High arches can be associated with a number of painful problems, such as “pressure calluses, ankle sprains, and stress fractures, as well as more general pain,” Adam B. Hicks, DPM, senior associate at Vanderbilt University Medical Center’s Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, says. This is because people with high arches typically have a more rigid foot, which puts increased pressure on the forefoot, the heel, and the ankle. Luckily, there are a wide range of shoes designed with extra stability and cushioning to support your high arches.
Paul Greenberg, DPM, a podiatrist at New York University Langone Health, recommends looking for shoes designed to accommodate high-arched feet. The right shoes should have plush, supportive midsoles. While some walking sneakers fit the bill, don’t rule out a well-built running shoe that can also offer the stability your feet need.
Reviewed & Approved
Orthofeet’s Lava Stretch-Knit Athletic shoe is one of our top overall picks, thanks to a supportive insole and air pockets that provide just the right amount of cushioning. We also recommend Sketchers’ Go Walk Arch Fit Grateful shoes for their lightweight, slip-on design.
We researched dozens of walking shoes for high arches from top brands and evaluated them based on material, price, support, comfort, breathability, and more. We also asked experts for their opinions on which features every pair should have. With their insights in mind, we’ve compiled a list of durable shoes that are comfortable for everything from running errands to fitness walking.
We chose Orthofeet’s Lava Stretch-Knit Athletic shoes as our top men’s pick for high arches because they offer a cozy, non-binding fit that promises comfort and support in equal measure.
Best Men’s Overall
Orthofeet Lava Stretch-Knit Athletic Shoe
Removable insoles
Seamless interior
Foam cushioning
Expensive
The shoe’s upper part—the collar, the upper, and the tongue—is padded with a soft foam that provides low-pressure cushioning. This, combined with the sneakers’ wide toe box, offers wearers a “walking on a cloud” experience while minimizing the pressure on bunions and hammertoes. The shoe’s protective, seam-free interior further eliminates pressure and friction, offering comfort while helping to stabilize the foot.
Orthofeet’s Lava Stretch-Knit Athletic boasts a cushioned sole, an orthotic insole, and air pockets in the heel. These elements offer comfort and support in all areas where someone with high-arched feet is likely to experience pain. The shoe comes in men’s sizes 7 through 14 in regular, wide, and extra-wide widths. The shoe is available in colors black or grey.
Price at time of publication: $140
Key Specs:Material: Foam midsole, rubber sole | Cushioning: Foam | Closure: Lace-up
We chose this pair of slip-on sneakers as our best women’s pick for high arches because it features a durable outsole that offers great traction. The insole provides ample support, while lightweight cushioning keeps you feeling light on your feet all day long. They’re machine-washable, which makes them a perfect choice for traveling. And breathable mesh ensures your feet will stay cool, even on long walks in hot summer weather.
Best Women’s Overall
Skechers Go Walk Arch Fit Grateful
Breathable mesh upper
Removable insoles
Good shock absorption
Fit isn’t adjustable
While these shoes aren’t adjustable, the insole is removable, so you can customize the footbed with more support or cushioning if you need it. Select your perfect pair from 15 styles and regular and wide sizes 5 through 13.
Price at time of publication: $70
Key Specs:Material: Mesh upper, foam midsole, rubber sole | Cushioning: Foam | Closure: Slip-on
New Balance’s Men’s 577 is comfortable, supportive, and durable—not to mention budget-friendly. The shoe’s midsole is cushioned with polyurethane to offer a cozy, supportive fit. And we love that the shoe’s heel is crafted from a blend of supple foam and shock-absorbing rubber that promises to cushion the foot and reduce pressure on the heel during wear.
Best Men’s Budget
New Balance Men’s 577 V1 Lace-up Walking Shoe
Wide and extra-wide sizes
Durable
Leather isn’t as breathable as other options
New Balance’s Men’s 577 was designed with walking in mind, but their all-leather exterior leaves them looking stylish enough for day-to-day wear. It’s available in sizes 7 through 15 and in three different widths—standard, wide, and extra-wide. The shoe comes in colors black or white.
