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If you have high arches, finding the most supportive walking shoes for your foot shape can help support you with every step you take â and prevent and alleviate pain and discomfort.
Before we get into the tips and info you need to know to shop for the best walking shoes for high arches, assess whether or not you have them. London-based podiatrist Marion Yau suggests a quick at-home test. âUsing a piece of paper or concrete, wet your feet and stand on the surface,â she says. âLook at the imprint left behind after you move your feet. An individual with high arches will only see an imprint of their heel and front of their foot.â If thatâs your result, youâre far from alone â the Cleveland Clinic estimates that about 20 percent of adults have high-arched feet.
High arches are the opposite of flat feet â those with high arches have more lift in the middle of their foot. âOur footâs arch plays an important role in running and walking, maintaining balance, absorbing shock, and adapting to different surfaces,â explains Marion Yau, a celebrity podiatrist based in London. âThere are some people who are born with high arches in their feet, and there are others who have medical conditions that contribute to their high arches.â
As for why it matters whether or not you have high arches, itâs because this foot shape can make you more prone to a range of health conditions. âTypically, high arches cause pain,â says Yau. âAs a result, the heel and toes of your foot are under extra stress since the sole of your foot doesnât provide much support. Runners and walkers may find it difficult to cope with the added stress.â
Yau cites the following foot problems as potentially resulting from high arches: metatarsalgia, plantar fasciitis, hammertoes, bunions, ankle instability, corns, or calluses. You may also have a tendency to supinate, which means that you place more weight on the outside of your foot while walking. Weâve included the best shoes for plantar fasciitis, the best shoes for bunions, and the best ankle support shoes on our list to accommodate.
To help prevent and alleviate these foot paina â particularly if you walk regularly for work or leisure â itâs important to purchase walking shoes that will support your high-arched feet, as well as your joints. Arch support shoes for women and men should offer features including cushioned arch supportive insoles, a significant heel-toe drop, and a wider toe box.
To find the best walking shoes for high arches, we consulted top experts. In addition to Yau, we also interviewed Dr. Emily Spichal, a podiatrist and founder of Naboso, as well as Dr. Jacqueline Sutera, a podiatrist and member of the Vionic Innovation Lab.
Table Of Contents
What to Look for in the Best Walking Shoes for High Arches
What Does it Mean to Have High Arches?
How We Chose the Best Walking Shoes for High Arches
Meet the Experts
Meet the Author
Best Walking Shoes for High Arches
Allbirds Tree Runners Walking Shoes
Buy menâs at NOrdstrom$69.99
Best Walking Shoes for High Arches and Plantar Fasciitis
Hoka Bondi 8 Shoes
Buy Womenâs at Nordstrom$165
Best Podiatrist-Recommended Walking Shoes for High Arches
Asics Gel-Nimbus 25 Walking Shoes
Buy Menâs at Nordstrom$160
Best Walking and Running Shoes for High Arches
Puma Axelion Perforated Training Sneakers
Buy Menâs at Amazon$75
Best Walking Shoes for High Arches and Supination
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22 Walking Shoes
Buy menâs at DSW$120
AMAZON PRIME DAY DEAL
Skechers Arch Fit S-Miles Walking Sneakers
Buy Womenâs at Amazon$79.95
Best Walking Shoes for High Arches and Recovery
Oofos Oomg Sport Low Walking Shoes
Buy Menâs at Amazon$140
Naot Apollo Infinity Walking Shoes
Buy Now at Amazon$199
Podiatrist-Recommended Walking Shoes for High Arches, Runner-Up
Saucony Endorphin Shift 3 Walking Shoes
Buy Menâs at Amazon$133
Vionic Classic Walker Sneakers
Buy Menâs at Amazon$109
Adidas Solarglide 5 Running Shoes
Buy Menâs at Adidas$72
Nike ZoomX Invincible 3 Road Running Shoes
Buy Menâs at Nike$180
On Cloudflyer 4 Walking Shoes
Buy Menâs at REI$170
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Are Running Shoes Good for Walking?
