These 20 Shoes Give Great Arch Support Without Sacrificing Style (2024)

These 20 Shoes Give Great Arch Support Without Sacrificing Style (1)

Our editors handpick the products that we feature. We may earn commission from the links on this page.

There's a very good chance that you've been shopping for shoes wrong your entire life. You've been focusing on style, comfort, and maybe even support—which are all great—but you've most likely been neglecting one of the most important parts about footwear: arch support.

Our Top Picks

If you have flat feet or high arches, finding the appropriate shoe with supportive arches is a must. And why exactly? We consulted one of New York City's best podiatrists, Amnon Barnea of Walk NYC Podiatry, who says, "The arch is the ultimate architectural design [of the foot]," and having adequate support for your arches enable your feet to "function as an accelerator and decelerator of motion, provide structural stability and are capable of transitioning from a superb shock absorber at 'heel strike' to a semi-rigid structure needed for 'push off.'" Thus, it's time to find the right shoe to do just that.

What to look for in a shoe

Barnea says, "It is widely believed that arches need softer or 'cushiony' materials for comfort. However, the arch actually requires some rigidity for better support which reduces the compressive forces of the body on the arches. Shoes with soles that are very soft and 'bend' in the middle are less supportive. Soles with firmer materials under the arch or those with a beveled heel and a forefoot rocker offer excellent support."

Don't worry; a shoe can provide the right support for your foot and still be fashionable. We are making sure of that with these 20 stylish shoes that have appropriate arch support. And take into account Barnea's parting words, "For many foot types, shoes alone do not provide adequate support and require additional bio-mechanical control provided by shoe inserts." Equipped with ample knowledge, let the shopping commence.

Hoka is one of Barnea's top picks, which isn't surprising given the level of cushion and support the brand is known for. This pair even has the American Podiatric Medical Association's Seal of Acceptance.

2

Vionic Charm Lani Boot

These 20 Shoes Give Great Arch Support Without Sacrificing Style (13)

These 20 Shoes Give Great Arch Support Without Sacrificing Style (14)

2

Vionic Charm Lani Boot

Now 57% Off

Another recommendation from Barnea, Vionic produces supportive shoes that are stylish to boot. Literally. The built-in arch support aims to ground and balance your body.

3

Dr. Scholl's No Chill Sneaker

These 20 Shoes Give Great Arch Support Without Sacrificing Style (15)

3

Dr. Scholl's No Chill Sneaker

You know if it's Dr. Scholl's, then it's going to be good. The brand's signature cushioning technology gives the insole an extra boost of comfort.

Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

4

Most Stylish Sneaker with Arch Support

Sole Bliss Hero Sneaker

These 20 Shoes Give Great Arch Support Without Sacrificing Style (16)

4

Most Stylish Sneaker with Arch Support

Sole Bliss Hero Sneaker

Aptly named, this sneaker features a "bunion bed," anatomically contoured footbed, deep toe box, and a zipper for easy slipping on.

5

Best Shoes for Work

Sole Bliss Carmen Pumps

These 20 Shoes Give Great Arch Support Without Sacrificing Style (17)

5

Best Shoes for Work

Sole Bliss Carmen Pumps

Office sophistication meets all-day comfort in a pair of shoes designed to protect your feet. Choose from a variety of suede and leather styles to find a pair that suits you.

6

Best Shoes for High Arches

Asics GEL-Pulse 14

These 20 Shoes Give Great Arch Support Without Sacrificing Style (18)

6

Best Shoes for High Arches

Asics GEL-Pulse 14

A proprietary cushioning foam on the midsole gives extra arch support to those who need it most.

Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

7

Best Slip-On Shoes

Beek Pelican Leather Platform Sandal

These 20 Shoes Give Great Arch Support Without Sacrificing Style (19)

7

Best Slip-On Shoes

Beek Pelican Leather Platform Sandal

A leather-wrapped memory foam molded footbed is giving your foot the arch support it needs. Slip them on, and head out of the house.

8

Vionic Bonita Wedge Sandal

These 20 Shoes Give Great Arch Support Without Sacrificing Style (20)

8

Vionic Bonita Wedge Sandal

Now 45% Off

Another shoe from one of Barnea's preferred brands, but this time in the form of a sleek wedge sandal. With a midi skirt and an elegant top, you are ready to head to that special occasion.

9

FitFlop F-Mode Sandals

These 20 Shoes Give Great Arch Support Without Sacrificing Style (21)

9

FitFlop F-Mode Sandals

Who says flip-flops can't be supportive? The traditional silhouette has gotten a cushiony upgrade.

Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

10

Dr. Scholl's Once Twice Wedge Sandals

These 20 Shoes Give Great Arch Support Without Sacrificing Style (22)

10

Dr. Scholl's Once Twice Wedge Sandals

Now 27% Off

Dress these up or down—Dr. Scholl's wedge sandals are incredibly versatile. There are five different color ways to choose from, but we especially love the two-toned leather.