Price at time of publication: $85
Key Specs:Material: Leather upper, polyurethane midsole, rubber sole | Cushioning: Polyurethane | Closure: Lace-up
Asics’ Gel Venture 7 is a budget-friendly option that does it all. Though the shoe was designed with performance trail running in mind, it lends itself just as well to leisure walking, fitness walking, and everyday use. The shoe’s heel is crafted from shock-absorbing gel, which promises to cut down on pressure. Its midsole is cushioned to reduce pressure further and to increase rebound. And its high-abrasion rubber outsole was designed with durability in mind.
Best Women’s Budget
Asics Gel Venture 7 Shoe
Many color options to choose from
Good shock absorption
Toe box may be narrow for some
The shoe’s sole also boasts an internal heel counter that gradually shifts the foot to ensure it stays in its natural line of motion. This is particularly useful for combating underpronation—when the feet collapse in. According to Dr. Greenberg, underpronation is particularly common among those with high arches.
We love that the Asics Gel Venture 7 comes complete with a sock liner that molds to the wearer’s feet, offering a cozy fit and an additional layer of supportive cushion. The liner is moisture-wicking, so it promises to keep the feet feeling fresh and dry, even during athletic activity. It’s also removable, so wearers can easily swap it out with a custom orthotic.
The shoes come in women’s sizes 5 through 12 and in regular and wide widths. The shoe is offered in a wide selection of 19 fun color choices—everything from Blue Expanse/Heritage Blue to Mantle Green/Piedmont Grey.
Key Specs:Material: Mesh and synthetic upper, foam midsole, rubber sole | Cushioning: Foam | Closure: Lace-up
We love that Vionic’s Aimmy Active Sneaker isn’t just sleek and lightweight—it also offers the same flexible, customizable fit you’d expect from a lace-up sneaker, despite being a slip-on. The supportive, comfortable sneaker boasts a cushioned outsole that cuts down on pressure. And the inside of the shoe is lined with a podiatrist-designed orthotic, which boasts three different layers of cushioned arch support.
Best Slip-On
Vionic Aimmy Active Sneaker
Adjustable strap for a close fit
Good support
May be narrow for some
Like many slip-ons, the upper part of Vionic’s Aimmy Active Sneaker is crafted from a breathable mesh, which leaves the shoe feeling lightweight enough for day-to-day wear. The sneaker’s adjustable criss-cross straps do the work of shoelaces, allowing the wearer to tighten the fit until it’s as cozy and snug as they’d like it to be. It comes in sizes 5 through 12 and in various colors, like black, white, and blush.
Price at time of publication: $110
Key Specs:Material: Fabric and synthetic upper, foam and rubber midsole, rubber sole | Cushioning: Not listed | Closure: Slip-on
The Brooks Men’s Ghost Running Shoe boasts the APMA Seal of Acceptance, which is awarded by the American Podiatric Medical Association to products that help promote good foot health.
Best for Long Walks
Brooks Men’s Ghost 13 Running Shoe
Good shock absorption
Many color options to choose from
Fit may run small for some
We love that it features soft, durable foam in the midsole that responds to your stride and a series of shock absorbers to cushion your feet. The flexible mesh upper stays breathable even on long walks or runs, while a solid rubber outsole offers protection from dirt and moisture.
Each size comes in four different widths so you can find the right fit: standard, narrow, wide, and extra-wide. You can also choose from 20 different color combinations, ranging from neutral to bright.
Price at time of publication: $130
Key Specs:Material: Mesh upper, foam midsole, rubber sole | Cushioning: Foam | Closure: Lace-up
These sneakers offer just as much support as they do style. The fabric upper is stain-repellent, making these our top choice for everyday wear. And the laces in the front stretch so you can easily slip them on and off. The footbed is cushioned with arch support in mind, while the outsole features good grip and traction, thanks to slip-resistant rubber.
Best for Work
Sketchers Men’s Arch Fit Work Jake
Sleek, stylish design
Stain-repellent upper
Good traction
Fit and laces aren’t adjustable
The removable insole allows you to customize the fit and support—and although they may feel a little heavy on the foot, the extra attention to detail and comfort is worth it.