Best Arch Support Shoes for Women
Best Adidas Walking Shoes
Best Nike Walking Shoes
Allbirds Tree Runners Walking Shoes
Size range: Womenâs 5 to 12, Menâs 6 to 15
Colorways: 14 menâs options, 14 womenâs options
Materials: TENCELâą Lyocell, SweetFoam, TPU, recycled plastic, Merino wool
Special features: Lightweight, breathable, sustainable materials
On Sale 33% off
$69.99Buy menâs at NOrdstrom
$105Buy Womenâs at Nordstrom
Allbirds is the destination for high-performing sustainable sneakers these days. The Tree Runners are made from a selection of planet-friendly materials, and the brand provides transparent information on their carbon footprint and production practices. Beyond that, these walking shoes are recommended for those with high arches. The SweetFoam midsole is made from sugarcane, which provides contouring for your foot and a bouncy feel as you walk, resulting in wonderful arch support and a smooth ride.
What reviewers say: âBought these for my 85-year-old mother. She loves them. They give her the arch support she needs as well as the comfort you want in a sneaker.â
Best Walking Shoes for High Arches and Plantar Fasciitis
Hoka Bondi 8 Shoes
Size range: Womenâs 5 to 12, menâs 7 to 16
Colorways: 17 options for womenâs, 16 options for menâs
Materials: Mesh, rubber
Special features: APMA-accepted, breathable mesh, ankle support, recycled materials
$165Buy Womenâs at Nordstrom
$165Buy Menâs at REI
$165Buy Womenâs at REI
If you have high arches and always need a pair of shoes for plantar fasciitis nearby, you need a shoe that provides appropriate support for your feet, as well as your hips, knees, and back. But if you also have a job that requires you to wear shoes for standing all day, itâs absolutely imperative that you have shoes that will minimize foot pain. By all accounts, the Bondi 8 by Hoka is the one. Available in a range of colors to suit every mood, these shoes are accepted by the American Podiatric Medical Association for promoting foot health, and boast a supportive heel-toe drop, a memory foam collar for ankle support, and a crash pad to cushion your heels as they hit the ground, among other innovative features.
What reviewers say: âThey took a few days to break in but now theyâre my favorite shoes ever. I am a plus size nurse and am on my feet 10+ hours a day. With these, I have no pain in my feet, knees or back. They run true to size and I would suggest getting standard width as wide is a little too wide in my opinion. I will be buying another pair when these shoes are retired!â
Related: The Best Shoes for Nurses
Best Podiatrist-Recommended Walking Shoes for High Arches
Asics Gel-Nimbus 25 Walking Shoes
Size range: Womenâs 5 to 13, menâs 6 to16
Colorways: 13 womenâs options, 12 menâs options
Materials: Knit, rubber
Special features: Breathable knit upper, cushioning, recycled materials, eco dyeing process
$160Buy Menâs at Nordstrom
$160Buy Womenâs at Amazon
The Asics Gel-Nimbus 25 walking shoes for high arches come highly recommended by Yau, who cites their âcushioning and traction, which is helpful for the high-arch foot as it can give support, which may reduce stress and injury.â Yau adds, âThey contain Guidesole technology to reduce the load placed on the limb from foot strike to toe-off [i.e. a full step], which allows a high-arch foot to function through gait a lot easier.â These are wonderful for walking or running, and help to reduce supination as well. They come in a range of bright and neutral colors, and feature reflective details for increased nighttime visibility.
What reviewers say: âI love the way they hug my feet at just the right spots, and give that extra toe room on the top. Also, Iâve been having some ankle pain, even in my easy runs with my other pair of daily trainers, and these shoes got rid of the pain almost instantly. I love them, and Iâve already run 200 miles in them. Definitely looking forward to logging more miles in them!â
Best Walking and Running Shoes for High Arches
Puma Axelion Perforated Training Sneakers
Size range: Womenâs 5.5 to 11, menâs 7 to 14
Colorways: 6 Menâs, 1 Womenâs
Materials: Perforated mesh upper
Special features: EVA heel cushion, supportive shank
$75Buy Menâs at Amazon
$75Buy menâs at DSW
$50Buy Womenâs at Amazon
Puma is a great go-to brand if youâre not willing to spend hundreds on your footwear, and the Axelion sneakers are a solid option for runners or athletes with high arches. It looks a little like a soccer shoe but sans the cleats, and feels comfortable to walk and run in, thanks to a breathable perforated upper, a supportive shank at midfoot level, and a heel pod for preventing pain in that area. Fans of these shoes also love that theyâre easy to slip on and off as needed. Theyâre some of the best running shoes for those with high arches.