11

Best Shoes for Walking

Sketchers Arch Fit Big Appeal Sneakers

These 20 Shoes Give Great Arch Support Without Sacrificing Style (23)

11

Best Shoes for Walking

Sketchers Arch Fit Big Appeal Sneakers

This machine-washable pair of sneakers from Sketchers are going to be your go-to walking shoe. The podiatrist-certified arch support makes them a reliable purchase.

12

Reef Cushion Vista Hi Sandals

These 20 Shoes Give Great Arch Support Without Sacrificing Style (24)

12

Reef Cushion Vista Hi Sandals

Enhanced arch support is delivered in the form of these simple sandals. Lightweight yet durable, they are a pair that's going to hang around for a while.

Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

13

Birkenstock Arizona Chunky Sandals

These 20 Shoes Give Great Arch Support Without Sacrificing Style (25)

13

Birkenstock Arizona Chunky Sandals

Birkenstock's beloved Arizona sandal supports those arches.

14

Canada Goose Journey Boot

These 20 Shoes Give Great Arch Support Without Sacrificing Style (26)

14

Canada Goose Journey Boot

For the hiker or adventurer, Canada Goose makes a pair of boots that are as functional as they are fashionable. The midfoot has an added stabilizer for extra arch support throughout their wear.

15

Revitalign Clara Orthotic Slippers

These 20 Shoes Give Great Arch Support Without Sacrificing Style (27)

15

Revitalign Clara Orthotic Slippers

Slippers can be good for you feet, too. These faux-fur lined ones have a soft footbed for premium comfort.

Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

16

Best Running Shoe

Nike React Infinity 3 Premium Road Running Shoes

These 20 Shoes Give Great Arch Support Without Sacrificing Style (28)

16

Best Running Shoe

Nike React Infinity 3 Premium Road Running Shoes

Now 29% Off

Headed on a run? Nike's got you covered with a soft and responsive sensation with every step.

17

Sarah Flint Perfect Block Sandal

These 20 Shoes Give Great Arch Support Without Sacrificing Style (29)

17

Sarah Flint Perfect Block Sandal

Headed to a nice lunch or dinner but don't want to sacrifice support? These block-heeled sandals are here to help you out.

18

Vionic Anita Woven Leather Flat

These 20 Shoes Give Great Arch Support Without Sacrificing Style (30)

18

Vionic Anita Woven Leather Flat

Ballet flats are not known for having the most comfortable insoles, but these have a unique spin. A removable insert with arch support does wonders.

Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

19

ECCO Street Lite Retro Sneaker

These 20 Shoes Give Great Arch Support Without Sacrificing Style (31)

19

ECCO Street Lite Retro Sneaker

It might not seem like it, but these low-top sneakers actually do their fair share of protecting your feet. An anatomically shaped footbed serves you well.

20

Gentle Souls Lori Crisscross Slingback Sandals

These 20 Shoes Give Great Arch Support Without Sacrificing Style (32)

20

Gentle Souls Lori Crisscross Slingback Sandals

Now 40% Off

Gentle Souls have always made some of the most comfortable and supportive shoes. These don't disappoint, thanks to their multilayered system of performance cushioning, cushioned insole, and memory foam.

These 20 Shoes Give Great Arch Support Without Sacrificing Style (33)

Gaby Keiderling

Gaby Keiderling is a New York–based writer working on fashion, lifestyle, travel, and sports features. She also covers celebrity style for Esquire's “Get Ready with Me” franchise. Her work can also be seen in Vogue, Harper's Bazaar, and more. Sometimes you can spot her around the West Village, out on a walk with her dog, Sneakers.

These 20 Shoes Give Great Arch Support Without Sacrificing Style (2024)

FAQs

What shoes provide the best arch support? ›

Designed to minimize impact as your feet hit the ground, MBT's Huracan-3000 Running Shoes are our top pick for runners who need great arch support and protection against knee pain. During testing, we were impressed by how well this shoe absorbed shock, taking the load off of our joints.

What are the best shoes to wear if your on your feet all day? ›

  • Nike Air Max 90 - Women's. Reviews say: my feet feel great even after standing all day. ...
  • HOKA Rincon 3 - Women's. ...
  • Timberland Nellie Chukka Double Waterproof Boots - Women's. ...
  • Reebok Classic Leather - Women's. ...
  • UGG Neumel - Women's. ...
  • adidas Originals Ozweego Casual Sneakers - Women's.

How do I know if my shoes have good arch support? ›

The proper way to test the support in a shoe is to perform 2 "tests". The first is the Twist Test: hold any shoe in both hands and twist the toe away from your body and the heel towards it. The harder it is to twist, the more supportive the shoe is. The second test is to push on the heel counter at the back.

