy running shoes, designed to keep you feeling supported. A removable cushioned insole allows for flexibility if you want to add in your own custom orthotics.
Sizes: 5–11
Colors: Black, rose, bronze
Materials: Mesh, rubber
Reviewers say: “The On sneakers are my favorites! I’ve purchased several variations and all are light and comfortable. I usually buy a half size larger than in other shoes. They just feel great on my feet!”
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Best Fashion Sneaker
Loewe Flow Logo-Appliquéd Sneakers
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Best Fashion Sneaker
Loewe Flow Logo-Appliquéd Sneakers
Designed with a nod to ’70s style, Loewe’s sleek sneakers are designed with a grippy rubber sole, so you don’t have to worry about your feet slipping or sliding.
Sizes: 35–42 IT
Colors: White, beige, tan, army green
Materials: Suede, leather
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Best Slip-On Sneaker
Rag & Bone Retro Court Mules
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Best Slip-On Sneaker
Rag & Bone Retro Court Mules
These easy on-and-off sneakers are great for running errands or a casual jaunt around the block. The OrthoLite insole will leave your foot feeling cushioned when you’re on the move.
Sizes: 35–41 EU
Materials: Leather
Colors: White
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Best Classic Sneaker
Puma Palermo Low-Top Sneakers
A sneaker with a retro feel doesn’t have to be all style. Puma’s classic Palermo sneaker has a midsole made using compression molded EVA for comfort.
Sizes: 6–11
Colors: Blue
Materials: Suede
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Best Eco-Friendly Sneaker
Veja V-90 Leather Sneaker
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Best Eco-Friendly Sneaker
Veja V-90 Leather Sneaker
Since the beginning, Veja has been committed to creating sneakers in a sustainable way. Think of these shoes as supporting your feet and the environment, simultaneously.
Sizes: 35–42 EU
Colors: Gravel, steel, cyprus, cashew
Materials: Leather
Reviewers say: “Exceptional comfort and perfect neutral. I am very pleased. The shoe reminds me very much of a pair of dunks, but in comparison they are very soft and mold well to my feet.”
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Best Washable Sneaker
Allbirds Tree Dasher 2 Running Sneaker
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Best Washable Sneaker
Allbirds Tree Dasher 2 Running Sneaker
When you’re shopping for sneakers, don’t forget to take ease into account. This machine-washable option from Allbrids is soft, comfortable, supportive, and easy to clean.
Sizes: 5–11
Colors: Black, grsy, indigo, blizzard, navy
Materials: Tencel lyocell
Reviewers say: “I am so pleased with these shoes! I immediately noticed that I am walking more comfortably because the lining on the sides provided a lot of support. My feet pronate a lot so this added support is helpful.”
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Best Chunky Sneaker
Tory Burch Good Luck Trainer
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Best Chunky Sneaker
Tory Burch Good Luck Trainer
Turn to this option when you want a supportive sneaker with a little bit of extra height. Though not a traditional platform, the silhouette adds height while still offering support.
Sizes: 4–13
Colors: Black
Materials: Fabric
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What are the health benefits of arch support?
“There isn’t a golden rule of sneakers that says one type of arch support is best for everyone. In fact, what feels great to someone with a high arch could be annoying to someone with a flatter foot,” says Broe. “The benefit isn’t necessarily in having arch support or not—it’s in finding the right style to complement your body type and preferences. How your foot moves also matters. If your arches tend to collapse aggressively as you walk or run, you may want to consider a shoe with more structural stability to help your feet out. If you have a firm arch, a softer, more flexible shoe tends to feel better.”
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