Without the best shoes for high arches, so many problems can occur for runners, walkers, or for people who are on their feet at work all day. We’ll get into some of the specifics of those problems and what you can do about them (in addition to wearing the right shoes) later in this article.
High arches are pretty common, and most of the time they occur naturally, but there are some conditions of which high arches are a symptom. (More on this later too.) As stated above, the right shoes are the first line of defense when it comes to caring for your feet.
This is why, when choosing our list for the best women’s shoes for high arches, we did our homework and consulted the experts: people who actually suffer from high arches.
Here Are The Best Women’s Shoes For High Arches…
Product | Details | ||
---|---|---|---|
1. Clarks Women's Hope Roxanne Loafer | Top Pick |
| Check Current Price |
2. Saucony Women's Cohesion 10 Running Shoe |
| Check Current Price | |
3. Adidas Women's Cloudfoam QT Racer Xpressive-Contemporary Cloudfoam Running Sneakers Shoes |
| Check Current Price | |
4. Saucony Women's Omni ISO 2 Running Shoe |
| Check Current Price | |
5. Rockport Women's Ridge Sling Sandal |
| Check Current Price | |
6. Skechers Women's Go Walk Joy Walking Shoe |
| Check Current Price | |
7. Clarks Women's Arla Glison Flip Flop |
| Check Current Price |
1. Clarks Women’s Hope Roxanne Loafer — Best Support Shoes For Women
This shoe offers comfortable support from all angles, and it features Clarks’ patented Ortholite footbed for all-day, on your feet, walking and moving comfort. The design is versatile enough to go from casual to semi-casual, and is great with jeans, casual slacks, or whatever you care to match them with.
The quality, real leather upper is soft and flexible, while the strap over the upper provides just the right touch of stability. The thicker sole provides even more stability in the heel, yet is shock absorbent enough to keep up with your long days.
Specs
- Materials: Leather Upper, Rubber Sole
- Comes In Five Stylish Colors
- Available In Sizes 5-12 Wide
Pros
- Super comfortable for all-day wear, even for those with foot problems
- The soft leather upper provides flexibility and requires no “breaking in” period
- Cute style and a range of colors make this shoe great for everyday casual wear or business-casual.
- Come in a wide variety of sizes, including for wide feet
Cons
- Some said the shoe didn’t stretch as much as they thought it would fit their foot.
- Some wearers reported they needed orthotics for extra support when they wore this shoe.
- Some wearers reported discoloration in the colors besides black with wear.
2. Saucony Women’s Cohesion 10 Running Shoe — Best Arch Support Running Shoes, Women’s
Another great shoe from Saucony, the Women’s Cohesion 10 running shoe is perfect for those who need support, cushion, and breathability. If you’ve got high arches, this shoe offers an excellent padded insole, and a mesh upper for breathability and comfort.
Despite the lug sole built to take whatever impact you can dish out, including a no-slip tread for trail running, the shoe is surprisingly flexible. These running shoes aren’t just for running, they’re also fantastic for everyday wear and for walking.
Specs
- Materials: Mesh Upper, Rubber Sole
- Available in sizes 6-11 Wide
- Comes in 12 Colors and Styles
Pros
- The Saucony Women’s Cohesion 10 is great for running, jogging, and everyday wear
- Features a durable and supportive design for lasting wear
- This shoe provides great quality at a reasonable price
- Features cushioned soles and heels for comfort
- Supportive mesh upper is breathable and flexible enough to accommodate toe space
Cons
- Some wearers said this particular model changed and isn’t as quality as it was before
- Some said the sole cushioning wore out too fast
- Some said the mesh upper wore holes quickly after wear
3. Adidas Women’s Cloudfoam QT Racer Xpressive-Contemporary Cloudfoam Running Sneakers Shoes
The Cloudfoam feature on this shoe makes it feel like you’re running on air, and its high back and padded collar make them great for ankle support. The insoles are built for taking a beating and will hold up to even the longest days on your feet.
Adidas has been a trusted name in athletic shoes for decades and they know what it takes to design a line of shoes for every kind of foot. The Adidas Women’s Cloudfoam QT Racer is among that line of great shoes.