What are the best walking shoes for foot pain? ›

New Balance shoes are often cited as great for people suffering from foot pain. The Fresh Foam 1080V9 Running Shoes for men and women are stylish and comfortable with their mesh uppers. They have a wide toe box that helps to stabilize your feet and their ample cushioning helps with shock absorption.

Is arch support good or bad for feet? ›

When properly fitted and used, arch supports can be the best non-invasive treatment for many foot, knee, hip, and back issues. Plantar Fasciitis – This is one of the most common foot issues people deal with. Plantar Fasciitis is an inflammation of the Plantar Fascia of the foot.

Why do podiatrists not recommend Skechers? ›

Sketchers DO NOT have appropriate stability in the upper fabric and the heel counter to complement an orthotic. As such, you will probably find the orthotic redundant, or in worse case contributing to the cause of injury. Remember, an orthotic does 50% of the work. The shoe does the other 50%.

Are Skechers good or bad for your feet? ›

As a consequence, Skechers can cause ligament and muscle stresses and strains. The memory foam could take on the 'memory' of a poor gait style causing destabilising foot, ankle, knee, hip and lower back pain.

What orthopedic shoes do podiatrists recommend? ›

Best orthopedic shoes, at a glance:

Best podiatrist-approved: Klaw, Klaw 528, $148. Best orthopedic classic: New Balance, 990v6, $200. Best orthopedic gel: Asics, Gel Kayano 30, $160. Best orthopedic shoes for comfort: Hoka, Gaviota 5, $175.

What shoes should you not wear with plantar fasciitis? ›

Shoes which often make plantar fasciitis worse are flat slip on shoes or pumps. Ugg boots are also very bad. Flip flops are bad yet remain a popular choice of footwear for many people, particularly those that live in warmer climate.

What walking shoes do podiatrists recommend for plantar fasciitis? ›

The best shoes for plantar fasciitis, according to podiatrists
  • Brooks / Hoka / Asics / Hyper Arch Motion.
  • Brooks.
  • Asics.
  • Hoka.
  • Hyper Arch Motion.
Feb 27, 2024

What will make plantar fasciitis worse? ›

Predictably, being on your feet all day can exacerbate your plantar fasciitis. If your job or daily activities require you to stand for long stretches of time, make it a point to take breaks for a few minutes throughout the day. During these brief breaks, stretch or massage your feet -- or better yet, elevate them.

Do Skechers have good arch support? ›

Many people who are looking for arch support footwear have previously spoken to a podiatrist and been given advice on what to look for, and in most cases only a few brands will be mentioned with Skechers certainly being one of them.

What is considered a supportive shoe? ›

Heel shape: Heel is rounded and wide to give more contact with the ground. Heel height: Heel height is 6 mm to 2.5 cm (1/4" to 1" high) Sole: Sole has a good grip but does not stick to carpet. Toe area: Toe area is deep and wide enough to allow toes to move.

What does good arch look like? ›

If the middle part of your arch is about half-filled up, this means you have what is considered a “normal” arch. Your arch can naturally support your body weight, and you likely don't have issues with your foot rolling in (pronating) as it can hold your body weight well.

Do podiatrists recommend on cloud shoes? ›

According to board-certified podiatrist and foot and ankle surgeon, Brad Schaeffer, DPM, On strikes a great balance between cushioning and support with its neutral shoes, making them a top footwear choice for extended periods of walking or standing.

Do Hoka shoes have good arch support? ›

Hoka is widely recognized for its innovative designs and exceptional cushioning. One of the key features of Hoka shoes is their meta-rocker technology, which promotes a smooth and efficient gait cycle. This design, combined with generous arch support, helps to reduce strain on the arch and prevent overpronation.

Does Skechers have good arch support? ›

Many people who are looking for arch support footwear have previously spoken to a podiatrist and been given advice on what to look for, and in most cases only a few brands will be mentioned with Skechers certainly being one of them.

How do I choose a foot arch support? ›

For first-time buyers, we recommend trying a semi-rigid orthotic arch support for a good combination of support, flexibility, and comfort. For those who have worn orthotics before and are seeking more aggressive arch support, we recommend choosing a rigid orthotic arch support.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Pres. Lawanda Wiegand

Last Updated:

Views: 6138

Rating: 4 / 5 (71 voted)

Reviews: 94% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Pres. Lawanda Wiegand

Birthday: 1993-01-10

Address: Suite 391 6963 Ullrich Shore, Bellefort, WI 01350-7893

Phone: +6806610432415

Job: Dynamic Manufacturing Assistant

Hobby: amateur radio, Taekwondo, Wood carving, Parkour, Skateboarding, Running, Rafting

Introduction: My name is Pres. Lawanda Wiegand, I am a inquisitive, helpful, glamorous, cheerful, open, clever, innocent person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.