Do your feet ache after a long walk? Do you feel like you’re walking on the balls of your feet, even when you’re just standing? If you have high arches, you know the struggle. Finding the perfect walking shoes can feel like a treasure hunt with a missing map. Many shoes just don’t offer the right kind of support, leaving your feet feeling tired and sore.
It’s frustrating when you want to enjoy a walk or stay active, but your feet hold you back. You might be wondering what makes a shoe good for *your* specific foot shape. That’s where this guide comes in! We’re going to break down everything you need to know about choosing walking shoes that will make your high arches sing with comfort.
By the time you finish reading, you’ll be a pro at spotting the best features. You’ll learn what to look for, what to avoid, and how to find shoes that will support your feet every step of the way. Get ready to discover the secrets to happy, pain-free walking!
Our Top 5 High Arch Walking Shoes Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 High Arch Walking Shoes Detailed Reviews
1. Brooks Women’s Ghost 16 Neutral Running Shoe – White/Grey/Estate Blue – 10 Wide
Rating: 9.1/10
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, comfortable experience without distractions. This shoe offers a secure and seamless fit thanks to its improved 3D Fit Print. It’s also a certified diabetic shoe and has been recognized with the APMA Seal of Acceptance, showing its commitment to foot health. Plus, it’s a carbon-neutral product, meaning it’s made with the environment in mind.
What We Like:
- The DNA Loft v3 cushioning is soft and infused with nitrogen for a lightweight feel.
- It provides neutral support, making it great for road running, walking, and even gym workouts.
- The Segmented Crash Pad and soft midsole create smooth transitions from your heel strike to your toe-off.
- The engineered air mesh upper offers the right amount of stretch and breathability to keep your feet cool and comfortable.
- The new RoadTack rubber outsole is made with recycled silica, offering durability, lightness, and a good rebound.
- This shoe is certified as a diabetic shoe and has the APMA Seal of Acceptance, highlighting its foot-friendly design.
- It’s a certified carbon-neutral product, showing a commitment to sustainability.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the cushioning is soft, some runners might prefer a firmer feel for more responsiveness.
- The “Estate Blue” color might not appeal to everyone’s personal style.
Overall, the Brooks Ghost 16 is a fantastic option for those seeking a comfortable, supportive, and eco-conscious running shoe. Its thoughtful design makes every run feel effortless.
2. Skechers Women’s Go Walk Arch Fit Unify Sneaker
Rating: 8.9/10
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 to make every step feel amazing, whether you’re running errands or going for a long walk. They have special features that help your feet feel good all day.
What We Like:
- The patented Skechers Arch Fit insole gives you amazing arch support that a foot doctor approved.
- You can take out the insole. It molds to your foot to help absorb shock and spread your weight evenly.
- The Ultra Go cushioning is super light and responsive. It also has Comfort Pillar Technology for extra support.
- The outsole is made of two different materials, making it tough and giving you good grip for stability.
- The top of the shoe is made of breathable engineered mesh, so your feet stay cool.
- You can toss them in the washing machine and air dry them. Easy cleaning!
- These sneakers are made with 100% vegan materials, so you can feel good about your purchase.
What Could Be Improved:
- The arch support, while great for many, might feel a little too firm for some individuals initially.
- While machine washable, the drying process requires air drying, which can take some time.
The Skechers Go Walk Arch Fit Unify Sneaker offers fantastic comfort and support for your daily adventures. These shoes are a great choice for anyone looking for happy feet.
3. Ryka Women’s Devotion Plus 3 Walking Shoes Navy 8 M
Rating: 9.2/10
Hit the pavement with confidence in the Ryka Women’s Devotion Plus 3 Walking Shoes. These navy blue beauties are designed specifically for women who love to walk, offering a blend of comfort and support that keeps you going mile after mile. Whether you’re hitting the gym or exploring new trails, these shoes are ready for the challenge.
What We Like:
- These shoes are the BEST FOR high-performance fitness walking.
- The RE-ZORB cushioning absorbs shock and protects your feet.
- They are MADE FOR WOMEN FIT, with a narrower heel and roomier toe box.
- The breathable engineered mesh keeps your feet cool.
- Iridescent overlays add a touch of style.
- The soft Lycra-lined tongue and collar feel great.
- The eight-piece rubber sole provides excellent traction and lasts a long time.
What Could Be Improved:
- The navy color might not be for everyone.
- While designed for women, some may prefer even more width in the toe box.
The Ryka Women’s Devotion Plus 3 Walking Shoes deliver serious comfort and performance for your active lifestyle. You’ll feel the difference with every step.
4. HKR Womens Walking Tennis Shoes Slip On Light Weight Mesh Platform Nursing Shoes Cushioned Sneakers All Black US 7(1839 EU 38)
Rating: 9.4/10
Step into comfort and style with the HKR Womens Walking Tennis Shoes. These all-black sneakers are designed for your active life. They are lightweight and easy to wear, making them a great choice for many different activities.
What We Like:
- The stretchable fabric upper lets your feet breathe and move freely.
- Slip-on design with a heel tab makes them super easy to put on and take off.
- Arch support and memory foam insoles help reduce heel pain and discomfort, great for people with foot issues like plantar fasciitis or bunions.
- The cushioned design and durable rubber outsole provide excellent traction for stability and safety on different surfaces.
- These shoes are versatile and perfect for walking, standing for long periods, work, travel, and casual outings.
