Do your feet ache after a simple walk? You might have high arches! Many people with high arches find it tough to find comfortable shoes. Regular shoes don’t always give enough support where they need it. This can lead to foot pain, shin splints, and even knee problems. It’s frustrating when you just want to enjoy a stroll without discomfort.
Choosing the right walking shoes for high arches is super important. You need shoes that cradle your foot and provide enough cushioning. But with so many styles and brands out there, how do you know which ones are best? It can feel like a guessing game! This is why we’ve put together this helpful guide.
By reading on, you’ll learn exactly what to look for in walking shoes if you have high arches. We’ll break down the features that matter most. You’ll discover how to identify shoes that offer the perfect blend of support and comfort. Get ready to say goodbye to foot pain and hello to enjoyable walks!
Our Top 5 Walking Shoe For High Arch Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Walking Shoe For High Arch Detailed Reviews
1. Brooks Women’s Ghost 16 Neutral Running Shoe – White/Grey/Estate Blue – 10 Wide
Rating: 8.5/10
The Brooks Women’s Ghost 16 Neutral Running Shoe in White/Grey/Estate Blue, size 10 Wide, is designed for runners who want a smooth and comfortable experience. It’s a shoe that lets you focus on the joy of your run without any distractions. This shoe is also recognized for its health benefits, being a certified diabetic shoe with an APMA Seal of Acceptance. Plus, it’s a carbon-neutral product, which is great for the environment.
What We Like:
- The shoe offers really soft cushioning thanks to its nitrogen-infused DNA Loft v3. This makes every step feel light and comfortable.
- It’s great for many activities, not just running. You can wear them for walking, cross-training, or even just for everyday wear.
- The design helps your foot move smoothly from when you land to when you push off. This means a smooth, distraction-free run.
- The upper part of the shoe is made of engineered air mesh. It fits well, feels secure, and lets your feet breathe to stay cool.
- The new RoadTack rubber outsole is built to last. It’s also lightweight and gives a good bounce back with every step.
- It’s a certified diabetic shoe and has the APMA Seal of Acceptance, showing it’s good for foot health.
- The shoe is a certified carbon-neutral product, which is a big plus for eco-conscious runners.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the cushioning is soft, some runners might prefer a firmer feel for more responsiveness.
- The “just-right breathability” might be a little too warm for runners in very hot climates.
Overall, the Brooks Ghost 16 provides a wonderfully soft and smooth ride, making it a fantastic choice for daily runs and various activities. It’s a shoe that prioritizes comfort and thoughtful design.
2. Skechers Women’s Go Walk Arch Fit Unify Sneaker
Rating: 9.3/10
Step into comfort and support with the Skechers Women’s Go Walk Arch Fit Unify Sneaker in Gray/Lavender, size 7.5. These sneakers are designed for your daily adventures, offering a blend of innovative features that your feet will love. Whether you’re running errands or taking a leisurely stroll, these shoes provide the support and cushioning you need to stay comfortable all day long.
What We Like:
- The patented Skechers Arch Fit insole system gives you amazing arch support, and a podiatrist even certified it!
- You can remove the insole. It molds to your foot to help absorb shock and spread out your weight better.
- Ultra Go cushioning is super light and bouncy. Comfort Pillar Technology adds extra support where you need it most.
- The durable dual-density outsole keeps you stable on your feet.
- The engineered mesh upper lets your feet breathe easily.
- You can toss these in the washing machine! Just let them air dry.
- These sneakers are made with 100% vegan materials.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might prefer a bit more cushioning for very long periods of standing.
- While machine washable, the drying process can take a while.
The Skechers Go Walk Arch Fit Unify Sneaker is a fantastic choice for anyone seeking superior comfort and arch support in their everyday footwear. They truly deliver on their promise of happy feet.
3. Dr. Scholl’s Shoes Womens Time Off Platform Slip On Fashion Sneaker Toasted Taupe Microfiber 8.5 M
Rating: 9.2/10
Step into style and comfort with the Dr. Scholl’s Shoes Womens Time Off Platform Slip On Fashion Sneaker in Toasted Taupe. These sneakers are designed for your busy life, offering a chic look without sacrificing all-day wearability. The slip-on style makes them super easy to put on and take off, perfect for when you’re on the go. Plus, you can feel good about your purchase because these shoes are made with our planet in mind.
