The best shoes for high arches will eliminate discomfort and pain associated with high-arch feet. They are structured to provide shock absorption, and maximum cushioning, protecting feet from impact force. Providing some more information about high arches, our contributor, Dr. Zeeshan Afzal, Medical Officer- Welzo, an online healthcare platform, says, “High arches don't necessarily require wide shoes, but they may benefit from shoes with a roomier toe box. High arches are characterised by an elevated midfoot, which can lead to less surface area of the foot coming into contact with the ground. This might result in a more pronounced curve along the foot's length. While wide shoes aren't a direct requirement for high arches, a shoe with a wider toe box can offer more space for the toes to spread out comfortably.”

"Common problems associated with high arches include foot ankle sprains, heel pain, ball of foot pain, and plantar fasciitis", says Dr. Larry Huppin, a Seattle-based board-certified podiatrist. "In high arch foot, you are bearing almost all your weight on the ball of the foot and on the heel and nothing in between." They have an increased forefoot and rearfoot overloading as compared to neutral arched feet. This has a direct impact on plantar pressure distribution and body posture (1). 

Wearing the right shoes for high arches will distribute the pressure equally across the feet and provide additional balance and stability. They are also engineered with supreme cushioning and thick outsoles for comfort and protection from foot injuries. Based on our observations, here are 11 shoes that are perfect for women with high arches.

• 1
  Best overall

  New Balance Women's Fresh Foam Arishi V2 Running Shoe

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We chose New Balance Women’s Arishi V2 Running Shoe as our top pick because of its in-built Fresh Foam midsole technology. It provides the shoes with an ultra-cushioned footbed that makes your runs a comfortable and effortless experience. The upper body is made of synthetic mesh fabric with a no-sew design that offers superior breathability and great fit. The versatile running shoes are engineered with thick and durable rubber outsoles that can withstand daily wear and tear. Available in 6 colors and regular women’s US sizes, these high-arch shoes also feature collar foam that ensures amazing fit and immense comfort during your run or workout.

2

Best for running

adidas Women's Ultraboost 21 Running Shoe

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For the perfect running gear, ADIDAS has all the solutions. This pair of Women’s Ultraboost 21 running shoes fit snugly around your feet for maximum comfort during your runs. The footbed is incorporated with its signature Boost cushioning technology that offers bounce and energy while running, keeping your feet protected. The rubber outsole and S-curve heel provide strong traction while a Linear Energy Push System keeps your forefoot and midfoot in place. With an exclusive range of colors and sizes, these high-arch shoes are perfect for your daily run as they give you ample support and shock absorption. They are made from textile and Primeblue yarn, a recycled material made partly from Parley Ocean Plastics.

3

Best for walking

Ryka Women's Sky Walking Shoe

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Designed specifically for women keeping in mind their foot shape, movement, and build, Ryka’s Sky Walking shoes have narrower heels, a wide toe box, and cushioned footbed. Excellent for high-performance fitness walking, the shoes are crafted from a lightweight mesh fabric, that promotes breathability, and durable leather overlays. With memory-foam insole, soft EVA midsole, and rubber outsole, these shoes provide all-day comfort, shock absorption, and strong traction. They are constructed with Skeletal Guidance System which gives exceptional support and stability to the high-arches and midfoot. The padded collar and tongue offer additional support and cushioning.

4

The most comfortable

OOFOS Women's Slip-on Sneaker

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Awarded the American Podiatric Medical Association Seal of Acceptance, OOFOS shoes are research-based and incorporated with patented technologies to offer optimum comfort and convenience. These shoes for high arches have the brand’s patented footbed geometry that provides excellent support to the arches, reducing stress on the knees, ankles, and back and enabling more natural motion. These revolutionary shoes, in 6 colors and regular US sizes, can be machine-washed and the closed-cell foam minimizes odor. The OOFOAM technology reduces pressure on the feet, joints, and back by absorbing about 37% more impact than other footwear foam materials.

5

Best shock absorbing

ASICS Women's Gel-Nimbus 24 Running Shoes

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ASICS women’s Gel-Nimbus 24 running shoes are engineered with a rearfoot and forefoot GEL Technology Cushioning System that provides exceptional shock absorption and keeps your feet protected during impact and toe-off phases. The mesh upper part offers a snug and secure fit, promoting breathability and cross-ventilation. The outsole is constructed with sustainable ASICS LITE rubber that is lighter, stronger, and more durable. ASICS offers a wide array of colors in sizes for both narrow and wide feet. The Trusstic System technology makes the sole lightweight without compromising on the shoes’ structural integrity.

6

Best arch-support

Skechers Women's GO Walk Arch FIT-Unify Sneaker

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Podiatrist-approved SKECHERS shoes are designed with patented Skechers Arch-fit technology that redistributes pressure to reduce shock during impact and keep feet safe from injuries. The removable insole is designed to fit the mold of your feet while the lightweight midsole has ULTRA GO cushioning with Comfort Pillar Technology for additional support and stability. Designed in 9 different colors with breathable upper mesh fabric, these lace-up sneakers are perfect shoes for high arches. The durable outsole has dual-density traction that offers you a non-slippery and firm grip.

