People looking for the best arch support shoes that keep them going all day without pain will tell you they’re rarely the first shoe you try on.
It takes time to find the shoe that’s perfect for you, but once you do, you’ll swear by them forever. Having problems with your arches can be a real hassle, but it doesn’t mean you’ll need to take a seat.
You can stay active without worrying about the foot and ankle injuries that sometimes result from having arch issues (more on that a little later).
We’ve shopped around for the best shoes available that provide great support for those who need it. Here’s what we found, including our fave…
The Best Arch Support Shoes Are:
| Product | Details | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Skechers Women's D'Lites Memory Foam Lace-up Sneaker |  Top Pick |
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| 2. Slow Man Women's Walking Shoes Sock Sneakers Mesh Slip-On Air |  |
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| 3. Clarks Women's CloudSteppers Sillian Paz Slip-On Loafer |  |
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| 4. ASICS Women's Gel-Venture 6 Running-Shoes |  |
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| 5. Crocs Women's Men's Classic Lined Clog | Warm and Fuzzy Slippers |  |
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| 6. New Balance Women's FuelCore Nergize V1 Sneaker |  |
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| 7. FUNKYMONKEY Women's Thong Flip Flop Ultra Soft Arch Support Sandals |  |
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1. Skechers Women’s D’Lites Memory Foam Lace-up Sneaker— Best Arch Support Walking Shoes
As we mentioned above, these shoes are perfect for people who need some extra love for their feet because of their supportive design.
The thick, arched midsole conforms to your foot and provides superior shock absorption as well as excellent tread for slip-resistance.
The durable leather upper and the padded collar and tongue provide added comfort and shock support while remaining flexible enough that it takes no time to break them in.
They’re lightweight, and they also feature air-cushioned memory foam insoles to cradle your feet in comfort.
Did we mention they come in 38 cute colors and styles? Fashion bonus! For all of their great features, they’re an excellent value, too.
Skechers hasn’t been in the running shoe game as long as some of the other brands listed here, but that doesn’t stop the glowing reviews about how great they are.
Specs
- Materials: Leather and Synthetic
- Rubber Sole
- Available in Sizes 5-11 Wide
- Available in 38 colors and styles
Pros
- The shoe’s design is great for high arches
- They feature a sturdy yet lightweight design
- Air cushion inserts provide extra comfort for your foot during long days on your feet
- Platform sole provides extra height and support for those with high arches, particularly if you tend toward supination. (More on what that means later…)
- They’re great for running, walking, and everyday wear, so you can get more wear for your buck
Cons
- Some said the soles separated from the upper soon after wear
- Some reported they run narrow
- Some reported the shoe wasn’t comfortable for them
2. Slow Man Women’s Walking Shoes Sock Sneakers Mesh Slip-On Air
These cute walking shoes are designed to easily slip on and off and feature an air cushion sole for extra spring.
They’re flexible, breathable, and lightweight, perfect for a lot of walking. (We’re thinking at the airport or a street fair for instance.)
The air cushion technology built into the soles lessens impact and is perfect for supporting the arches. They’re also slip-resistant for safety, and are a great shoe for that Zumba class!
Specs
- Mesh Fabric
- Comes In 22 Different Styles and Colors
- Comes In Sizes 5 ½ – 11
Pros
- Very comfortable for walking, including for exercise
- Excellent arch support for flat feet
- Breathable, lightweight fabric
- Sock shoe design makes it easy to take off and on.
- High platform, cushioned sole designed for comfort
Cons
- Some wearers said the shoe wasn’t comfortable for them
- Not made for ankle support
- Some wearers said the mesh fabric was too loose
3. Clarks Women’s CloudSteppers Sillian Paz Slip-On Loafer
One of the biggest names in comfort, Clarks has so many shoes built for arch support, we didn’t even know where to start, so we figured we’d feature one of their most versatile.
The Sillian Paz Slip-On loafer features a super cushiony, soft, removable Ortholite footbed with superior support.
Its soft fabric lining keeps the blisters at bay, and the cushioned, shock-absorbing sole will keep you pain-free and on your feet as long as you need to get through the day.
Specs
- Materials: Elastic/Textile Upper, Rubber Sole
- Comes In 9 Different Colors
- Available In Sizes 5-12
Pros
- These shoes are fantastic for those who suffer from arch problems, bone spurs, plantar fasciitis, and many other foot problems.
