FYI: These Heels Provide the Best Arch Support So You Can Walk All Day
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POV: It’s a gorgeous spring day, and you’re going from the office to happy hour with your friends. The spritzes are fizzling, the gossip is hot, but you can’t enjoy any of it because your feet are in immense pain from wearing your heels all day. Enter, arch support heels. Once a concept reserved for women of a certain age (which we’ll all be eventually, so get used to it), arch support is essential for maintaining your youth and health in various ways. Consistently wearing high heels with no support has actually been found to potentially raise blood pressure. But just in general, I know that if I’m out and about in uncomfortable shoes, I’ll be no fun to be around.
Of course, you can still go for your favorite summer sandals and sexy stilettos every once in a while (the key word in all research studies is consistency), but for the most part, let’s all agree to give our feet some love from now on. We want our ELLE readers to stay stylish yet comfortable, but we can’t wear sneakers or flat sandals everywhere, nor would we want to. Instead, we’ve studied real customer reviews and consulted an industry expert to find the best arch-support heels on the market—and ones that even adhere to the hottest 2024 shoe trends.
Sandra Powers Murphy, the founder and CEO of Scarlett Chase, a brand designed with orthotic and orthopedic professionals, shared with us why one should consider arch support in a shoe. “Generally speaking, despite the fact that women’s heels very rarely offer anything in the way of quality arch support, most wearers should benefit from arch support to help maintain proper alignment and support the muscular and skeletal structure of feet, particularly when in a high heeled position where pressure is placed on the forefoot.”
When wearers like you know what to look for and focus on in terms of quality arch support, that’s when things truly make a difference. Read on to see our top picks, and even further, for more advice and shopping tips from our reliable specialist.
Soiree 75 Pump
Don’t you agree that style and comfort are the best combo? Each foot is unique, and Scarlett Chase is so aware of that. Not only will these luxe pumps make you want to jump on the nearest runway, but the footbeds—made of mesh instead of sweaty leather—will adjust entirely to your foot after the first wear. Find another shoe that does that; I’ll wait.
Sizes: 5-12
Colors: Gold Lame, Black Metallic Snake, Silver Lame, Blush Glitter, Gold-Black Fishnet
Editor’s review: “I wore these pumps to the office and into the night to a birthday party with no fuss, which is nearly never the case. On top of getting heaps of compliments, they’re so comfy and mold effortlessly to your foot.”—Amanda Le, contributing writer
Soiree 75 Pump
scarlettchase.com
$445.00
Lipstick Red Boxed Leather High Heels
For a bolder option that’s still just as comfortable, try Bared Footwear’s red patent heel with cushioned midfoot support.
Sizes: 6-12
Color: 6 options
Customer review: “Perfect comfort from first wear and so stylish. Perfect for office and going out.”
Lipstick Red Boxed Leather High Heels
baredfootwear.com
$279.00
Azul Croco
Inez’s croc-embossed heels have hidden arch support, making them plush and comfortable while maintaining the elegant style. They also come in black suede or white croc-embossed leather, so they’re perfect for any style and occasion.
Sizes: 6-10.5
Color: Bisque, Azul, Black
Customer review: “My new go-to! Heels I can actually wear every day.”
Azul Croco
inez.com
$268.00
Marina Wedge Sandal
Get in on the nautical trend with these striped wedges from Vionic. They’re both stylish and perfect for long vacation days.
Sizes: 5-11
Color: 6 options
Customer review: “I absolutely love these shoes! I have 4 pairs! Comfortable and great for work.”
Marina Wedge Sandal
vionicshoes.com
$140.00
The Heel
From classic black to bold leopard, Margaux’s round-toe heels offer variety in color and size. They boast that every detail is built to maximize comfort, so try it for yourself!
Sizes: 3-13.5
Color: 11 options
Customer review: “I don’t wear heels on a regular basis, but the block heel makes standing for long hours easy.”
The Heel
$345.00
Perfect Pump 100
Sometimes you just need a high heel option, and this Sarah Flint heel offers hidden support behind the elegant silhouette.
