Here are the Best shoes for High Arches, wide feet, and plantar fasciitis to help lower the Risk of Foot-Related Problems in People with High Arches It has a roomy toe box, ankle support, and a flexible midfoot with ample cushioning for shock absorption.
Based on recommendations from experts these are the best fit for high arches. During our wear time, we evaluated each shoe for fit, stability, responsiveness, cushioning, comfort, quality and value.
Best Shoes for High Arches and Plantar Fasciitis
1. On Cloud 5
On Cloud 5 shoes are made with highly breathable antibacterial mesh and elastic laces, making them quick and easy to put on and take off. Specially designed cloud-like foam provides a soft landing, ideal for people with plantar fasciitis, both internally and externally.
These shoes were true to size and fit perfectly. My feet felt supported from heel to toe, especially in the high-arch midsole, with no pinching or extra space. We especially liked the convenience of the speed lacing system while traveling. The curve of the sole of the shoe was a notable feature. This helps our stride and gait, supports our arches and reduces the inflammation of plantar fasciitis. Also worth mentioning is shock absorption on hard surfaces such as asphalt, concrete and indoors. On Cloud 5 was responsive and resilient.
Overall, the high-quality craftsmanship makes this a very functional and comfortable shoe, and I love the unique color.
2. Orthofet Lava stretch knit sneakers
We chose Orthofeet’s Lava Stretch-Knit Athletic shoe as our top men’s pick for high arches. That’s because these shoes offer a snug, non-binding fit that promises comfort and support in equal measure.
The upper part of the shoe (collar, top, tongue) is padded with soft foam to provide low-pressure cushioning. This, combined with the sneaker’s wide toe box, gives the wearer a “walking on clouds” experience while minimizing pressure on bunions and mallet toes. The shoe’s protective seam-free interior further eliminates pressure and friction, helping to stabilize the foot while providing comfort.
Orthofeet’s Lava Stretch-Knit Athletic boasts a cushioned sole, orthotic insole, and an air pocket in the heel. These elements provide comfort and support in all areas where people with arched feet are likely to experience pain. These shoes are available in men’s sizes 7 to 14 in regular, wide and extra wide widths. The shoes are available in black or gray.
3. New Balance 2002R
The New Balance 2002R sneakers are designed with stability in mind, making them ideal for those who need arch support but don’t want to say goodbye to style.
The N-ergy outsole with Stability Web technology provides excellent grip and traction, and the combination of underfoot cushioning and ACTEVA LITE midsole provides a light stride when walking or running.
4. KEEN WK400 walking shoes
The Keen WK400 is specifically designed to be a walking device and the best shoe for high arches. The shoe follows the contours of your foot for a comfortable, snug fit, while offset lacing relieves pressure on the top of your foot. A two-finger webbing loop at the heel makes them easy to put on and take off. Keen’s prominent toe-to-heel, all-terrain curved outsole generates non-stop momentum, giving you forward momentum with every step.
Keen WK400 walking shoes are of excellent quality and thoughtful design elements make them highly breathable. After testing on a variety of surfaces, we believe this product will withstand many miles of wear.
Dansko Penni is a worthy competitor and runner-up in the overall best category for good reason. Promoting good foot health and earning APMA approval, these shoes are intentionally built with added support in the arch and heel to keep your feet balanced and comfortable.
We were surprised by the pronounced arch support. This is ideal for people with high arches. This feature may cause discomfort to those with flat feet.
5. Skechers Go Walk Arch Fit
After testing, we are confident that these are the best women’s shoes for high arches. I love the simple and stylish slip-on design and the mesh upper that allows air to circulate while walking on the treadmill. The thick padding was extremely comfortable and responsive, helping me move forward with each step.
We also found the midsole to be supportive, keeping the foot aligned and providing excellent stability. Featuring a removable insole, these shoes are also ideal if you need custom orthotics. The cushioning is excellent and absorbs shock well, so I felt like it protected my feet and joints from discomfort.
It is also machine washable, making it easy to maintain and suitable for travel. However, they can run narrow, so if you think you need additional space, we recommend ordering a wider width.
6. Allbirds
Not only is Allbirds one of the more sustainable shoe brands, but they’re also ideal for supporting your arches without breaking the bank. The brand’s Tree Runners are endlessly popular and tick all the boxes in terms of style, comfort and support.
Lightweight, breathable eucalyptus fibers provide next-level comfort, while a cushioned midsole provides support for all-day wear.
7. Kizik Women’s Roamer Hands-Free Shoes
With hands-free, slip-on technology, the Kizik Roamer is the best choice when you need to easily put on your shoes without having to bend over. The insole provides bounce with every step, and the outsole is lightweight yet stable and responsive for all-day comfort.
These shoes are very cushioned and provide a lot of shock absorption for my high arches, which also helped alleviate the discomfort of plantar fasciitis. The fit was true to size but wide enough to keep my bunions and hammertoes out of the way.
The Kizik Roamer is high quality, stylish and feels amazing. It is very versatile with a variety of colors and sizes. This is a great everyday shoe that is worth the price.
8. Asics Gel Venture 7 Shoes
The Gel Venture 7 from Asics is a full-featured, budget-friendly option. This shoe is designed for performance trail running, but is also suitable for leisure walking, fitness walking and everyday use. The heel of the shoe is made of shock-absorbing gel to reduce pressure. The midsole is cushioned to further reduce pressure and increase rebound. High-abrasive rubber outsole is designed with durability in mind.
