The 12 Best Walking Shoes for High Arches, According to Podiatrists

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Updated March 14, 2024: This article on the best walking shoes for high arches was updated with editor-tested product picks and new sneaker releases and additional information on shopping tips for the best sandals for flat feet. Our team is currently conducting walking shoes for high arches product testing for consideration in this expert-approved guide.

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Best Walking Shoes for High Arches

12 Best Walking Shoes for High Arches 2024
12 Best Walking Shoes for High Arches 2024

Editor’s Choice

Nike Motiva Walking Shoes

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12 Best Walking Shoes for High Arches 2024
12 Best Walking Shoes for High Arches 2024

Editor’s Choice

Asics Gel-Nimbus 25 Walking Shoes

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Buy Men’s at Nordstrom $128

12 Best Walking Shoes for High Arches 2024
12 Best Walking Shoes for High Arches 2024

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adidas Adizero Adios Pro 3 Running Shoes

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Buy Women’s at adidas $250

12 Best Walking Shoes for High Arches 2024
12 Best Walking Shoes for High Arches 2024

Best Walking Shoes for High Arches and Supination

Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23 Walking Shoes

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Buy Men’s at Amazon $135

12 Best Walking Shoes for High Arches 2024
12 Best Walking Shoes for High Arches 2024

AMAZON PRIME DAY DEAL

Skechers Women’s Arch Fit S-Miles Walking Sneakers

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Buy Women’s at Amazon $60

12 Best Walking Shoes for High Arches 2024
12 Best Walking Shoes for High Arches 2024

Best Walking Shoes for High Arches and Plantar Fasciitis

Hoka Bondi 8 Shoes

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Buy Women’s at Nordstrom $165

12 Best Walking Shoes for High Arches 2024
12 Best Walking Shoes for High Arches 2024

Best Walking Shoes for High Arches and Recovery

Oofos Oomg Sport Low Walking Shoes

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Buy Men’s at Amazon $140

12 Best Walking Shoes for High Arches 2024
12 Best Walking Shoes for High Arches 2024

Naot Apollo Infinity Walking Shoes

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Buy Now at Amazon $199

12 Best Walking Shoes for High Arches 2024
12 Best Walking Shoes for High Arches 2024

Allbirds Tree Runners Walking Shoes

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Buy men’s at Allbirds $105

12 Best Walking Shoes for High Arches 2024
12 Best Walking Shoes for High Arches 2024

Vionic Classic Walker Sneakers

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Buy Men’s at Amazon $92

12 Best Walking Shoes for High Arches 2024
12 Best Walking Shoes for High Arches 2024

adidas Solarglide 6 Shoes

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Buy Men’s At Adidas $72

12 Best Walking Shoes for High Arches 2024
12 Best Walking Shoes for High Arches 2024

On Cloudflyer 4 Walking Shoes

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Buy Men’s at REI $170

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 serious discomfort. “Typically, high arches cause pain,” says explains London-based celebrity podiatrist Marion 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.” That’s why it’s essential to own walking shoes that are specifically designed with arch and joint support in mind, with key features like generous cushioning, supportive insoles, and a roomy toe box.

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 Yau, adding that “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.”

To determine whether or not you have high arches, Yau suggests a handy 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 can make you more prone to a range of health conditions, according to Yau, such as 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. For these reasons, we’ve included the best shoes for plantar fasciitis, the best shoes for bunions, and the best ankle support shoes on our list for all-around support for multiple concerns.

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.

Editors’ Choice: Top 3 Walking Shoes for High Arches of 2024

Footwear News Shop editors routinely research the best shoes for the range of common foot types and concerns by enlisting invaluable podiatrist insight, riding the pulse of innovative shoe releases, and even learning first-hand as we treat pesky strain in our own high-arched feet. Our selections in this roundup of the best walking shoes for high arches is a result of comprehensive footwear market research, which includes pinpointing top brands that offer the best underfoot cushioning, arch support, and comfortable materials, as well as durable outsole traction and responsive midsoles that allow optimal energy return, no matter the terrain you roam.

While walking shoes for high arches require key supportive elements, they also come in a variety of styles that serve different functions. For this reason, Our editors curated our top three options that represent a range of price points, style preferences, and comfort features. Each style was rated on a checklist of essential criteria, such as arch support, cushioned comfort, durability, and versatile style. Below, view our top editor- and podiatrist-approved recommendations for walking shoes for high arches.

  • Nike Motiva Walking Shoes: Nike’s relatively new Motiva shoe comes highly recommended by one Footwear News Shop editor with high arches for its plush cushioning support and strain relief. Its cool, modern design gives more flair than a typical performance sneaker, all while boasting key elements that make for a superb walking shoe for high arches, such as a rocker heel, sock-absorption technology, padded collar, and a wide, roomy fit.

  • Asics Gel-Nimbus 25 Walking Shoes: We’d be remiss to exclude the cult-classic Asics’ Gel-Nimbus from our winner’s circle, as it comes recommended by podiatrists for its exemplary cushioning, breathability, and total foot comfort. It bodes especially well for high arches, thanks to it smooth-striding, rocker-like sole, anti-supination stability, and supportive heel-toe drop.