What reviewers say: âThe soft foam insoles are outstanding!! The fit was perfect and the shoes broke in after only a few days.â
Related: The Best Long-Distance Running Shoes
Best Walking Shoes for High Arches and Supination
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22 Walking Shoes
Size range: Womenâs 7 to 15, menâs 7 to 15
Colorways: 29 menâs options, 38 womenâs options
Materials: Recycled plastic, rubber
Special features: Recycled materials, cushioning, midsole drop, GuideRails technology, crash pad
$120Buy menâs at DSW
$120Buy Womenâs at DSW
Available in a wide range of colorways, Brooksâ Adrenaline GTS 22 walking shoes provide the perfect amount of support for those with a tendency towards supination. They feature supportive cushioning, a midsole drop of 12mm, and GuideRails technology that keeps your stride in check and helps you avoid movements that could cause injury. The Segmented Crash Pad also ensures you wonât feel the impact so much when your foot hits the ground. For these reasons and more, these sneakers are ideal trail running shoes, and for wearing in your everyday life.
What reviewers say: âBrooks shoes fit my feet nicely. On a trail, gym, or just shopping they are great. My third pair. Brooks fanatic for life.â
AMAZON PRIME DAY DEAL
Skechers Arch Fit S-Miles Walking Sneakers
Size range: Womenâs 5 to 11, menâs 7 to 14
Colorways: 3
Materials: Synthetic, rubber
Special features: Arch Fit insole system, flexible outsole, Stretch Fit collar
On Sale 10% off
$79.95Buy Womenâs at Amazon
$70Buy Menâs at Skechers
Yau declares these Skechers walking shoes âperfect for the high arch foot.â She explains, âThis walking shoe has a patented Arch Fit insole system created by a podiatrist that provides arch support. The removable insole helps mold to your foot to reduce shock and increase weight dispersion.â Reviewers find these sneakers help prevent and alleviate knee pain and plantar fasciitis while walking around all day, whether you wearing the shoes for standing all day or running errands. These also feature a flexible outsole.
What reviewers say: âMust-have shoes specially for people who have plantar fasciitis or knee pain.â
Related:
The Best Shoes for Knee Pain
The Best Orthopedic Shoes for Women
Best Walking Shoes for High Arches and Recovery
Oofos Oomg Sport Low Walking Shoes
Size range: Womenâs 5 to 11, menâs 8 to14
Colorways: 3 menâs options, 3 womenâs options
Materials: FibreFlex, Foam
Special features: Lightweight, OOfoam shock-absorbing technology
$140Buy Menâs at Amazon
$140Buy Womenâs at Amazon
Whether youâre recovering from running a marathon or from foot surgery, Oofosâ entire range is designed for you. But beyond those uses, their sports shoes and recovery sandals help people manage a number of conditions that affect their feet and beyond: Theyâre wonderful shoes for heel spurs, shoes for bunions, and walking shoes for plantar fasciitis. They can also help you deal with joint pain more generally, and theyâre great shoes for diabeticsâso much so that Oofos officially threw its support behind the Beyond Type 1 Run marathon team in 2018. Thatâs because theyâre designed with proprietary OOfoam technology, which efficiently absorbs impact with every step and provides cushioning and stability, and a patented footbed, which provides arch and ankle support. These shoes are made for walkinâ.