What We Like:
- These sneakers are sustainably crafted! The toe box, linings, and topcloth are made from recycled bottles. The heel counter also uses recycled materials.
- You have choices for materials! The casual slip-on loafer can be made with water-resistant faux leather, canvas fabric, ripstop from recycled plastic bottles, or even partially recycled neoprene fabric.
- The stretch laces provide a secure and comfortable fit, so your shoes stay put.
- Enjoy sustainable comfort with the anti-odor insole technology. It offers great cushioning, comfort, and support.
- The insoles are made with special algae-infused BLOOM foam, which helps create cleaner air and water.
- These sneakers are lightweight and flexible, moving with you for easy steps all day long.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the stretch laces offer a good fit, some users might prefer traditional laces for more adjustable tightness.
- The “Toasted Taupe” color is lovely, but a wider variety of color options would be a great addition.
Overall, these Dr. Scholl’s sneakers are a fantastic choice for anyone seeking stylish, comfortable, and eco-friendly footwear. They’re a great way to look good and do good for the planet.
4. Ryka Women’s Devotion Plus 3 Walking Shoes Navy 8 M
Rating: 8.6/10
Step into your next fitness walk with the Ryka Women’s Devotion Plus 3 Walking Shoes in Navy, size 8 Medium. These shoes are built for women who love to move and need comfort and support every step of the way. They offer excellent cushioning and a fit designed just for you.
What We Like:
- These shoes are the BEST FOR high-performance fitness walking, meaning they help you walk better and longer.
- The RE-ZORB responsive cushioning is great! It absorbs shock and protects your feet from impact, making every stride feel softer.
- They are MADE FOR WOMEN FIT. This means they have a narrower heel and more room in the toe, which feels much more comfortable for a woman’s foot.
- The breathable engineered mesh keeps your feet cool, and the soft Lycra-lined tongue and collar feel nice against your skin.
- The eight-piece rubber sole gives you extra grip and lasts a long time.
- The iridescent overlays add a touch of style.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the fit is great for many women, some might find the “roomier toe” a bit too much if they prefer a snugger fit.
- The specific shade of navy might not match every outfit perfectly.
Overall, the Ryka Women’s Devotion Plus 3 Walking Shoes are a fantastic choice for active women seeking comfort and performance. You’ll feel supported and stylish on all your walks.
5. Ryka Women’s
Rating: 8.5/10
The Ryka Women’s Devotion X Walking Shoe in Black is built for women who love to walk and want the best support. These shoes are designed to keep your feet comfortable and protected, no matter how far you go. They offer great cushioning and a fit made just for women’s feet.
What We Like:
- These shoes are fantastic for serious fitness walking.
- They have amazing RE-ZORB cushioning that soaks up bumps and protects your feet.
- You get extra cushioning in the front and back of the shoe for even more comfort.
- The fit is made especially for women, with a snugger heel and more space in the toes.
- The soft cushioning feels great with every step.
- The upper part is made of breathable mesh, which keeps your feet cool.
- They use some recycled materials in the linings, which is good for the planet.
- The padded heel adds extra comfort and support.
- The lace-up front gives you a secure and adjustable fit.
What Could Be Improved:
- While great for walking, they might not be the best choice for other sports like running.
- Some users might prefer even more color options beyond black.
If you’re looking for a comfortable and supportive shoe for your daily walks, the Ryka Devotion X is a strong contender. Your feet will thank you for the excellent cushioning and thoughtful design.
Finding the Best Walking Shoes for High Arches
Having high arches can sometimes make finding comfortable walking shoes a challenge. Your feet need extra support to prevent pain and discomfort. This guide will help you choose the perfect pair.
Why High Arches Need Special Shoes
High arches mean your foot doesn’t make full contact with the ground. This puts more pressure on the ball and heel of your foot. It can also lead to issues like plantar fasciitis or shin splints. The right walking shoes cushion your foot and provide the support it needs.
Key Features to Look For
When you shop for walking shoes for high arches, keep these important features in mind.
1. Excellent Arch Support
This is the most important feature. Look for shoes with a built-in contoured arch. This helps fill the gap under your foot. It supports your foot’s natural shape.