  • adidas Adizero Adios Pro 3 Running Shoes: Behold, one of the best adidas walking shoes for those in need of serious arch support. Defined by thick, two-layer underfoot cushioning, stabilizing carbon-infused energy rods, lightweight uppers, and an ample midsole drop, these sleek sneakers make strides feel effortless and smooth. It’s a bestseller by the Three Stripes, especially among shoppers that face aches from their joints to high arches.

12 Best Walking Shoes for High Arches 2024
12 Best Walking Shoes for High Arches 2024

Editor’s Choice

Nike Motiva Walking Shoes

Editor testing review rating: 4.9/5 rating
Size range: 6 to 15 men’s; 5 to 12 women’s
Colorways:
Black, red, blue, white, pink, and more
Materials: Recycled plastic, rubber
Special features:
Comfortgroove outsole; 1/2-inner sleeve; waterfall collar
Nike Top Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.6/5 stars

$110 Buy Men’s At Nike

$72.07 Buy Women’s At Nike

The Motiva walking shoe was one of Nike’s top releases of 2023, and pose as an ideal everyday sneaker for hours-long foot support. The shoe’s shining feature is its exaggerated Comfortgroove rocker outsole that aids in super smooth transitions and practically effortless strides. You can rely on ultra-cushioned landings in these shoes, which are specially designed for shock absorption and all-around soft support, from a padded foam collar and heel, to an inner sleeve that reduces friction on your feet. Motiva’s wide-set footbed makes it a superb shoe for wide feet as well, and its breathable mesh upper will keep you feeling — and looking — cool.

Editor testing and review notes: “Upon a long walk with my dog wearing the Motiva shoes, I realized that for the first time in a long time, I didn’t experience a moment of discomfort while maintaining stability on the varying terrains. My podiatrist explained that the Motiva is a great walking shoe for my feet for its higher heel-to-toe drop and rocker bottom, which prevents any strain on my high arches, especially as a fast-walking heel striker. (Thanks to years of wearing fancy dress shoes on a daily basis, I suffer from mild plantar fasciitis.) Though I have borderline neutral-width feet, I was also happy with the roomy toe box that’s less common in Nike sneaker styles.” 

What testers say: “I’ve owned what feels like hundreds of Nike shoes and these by far are the best for overall design and maximum comfort! In my opinion everyone should try out these incredible shoes. Whoever designed these shoes deserves an award.”

Arch Support: 5/5 rating |  Cushioning: 5/5 rating | Durability:4.7 /5 rating | Style: 4.8/5 rating

Price upon publish date of this article: $72.07

12 Best Walking Shoes for High Arches 2024
12 Best Walking Shoes for High Arches 2024

Editor’s Choice

Asics Gel-Nimbus 25 Walking Shoes

Editor testing review rating: 4.8/5 rating
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
Nordstrom Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars

On Sale 20% off

$128 Buy Men’s at Nordstrom

$91 Buy Women’s at Amazon

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 testers 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!”

Arch Support: 4.9/5 rating |  Cushioning: 5/5 rating | Durability: 4.7/5 rating | Style: 4.5/5 rating

Price upon publish date of this article: $91

12 Best Walking Shoes for High Arches 2024
12 Best Walking Shoes for High Arches 2024

adidas Adizero Adios Pro 3 Running Shoes

Editor testing review rating: 4.9/5 rating
Size range: Women’s 4 to 15
Colorways: Gray, pink, blue
Materials: Synthetic upper, textile lining
Special features Lightstrike Pro cushioning, Energyrods, 6 mm midsole drop
adidas Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.7/5 stars

$250 Buy Women’s at adidas

The adidas Adizero Adios Pro 3 Running Shoes are some of the best walking shoes on the market for built-in arch support, as its thick cushioned midsole — powered by two layers of highly durable Lightstrike Pro cushioning — features an stellar 6 millimeter heel-tie drop. Designed for the utmost efficiency in mind, whether you’re flying like the wind or going for a stroll, the beloved racers are equipped with carbon-infused and soft-structuring adidas Energyrods, which keep strides lightweight and offer complete support in quick pivots.

What testers say: “Amazing comfort. I’m already on my second pair, so I can use one for walking and the other for runs up to 10 miles. Love the cushioning and comfort, and the shoes are still in good shape after 200-plus miles. If you want to wear them on the daily then just go for it — you will not find a better option then this.”

Arch Support: 5/5 rating |  Cushioning: 5/5 rating | Durability: 4.9/5 rating | Style: 4.7/5 rating

Price upon publish date of this article: $250

12 Best Walking Shoes for High Arches 2024
12 Best Walking Shoes for High Arches 2024

Best Walking Shoes for High Arches and Supination

Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23 Walking Shoes

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
Amazon’s Choice
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars

$135 Buy Men’s at Amazon

$140 Buy Women’s at Amazon

Available in a wide range of colorways, Brooks’ Adrenaline GTS 23 walking shoes provide the perfect amount of support for those with a tendency towards supination. They feature new midsole support, including the brand’s soft and lightweight Dna Loft V2 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 shoes for diabetics to wear on the daily.