Price at time of publication: $100
Key Specs:Material: Fabric and synthetic upper, foam midsole, rubber sole | Cushioning: Foam | Closure: Slip-on
Asics’ Gel-Cumulus 24 is ideal for underpronators because it balances sturdy support with soft cushioning. Its comfortable sock liner cuts down on irritation to prevent unwanted blisters. Available in a wide range of colors and sizes, this sneaker also has a durable rubber outsole that will last for miles and miles of walking.
Best for Underpronators
Asics Gel-Cumulus 24
Thick cushioning
Breathable mesh upper
Only available in one width
The foam midsole is thick and plush, to help propel you forward with every step. And the lightweight mesh upper allows air to flow, so your feet stay cool and dry. We like the reflective details, which will keep you visible when walking outdoors in low-light conditions. However, these shoes are only available in one width, so they may not fit walkers with wide or narrow feet.
Key Specs:Material: Mesh upper, foam and gel midsole, rubber sole | Cushioning: Foam, gel | Closure: Lace-up
For overpronators, New Balance’s 847v4 offers superior stability. The responsive midsole is comfortable, even when you’re on your feet all day, while a heel insert moves with you to gently support your stride. There’s also a stability post to help cut down on unnecessary rearfoot movement as you walk.
Best for Overpronators
New Balance Women’s 847v4
Available in five widths
Solid stability
May run small
A rubber outsole with plenty of traction makes these sneakers a good choice for walking outdoors. And the leather and mesh construction is lightweight and breathable, for better airflow. We like that they’re available in five widths, ranging from Narrow to XX-Wide, so finding the right fit is easy. But some wearers note that they may run small.
Key Specs:Material: Mesh and synthetic leather upper, foam midsole, rubber sole | Cushioning: Foam | Closure: Lace-up
If you’re searching for supportive walking sandals, we recommend Hoka’s Hopara shoes. The sporty design has cutouts to encourage airflow, while the foam midsole is coated in rubber for better durability. A toe cap in front protects your feet from rocks and other debris.
Best Walking Sandals
Hoka Women’s Hopara Sandals
Quick-lace system
Rubberized foam midsole
Good traction
Cushioning may be too firm for some
We also like the quick-lace system, which makes slipping these sandals on a breeze. And the thick outsole features 4-millimeter lugs for great traction on wet surfaces.
The midsole is contoured for support, but it doesn’t have a lot of soft padding—so some walkers may find this shoe too firm. However, if you dislike a squishy footbed, the Hopara is a solid option.
Price at time of publication: $135
Key Specs:Material: Synthetic upper, rubber and foam midsole, rubber sole | Cushioning: Foam | Closure: Quick-lace
Brooks’ Adrenaline GTS 21 is a running shoe specifically designed for those with medium or high arches. The cushioning responds to every stride, cutting down on pressure and pain in the foot. An engineered mesh design offers structure and stability without the bulk.
Best for Fitness Walking
Brooks Women’s Adrenaline GTS 21 Running Shoes
Good for overpronators
Breathable mesh upper
Toe box may be wide for some
The Brooks Adrenaline GTS 21 is available in sizes 5 through 13 and offers a wide toe box. However, those looking for a more specific width can choose between narrow, standard, wide, and extra-wide. We love that the shoe comes in a wide palette of colors, including standard colors black and white, along with trendy combinations like Hushed Violet/Alloy/Copper and Wood Violet/Lavender/Blue.
Key Specs:Material: Mesh upper, foam and rubber midsole, rubber sole | Cushioning: Foam, rubber | Closure: Lace-up
We love that this unisex pair features padding just about everywhere, from the midsole to the heel crash pad and even the heel collar. The lightweight mesh and leather upper come in a range of stylish, neutral colors, and the roomy toe box takes the pressure off of your feet while walking. They’re also durable, with a rubber sole that has all the traction you need (even for hiking on rough trails).
Best Unisex
Ryka Unisex-Adult Ultimate Running Shoe
Good heel padding
Breathable mesh upper
Wide toe box
May require a break-in period
Ryka offers this pair in standard, half, and wide sizes, so it’s easy to find the right fit. The superior support and shock absorption make these sneakers a clear choice for exercisers with high arches.