What reviewers say: âIâve had major foot reconstructive surgery following a horrid broken foot, and have been searching for an ultimate comfortable shoe for 6 years. Iâm also pending a hip replacement and realized this week that when I wear my Oofos, the impact of my heel hitting the ground does not travel to my hip joint and cause blinding pain when I have on these shoes. Needless to say, I am wearing them every day, inside my house and outside my house. I am so grateful to have discovered them.â
Naot Apollo Infinity Walking Shoes
Size range: 4 to 11
Colorways: 3
Materials: Leather, cork, latex, polyurethane
Special features: Orthotic, slip-resistant, removable footbed, APMA-accepted
$199Buy Now at Amazon
$199Buy Now at Zappos
These suede walking shoes from Naot come in dark blue, dark gray, and light gray for a discreet look. Theyâre accepted by the American Podiatric Medical Association, so you can be sure theyâll provide an impressive amount of support for high arches. They feature a removable, shock-absorbing cork and latex footbed, which has an elevated center for arch support, as well as an indented heel bed for protecting the bone there, making them a great pair of shoes for heel spurs. Theyâre constructed with a narrow fit, so look elsewhere if youâre seeking out shoes for wide feet.
What reviewers say: âLove these shoes. They look great and have excellent support. They are stylish sneakers and just the color I wanted.â
Podiatrist-Recommended Walking Shoes for High Arches, Runner-Up
Saucony Endorphin Shift 3 Walking Shoes
Size range: Womenâs 5 to 12, menâs 7 to 15
Colorways: 8 womenâs options, 8 menâs options
Materials: Mesh, rubber
Special features: Vegan, recycled materials, foam cushioning, breathable, custom fit, PWRRUN+ sockliner, APMA-accepted
$133Buy Menâs at Amazon
$133Buy Womenâs at Amazon
Yau is a big fan of these walking shoes â but not just for podiatry-based reasons. The expert calls Sauconyâs Endorphin Shift 3 Walking Shoes âvery hip and colorful,â and assures you that theyâll âmake anyone walking with you envious.â But of course, Yau wouldnât recommend this sneaker if it wasnât also a functional piece for those with high arches: âIt has breathable mesh uppers to allow toes to breathe and keep dry,â she explains, adding that these have âlightweight cushioning to provide a spring of the rearfoot and a medial rubber wrap that increases structure and support, which is ideal for those with high-arch feet.â These are also vegan, made from part recycled materials, and certified by the APMA. Reviewers say theyâre good shoes for bunions, too.
What reviewers say: âFirst pair of Sauconyâs and I am happy with this exact pair. Iâm not a runner anymore but needed support and comfort. These shoes are that and more! My heel stays deep in the shoe without lift and the support I need is there as well. I have a wider foot with the start of a bunion and bought the regular width shoe and found the toe box the tiniest bit snug on one foot (which is normal) but did a stretcher for my one shoe for a few hours and it was perfect! Wore these at Disney for almost 21,000 steps!! Seriously the best and I love how stylish and super cool they look too.â
Vionic Classic Walker Sneakers
Size range: Womenâs 5 to 11, menâs 7 to 13
Colorways: 8 womenâs options; 4 menâs options
Materials: Mesh, EVA, rubber
Special features: Removable orthotic insert, breathable upper, cushioned outsole, stabilizing technology
$109Buy Menâs at Amazon
$103Buy Womenâs at Amazon
Vionic works with foot health experts to create a range of some of the most supportive shoes on the market. They specialize in footwear with arch support and cushioning that helps to alleviate discomfort from a range of conditions and promote overall foot â and holistic â health. The Classic Walker sneakers are engineered with a removable orthotic insert that will provide arch support, a cushioned outsole for soft landings, and the brandâs proprietary Vio-Motion Technology, which helps promote stability, forefoot mobility, and gait efficiency. These walking shoes are particularly comfortable walking shoes for plantar fasciitis, and we love that they come in two widths, suitable for narrow or wide feet.