These are definitely suited perfectly for those with high arches, helping to prevent the long-term discomfort and injuries which can accompany them like shin-splints and heel problems.
Specs
- Materials: Knit Textile Upper With Rubber Soles
- Available in 20 Different Colors and Styles
- Available In Sizes 5 to 11 ½ Wide
Pros
- Features a lightweight design for an easy stride
- These shoes come in a variety of sizes, including wide sizes
- Suitable for running as well as walking, or just standing for long periods
- Padded collar and tongue provide extra foot and ankle support
- Adidas is a trusted name in athletic shoes
Cons
- Some said the rubber sole began to detach from the shoe soon after wearing
- Some reported the insoles weren’t comfortable after lots of wear
- Some said they came in the wrong size
- Some reported the sole flattened quickly after wear
4. Saucony Women’s Omni ISO 2 Running Shoe
The super high platform sole on these shoes provide more shock absorption and support than most other shoes. They give great bounce and energy deflection so you can run longer, walk more, and save your energy while on your feet all day.
Saucony has been designing shoes for an active lifestyle since 1898, so they know a thing or two about what it takes to make a great athletic shoe. Their trademark PWRFOAM midsoles feature the ISOFIT upper, which adapts beautifully to the unique gait of high arches while active.
The flexible mesh of the upper gives the shoe added mobility support, and the high, padded collar and tongue support the ankle.
Specs
- Materials: Mesh Synthetic Upper, Synthetic Sole
- Available in Sizes 5-12
- Comes in 4 Styles and Colors
Pros
- These shoes feature an ultra-cushioned sole for superior shock absorption
- Saucony’s trademark PWRFOAM midsole puts a spring in each step
- Motion stability design keeps your foot right where it should be to prevent the injuries that may occur over time with flat feet
- The flexible toe box provides the room needed for your toes while running and walking
- The lightweight mesh upper provides breathability
Cons
- Some wearers said they were too wide
- Some said they were too expensive for the construction
- Some said the shock absorption wore out quickly after use
5. Rockport Women’s Ridge Sling Sandal
These super cute sandals have a footbed that’s perfect for those with high arches and need the extra support. The EVA footbed also goes the extra mile by conforming to your foot’s outline as you walk.
The deep heel cup is also great for high arches, and since these sandals were made for walking, the rubber sole absorbs impact with every step. The style is versatile, and we heard many wearers say they were thrilled to find a sandal so perfect for all-day comfort, yet so cute and dressy.
Specs
- Materials: Manmade Upper, Rubber Sole, EVA Footbed
- Comes In 4 Fashionable Colors
- Available In Sizes 6-11, Including Wide
Pros
- Stylish, and can be worn dressed up or down
- The molded footbed conforms to the outline of your foot with wear
- Anatomically designed for perfect support for those with high arches, with a deep heel cup and arched insole
- Shock absorbent rubber soles provide all-day comfort
Cons
- Some said the sandal wore out quickly after wearing
- Some wearers reported the sandal was too wide
- Upper made from synthetic materials rather than leather
6. Skechers Women’s Go Walk Joy Walking Shoe
Sketchers have managed to make a shoe with an amazing stretch mesh on the upper that still has all the support of a regular lace-up sneaker. They hug your foot like a glove for a super comfortable fit, and the flexible mesh accompanied by the heel loop ensures they slip off and on easily whenever you’re ready, but stay put when you’re not.
They feature Skechers’ unique 5Gen cushioning and Goga Max high rebound insole, making them ideal for those who need some extra arch support. The Skechers Women’s Go Walk Joy walking shoe is lightweight, flexible, and includes a soft padded collar and fabric lining.
These cute, casual shoes come in 24 colors you’ll love to wear with any everyday outfit out and about at the grocery store, hanging with friends, or just taking a walk.
