10 Comfortable & Supportive Shoes For Running, Walking & Everyday Wear (2024)

We've all toughed it out in that cute but treacherous pair of shoes at least once, right? But if your everyday shoes are causing you pain, you likely aren't getting the support you need. The best shoes for arch support should make it feel like the ground is rising up to meet your arch.

Since our feet are unique, support looks different for everyone: Some folks have flatter feet, while others have super-high arches. We chatted with experts to learn what it means to have proper arch support in a shoe—and they even shared a few go-to recommendations. Below, find our picks for the best shoes for arch support, with options for every activity and budget.

These comfortable, supportive sneakers from Cariuma are a great pick not only for your feet but for the environment, too. Plus, they're amindbodygreen editor favorite. Made with recycled plastics, sustainably sourced natural rubber, and GOTS-certified organic cotton canvas, the OCA Lows are a great eco-friendly pick.

THE REVIEW:One person writes, "These shoes were immediately comfortable to wear all day. I've had recent knee replacement surgery and a history of other foot and ankle issues but these shoes fit well, provide great arch support, and are comfortable to wear and walk in all day." It's honestly difficult to find a negative review for the OCA Lows, but some say they're a little squeaky on certain floors, and a few wish there was a wide option available.

For a shoe that prioritizes sustainability and caters to neutral arches, check out the Allbirds Tree Runners. Made from a sugar-cane-based foam, merino wool, eucalyptus-derived Tencel, and recycled plastic water bottles, these carbon-neutral sneakers have all the eco-friendly perks. Plus, Allbirds is a Certified B Corp and partners with an organization calledSoles for Soulsto donate all lightly worn returns to folks in need.

THE REVIEW: This is one of the brand's most-loved designs. Customers love that they can be worn right out of the box, with "no time needed to break them in at all."One says, "I was walking 10 miles a day and never felt any discomfort. I've typically had issues with arch support, pain in the ball of my foot, or pinching in my pinky toes when walking long distances, but I never had any of those issues with these shoes."

Asics' Gel Nimbus line comes recommended by Sharkey. It's a flexible, well-cushioned shoe with neutral arch support that molds to your foot over time. With a breathable mesh upper and grippy soles, this shoe will keep your feet cool and comfortable, no matter how many miles you cover. Plus, they're available in a generous selection of color options.

THE REVIEW: One reviewer states, "love them. I use them for work - on my feet 7-8 hours each work day. Bought a second pair. Would buy another just like them if I could find them in my size."

Thanks to their highly cushioned midsoles, these sneakers are often recommended by Sharkey. They have a roomy toe box, neutral arch support, and are surprisingly lightweight for their chunkier design. And, like most of the brand's shoes, the Clifton 8's have a rocker style sole that the brand says encourages a smoother stride during runs and walks. People with arch pain in particular will appreciate the cloudlike cushioning and supportive soles.

THE REVIEW: "I work as a nurse and I would recommend Hoka 1000x before another shoe. They are so comfortable that after a 12 hour shift my feet don't hurt at all. They do take a few days to break them in. I would recommend wearing them around the house a few hours before your first day at work. My previous pair of Hoka lasted me 2.5 years before I needed to buy this pair," one reviewer states.

For a casual shoe at a reasonable price point, these are one ofthe best shoes for high arches. Vionic is a podiatrist-founded brand that puts orthotic comfort at the center of all of its designs—and the Beach Pismo shoe is no exception.

THE REVIEW: Thousands of Amazon reviewers compliment the support and lack of break-in time for these kicks.One person writes, "They're amazing. I have very high arches, a history of plantar fasciitis, plus a couple of knee and ankle injuries that still affect me. I'm getting another pair of these shoes, they're so amazing." On the con side, a few people warn that these shoes are not extremely durable.

A great option forwide feetand another recommendation from Sharkey, Brooks' Ghost sneaker is one ofthe best running shoesaround—and for good reason. Neutral support and generous cushioning make these shoes a suitable choice for runners of all distances.

THE REVIEW: One customer notes, "if you don’t know this brand - its reputation is great for how it supports the foot, how it wears daily, its quality is excellent and the shoes last a long time. I know several nurses that wear them and I wear them every day. They have made a real difference in my feet no longer hurting after long walks or standing for a long time. They are well worth the investment!!!"

This walking shoe provides great support forpeople with high arches. The unique design uses three densities of foam to smooth out the heel-to-toe transition and even your stride to correct any overpronation (when your foot rolls inward as you walk).