Price at time of publication: $80
Key Specs:Material: Mesh and leather upper, foam midsole, rubber sole | Cushioning: Foam | Closure: Lace-up
How We Selected the Best Walking Shoes for High Arches
We examined dozens of sneakers from the top trusted retailers and selected the best walking shoes for high arches based on a variety of factors. First, we asked experts for their opinion on what makes a walking shoe good for walkers with high arches. We consulted with podiatrists Adam B. Hicks, DPM, and Paul Greenberg.
Next, we looked at the fit, cushioning, and support each pair offered. We also researched the price, material, and durability of each shoe. Finally, we considered the style and range of colors each brand had to offer.
What to Look for in Walking Shoes for High Arches
Cushioning
“A more cushioned or shock-absorptive base will create malleability with each step,” says podiatrist Adam Hicks. Basically, more cushioning will help cut down on the pressure your foot endures each time you take a step. Look for shoes with thick layers of foam cushioning, gel cushioning, or both that will be comfortable to walk on all day long.
Arch Support
“Start with something that has enough arch support,” podiatrist Paul Greenberg says. He specifically recommends looking for something that “brings the ground up into the arch to support the foot.” This allows more of the foot to contact the ground, cutting down on pressure in the forefoot, heel, and ankle.
Some shoes have built-in support systems that will be enough to relieve the pressure in your feet. Otherwise, you may need to invest in a high-quality pair of insoles to make sure your arch has the right kind of support.
Heel
“Some people may require a little heel lift,” Dr. Hicks says. An elevated heel can help to decrease stress in the Achilles tendon, which may feel tight for some people with high arches. This is because, as noted previously, people with high arches may walk more rigidly.
“A wider heel allows more of the foot to contact the ground,” Dr. Hicks says. This can cut down on the pressure experienced by the forefoot, the heel, and the ankle.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- What does it mean if you have high arches?
- High arch, also called cavus foot, is exactly what it sounds like: when the mid part of your foot is raised. High arches put stress on the heel and ball of the foot. You may experience a high arch in one or both feet.
- What are the benefits of shoes made for high arches?
- Shoes made for high arches are designed differently, with thicker cushioning and a more flexible sole. These design features can keep you from hitting the pavement too hard and provide more support for your ankles and feet. Shoes for high arches are also better at stabilizing your feet, so you can walk confidently (and painlessly) for long distances over wet or uneven ground.
- How much does a quality pair of walking shoes for high arches cost?
- A durable, supportive pair of walking shoes for high arches usually costs anywhere from $50-$150. Cheaper pairs may not be sturdy enough to withstand constant wear. More expensive shoes might feature thicker cushioning or a more stylish design. The least expensive pair on our list, Asics’ Gel Venture 7 Running Shoes, is often available for under $50. Our top pick, Orthofeet’s Lava Stretch-Knit Athletic Shoe, was $140 when we published this list.
High arch, also called cavus foot, is exactly what it sounds like: when the mid part of your foot is raised. High arches put stress on the heel and ball of the foot. You may experience a high arch in one or both feet.
Shoes made for high arches are designed differently, with thicker cushioning and a more flexible sole. These design features can keep you from hitting the pavement too hard and provide more support for your ankles and feet. Shoes for high arches are also better at stabilizing your feet, so you can walk confidently (and painlessly) for long distances over wet or uneven ground.
A durable, supportive pair of walking shoes for high arches usually costs anywhere from $50-$150. Cheaper pairs may not be sturdy enough to withstand constant wear. More expensive shoes might feature thicker cushioning or a more stylish design. The least expensive pair on our list, Asics’ Gel Venture 7 Running Shoes, is often available for under $50. Our top pick, Orthofeet’s Lava Stretch-Knit Athletic Shoe, was $140 when we published this list.
Additional reporting contributed by Sarah Felbin
With over two decades of dance experience, Sarah Felbin loves diving into the latest wellness research. As a health and fitness writer, she’s passionate about finding products that are of great value and that make life easier.