- With their soft fabric inner and great breathability, these shoes are just as comfortable without socks.
- The Clarks company has a good reputation for customer service, and their shoes are known for their comfort and style.
- They’re soft enough that they don’t need extra time to be “broken in” to be comfortable.
- They come in several colors, and the stylish design can be casual or office-ready.
Cons
- Some wearers said they ran small for their size.
- Some wearers said the insoles didn’t provide enough heel support.
- Some said the shoe just wasn’t comfortable for them.
4. ASICS Women’s Gel-Venture 6 Running-Shoes
The ASICS Women’s Gel-Venture 6 aren’t just great for running, they’re also perfect for walking, or if you have to be on your feet for an extended time on the job.
They feature their trademark rearfoot GEL cushioning system, which absorbs shock with every step and provides superior movement support.
The removable sock liner is good for orthotic insoles, but we doubt you’ll need them with the arch support they provide.
The reversed lugs on the outsole tread are designed for both uphill and downhill all-terrain traction and support, and the shoe’s high-abrasion rubber makes sure they stay durable.
Specs
- Materials: Synthetic Upper, Rubber Sole
- Comes in Sizes 5-11
- Available in 28 Colors and Styles
Pros
- The padded insoles of this shoe are great for high arches and are also removable for orthopedic inserts
- The ASICS Gel-Venture 6 are comfortable for running, trail running, walking, and everyday use
- The roomy box toe design provides extra comfort and ease when engaging in athletic activities
- Great GEL cushioning system, provides exceptional heel padding for shock absorption
Cons
- Some wearers reported they rubbed blisters on the heel
- Some said they came rigid out of the box and were hard to break in
- Some said the wide sizes weren’t wide enough for their feet
- Some said they were too hard compared to the Gel-Venture 6
5. Crocs Women’s Men’s Classic Lined Clog | Warm and Fuzzy Slippers
Crocs are so versatile and comfortable, chances are once you put them on, they’ll become your “go-to” shoe for just about anything.
Checking the mail? Crocs. Grocery store? Crocs. Out for a casual night with friends? Crocs. You get the idea.
If you’re on your feet a lot, they’ve got enough arch support to keep you comfortable all day, and the hinged band can be pulled to the back to grip your heel or slid forward to the top of the shoe if you just want to slip in your foot and go.
All Crocs are made with Croslite foam for extra support and comfort, but this particular style also comes with a faux fur lining for those chilly days where you need some extra cozy.
The classic lining-free style is perfect for wearing to the pool or splash pad. Some people swear by them so much, they buy a variety of styles and colors.
Specs
- Materials: Croslite Foam, Faux Fur
- Unisex Design
- Available In Women’s Sizes 6-17, And Men’s 4-15
Pros
- These shoes aren’t just great for arch support, many back pain sufferers swear by them for their cushioned soles.
- They’re available in literally every color you’d ever want, and too many styles to count.
- They’re versatile and easy to slip off and on.
- The faux fur lining is perfect for those chilly months in the fall and winter.
Cons
- Some wearers said they didn’t run true-to-size.
- Some said the faux fur lining gets sweaty and smelly.
- Some said they weren’t fashion-forward enough to wear outside of the house.
6. New Balance Women’s FuelCore Nergize V1 Sneaker — Best Shoes For High Arches
Visit any shoe store and chances are they’ll recommend New Balance as a brand for those with high arches.
Their trademark REVlite midsoles guarantee lightweight shock absorption that stands up to everyday wear and tear and are particularly supportive for those with high arches.
The New Balance memory sole insert cradles your foot in plush softness and is removable if you need extra space for a medical orthotic.
Because they come in so many cute colors and designs, you don’t have to sacrifice style.
These shoes are comfortably flexible, and the mesh high tongue and upper grips your foot for added stability and comfort.
Specs
- Materials: Rubber Sole, Synthetic Mesh Upper
- Available in Sizes 5-11 Wide
- Comes in 39 Styles and Colors
Pros
- They’re lightweight for comfortable everyday use
- The removable memory sole insert allows room for a medical orthotic insert if needed, but provides lasting padding for your foot without
- Great for walking, workouts, and everything in between
- Features great flexibility without sacrificing the motion stability you need for high arches
- The cushioned soles provide shock support
Cons
- Some owners said they weren’t the best for wide or flat feet
- Some said the sole separated from the upper soon after wear
- Some reported they run small to size
- Some said they didn’t offer enough support for their needs
7. FUNKYMONKEY Women’s Thong Flip Flop Ultra Soft Arch Support Sandals
Because you don’t have to wear sneakers to get good arch support! The footbed in these thong sandals is designed to cradle the arches but allow for easy, comfortable motion.