The sole of the shoe has an internal heel counter that gradually shifts the foot to maintain the natural movement of the foot. This is especially useful in preventing overpronation when the foot collapses. Overpronation is especially common in people with high arches, according to podiatrist Paul Greenberg, DPM.
We love that the Asics Gel Venture 7 comes complete with a sock liner that conforms to the wearer’s foot, providing a snug fit and an extra layer of supportive cushioning. The liner wicks moisture so your feet feel fresh and dry even during exercise. They are also removable, allowing the wearer to easily replace them with customized braces.
Read Also:- Top 10+ Best Shoes Similar to Hoka in 2024
The shoes are available in women’s sizes 5 through 12, and in regular and extra wide widths. These shoes are available in 19 fun colors ranging from Blue Expanse/Heritage Blue to Mantle Green/Piedmont Grey.
9. Asics Gel-Kayano 30
ASICS was the first trainer recommended by a podiatrist, and this ASICS Gel-Kayano 30 is a new addition to the brand’s lineup of fashion-friendly, arch-support-friendly shoes.
Available in a variety of colors, they provide a more responsive and stable running experience underfoot. The GEL-KAYANO 30 shoes are designed to provide enhanced stability and soft cushioning properties and feature 20% bio-based content, which helps create cloud-like softness with every step.
10. Brooks Ghost 14
Brooks’ Ghost 14 boasts the APMA Seal of Acceptance, awarded by the American Podiatric Medical Association to products that help promote foot health. Although it is a running shoe, it has high arches and many of the features you look for in a quality walking shoe for long distances.
In testing, we immediately liked how the roomy toe box fit. The mesh upper was comfortable and breathable, and laces were used to tighten the sneakers for a secure fit. The soft foam midsole is thick enough to provide cushioning for your joints, which makes them one of our favorite shoes. They also provide neutral support, keeping your feet aligned without feeling overly supportive or heavy.
The sturdy rubber outsole protects against dirt and debris and provides excellent traction even in wet weather. Each size is available in four widths so you can find the perfect fit: standard, narrow, wide, and extra wide. If you’re looking for a shoe that you can comfortably carry for miles, we recommend the Ghost 14.
11. Hoka Clifton 9
Ask any long-distance runner their trainer of choice, and you’ll likely hear a few more recommendations about Hoka. And for those who want a little extra arch support, the HOKA Clifton 9 is an excellent choice.
The ninth iteration of the brand’s award-winning Clifton line is lighter and better cushioned than previous models. Reducing weight and adding 3mm of stack height, this Clifton 9 features new responsive foam and an improved outsole design to deliver an energizing experience underfoot.
12. Skechers GO WALK Joy
Sensational Day’s laceless design is made from 100% vegan materials and includes a sockliner with responsive cushioning. A cushioned midsole adds another layer of support for high arches. These shoes are built for comfort and cost less than $100, making them a great choice for any budget.
We enjoyed the sock option design of these slip-on shoes. With or without socks, the upper was breathable and the shoe was overall light and airy. This has been a very comfortable shoe for everyday running errands, walking the dog, and working. The Skechers felt stable and supportive despite their lightness. The cushioning was incredibly soft and provided adequate shock absorption while maintaining our body alignment. After a few wears, they became a comfortable shoe for concerts, park work, the office, walks, etc.
13. Nike React Infinity Run Flyknit 3
Finding a running shoe that offers arch support can be a tricky process, but the Nike React Infinity Run Flyknit 3 ticks all the boxes to ensure effortless jogging. Designed with a Flyknit upper for lightweight breathability, these shoes feature a rocker outsole to support your foot while you run.
Featuring lace-up closures for comfort and high-rise cushioning, they’re perfect for long runs and ensure your knees, hips and lower back stay properly in place from start to finish.
What are the benefits of shoes made for high arches?
Wearing shoes with high arch support or using arch support orthotics can help relieve pressure by distributing it throughout the foot. Shoes with arch support are designed to absorb shock and impact.
People with high arches are more prone to dealing with arch stiffness or rigidity, ankle pain, Achilles tendon tension, ball and heel discomfort, and pain from corns and calluses. Sneakers made for high arches prioritize shock absorption, so they use flexible midsoles with extra cushioning to help prevent foot-related injuries.
Why should you consider arches when buying sneakers?
Simply put, your arch determines how much support a shoe should provide. Wearing unsupportive shoes can lead to problems like poor performance, discomfort like plantar fasciitis and runner’s knee, injuries, and even early-onset arthritis. On the other hand, shoes designed to compensate for foot impact can help prevent injuries and improve structural alignment and performance.
To determine your foot type, look at the soles of your old shoes. Wear patterns show where pressure tends to build up when walking, and certain foot types are more susceptible to certain types of foot discomfort and foot-related injuries. For example, people who have pain on the outside of their knees or who frequently sprain their ankles tend to abduct because their feet roll outward. People who have feet that roll inward or roll inward are more likely to develop plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, shin splints, and inner knee pain.
How long do sneakers last?
The shelf life of your shoes depends on how often you wear them. If you wear your sneakers every day, you may need to replace them every three months, or until you notice excessive wear on the soles.