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The 10 Best Shoes For Arch Support Of 2023 For Every Foot Type & Activity
![Jamey Powell Jamey Powell](jpg/tbzwxv1.jpg)
![Robert Kornfeld, DPM Robert Kornfeld, DPM](jpg/sgpcvyk.jpg)
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We've all toughed it out in that cute but treacherous pair of shoes at least once, right? But if your everyday shoes are causing you pain, you likely aren't getting the support you need. The best shoes for arch support should make it feel like the ground is rising up to meet your arch.
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.
- Best sustainable shoes:Cariuma OCA Low
- Best lightweight:Allbirds Tree Runners
- Best for walking:Asics Gel Nimbus 24
- Best for arch pain: Hoka Clifton 8
- Best budget: Vionic Beach Pismo Casual Sneaker
- Best for running: Brooks Ghost 14
- Best for high arch support: Brooks Addiction Walker
- Best casual shoes: Adidas Stan Smiths
- Best work shoes:Birdies Starling Loafer
- Best golf shoes: OluKai Wailea Golf Shoe
Cariuma OCA Low
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These comfortable, supportive sneakers from Cariuma are a great pick not only for your feet but for the environment, too. Plus, they're a mindbodygreen editor favorite. Made with recycled plastics, sustainably sourced natural rubber, and GOTS-certified organic cotton canvas, the OCA Lows are a great eco-friendly pick.
The details
The details
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.
Pros & cons
Pros & cons
- Made from recycled & organic materials
- Carbon-neutral shipping
- Certified B Corp
- Squeaky on some floors
- Wide sizes not available
THE REVIEW: 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.
Allbirds Tree Runners
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For a shoe that prioritizes sustainability and caters to neutral arches, check out the Allbirds Tree Runners. Made from a sugar-cane-based foam, merino wool, eucalyptus-derived Tencel, and recycled plastic water bottles, these carbon-neutral sneakers have all the eco-friendly perks. Plus, Allbirds is a Certified B Corp and partners with an organization called Soles for Souls to donate all lightly worn returns to folks in need.
The details
The details
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.
Pros & cons
Pros & cons
- Made from recycled & sustainably sourced materials
- Well-cushioned and breathable
- Carbon-neutral certified, certified B Corp
- No half, wide, or narrow sizes available
THE REVIEW: 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."
ASICS Gel Nimbus 25
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Asics' Gel Nimbus line comes recommended by Sharkey. It's a flexible, well-cushioned shoe with neutral arch support that molds to your foot over time. With a breathable mesh upper and grippy soles, this shoe will keep your feet cool and comfortable, no matter how many miles you cover. Plus, they're available in a generous selection of color options.
The details
The details
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.
Pros & cons
Pros & cons
- Flexible and well-cushioned
- Lots of color options
- Great for distance running
- Not great for wide feet
THE REVIEW: One reviewer states, "love them. I use them for work - on my feet 7-8 hours each work day. Bought a second pair. Would buy another just like them if I could find them in my size."
Hoka Clifton 8
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Thanks to their highly cushioned midsoles, these sneakers are often recommended by Sharkey. They have a roomy toe box, neutral arch support, and are surprisingly lightweight for their chunkier design. And, like most of the brand's shoes, the Clifton 8's have a rocker style sole that the brand says encourages a smoother stride during runs and walks. People with arch pain in particular will appreciate the cloudlike cushioning and supportive soles.
The details
The details
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.
Pros & cons
Pros & cons
- Generous cushioning and support
- Includes recycled materials
- May run large
- Some reviews say they aren't durable
THE REVIEW: "I work as a nurse and I would recommend Hoka 1000x before another shoe. They are so comfortable that after a 12 hour shift my feet don't hurt at all. They do take a few days to break them in. I would recommend wearing them around the house a few hours before your first day at work. My previous pair of Hoka lasted me 2.5 years before I needed to buy this pair," one reviewer states.
Vionic Beach Pismo Casual Sneaker
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For a casual shoe at a reasonable price point, these are one of the best shoes for high arches. Vionic is a podiatrist-founded brand that puts orthotic comfort at the center of all of its designs—and the Beach Pismo shoe is no exception.
The details
The details
With a cushioned heel and significant arch support, this is a great lightweight shoe that will support you through long days walking, working, or traveling. They're also machine washable and have removable insoles for custom orthotics. Bonus: The brand uses sustainably sourced canvas.
