The Best Walking Shoes for High Arches That'll Keep You Comfortable All Day Long (2024)

• Our Picks

• How We Selected and Tested

• What to Look For

• FAQs

• Why Trust Verywell Fit

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 gray.

^{Key Specs:
Material: Foam midsole, rubber sole | Cushioning: Foam | Closure: Lace-up}

After testing, we're confident that these are the best overall women's shoes for high arches. We love the simple, stylish, slip-on design, and the mesh upper that allowed air to circulate while we walked on the treadmill. The thick padding also felt ultra-comfortable and responsive, helping to push us forward with each step.

We also noticed that the midsole was supportive, aligning our feet and offering great stability. With removable insoles, these shoes are also ideal if you need custom orthotics. Ultra-cushioned, we felt these shoes absorbed shock well, protecting our feet and joints from discomfort.

They're also machine-washable, which makes them easy to care for and a great pick for traveling. However, we found that they may run narrow, so consider ordering them in the wide width if you think you'll need some extra room.

^{Key Specs:
Material: Mesh upper, foam midsole, rubber sole | Cushioning: Foam | Closure: Slip-on}

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.

^{Key Specs:
Material: Leather upper, polyurethane midsole, rubber sole | Cushioning: Polyurethane | Closure: Lace-up}

Asics’ Gel Venture 7 is a budget-friendly option that does it all. Though the shoe was designed for performance trail running, 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.

^{Key Specs:
Material: Mesh and synthetic upper, foam midsole, rubber sole | Cushioning: Foam | Closure: Lace-up}

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.

^{Key Specs:
Material: Fabric and synthetic upper, foam and rubber midsole, rubber sole | Cushioning: Not listed | Closure: Slip-on}

Brooks' Ghost 14 boasts the APMA's Seal of Acceptance, which is awarded by the American Podiatric Medical Association to products that help promote good foot health. Although it's a running shoe, it has plenty of features we look for in a high-quality walking shoe for high arches and long distances.

In testing, we immediately loved how the wide toe box fit. The mesh upper felt comfortable and breathable, while the laces allowed us to tighten the sneakers for a secure fit. The soft, foam midsole was thick enough to cushion our joints, quickly making this one of our favorite pairs to wear. And it offers neutral support, aligning your feet without feeling overly supportive or heavy.

A solid rubber outsole offers protection from dirt and debris and good traction in wet weather. Each size comes in four different widths so you can find the right fit: standard, narrow, wide, and extra-wide. If you're searching for a shoe that can carry you comfortably for miles, the Ghost 14 is our reliable recommendation.

^{Key Specs:
Material: Mesh upper, foam midsole, rubber sole | Cushioning: Foam | Closure: Lace-up}

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.

^{Key Specs:
Material: Fabric and synthetic upper, foam midsole, rubber sole | Cushioning: Foam | Closure: Slip-on}

Asics' Gel-Cumulus 24 is ideal for underpronators because it balances sturdy support with soft cushioning. Its comfortable sock liner cuts down on irritation to prevent unwanted blisters. Available in a wide range of colors and sizes, this sneaker also has a durable rubber outsole that will last for miles and miles of walking.

The foam midsole is thick and plush, to help propel you forward with every step. And the lightweight mesh upper allows air to flow, so your feet stay cool and dry. We like the reflective details, which will keep you visible when walking outdoors in low-light conditions. However, these shoes are only available in one width, so they may not fit walkers with wide or narrow feet.

^{Key Specs:
Material: Mesh upper, foam and gel midsole, rubber sole | Cushioning: Foam, gel | Closure: Lace-up}

For overpronators, New Balance's 847v4 offers superior stability. The responsive midsole is comfortable, even when you're on your feet all day, while a heel insert moves with you to gently support your stride. There's also a stability post to help cut down on unnecessary rearfoot movement as you walk.

A rubber outsole with plenty of traction makes these sneakers a good choice for walking outdoors. And the leather and mesh construction is lightweight and breathable, for better airflow. We like that they're available in five widths, ranging from Narrow to XX-Wide, so finding the right fit is easy. But some wearers note that they may run small.

^{Key Specs:
Material: Mesh and synthetic leather upper, foam midsole, rubber sole | Cushioning: Foam | Closure: Lace-up}

If you're searching for supportive walking sandals, we recommend Hoka's Hopara shoes. The sporty design has cutouts to encourage airflow, while the foam midsole is coated in rubber for better durability. A toe cap in front protects your feet from rocks and other debris.

We also like the quick-lace system, which makes slipping these sandals on a breeze. And the thick outsole features 4-millimeter lugs for great traction on wet surfaces.

The midsole is contoured for support, but it doesn't have a lot of soft padding—so some walkers may find this shoe too firm. However, if you dislike a squishy footbed, the Hopara is a solid option.

^{Key Specs:
Material: Synthetic upper, rubber and foam midsole, rubber sole | Cushioning: Foam | Closure: Quick-lace}

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.

^{Key Specs:
Material: Mesh upper, foam and rubber midsole, rubber sole | Cushioning: Foam, rubber | Closure: Lace-up}

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.

^{Key Specs:
Material: Mesh and leather upper, foam midsole, rubber sole | Cushioning: Foam | Closure: Lace-up}

Frequently Asked Questions

• What does it mean if you have high arches?

  High arch, also called cavus foot, is exactly what it sounds like: when the mid part of your foot is raised. High arches put stress on the heel and ball of the foot. You may experience a high arch in one or both feet.Similar to those with the opposite foot issue and require insoles for flat feet, individuals with high arches need extra support designed to provide stability while walking and prevent discomfort.

• What are the benefits of shoes made for high arches?

  Shoes made for high arches are designed differently, with thicker cushioning and a more flexible sole. These design features can keep you from hitting the pavement too hard and provide more support for your ankles and feet. Shoes for high arches are also better at stabilizing your feet, so you can walk confidently (and painlessly) for long distances over wet or uneven ground.

• How much does a quality pair of walking shoes for high arches cost?

  A durable, supportive pair of walking shoes for high arches usually costs anywhere from $75 to $150. Cheaper pairs may not be sturdy enough to withstand constant wear. More expensive shoes might feature thicker cushioning or a more stylish design. The least expensive pair on our list, Asics' Gel Venture 7 Running Shoes, is often available for under $80. Our top pick, Orthofeet's Lava Stretch-Knit Athletic Shoe, was $140 when we published this list.

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