What reviewers say: âBought these after wasting so much money on orthopedic insoles that still didnât support my high arches. Iâm constantly fighting off plantar fasciitis and these shoes have saved my feet. No break-in time needed, I can walk several miles without any complaints from my feet at all. Loved them so much I bought a pair for my mom and daughter!â
Adidas Solarglide 5 Running Shoes
Size range: Womenâs 5 to 12, menâs 6.5 to 15
Colorways: Various
Materials: Plastic, polyester, rubber
Special features: BOOST midsole, 10mm midsole drop, recycled materials
On Sale 45% off
$72Buy Menâs at Adidas
$130Buy Womenâs at Adidas
Yau always recommends clients with high arches opt for a deep, wide toe box when purchasing walking shoes, and the Adidas Solarglide 5 Running Shoeseasily fit that criteria. They also feature a Boost midsole, which is made from thermoplastic polyurethane particles and works to provide unparalleled energy return to propel you forward with each step. Made from part recycled materials, these also boast a 10mm midsole drop, making them extra ideal for high-arched feet. These are designed with Adidasâ three-stripe logo, which is always a selling point, too. Theyâre a top Adidas running shoe thatâs great for walking or working out, too.
What reviewers say: âThe sizing is spot-on and you can get a secure fit with plenty of room in the toe box. The sole is extremely cushioned with plenty of bounce to let you get through lots of miles. Definitely recommend as a good daily runner and for those easier runs.â
Nike ZoomX Invincible 3 Road Running Shoes
Size range: Womenâs 5 to 12, menâs 6 to15
Colorways: 4 menâs options, 5 womenâs options
Materials: Nike ZoomX Foam, Flyknit Upper
Special features: Cushioned and breathable
$180Buy Menâs at Nike
$180Buy Womenâs at Nike
While you can certainly find more affordable sneakers than these ones, the Nike ZoomX Invincible 3 Road Running Shoes are engineered with a number of exclusive features that make them well worth the investment. They feature ZoomX cushioning for comfort, impact reduction and responsiveness, as well as a stability-enhancing midsole for avoiding pronation or supination, and therefore reducing the risk of injury from walking or running. Theyâre made from breathable materials, and designed with swooshes on the side and front of the shoes.
What reviewers say: âIâve only worn these a few times, mostly for walking. I used them for my first jog this year and they are really phenomenal. So glad I picked these up.â
On Cloudflyer 4 Walking Shoes
Size range: Womenâs 5-11, menâs 7-14
Colorways: 5 Menâs, 5 Womenâs
Materials: Polyester
Special features: Recycled materials, molded sockliner, CloudTec cushioning, external heel counter, 11mm heel-toe drop, stable, breathable
$170Buy Menâs at REI
$170Buy Womenâs at REI
The Cloudflyer 4 has been branded the most comfortable running shoe ever by those whoâve tried it. These are designed with Onâs trademarked CloudTec technology, which is engineered to provide cloud-like comfort and shock-absorbing cushioning, plus a molded sockliner to hug the shape of your foot. Between that and the 11mm heel-toe drop, these make a fantastic walking shoe for high arches. Plus itâs made from part recycled materials and comes in a wide fit, too. Weâre sold.
What reviewers say: âI just bought On Cloudflyer running shoes. They are the most comfortable running shoes I have owned. I have put about 10 miles on them since I bought them and am very happy with my purchase. I tried several different running shoes before I settled on these. They ran about a half size smaller than I usually wear but purchasing a half size larger was just right.â
What to Look for in the Best Walking Shoes for High Arches
Having high arches can lead to a slew of uncomfortable or painful foot conditions, but fortunately, choosing the right footwear can alleviate pain from common problems and discomfort, as well as helping to prevent the development of new conditions. Here are some factors to keep in mind when shopping for walking shoes for high arches, according to podiatrists.
- Arch support insoles: In order to feel comfortable while walking, you need a shoe that supports the shape of your foot. â I always recommend shoes with arch support and cushion inside,â says Yau. âIn addition to stabilizing and supporting the foot, the arch support also provides some comfort. As a result, pressure from the ground is distributed evenly throughout the foot, preventing pressure from being isolated. A foot arch support can ease foot pain as well as arch pain.â
- Cushioned insoles: You should look for walking shoes that are fitted with cushioned insoles, or alternatively add your own supination insoles. âHigh-arched feet are best treated with supportive, softer and more flexible, lightweight types of soles to accommodate the high arch,â says Dr. Sutera.âAvoid rigid, stiff, and flat shoes. The purpose of insoles and orthotics for those with high-arched feet is to accommodate, absorb shock and cushion.â
- Deep, wide toe box: Since those with high arches can often have hammertoes (toes that point upwards at the joint), they will benefit from walking shoes that can accommodate their toes. âMy recommendation is to wear shoes with a deep, wide toe box,â says Yau. âThe toe box is located at the front of the shoe, enclosing the toes. By doing so, the hammertoes can be accommodated and pain can be reduced.â The best shoes for wide feet help.