They’re lightweight, cushiony, and flexible enough to wear all day, and the fact that they’re made from BPA-free rubber will make you feel good about it.
These shoes are great for the beach, the pool (they’re extremely water-friendly), or if you’d just like to go for a stroll.
Specs
- Materials: Rubber
- Comes In 12 Colors
- Comes In Sizes 6-10
Pros
- These shoes are extremely versatile and great for wearing in places you may be getting wet!
- They’ve got great arch support and ease tension on the ankles, knees, and lower back for those days you find yourself on your feet and moving.
- Super lightweight, these flip-flops are sturdy enough to wear regularly but won’t weigh you down.
- They’re made of super easy to clean rubber.
- They’re a great price for the quality.
Cons
- Some wearers find the nubbed insoles uncomfortable.
- Some reported they broke soon after they were used.
- Some reported they don’t fit true to size.
A Buying Guide To The Best Shoes For High Arches
Choosing the best shoes for arch support depends largely on why you need the extra support and what you’ll be using the shoes for.
Do you have flat feet? High arches? These are both particularly common reasons that people seek out shoes for their arch comfort.
Here is a little information about flat feet and high arches, as well as what to look for when buying a quality pair of shoes:
Flat Feet
Most of the time, having flat feet isn’t painful in itself. It’s what it does over time to the alignment of your foot, ankles, and knees.
Having flat feet contributes to the foot rolling inward, putting pressure on the big toe and second toe when you push through each step.
Over time, this creates a kind of “chain reaction” of instability up the leg, beginning with the foot.
When the foot rolls inward, so does the ankle, making it more prone to strains and sprains. The repeated inner rotation of the leg that follows can also contribute to shin splints and knee problems.
The effects of this instability can sometimes even create lower back problems.
Overpronation causes the same problems as those with flat feet, and the two are associated, as many (though not all) who have flat feet have overpronation as well.
High Arches
The opposite of flat feet, high arches are when the arches of the feet are higher than the average persons’. With high arches, instead of staying aligned, the foot doesn’t roll inward enough.
This causes most of the body weight to fall on the outer part of the foot, potentially creating a whole host of medical conditions including IT Band Syndrome, Achilles Tendinitis, and Plantar Fasciitis, to name a few.
Similar to high arches, supination, or underpronation is a condition where most of the body’s weight is supported on the outside of the foot.
If the foot doesn’t roll inward the way it’s supposed to through the stride, it causes the same problems that high arches can.
What You Should Consider When Shopping For The Best Supportive Shoes
When shopping for quality shoes you’ll wear again and again, there are a few things to keep in mind:
Where Will You Be Wearing Them, And How Do They Fit Into Your Lifestyle?
If you’re going to be wearing your shoes to work mainly in an indoor environment, you may be able to get a little more flexible about things like the thickness of the sole and how rugged the upper is.
If you work outdoors, consider a sole with a tread that can stand up to whatever the terrain throws at you.
Similarly, when shopping for an everyday shoe, choosing a shoe for running or walking is always a super comfortable option, but keep in mind they’ll wear out quickly if you’re running in them as well.
Keep Your Style In Mind.
It doesn’t matter how supportive and comfortable a shoe is– if you hate the way it looks with your clothes (or just hate the way it looks, period) you probably won’t wear it.
There’s no reason to sacrifice style for comfort, there are plenty of options that provide both, it may just take a little extra looking around. (That’s where we come in, of course.)
Take a good look at the shoes.
We know, this seems a little redundant, but give it a thought. How many times do you stop to examine your shoes before trying them on?
Most of us want to get right to trying them on to rate their comfort (guilty) but take the time to make sure the upper is of good quality, the soles are attached solidly to the upper (preferably stitched), and the insole is made of comfortable, quality material.
A Final Word
Some love it, some hate it, but let’s face it, shoe shopping has to happen if you plan on entering a place of business. Like out there, in the world. No shoes, no shirt, no service, right?
We hope the next time you’re faced with the chore of finding a shoe with robust arch support, you’ll try Skechers Women’s D’Lites Memory Foam Lace-up Sneaker.
They’re built to last, support your foot like a pro, and designed for cute, casual style.