7

The most versatile

Saucony Women's Guide 14 Running Shoe

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Saucony’s Guide 14 running shoes for women have 17 different colors and designs in sizes for both narrow and wide feet. The upper portion is made of a combination of synthetic and mesh fabric and the sole is of thick rubber. They have cushioned bases and light arch support. The insole is engineered from Saucony’s premium PWRRUN foam that has a softer feel than other EVA foams. The structured cushioning is ideal for women with medium to high arches and moderate pronation.

8

Best slip-on sneakers

Skechers Women's Performance Go Walk Arch Fit-Iconic Sneaker

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Another pair of Skechers Arch-fit sneakers have made it to our list. These sneakers have a podiatrist-certified arch design and the patented Skechers Arch-fit Insole System. The body is made of 100% textile with a high neck opening and a pull tab. The insoles promote even weight dispersion and exceptional shock absorption. The ULTRA GO cushioning provides underfoot and overlay protection with lightweight, responsive, and durable comfort. Available in shades of black, white, and blue, they can be air-dried and machine-washed.

9

Best cushioning

Mizuno Women's Wave Creation 20 Running Shoe

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Mizuno shoes are known for their wave plates that provide shock absorption and responsiveness. These shoes are equipped with the all-new Infinity Wave, the 20th version of the brand’s Wave Creation. Compared to their older counterparts, these high-arch shoes are softer, bouncier, and more responsive, taking cushioning to another level. The super breathable air mesh upper body and premium sock liner offer comfort and a secure midfoot fit. The midsole is designed with heel perforations for additional cushioning and comfort.

10

The most durable

Brooks Women's Glycerin GTS 20 Supportive Running Shoe

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Armed with the APMA Seal of Acceptance and a PDAC A5500 Diabetic certification, the Glycerin GTS 20 by Brooks is perfect for runners, providing additional support to the knees with the brand’s GuideRails Technology that keeps excess movement in check. Ideal for running or cross-training, these shoes offer maximum cushioning with lightweight and responsive comfort. The super comfortable shoes for high arches give adequate arch support and stability to your arches while running or training.

11

HOKA ONE ONE Women's Sneaker

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HOKA shoes are popular for their lightweight foam soles that provide ultra cushioning to runners. Created for trail running, they have become everyone’s preferred workout kicks, from celebrities to the general public alike. The signature oversized sole reduces pressure under the heels and balls, making the shoes ideal for those with high arches. The ventilated mesh upper body provides maximum breathability while the rubber soles offer great durability. Another thing to love about the HOKA shoes is the numerous designs and colors they are available in.

When high-arched feet are not supported with the right shoes, they can cause tight calves, increased pressure on feet, plantar fasciitis, and ankle, knee, and hip injuries. To select the best shoes for high arches, you must look for the following features on your shoes:

• Arch-support: For women with high arch feet, the most vital aspect to look for in a pair of shoes is arch-support. Shoes with molded EVA midsoles that align with the shape of your feet will give you support and stability, reducing and preventing pain altogether. Arch-support shoes distribute the pressure evenly across the entire foot, provide balance, and relieve foot, knee, hip, and back pain.
• Cushioning: Top-quality cushioning is necessary for high arches as it absorbs the force of impact, keeping your feet safe from injuries and joint pains. 
• Material: Shoes with mesh air fabric and moisture-wicking material on the upper body promote breathability and cross ventilation, keeping the feet cool and dry during runs or workouts. 
• Customer Reviews: Reviews can be your ultimate go-to place to find out about a product’s advantages and disadvantages. Customers who have worn the shoes before will be able to tell you how well they fit, how excellent is their arch support and cushioning, etc. They will also be able to tell you how well the sizes fit.

Our contributor Dr. Zeeshan Afzal, helps us determine if a pair of shoes provides high arch support. He advises to consider several factors before choosing a pair of shoes for high arch support, saying,”Look for shoes labelled as "high arch" or "arch support" in their descriptions. Check if the shoe's insole has a noticeable curve that aligns with the arch of your foot. Some shoes feature cushioning or raised areas in the arch region. Brands like Brooks, Asics, and New Balance often offer models with enhanced arch support.”

In conclusion, you can see our findings show that the correct pair of shoes for high arches will relieve you from all of its disadvantages, be it joint pain or foot injury, or plantar fasciitis. As high-arched feet put pressure on the knees, hips, calves, and back, shoes with arch support will provide the necessary assistance to keep your feet relaxed and comfortable. The best shoes for high arches will not only eliminate pain and injury but also correct your body posture.

Contributor: Dr. Zeeshan Afzal, MD, Welzo Medical Officer