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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 — 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. “Using a piece of paper or concrete, wet your feet and stand on the surface,” she says. “Look 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.” If that’s your result, you’re far from alone — the Cleveland Clinic estimates that about 20 percent of adults have high-arched feet.
High arches are the opposite of flat feet — those with high arches have more lift in the middle of their foot. “Our foot’s arch plays an important role in running and walking, maintaining balance, absorbing shock, and adapting to different surfaces,” explains Marion Yau, a celebrity podiatrist based in London. “There 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.”
As for why it matters whether or not you have high arches, it’s because this foot shape can make you more prone to a range of health conditions. “Typically, high arches cause pain,” says Yau. “As a result, the heel and toes of your foot are under extra stress since the sole of your foot doesn’t provide much support. Runners and walkers may find it difficult to cope with the added stress.”
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. We’ve 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 — particularly if you walk regularly for work or leisure — it’s 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.
Top Walking Shoes for High Arches of 2023
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Hoka Bondi 8 Shoes
Best Walking Shoes for High Arches and Plantar Fasciitis
- Size range: Women’s 5 to 12, men’s 7 to 16
- Colorways: 17 options for women’s, 16 options for men’s
- Materials: Mesh, rubber
- Special features: APMA-accepted, breathable mesh, ankle support, recycled materials
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, it’s 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: “They took a few days to break in but now they’re 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!”
CREDIT: Courtesy of Hoka
Related: The Best Shoes for Nurses
Asics Gel-Nimbus 25 Walking Shoes
Best Podiatrist-Recommended Walking Shoes for High Arches
- Size range: Women’s 5 to 13, men’s 6 to16
- Colorways: 13 women’s options, 12 men’s options
- Materials: Knit, rubber
- Special features: Breathable knit upper, cushioning, recycled materials, eco dyeing process
The Asics Gel-Nimbus 25 walking shoes for high arches come highly recommended by Yau, who cites their “cushioning and traction, which is helpful for the high-arch foot as it can give support, which may reduce stress and injury.” Yau adds, “They 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.” 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: “I love the way they hug my feet at just the right spots, and give that extra toe room on the top. Also, I’ve 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 I’ve already run 200 miles in them. Definitely looking forward to logging more miles in them!”
CREDIT: Courtesy of Nordstrom
Puma Axelion Perforated Training Sneakers
Best Walking and Running Shoes for High Arches
- Size range: Women’s 5.5 to 11, men’s 7 to 14
- Colorways: 6 Men’s, 1 Women’s
- Materials: Perforated mesh upper
- Special features: EVA heel cushion, supportive shank
Puma is a great go-to brand if you’re 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 they’re easy to slip on and off as needed. They’re some of the best running shoes for those with high arches.
What reviewers say: “The soft foam insoles are outstanding!! The fit was perfect and the shoes broke in after only a few days.”
CREDIT: Courtesy of Amazon
Related: The Best Long-Distance Running Shoes
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22 Walking Shoes
Best Walking Shoes for High Arches and Supination
- Size range: Women’s 7 to 15, men’s 7 to 15
- Colorways: 29 men’s options, 38 women’s options
- Materials: Recycled plastic, rubber
- Special features: Recycled materials, cushioning, midsole drop, GuideRails technology, crash pad
Available in a wide range of colorways, Brooks’ 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 won’t 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: “Brooks shoes fit my feet nicely. On a trail, gym, or just shopping they are great. My third pair. Brooks fanatic for life.”
CREDIT: Courtesy of DSW
Skechers Arch Fit S-Miles Walking Sneakers
- Size range: Women’s 5 to 11, men’s 7 to 14
- Colorways: 3
- Materials: Synthetic, rubber
- Special features: Arch Fit insole system, flexible outsole, Stretch Fit collar
Yau declares these Skechers walking shoes “perfect for the high arch foot.” She explains, “This 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.” 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 for smoother movements, and a Stretch Fit collar for a perfect fit.
What reviewers say: “Must-have shoes specially for people who have plantar fasciitis or knee pain.”
CREDIT: Courtesy of Amazon
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Oofos Oomg Sport Low Walking Shoes
Best Walking Shoes for High Arches and Recovery
- Size range: Women’s 5 to 11, men’s 8 to14
- Colorways: 3 men’s options, 3 women’s options
- Materials: FibreFlex, Foam
- Special features: Lightweight, OOfoam shock-absorbing technology
Whether you’re recovering from running a marathon or from foot surgery, Oofos’ 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: They’re 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 they’re great shoes for diabetics — so much so that Oofos officially threw its support behind the Beyond Type 1 Run marathon team in 2018. That’s because they’re 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 walkin’.
What reviewers say: “I’ve had major foot reconstructive surgery following a horrid broken foot, and have been searching for an ultimate comfortable shoe for 6 years. I’m 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.”
CREDIT: Courtesy of Amazon
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
These suede walking shoes from Naot come in dark blue, dark gray, and light gray for a discreet look. They’re accepted by the American Podiatric Medical Association, so you can be sure they’ll 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. They’re constructed with a narrow fit, so look elsewhere if you’re seeking out shoes for wide feet.
What reviewers say: “Love these shoes. They look great and have excellent support. They are stylish sneakers and just the color I wanted.”
