If you’re looking for the best shoes for high arches, we’ve got you covered.

High arches make your feet work harder and can cause pain in the ankles, knees or hips. You might even experience back pain from poor posture if you have high arches. But there are plenty of shoes that can help alleviate the pain and discomfort associated with this condition.

The key is finding the right type of shoe for your feet. If you have high arches, here are some things to keep in mind when shopping for shoes:

Choose shoes that have a wide toe box and a low heel-to-toe drop (the difference between heel height and toe height) to give your toes room to spread out naturally. Shoes with a high heel-to-toe drop can cause pain in the joints of your big toe.

Choose shoes with a cushioned sole made from all foam or gel-based materials instead of plastic as these materials absorb shock better than plastic and metal midsoles do.

Choose shoes made from natural materials like leather or suede rather than synthetic ones because they breathe better and don’t trap heat inside as much as fabrics do.

Best Shoes For People With High Arch

High-arched feet can be associated with a number of painful problems, such as “pressure calluses, ankle sprains, and stress fractures, as well as more general pain,” says Adam B. Hicks, DPM, senior associate at Vanderbilt University Medical Center’s Department of Orthopaedic Surgery. 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.¹ Luckily, there are shoes that accommodate people with high arches.

Reviewed & Approved

Orthofeet’s Lava Stretch-Knit Athletic shoe is our men’s top pick, thanks to a supportive insole and air pockets that provide just the right amount of cushioning. We also like Sketchers’ Go Walk Arch Fit Grateful shoes for their lightweight, slip-on design.

Paul Greenberg, DPM, a podiatrist at New York University Langone Health, recommends looking for shoes designed to accommodate high-arched feet, such as supportive and cushioned soles. While there are many well-designed walking sneakers on the market, some running sneakers can also offer the support that people with high arches need.

We researched dozens of walking shoes for high arches and evaluated them for material, price, support, comfort, and breathability. Each of the walking shoes for high arches that we chose as our top picks was determined to be the best of these factors.

Based on our research, here are the best walking shoes for high arches on the market.

Best Men’s Overall: Orthofeet Lava Stretch-Knit Athletic Shoe

4.8

Pros

• Removable insoles
• Seamless interior
• Foam cushioning

Cons

• Expensive

What do buyers say? 75% of 2,100+ Amazon reviewers rated this product 4 stars or above.

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.

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

Material: Foam midsole, rubber sole | Cushioning: Foam | Closure: Lace-up

Best Women’s Overall: Skechers Go Walk Arch Fit Grateful

4.5

Pros

• Breathable mesh upper
• Removable insoles
• Good shock absorption

Cons

• Fit isn’t adjustable

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.

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: $80

Material: Mesh upper, foam midsole, rubber sole | Cushioning: Foam | Closure: Slip-on

Best Men’s Budget: New Balance Men’s 577 V1 Lace-up Walking Shoe

Pros

• Wide and extra-wide sizes
• Durable

Cons

• Leather isn’t as breathable as other options

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. 

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

Material: Leather upper, polyurethane midsole, rubber sole | Cushioning: Polyurethane | Closure: Lace-up

Best Women’s Budget: Asics Gel Venture 7 Shoe

Pros

• Many color options to choose from
• Good shock absorption

Cons

• Toe box may be narrow for some

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.

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.

Price at time of publication: $70

Material: Mesh and synthetic upper, foam midsole, rubber sole | Cushioning: Foam | Closure: Lace-up

Best for Fitness Walking: Brooks Women’s Adrenaline GTS 21 Running Shoes

4.9

Pros

• Good for overpronators
• Breathable mesh upper

Cons

• Toe box may be wide for some

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.

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.

Price at time of publication: $130

Material: Mesh upper, foam and rubber midsole, rubber sole | Cushioning: Foam, rubber | Closure: Lace-up

Best Unisex: Ryka Unisex-Adult Ultimate Running Shoe

Pros

• Good heel padding
• Breathable mesh upper
• Wide toe box

Cons

• May require a break-in period

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).

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

Material: Mesh and leather upper, foam midsole, rubber sole | Cushioning: Foam | Closure: Lace-up

Best Slip-On: Vionic Aimmy Active Sneaker

Pros

• Adjustable strap for a close fit
• Good support

Cons

• May be narrow for some

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. 

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

Material: Fabric and synthetic upper, foam and rubber midsole, rubber sole | Cushioning: Not listed | Closure: Slip-on

Best for Long Walks: Brooks Men’s Ghost 13 Running Shoe

Pros

• Good shock absorption
• Many color options to choose from

Cons

• Fit may run small for some

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.

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

Best for Work: Sketchers Men’s Arch Fit Work Jake

Pros

• Sleek, stylish design
• Stain-repellent upper
• Good traction

Cons

• Fit and laces aren’t adjustable

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.

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

Material: Fabric and synthetic upper, foam midsole, rubber sole | Cushioning: Foam | Closure: Slip-on

Final Verdict

We recommend the Orthofeet’s Lava Stretch-Knit Athletic shoe for a cozy, non-binding fit that promises comfort and support in equal measure. The wide toe box alleviates the pressure put on bunions and hammertoes. The upper shoe component—the collar, the upper, and the tongue—all come padded with a soft foam that provides low-pressure cushioning.

For a slip-on option, we recommend Sketchers’ Go Walk Arch Fit Grateful shoe. It’s a sleek shoe with a structured insole that offers the support high arches need. Or, replace the insole with your own for a customized fit in a stylish sneaker. Choose from a variety of colors and bring these machine-washable shoes with you everywhere, from the gym to the garden to your next vacation.

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. 

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. 

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.