Specs
- Materials: Textile Mesh, Rubber Sole
- Available In Sizes 5-13 Wide
- Available in Multiple Colors
Pros
- They feature a flexible, breathable mesh upper to hug your foot and fit perfectly
- These shoes are great for casual, everyday wear
- These shoes contain soft cushioned insoles
- Cushioned support from the soles ensure impact absorption for all-day wear without sore feet
- The mesh upper and heel loop make these shoes easy to slip on and off, yet stay put on your foot
Cons
- Some reported they didn’t fit true to size
- Some said they didn’t provide enough ankle support
- Some said they smelled like chemicals upon receiving
7. Clarks Women’s Arla Glison Flip Flop
Another fashionable option from Clark’s, these flip flops are cute enough to wear with skirts, dresses, shorts — whatever you want for a full day out on your feet.
Like other Clarks shoes, these feature their Ortholite footbed to cradle your foot in comfort while providing excellent arch support for those with high arches. The sole is thick enough for plenty of support with each step, and shock absorbent enough to keep your feet happy.
Specs
- Materials: Rubber Outsole, Textile Lining, EVA Midsole
- Available In 29 Fashionable Colors And Styles
- Available In Sizes 5-12
Pros
- Thicker, cushioned soles for shock absorption
- The Ortholite footbed provides superior comfort without sacrificing the arch support needed by those with high arches
- Attractive and versatile, these shoes come in an amazing array of colors and patterns
Cons
- Not available in different widths or half sizes
- Some wearers said the thong between the toes was too rough
- Some wearers said the knot on the top was uncomfortable on the top of the foot
Best Arch Support Shoes For Women — A Buying Guide And More
People with high arches need shoes that will give them great support in the sole and platform to keep the foot from rolling outward when walking or running to keep them from developing a host of ankle, knee, and hip problems down the road.
Here’s a look at what high arches are, exactly, and why they can cause problems beyond sore feet:
What Are High Arches?
When a person’s arches in the feet are positioned higher than the average person’s arch height, it’s called high arches. With high arches, the foot doesn’t roll inward enough, and most of the bodyweight is supported by the outer part of the foot.
High arches are similar to a condition called supination, or underpronation. This too is a condition where the foot doesn’t roll inward the way it’s supposed to through the stride, although supination isn’t the same thing as high arches.
What Are Some Of The Conditions That Can Result From Having High Arches?
There are quite a few problems that can arise from having high arches if you don’t wear a shoe with excellent support.
Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar Fasciitis is an extremely common condition for those who stand on their feet for long periods, and having high arches only aggravates it. The condition is the inflammation of the plantar fascia tendon that runs along the bottom of the foot, connecting the heel to the ball of the foot.
IT Band Syndrome
The iliotibial band (or IT band) runs along the side of the quadriceps and can become inflamed and tightened along the knee and outer thigh when the weight is shifted onto the outside of the foot, as it is with high arches and supination.
Achilles Tendinitis
When the foot is rolled outward, it can cause inflammation of the Achilles tendon as it works overtime to stabilize your foot and ankle.
Stress Fractures
With high arches and supination, because of the rolling out of the foot, the shock absorption we all need on the bottom of the foot to reduce the impact on our bones is decreased. Particularly in runners, small fractures can result from improper shock absorption.
Ankle Problems
Rolling of the ankle outward can easily occur when the foot is rolled outward during your stride, causing strained or even sprained ankles.
So, What To Wear?
Consulting your podiatrist or a fitting specialist is the very first thing to do when shopping for the right shoes for high arches. With that in mind, here are a couple of things to look for:
- Shoes with added arch support insoles as well as feature a deep heel cup.
- Find shoes ergonomically compatible with the shape of your foot, particularly your arches and the ball of the foot.
- Look for shoes with soles that provide plenty of shock absorption.
A Final Word Or Two
Take a moment to think about how many steps you take every day. If you’re a runner or avid walker, it may be two or three times (or more than that) than the average person.
This is all the reason you need to take good care of your feet. Make sure to consult with a podiatrist if you have high arches, particularly if you’re prone to rolling outward during your stride. Being proactive can save you a lot of pain and problems later on, and will keep you on your feet and moving!
For people with high arches, we found Clarks Women’s Hope Roxanne Loafer overwhelmingly got the thumbs up for their design, comfort, and durability. With an ergonomic insole to fit the shape of a high arch, low heel cup, and impact-absorbing sole, they’re undoubtedly among the best for those with high arches.