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. 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. 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. The removable insoles can be swapped out for a longer lifespan or replaced with custom orthotics. Cariuma is a Certified B Corp and also plants two trees in the Brazilian rain forest for every pair of sneakers purchased. With over 6,800 reviews on the Cariuma website, people love these supportive shoes. 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. The Tree Runners are lightweight and breathable, with just enough arch support to keep most foot types supported and comfortable. One thing to note: While you can remove the insoles for custom orthotics, Allbirds doesn’t offer half sizes. That in mind, it’s best to size up if you’re between sizes or are hoping to use your own inserts. 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.” While these are loved by walkers, dancers, and anyone who spends a lot of time on their feet, they’re also one of our top sneaker picks for runners and come highly recommended by our marathon-running editor, who won’t train in anything else. This shoe gets rave reviews for comfort, quality, and speed, but several people say that they run very narrow, with recommendations to go up a half size. We’ve included these shoes in a number of our roundups, including the best walking shoes for women, the best running shoes for women, the best shoes for bunions, the best shoes for plantar fasciitis, the best shoes for high arches, and more. And, since they’re so versatile, they’ll even make a great gift. With 4.6 out of 5 stars and over 2,800 reviews on Hoka’s website, these shoes get a lot of love for their comfort level and how supportive they are. Some reviews do mention that they’re not the most durable. Not a runner? These shoes meet podiatrist guidelines for walking, too, and are one of our top walking shoes for women. Customers rave about how lightweight these sneakers are while still providing sufficient cushioning and support, and they get a ton of praise for smooth transitions and a roomy toe box. That said, some people with very high arches find these to be too neutral. One USPS carrier who spends a lot of time on their feet praises 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 the best walking shoes for bunions, thanks to the wide toe box. 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, including one 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. These loafers have over 20,000 (!) reviews on the brand’s website, with an overall rating of 4.7 out of 5. Most reviews rave about the quality and cushion of these shoes, especially from people who say they need neutral arch support. Some reviewers note that these are not great for very high arches. There aren’t a ton of reviews for these shoes on the brand’s website, but the feedback from golfers is generally positive. The only negative comments are from a few folks who wish the toe box was wider.