What testers say: “I am a kindergarten teacher and stay on my feet all day. Brooks shoes are the ONLY shoes I have found that help with my feet. I have tried pretty much every brand and I would still come home every day with my feet aching and throbbing. I bought the Brooks Ghost last year and loved them, but this year I decided to get these because of the ankle support. They are wonderful!M y feet don’t hurt and they have great ankle support! They’re also very sturdy.”

Price upon publish date of this article: $135

black sneakers
black sneakers

Skechers Women’s 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
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars

$60 Buy Women’s at Amazon

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,” making them great shoes for knee pain. 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.

What testers say: “Must-have shoes specially for people who have plantar fasciitis or knee pain.”

Price upon publish date of this article: $60

black sneaker
black sneaker

Hoka Bondi 8 Shoes

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
Nordstrom Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
REI Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.9/5 stars

$165 Buy Women’s at Nordstrom

$133 Buy Men’s at REI

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 testers 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!”

Price upon publish date of this article: $133

12 Best Walking Shoes for High Arches 2024
12 Best Walking Shoes for High Arches 2024

Best Walking Shoes for High Arches and Recovery

Oofos Oomg Sport Low Walking Shoes

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
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars

$140 Buy Men’s at Amazon

$140 Buy Women’s at Amazon

Whether you’re recovering from running a marathon or from foot surgery, Oofos’ offers exemplary orthopedic shoes that soothe muscle tension in high arches. The Oomg Sport Low Walking Shoes are designed with proprietary Oofoam technology, which efficiently absorbs impact with every step and provides cushioning and stability. Its plush, patented footbed also provides ideal arch and ankle support that relieve strain with every step.

What testers 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.”

Price upon publish date of this article: $140

12 Best Walking Shoes for High Arches 2024
12 Best Walking Shoes for High Arches 2024

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
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
Zappos Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars

$199 Buy Now at Amazon

$124 Buy Now at Zappos

These suede walking shoes from Naot come in dark blue, dark gray, and light gray, offering a stylish and supportive style you can dress up for work or wear casually on the weekends. 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 testers say: “Love these shoes. They look great and have excellent support. They are stylish sneakers and just the color I wanted.”

Price upon publish date of this article: $124

gray sneaker
gray sneaker

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
Nordstrom Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars

$105 Buy men’s at Allbirds

$105 Buy Women’s at Nordstrom

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 testers 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.”

Price upon publish date of this article: $105

12 Best Walking Shoes for High Arches 2024
12 Best Walking Shoes for High Arches 2024

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
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars

$92 Buy Men’s at Amazon

$96 Buy Women’s at Amazon

Vionic works with foot health experts to create a range of some of the most supportive shoes on the market, as the brand specializes in arch support and thick cushioning to alleviate discomfort and promote overall foot — and holistic — health. The dad shoe-style Classic Walker sneakers are engineered with a removable orthotic insert that provides ample arch support, along with 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 testers 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!”

Price upon publish date of this article: $92

adidas Solarglide 6 walking shoes
adidas Solarglide 6 walking shoes

adidas Solarglide 6 Shoes

Size range: Men’s 6.5 to 15
Colorways: Red, mint, white, pink, and more
Materials: Knit, rubber
Special features: Boost cushioning, LEP 2.0
adidas Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.7/5 stars

On Sale 45% off

$72 Buy Men’s At Adidas

The adidas Solarglide 6 Running Shoes are ideal for soft launches and springy steps without the strain, thanks to the brands highly responsive Boost cushioning. Complete with LEP 2.0 technology, along with ankle support in a breathable knit upper, these ultra-lightweight shoes will have your feet feeling light as a feather. The shoes also feature signature Continental Rubber outsole traction that holds a firm grip on both wet and dry terrain.

What testers say: “I bought these right before a trip where I walked around 26,500 steps a day over all kinds of terrain, including asphalt, rocks, light mud, dust and even volcanic sharp rocks. I was constantly flying, driving, swimming, and walking, and these shoes supported it all. If you’re asking yourself, is this the right choice? Definitely!”

Price upon publish date of this article: $72

12 Best Walking Shoes for High Arches 2024
12 Best Walking Shoes for High Arches 2024

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
REI Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.9/5 stars

$170 Buy Men’s at REI

$170 Buy Women’s at REI

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 testers 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.”

Price upon publish date of this article: $170

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.”

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 functional podiatrist Dr. Emily 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

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 YouTubeInstagram, 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.

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.

Meet the Authors

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.

Olivia Cigliano is a Commerce Writer & Producer at Footwear News and WWD where she writes shopping content on the best-rated footwear, TikTok style trends, and more. Olivia received her bachelor’s degree in journalism from Emerson College, and her byline can be found in publications including Elite Daily and CR Fashion Book. Cigliano updated this story in 2024 to include upgraded sneaker models and additional editor-approved walking shoes that support high arches.

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