CREDIT: Courtesy of Zappos
Saucony Endorphin Shift 3 Walking Shoes
Podiatrist-Recommended Walking Shoes for High Arches, Runner-Up
- Size range: Women’s 5 to 12, men’s 7 to 15
- Colorways: 8 women’s options, 8 men’s options
- Materials: Mesh, rubber
- Special features: Vegan, recycled materials, foam cushioning, breathable, custom fit, PWRRUN+ sockliner, APMA-accepted
Yau is a big fan of these walking shoes — but not just for podiatry-based reasons. The expert calls Saucony’s Endorphin Shift 3 Walking Shoes “very hip and colorful,” and assures you that they’ll “make anyone walking with you envious.” But of course, Yau wouldn’t recommend this sneaker if it wasn’t also a functional piece for those with high arches: “It has breathable mesh uppers to allow toes to breathe and keep dry,” she explains, adding that these have “lightweight 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.” These are also vegan, made from part recycled materials, and certified by the APMA. Reviewers say they’re good shoes for bunions, too.
What reviewers say: “First pair of Saucony’s and I am happy with this exact pair. I’m 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.”
CREDIT: Courtesy of Saucony
Vionic Classic Walker Sneakers
- Size range: Women’s 5 to 11, men’s 7 to 13
- Colorways: 8 women’s options; 4 men’s options
- Materials: Mesh, EVA, rubber
- Special features: Removable orthotic insert, breathable upper, cushioned outsole, stabilizing technology
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 — and holistic — 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 brand’s 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: “Bought these after wasting so much money on orthopedic insoles that still didn’t support my high arches. I’m 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!”
CREDIT: Courtesy of Amazon
Adidas Solarglide 5 Running Shoes
- Size range: Women’s 5 to 12, men’s 6.5 to 15
- Colorways: Various
- Materials: Plastic, polyester, rubber
- Special features: BOOST midsole, 10mm midsole drop, recycled materials
Yau always recommends clients with high arches opt for a deep, wide toe box when purchasing walking shoes, and the Adidas Solarglide 5 Running Shoes easily 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 Adidas’ three-stripe logo, which is always a selling point, too. They’re a top Adidas running shoe that’s great for walking or working out, too.
What reviewers say: “The 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.”
CREDIT: Courtesy of Adidas
Nike ZoomX Invincible 3 Road Running Shoes
- Size range: Women’s 5 to 12, men’s 6 to15
- Colorways: 4 men’s options, 5 women’s options
- Materials: Nike ZoomX Foam, Flyknit Upper
- Special features: Cushioned and breathable
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. They’re made from breathable materials, and designed with swooshes on the side and front of the shoes.
What reviewers say: “I’ve 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.”
CREDIT: Courtesy of Nike
On Cloudflyer 4 Walking Shoes
- Size range: Women’s 5-11, men’s 7-14
- Colorways: 5 Men’s, 5 Women’s
- Materials: Polyester
- Special features: Recycled materials, molded sockliner, CloudTec cushioning, external heel counter, 11mm heel-toe drop, stable, breathable
The Cloudflyer 4 has been branded the most comfortable running shoe ever by those who’ve tried it. These are designed with On’s 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 it’s made from part recycled materials and comes in a wide fit, too. We’re sold.
What reviewers say: “I 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.”
CREDIT: Courtesy of On
Allbirds Tree Runners Walking Shoes
- Size range: Women’s 5 to 12, Men’s 6 to 15
- Colorways: 14 men’s options, 14 women’s options
- Materials: TENCEL™ Lyocell, SweetFoam, TPU, recycled plastic, Merino wool
- Special features: Lightweight, breathable, sustainable materials
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: “Bought 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.”
CREDIT: Courtesy of Allbirds
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. “ I always recommend shoes with arch support and cushion inside,” says Yau. “In 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.”
- Cushioned insoles: You should look for walking shoes that are fitted with cushioned insoles, or alternatively add your own supination insoles. “High-arched feet are best treated with supportive, softer and more flexible, lightweight types of soles to accommodate the high arch,” says Dr. Sutera. “Avoid rigid, stiff, and flat shoes. The purpose of insoles and orthotics for those with high-arched feet is to accommodate, absorb shock and cushion.”
- 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. “My recommendation is to wear shoes with a deep, wide toe box,” says Yau. “The 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.” The best shoes for wide feet help.
- Heel-toe drop: A slight heel-toe drop (meaning the shoe’s sole is higher at the back than at the front) can also help support those with high arches to walk comfortably. “This means that the heel is thicker than the front of the shoe, unlike a platform or very flat shoe,” Dr. Sutera says. “These tend to be better for those who need more arch support.” But this doesn’t mean you should favor a high-heeled shoe by any means. “ When the heel height is extremely high, the foot can be tipped forward due to the awkward angle caused by high arches,” warns Yau. “A result of this will be pain and deformities in the toes that result from clawing and jamming.”
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What Does it Mean to Have High Arches?
The foot arch we’re referring to here is the curve underneath your foot. “High arches are a higher arch than normal,” explains Yau. “On 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.”
Having high arches can unfortunately lead to a range of issues. “A 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,” explains Dr. Splichal.
Choosing the right footwear for high arches is crucial in preventing the development foot conditions. “If you have high arches, you should choose supportive shoes because wearing the wrong type of shoes can cause pain when walking or standing,” says Yau. “Having 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 foot’s shape, making finding shoes that fit difficult. Foot pain can be exacerbated by wearing shoes that don’t fit.”
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 News’ 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.
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 for 2023.
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.