Sizes: 4-13
Colors: 8 options
Customer review: “I’m totally in love with the V shape. It looks so elegant & classy but special at the same time.Realized how comfortable these shoes are after wearing pumps from different brands another day.”
Perfect Pump 100
sarahflint.com
$550.00
Square-Toe Mary-Jane Heels
Mary Janes are so back for the next few seasons, and this colorway and mid-heel height just screams sophisticated. The square-toe shoe is made with strategically located cushiony padding, which means you can say goodbye to the possibility of blisters. And for some extra protection, pair them with the brand’s low-cut socks.
Sizes: 5-11
Colors: 5 options
Customer review: “This is my first pair of Vivaia shoes and it certainly won’t be my last. They are super comfortable, right down to the elasticize straps. Perfect for long days on my feet.”
Square-Toe Mary-Jane Heels
vivaia.com
$139.00
Adelaine Sandals
Cole Haan is a favorite for classic, elegant shoes, so why would arch-support heels be any different? These block-heel sandals are perfect to dress up a T-shirt and jeans or a fun summer dress.
Sizes: 5-11
Color: Black, Brush Nude, Soft Gold, Silver
Customer review: “Gorgeous & comfortable. I wore these for 6+ hours on my feet with dancing and my feet were fine! No blisters the next day and no soreness!!”
Adelaine Sandals
$160.00
The Esatto 90mm
You might not expect M. Gemi’s ultra-trendy denim heel to be comfortable, but that’s the whole point of this article. Stylish, hot and supportive!
Sizes: 35-42
Color: 8 options
Customer review: “It is very comfortable. The style is impeccable. I cannot wait to buy in other colors.”
The Esatto 90mm
mgemi.com
$378.00
Soul Holly Sandal
For those after a chunky sandal for summer, look no further than Naturalizer’s braided espadrille-bottom block heels that come in white, brown or black.
Sizes: 6-11
Color: White, Mid Brown, Black
Customer review: “So comfy, great fit. Loved them from the start!”
Soul Holly Sandal
naturalizer.com
$79.99
What do heels with good arch support look like?
First things first: Let’s start by taking a good look at the arch area of the heel. Murphy shares that you should be able to visibly see if a shoe has an increasing rise under the arch. Most shoes designed for support often insert some type of padding (usually gel), which may help, but it’s crucial to know that this may not always generally conform to the contours of the bottom of the wearer’s foot.
How to get arch support in heels/boots with heels, etc.
According to Murphy, a common struggle amongst heel wearers who need arch support is that a custom orthotic or an off-the-shelf orthotic will not work within a heeled shoe, particularly a pump, as it compromises the fit of the shoe. She notes the best way to obtain high-quality arch support is “when it’s built into the shoe and the shoe is designed accordingly, also carefully considering the placement and padding of the heel and the forefoot in line with the arch.” Although this may sound intricate, she shares that at Scarlett Chase, appropriate foot alignment and padding, including structured arch support, is a cornerstone of its designs regardless of the style of the shoe.
What to Consider When Shopping for Heels with Arch Support
What’s the best way to implement our expert’s tips? Here’s what to consider next time you’re thinking about investing in those pumps.
Sizing up: Wearers will often size up to increase the space in the toe box to avoid discomfort. Although this may fly for some, it could also cause slipping forward within the shoe, putting even more pressure on your toes and the ball of your foot. That said, it’s important to measure your foot (both length and width) to ensure you’re wearing the right size.
Width: If you suffer from bunions, have wider feet, or have other foot challenges, you should probably steer clear of narrow-cut shoes. You’re probably also better off with softer insole materials such as leather and suede opposed to patent and croc-embossed leathers.
Straps: Straps are your friend. A valuable proponent in fitting (and staying in) your foot in the shoe, there are certain styles, such as the Mary Jane, that may fit easier for those who struggle the most. Overall, wearers should seek a shoe that provides weight dispersion across the bottom of the foot from heel to toe, not centered solely on the ball of the foot.
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