THE REVIEW: One USPS carrier who spends a lot of time on their feetpraises this shoe, writing, "These shoes are a game-changer for my feet!! There is no 'breaking in' or 'getting used to' a new pair of shoes. My feet aren't hurting and actually still feel good at the end of a 10-12hr day." These are also some of thebest walking shoes for bunions, thanks to the wide toe box.

Stan Smiths have been an Adidas fan-favorite for decades. With a versatile, casual look and surprising arch support, they're a great pick for all sorts of activities—and they're on our list ofthe best walking shoes for high arches.

THE REVIEW: You'll find no shortage of Stan Smith fans, both out in the wild and on the web. There are thousands of positive reviews online, includingone person who says, "I wore these everyday walking all over Europe. Never a single blister or sore arch. Obsessed!" The only consistent negative feedback we found was about the large sizing—the brand (and many reviewers) recommend sizing down a half-size in these shoes.

Flats aren't typically known for being supportive, but these stylish and versatile loafers from Birdies aim to break that trend. Great for work or a night out, the Starling Loafer is a quality pick that's bound to attract some compliments.

THE REVIEW: One customer writes, "the Starling Birdies are so comfortable that I own them in multiple colors. Felt so confident about those that the first time I wore them was for a full day of walking around the city, and they did not disappoint! Perfect sizing, no break in time and so very stylish!"

If golf is your game, you'll want shoes that can keep you supported and comfortable during a long day on the course. Another certified B Corp, OluKai is a Hawaiian-inspired company that focuses on sustainably sourced materials (such as natural latex) and uses 100% recycled packaging.

THE REVIEW: One reviewer writes, "OluKai never disappoints. These sneakers are no exception. Came “ready to go”, with both shoes fully laced. Super comfortable right out of the box, no “wearing in” time needed. Supple high grade leather, stitching. Inside support has nice cushioning. Although not using these for golfing I love the look of the shoe and the robust treads suit my needs for stability/traction. My size is 8.5 and these are true to size."

Comparing the best shoes for arch support

How to choose

Keep it neutral: According to Sharkey, neutral shoes are your best bet for finding a balance between support and flexibility. "Stay away from motion control shoes, as these are often too rigid," she warns.

Absorb that shock: Say farewell to thin ballet flats and hard-soled boots—for a happy arch, shock-absorbing cushion is where it's at. "A high arch often causes muscle pain and fatigue due to lack of adequate shock absorption," Sharkey explains. "A cushion insole that contours well to the arch does best in this situation."

Save room for orthotics: "Shoes with removable insoles or with orthotics built into them are great for supporting your arches and your body from the ground up," says Ferrigno-Taddeo. "But some people have high arches, some have medium arches, and some have low arches or flat feet. Removable insoles are great because you can customize the support your body needs based on your unique arch by adding your own orthotics into your shoes."

If you're interested in trying inserts, consider sizing up a half size, depending on the model. And to help aid you in your insole journey, Sharkey recommends these orthotic brands: Spenco Polysorb, EasyFeet, and Powerstep.

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."

Janine Ferrigno-Taddeo, DPM, 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.

So, how do you know how much lift you need? Sharkey confirms that both flat-footed people and those with high arches will benefit from the right level of arch support. What this means will depend on your foot type—but as a general rule, you should seek a shoe that aims to bring the ground up to meet your arch.

If you're unable to find that in an orthopedic off-the-shelf model, your best bet is to consult with a podiatrist for a customized evaluation and, possibly, custom orthotic inserts. "High arches tend to do best with custom or semi-custom orthotics, due to the need to have devices that conform well to the foot," Sharkey explains.

Why the right shoes are important for your longevity

Whether we're getting your steps in at work or running a marathon, our feet work hard for us every day. Research shows1 that foot pain or discomfort can have a serious impact on our overall quality of life. Plus, as the base of our entire bodies, healthy feet benefit our posture, keeping us in alignment.

Taking care of our feet goes beyond wearing the right pair of kicks. Giving them time to recover after activity is key, and it never hurts to give them some TLC in the form of a foot massage.

The takeaway

A pair of shoes with great arch support can be a game-changer for your foot health and overall posture. Whether you're a walker, runner, or simply spend a lot of time on your feet, you deserve to feel as comfortable and supported as possible. Shoes off the shelf can certainly provide the relief you need, but remember: If you have pain in your arches or any other area on your feet, a podiatrist can help get you the custom care you need.

What we've updated since publishing:

5/21/22: We added a chart to help you compare these shoes side-by-side. We also added some additional thoughts around foot health and longevity.