Pros & cons
Pros & cons
- Sustainably sourced canvas
- Significant cushioning and arch support
- Lightweight
- Durability may be an issue
THE REVIEW: Thousands of Amazon reviewers compliment the support and lack of break-in time for these kicks. One person writes, "They're amazing. I have very high arches, a history of plantar fasciitis, plus a couple of knee and ankle injuries that still affect me. I'm getting another pair of these shoes, they're so amazing." On the con side, a few people warn that these shoes are not extremely durable.
Brooks Ghost 15
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A great option for wide feet and another recommendation from Sharkey, Brooks' Ghost sneaker is one of the best running shoes around—and for good reason. Neutral support and generous cushioning make these shoes a suitable choice for runners of all distances.
The details
The details
They're crafted with 30% recycled materials and are the brand's first carbon-neutral shoe, meaning the company produces less manufacturing waste and offsets its carbon emissions.
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.
Pros & cons
Pros & cons
- Medium, wide, and narrow options
- Made with recycled materials
- Carbon-neutral shoe
- Fit may vary by model
THE REVIEW: One customer notes, "if you don’t know this brand - its reputation is great for how it supports the foot, how it wears daily, its quality is excellent and the shoes last a long time. I know several nurses that wear them and I wear them every day. They have made a real difference in my feet no longer hurting after long walks or standing for a long time. They are well worth the investment!!!"
Brooks Addiction Walker
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This walking shoe provides great support for people with high arches. The unique design uses three densities of foam to smooth out the heel-to-toe transition and even your stride to correct any overpronation (when your foot rolls inward as you walk).
The details
The details
The cushioning helps reduce impact on your joints, making this a great pick for people who spend a lot of time on their feet.
Pros & cons
Pros & cons
- Narrow, medium, wide & extra-wide sizes available
- Great balance of stability & cushioning
- Slip-resistant outsole
- Sizing may run small
- Some reviewers say the model is noisy compared to other styles
THE REVIEW: 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.
Adidas Stan Smiths
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Stan Smiths have been an Adidas fan-favorite for decades. With a versatile, casual look and surprising arch support, they're a great pick for all sorts of activities—and they're on our list of the best walking shoes for high arches.
The details
The details
They've recently been redesigned to use a vegan, synthetic leather, made from 50% recycled materials. One consideration: The leather material may make these shoes a bit warmer than some more breathable options on our list.
Pros & cons
Pros & cons
- Versatile, comfortable, and supportive
- Up to 50% recycled materials
- Budget-friendly price
- Runs large
- Material isn't very breathable
THE REVIEW: 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.
Birdies Starling Loafer
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Flats aren't typically known for being supportive, but these stylish and versatile loafers from Birdies aim to break that trend. Great for work or a night out, the Starling Loafer is a quality pick that's bound to attract some compliments.
The details
The details
The quilted insoles include seven layers of comfort material, including memory foam and added arch support, and there's a no-slip rubber sole for traction. Best of all, there are plenty of styles to choose from, including calf hair, velvet, and suede.
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.
Pros & cons
Pros & cons
- Comfortable quilted insole
- Multiple color and fabric options
- No-slip sole
- Not great for very high arches
THE REVIEW: One customer writes, "the Starling Birdies are so comfortable that I own them in multiple colors. Felt so confident about those that the first time I wore them was for a full day of walking around the city, and they did not disappoint! Perfect sizing, no break in time and so very stylish!"
OluKai Wailea Golf Shoe
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If golf is your game, you'll want shoes that can keep you supported and comfortable during a long day on the course. Another certified B Corp, OluKai is a Hawaiian-inspired company that focuses on sustainably sourced materials (such as natural latex) and uses 100% recycled packaging.
The details
The details
The brand's Wailea Golf Shoe is a stylish design made with waterproof leather and grippy, tractioned soles. Like all of OluKai's shoes, the Wailea offers a convertible drop-heel for optional slide-on wear.
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.
Pros & cons
Pros & cons
- Supportive and durable for all-weather golfing
- Uses sustainably sourced and recycled materials
- Certified B Corp
- Toe box may be narrow for some feet
THE REVIEW: One reviewer writes, "OluKai never disappoints. These sneakers are no exception. Came “ready to go”, with both shoes fully laced. Super comfortable right out of the box, no “wearing in” time needed. Supple high grade leather, stitching. Inside support has nice cushioning. Although not using these for golfing I love the look of the shoe and the robust treads suit my needs for stability/traction. My size is 8.5 and these are true to size."