2. Ample Cushioning
High arches need good shock absorption. Shoes with thick, soft midsoles help. This reduces impact on your feet and joints. Memory foam or gel inserts are great options.
3. Good Heel Support
A sturdy heel counter keeps your heel in place. This stops your foot from rolling inward or outward. It adds stability with every step.
4. Flexibility in the Forefoot
While you need support, your shoe should still bend. The forefoot should flex easily. This allows your foot to push off naturally when you walk.
5. Proper Fit and Width
Shoes that are too narrow or too wide won’t work. Make sure there is enough room for your toes. Your heel should not slip. Try shoes on at the end of the day when your feet are a bit swollen.
Important Materials
The materials used in walking shoes greatly affect comfort and durability.
1. Uppers
Breathable materials like mesh or knit fabrics are good. They keep your feet cool and dry. Leather or synthetic leather can offer more durability and support.
2. Midsoles
This is where most of the cushioning and support comes from. EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate) is a common, lightweight foam. PU (polyurethane) is denser and offers more long-lasting support.
3. Outsoles
Rubber is the best material for outsoles. It provides good traction and durability. Look for rubber that isn’t too stiff.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things make a walking shoe great or not so great.
Factors That Improve Quality:
- Durable Construction: Well-stitched seams and strong glue hold the shoe together. This makes it last longer.
- Removable Insoles: This allows you to replace the original insole. You can add custom orthotics if needed.
- Lightweight Design: Lighter shoes are easier to walk in. They reduce fatigue.
Factors That Reduce Quality:
- Poor Arch Support: If the shoe has a flat insole, it won’t help your high arches.
- Stiff Materials: Shoes that are too rigid can rub and cause blisters.
- Lack of Cushioning: Thin soles offer little protection from impact.
User Experience and Use Cases
People with high arches use these shoes for many activities.
User Experience:
- Comfort: The main goal is comfort. Good shoes prevent foot pain during and after walking.
- Reduced Fatigue: Proper support and cushioning make long walks feel easier.
- Injury Prevention: The right shoes can help avoid common foot problems.
Use Cases:
- Daily Walking: For everyday errands or walks around the neighborhood.
- Fitness Walking: For dedicated walking workouts.
- Travel: Comfortable shoes are essential for exploring new places.
- Standing for Long Periods: If your job requires you to stand a lot, these shoes offer relief.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What makes a walking shoe good for high arches?
A: Good walking shoes for high arches have excellent arch support, plenty of cushioning, and strong heel support. They also have a flexible forefoot and fit well.
Q: Do I need special inserts for my high-arch walking shoes?
A: Many shoes designed for high arches have built-in support. However, some people may still benefit from custom orthotics or supportive insoles. Removable insoles are a plus.
Q: How do I know if a walking shoe has enough arch support?
A: The arch of the shoe should feel like it’s filling the space under your foot. When you try them on, your foot should feel cradled and stable.
Q: Are more expensive walking shoes always better for high arches?
A: Not always. While quality materials and construction often cost more, the best shoe for you depends on your specific foot shape and needs. Focus on the features, not just the price tag.
Q: Can I wear running shoes for walking if I have high arches?
A: Running shoes are designed for forward motion and impact. Walking shoes are built for stability and comfort during a walking gait. While some running shoes might work, dedicated walking shoes are usually a better choice for high arches.
Q: How often should I replace my walking shoes?
A: You should replace walking shoes every 300-500 miles, or when you notice the cushioning feels flat or the support is gone. For most people, this is about every 6-12 months.
Q: What is plantar fasciitis, and how can walking shoes help?
A: Plantar fasciitis is pain in the heel caused by inflammation. Walking shoes with good arch support and cushioning help by reducing strain on the plantar fascia.
Q: Can wide shoes help with high arches?
A: Width is important for overall comfort. If your foot is also wide, a wide shoe can provide more room. However, the arch support is the key factor for high arches.
Q: Should I break in my new walking shoes?
A: Yes, it’s a good idea to break in new shoes. Start by wearing them for short periods. Gradually increase the time you wear them. This helps them mold to your feet.
Q: Where is the best place to buy walking shoes for high arches?
A: Specialty running or walking stores are great. Staff there can analyze your gait and recommend shoes. You can also find good options online, but try them on first if possible.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.