The 13 Best Walking Shoes for High Arches, According to Podiatrists
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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.
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Best Nike Walking Shoes
Colorways: 17 options for women’s, 16 options for men’s
Materials: Mesh, rubber
Special features: APMA-accepted, breathable mesh, ankle support, recycled materials
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!”
Related: The Best Shoes for Nurses
Colorways: 13 women’s options, 12 men’s options
Materials: Knit, rubber
Special features: Breathable knit upper, cushioning, recycled materials, eco dyeing process
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!”
Colorways: 6 Men’s, 1 Women’s
Materials: Perforated mesh upper
Special features: EVA heel cushion, supportive shank
What reviewers say: “The soft foam insoles are outstanding!! The fit was perfect and the shoes broke in after only a few days.”
Related: The Best Long-Distance Running Shoes
Colorways: 29 men’s options, 38 women’s options
Materials: Recycled plastic, rubber
Special features: Recycled materials, cushioning, midsole drop, GuideRails technology, crash pad
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.”
Colorways: 3
Materials: Synthetic, rubber
Special features: Arch Fit insole system, flexible outsole, Stretch Fit collar
What reviewers say: “Must-have shoes specially for people who have plantar fasciitis or knee pain.”
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The Best Orthopedic Shoes for Women
Colorways: 3 men’s options, 3 women’s options
Materials: FibreFlex, Foam
Special features: Lightweight, OOfoam shock-absorbing technology
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.”
Colorways: 3
Materials: Leather, cork, latex, polyurethane
Special features: Orthotic, slip-resistant, removable footbed, APMA-accepted
What reviewers say: “Love these shoes. They look great and have excellent support. They are stylish sneakers and just the color I wanted.”
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
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.”
Colorways: 8 women’s options; 4 men’s options
Materials: Mesh, EVA, rubber
Special features: Removable orthotic insert, breathable upper, cushioned outsole, stabilizing technology
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!”
Colorways: Various
Materials: Plastic, polyester, rubber
Special features: BOOST midsole, 10mm midsole drop, recycled materials
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.”
Colorways: 4 men’s options, 5 women’s options
Materials: Nike ZoomX Foam, Flyknit Upper
Special features: Cushioned and breathable
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.”
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
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.”
Colorways: 14 men’s options, 14 women’s options
Materials: TENCEL™ Lyocell, SweetFoam, TPU, recycled plastic, Merino wool
Special features: Lightweight, breathable, sustainable materials
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.”
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. 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 for 2023.