Comparing the best shoes for arch support
Product | Cost | Sizes available | Colorways | Return policy | Wide options available |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Cariuma OCA Low | $79 | 5-13 (half sizes available) | 16+ options | 60 days | No |
Allbirds Tree Runners | $105 | 5-11 | 7 options | 30 days | No |
Asics Gel Nimbus 24 | $113 | 5-13 (half sizes available) | 19 options | 90 days | Yes |
Hoka Clifton 8 | $140 | 5-12 (half sizes available) | 10 options | 30 days | Yes |
Vionic Beach Pismo Casual Sneaker | From $39 | 5-12 (some half sizes available) | 45 options | 30 days | Yes |
Brooks Ghost 14 | From $110 | 5-13 (half sizes available) | 20+ options | 90 days | Yes |
Brooks Addiction Walker | From $105 | 5-12 (half sizes available) | 2 options | 90 days | Yes |
Adidas Stan Smiths | From $60 | 5-11 (half sizes available) | 17 options | 30 days | No |
Birdies Starling Loafer | From $98 | 5-13 (half sizes available) | 16 options | 30 days | No |
OluKai Wailea Golf Shoe | $160 | 5-11 (half sizes available) | 3 options | 30 days | No |
How we picked:
Podiatrist recommended
We took our experts' insights into account and also provided a few expert recommendations directly from these podiatrists.
Versatility
Our list includes shoes for running, work, walking, and everyday wear. Regardless of what activity you're after, we found a shoe that will support your arches.
Price
Shoes can get expensive (as can custom orthotics!), so we made sure to include a range of products to fit various budgets.
Sustainability
We always keep Mother Earth in mind when reviewing products at mindbodygreen. There are a number of brands on this list that make an extra effort toward using sustainable and recycled materials, including several Certified B Corporations.
How to choose
Keep it neutral: According to Sharkey, neutral shoes are your best bet for finding a balance between support and flexibility. "Stay away from motion control shoes, as these are often too rigid," she warns.
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.
Why is arch support important?
"The arch of the foot functions to absorb shock, store it, and then convert that energy into propulsion during the gait cycle," explains Austin-based podiatrist Anne Sharkey, DPM. "Arch supports in shoes can help by improving shock absorption, posture, and stability."
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.
Summary
Why the right shoes are important for your longevity
Whether we're getting your steps in at work or running a marathon, our feet work hard for us every day. Research shows1 that foot pain or discomfort can have a serious impact on our overall quality of life. Plus, as the base of our entire bodies, healthy feet benefit our posture, keeping us in alignment.
Taking care of our feet goes beyond wearing the right pair of kicks. Giving them time to recover after activity is key, and it never hurts to give them some TLC in the form of a foot massage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of shoes are good for arches?
Arch support varies by shoe model, but as a general rule, our podiatrists recommend a cushioned shoe with good shock absorption. Running shoes in particular tend to cater toward arch support and shock absorption, but there are some casual shoes (such as the Cariuma OCA Lows and Adidas Stan Smiths) that fit the bill, too.
Is it better to wear shoes with arch support?
The amount of support you need will depend on your personal arch height. Still, as a general rule, you should feel supported in your shoes—that typically means a shoe that raises up to meet your arches, however high that may be. Again, everyone's feet are different. If you're unsure about what shoes you need to feel pain-free, it's best to chat with a podiatrist who can assess your personal needs.
How do I know if I need arch support?
"Anyone can benefit from proper arch support, but people who suffer from injuries like plantar fasciitis and metatarsalgia could really use the extra support in their shoes to help alleviate symptoms and pain," answers Ferrigno-Taddeo. If you're experiencing pain in the arches of your feet, we recommend speaking with a podiatrist.
The takeaway
A pair of shoes with great arch support can be a game-changer for your foot health and overall posture. Whether you're a walker, runner, or simply spend a lot of time on your feet, you deserve to feel as comfortable and supported as possible. Shoes off the shelf can certainly provide the relief you need, but remember: If you have pain in your arches or any other area on your feet, a podiatrist can help get you the custom care you need.
What we've updated since publishing:
5/21/22: We added a chart to help you compare these shoes side-by-side. We also added some additional thoughts around foot health and longevity.
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