- Heel-toe drop: A slight heel-toe drop (meaning the shoeâs sole is higher at the back than at the front) can also help support those with high arches to walk comfortably. âThis means that the heel is thicker than the front of the shoe, unlike a platform or very flat shoe,â Dr. Sutera says. âThese tend to be better for those who need more arch support.â But this doesnât mean you should favor a high-heeled shoe by any means. â When the heel height is extremely high, the foot can be tipped forward due to the awkward angle caused by high arches,â warns Yau. âA result of this will be pain and deformities in the toes that result from clawing and jamming.â
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What Does it Mean to Have High Arches?
The foot arch weâre referring to here is the curve underneath your foot. âHigh arches are a higher arch than normal,â explains Yau. âOn the bottom of the foot, the arch runs from the toes to the heel, and in high-arch foot types the mid part of the foot is raised. Pes cavus is another name for this condition. A high arch is the opposite of a flat foot.â
Having high arches can unfortunately lead to a range of issues. âA high-arched foot is one that is typically more rigid and with restricted mobility in the ankle and hips. This means that a high-arch foot may have a harder time absorbing impact forces and transferring force,â explains Dr. Splichal.
Choosing the right footwear for high arches is crucial in preventing the development foot conditions.âIf you have high arches, you should choose supportive shoes because wearing the wrong type of shoes can cause pain when walking or standing,â says Yau. âHaving a high-arch foot can also lead to claw [toes] and hammertoes, as well as calluses on the toes and bottom of the foot, which can lead to ulcers. High arches can also change your footâs shape, making finding shoes that fit difficult. Foot pain can be exacerbated by wearing shoes that donât fit.â
How We Chose the Best Walking Shoes for High Arches
For more than 75 years, Footwear News has been the shoe authority. Our coverage spans top industry news, retail trends, head-to-toe fashion, athletic and outdoor analysis, and more. Footwear Newsâ global network of editors has carefully curated all product selections featured using our expansive brand knowledge and thorough research to find quality, long-lasting items. In order to select the best walking shoes for high arches, we conducted extensive research into the products currently on the market, as well as sifting through reviews to make sure we only included high-quality shoes that are actually supportive to real people with high arches. We spoke to expert podiatrists Marion Yau, Dr. Emily Splichal and Dr. Jacqueline Sutera to find out what those with high arches need to know when buying walking shoes. Learn more about us here.
Meet the Experts
Dr. Emily Splichal is a functional podiatrist based in Chandler, Arizona, where she runs her Center for Functional and Regenerative Podiatric Medicine. Dr. Spichal is also the founder of performance-driven accessories line Naboso, which carries a range of insoles and other products designed to optimize movement from the bottom up.
Marion Yau is an award-winning celebrity podiatrist based in London, UK. She practices at The Harley Street Foot and Nail Clinic, where she specializes in the use of hot and cold laser therapy to treat fungal nail infections. Yau creates educational content on social media as Miss Foot Fixer. You can find her on YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok.
Dr. Jacqueline Sutera is a surgically trained doctor of podiatric medicine, practicing at City Podiatry in Midtown Manhattan, New York. Dr. Sutera is also a member of the Vionic Innovation Lab, where she helps the brand develop supportive footwear technology designed to enhance foot health.
Meet the Author
Iris Goldsztajn is a freelance writer and editor based in London, UK. She is currently the morning editor at Marie Claire, and her work has appeared in the likes of British Vogue, InStyle, Refinery29, Bustle, and many more. As a journalist, Goldsztajn covers a range of topics including fashion, beauty and wellness. She is originally from Paris, France, and has lived in Los Angeles and New York City. Goldsztajn wrote this new version of our guide to the best walking shoes for high arches.