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There's a very good chance that you've been shopping for shoes wrong your entire life. You've been focusing on style, comfort, and maybe even support—which are all great—but you've most likely been neglecting one of the most important parts about footwear: arch support.
Our Top Picks
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Most Stylish Sneaker with Arch Support
Sole Bliss Hero Sneaker
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Best Slip-On Shoes
Beek Pelican Leather Platform Sandal
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If you have flat feet or high arches, finding the appropriate shoe with supportive arches is a must. And why exactly? We consulted one of New York City's best podiatrists, Amnon Barnea of Walk NYC Podiatry, who says, "The arch is the ultimate architectural design [of the foot]," and having adequate support for your arches enable your feet to "function as an accelerator and decelerator of motion, provide structural stability and are capable of transitioning from a superb shock absorber at 'heel strike' to a semi-rigid structure needed for 'push off.'" Thus, it's time to find the right shoe to do just that.
What to look for in a shoe
Barnea says, "It is widely believed that arches need softer or 'cushiony' materials for comfort. However, the arch actually requires some rigidity for better support which reduces the compressive forces of the body on the arches. Shoes with soles that are very soft and 'bend' in the middle are less supportive. Soles with firmer materials under the arch or those with a beveled heel and a forefoot rocker offer excellent support."
Don't worry; a shoe can provide the right support for your foot and still be fashionable. We are making sure of that with these 20 stylish shoes that have appropriate arch support. And take into account Barnea's parting words, "For many foot types, shoes alone do not provide adequate support and require additional bio-mechanical control provided by shoe inserts." Equipped with ample knowledge, let the shopping commence.
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Best Shoes for Flat Feet
Hoka Bondi 8
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Best Shoes for Flat Feet
Hoka Bondi 8
Hoka is one of Barnea's top picks, which isn't surprising given the level of cushion and support the brand is known for. This pair even has the American Podiatric Medical Association's Seal of Acceptance.
Another recommendation from Barnea, Vionic produces supportive shoes that are stylish to boot. Literally. The built-in arch support aims to ground and balance your body.
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Dr. Scholl's No Chill Sneaker
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Dr. Scholl's No Chill Sneaker
You know if it's Dr. Scholl's, then it's going to be good. The brand's signature cushioning technology gives the insole an extra boost of comfort.
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Most Stylish Sneaker with Arch Support
Sole Bliss Hero Sneaker
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Most Stylish Sneaker with Arch Support
Sole Bliss Hero Sneaker
Aptly named, this sneaker features a "bunion bed," anatomically contoured footbed, deep toe box, and a zipper for easy slipping on.
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Best Shoes for Work
Sole Bliss Carmen Pumps
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Best Shoes for Work
Sole Bliss Carmen Pumps
Office sophistication meets all-day comfort in a pair of shoes designed to protect your feet. Choose from a variety of suede and leather styles to find a pair that suits you.
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Best Shoes for High Arches
Asics GEL-Pulse 14
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Best Shoes for High Arches
Asics GEL-Pulse 14
A proprietary cushioning foam on the midsole gives extra arch support to those who need it most.
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Best Slip-On Shoes
Beek Pelican Leather Platform Sandal
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Best Slip-On Shoes
Beek Pelican Leather Platform Sandal
A leather-wrapped memory foam molded footbed is giving your foot the arch support it needs. Slip them on, and head out of the house.
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Vionic Bonita Wedge Sandal
Another shoe from one of Barnea's preferred brands, but this time in the form of a sleek wedge sandal. With a midi skirt and an elegant top, you are ready to head to that special occasion.
Who says flip-flops can't be supportive? The traditional silhouette has gotten a cushiony upgrade.
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Dr. Scholl's Once Twice Wedge Sandals
Dress these up or down—Dr. Scholl's wedge sandals are incredibly versatile. There are five different color ways to choose from, but we especially love the two-toned leather.
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Best Shoes for Walking
Sketchers Arch Fit Big Appeal Sneakers
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Best Shoes for Walking
Sketchers Arch Fit Big Appeal Sneakers
This machine-washable pair of sneakers from Sketchers are going to be your go-to walking shoe. The podiatrist-certified arch support makes them a reliable purchase.
Enhanced arch support is delivered in the form of these simple sandals. Lightweight yet durable, they are a pair that's going to hang around for a while.
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Birkenstock Arizona Chunky Sandals
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Birkenstock Arizona Chunky Sandals
Birkenstock's beloved Arizona sandal supports those arches.
For the hiker or adventurer, Canada Goose makes a pair of boots that are as functional as they are fashionable. The midfoot has an added stabilizer for extra arch support throughout their wear.
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Revitalign Clara Orthotic Slippers
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Revitalign Clara Orthotic Slippers
Slippers can be good for you feet, too. These faux-fur lined ones have a soft footbed for premium comfort.
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Best Running Shoe
Nike React Infinity 3 Premium Road Running Shoes
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Best Running Shoe
Nike React Infinity 3 Premium Road Running Shoes
Now 29% Off
Headed on a run? Nike's got you covered with a soft and responsive sensation with every step.
Headed to a nice lunch or dinner but don't want to sacrifice support? These block-heeled sandals are here to help you out.
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Vionic Anita Woven Leather Flat
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Vionic Anita Woven Leather Flat
Ballet flats are not known for having the most comfortable insoles, but these have a unique spin. A removable insert with arch support does wonders.
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ECCO Street Lite Retro Sneaker
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ECCO Street Lite Retro Sneaker
It might not seem like it, but these low-top sneakers actually do their fair share of protecting your feet. An anatomically shaped footbed serves you well.
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Gentle Souls Lori Crisscross Slingback Sandals
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Gentle Souls Lori Crisscross Slingback Sandals
Now 40% Off
Gentle Souls have always made some of the most comfortable and supportive shoes. These don't disappoint, thanks to their multilayered system of performance cushioning, cushioned insole, and memory foam.
Gaby Keiderling
Gaby Keiderling is a New York–based writer working on fashion, lifestyle, travel, and sports features. She also covers celebrity style for Esquire's “Get Ready with Me” franchise. Her work can also be seen in Vogue, Harper's Bazaar, and more. Sometimes you can spot her around the West Village, out on a walk with her dog, Sneakers.