What Could Be Improved:
- The “platform” aspect might be minimal for those expecting a significant height boost.
- While described as “nursing shoes,” specific features for medical professionals aren’t explicitly detailed beyond general comfort and support.
These HKR sneakers offer a fantastic blend of comfort, convenience, and support for your daily adventures. They are a solid option for anyone seeking comfortable and practical footwear.
5. New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam Arishi V4 Running Shoe
Rating: 8.7/10
The New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam Arishi V4 Running Shoe in Black/Light Gold Metallic/Gum 2, size 10.5 Wide, offers a blend of comfort and style. These shoes are designed to make your runs feel smoother and lighter. They look good too, with a mix of materials and shiny details.
What We Like:
- The Fresh Foam midsole gives you a super soft and light feeling with every step. It’s engineered to be very comfy.
- The upper part of the shoe is made of mesh, which helps your feet breathe. It also has cool suede and knit accents for a stylish touch.
- No-sew overlays on the upper create a smooth and sleek fit, so the shoes feel great on your feet.
- The textured logo and embroidered details add a nice, finished look to the shoes.
- A durable rubber outsole provides good grip and lasts a long time.
What Could Be Improved:
- While comfortable, some runners might prefer even more ankle support for longer or more intense runs.
- The light gold metallic and gum accents, while stylish, might show dirt more easily than a solid color.
These running shoes deliver a great balance of comfort and appearance. They are a solid option for those seeking a cushioned and lightweight experience for their daily runs and casual wear.
Your Guide to Finding the Best High Arch Walking Shoes
Having high arches means your feet don’t flatten much when you walk. This can sometimes lead to discomfort or pain if your shoes don’t offer enough support. Finding the right walking shoes for high arches is important for comfort and to prevent injuries. This guide will help you choose the perfect pair.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping for walking shoes for high arches, keep these features in mind:
- Excellent Arch Support: This is the most crucial feature. The shoe should have a well-defined, firm arch built into the insole or midsole. This helps lift your arch and distribute pressure evenly.
- Cushioning: High arches often lack natural shock absorption. Look for shoes with ample cushioning in the heel and forefoot. This softens impacts with every step.
- Midsole Flexibility: While you need support, the shoe shouldn’t be completely stiff. A little flexibility in the midsole allows your foot to move naturally.
- Heel Counter: A firm heel counter cups your heel and prevents it from rolling inward or outward. This adds stability.
- Removable Insoles: This is helpful if you need to use custom orthotics or want to swap out the insoles for ones with even more arch support.
Important Materials
The materials used in walking shoes greatly affect their comfort and durability.
- Uppers:
- Mesh: Breathable mesh is common and keeps your feet cool. It’s lightweight and flexible.
- Knit: Knit uppers offer a sock-like fit and good flexibility. They are also breathable.
- Leather/Synthetic Leather: These materials offer more durability and support. They can be a good choice if you need a sturdier shoe.
- Midsoles: This is where most of the cushioning and support happens.
- EVA (Ethylene Vinyl Acetate): This is a common foam that provides good cushioning and is lightweight.
- PU (Polyurethane): PU foam is denser and more durable than EVA. It offers excellent support and shock absorption.
- Outsoles:
- Rubber: Durable rubber outsoles provide good traction and wear resistance.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things make a walking shoe better or worse for high arches.
- Improved Quality:
- Contoured Footbed: A footbed that naturally follows the shape of your arch offers superior comfort and support.
- Dual-Density Midsoles: Some shoes use different densities of foam in the midsole. A firmer foam under the arch provides more support.
- Deep Heel Cup: A deeper heel cup helps to stabilize your foot.
- Reduced Quality:
- Flat Insoles: Shoes with flat, unsupportive insoles will not help high arches.
- Excessive Flexibility: If a shoe bends too easily in the middle, it probably won’t support your arch well.
- Poor Shock Absorption: Shoes that feel hard or don’t absorb impact will lead to discomfort.
User Experience and Use Cases
People with high arches often report different experiences with walking shoes.
- Positive Experiences: Users often praise shoes that provide a “springy” feel and reduce fatigue. They find that good arch support helps prevent foot pain, shin splints, and plantar fasciitis. Many appreciate shoes that feel stable and secure.
- Negative Experiences: Without proper support, users can experience arch pain, heel pain, and general foot fatigue. Shoes that are too stiff or don’t have enough cushioning can feel uncomfortable.
- Use Cases:
- Everyday Walking: For daily errands, walking the dog, or casual strolls.
- Fitness Walking: For dedicated walking routines and exercise.
- Travel: When you’ll be on your feet for long periods exploring new places.
- Standing for Long Periods: If your job requires you to stand a lot.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the most important feature for high arch walking shoes?
A: The most important feature is excellent arch support. The shoe needs to lift and support your arch.
Q: Are shoes with a lot of cushioning always good for high arches?
A: Cushioning is important, but it must be combined with good arch support. Too much soft cushioning without support can sometimes be problematic.
Q: Can I use my own orthotics with these shoes?
A: Yes, many high arch walking shoes come with removable insoles, making them perfect for custom orthotics.
Q: How do I know if a shoe has good arch support?
A: Look for a noticeable curve or bump in the insole or midsole that matches the shape of your arch. You can also try flexing the shoe – it should resist bending in the middle but bend at the ball of the foot.
Q: What materials are best for the upper part of the shoe?
A: Breathable materials like mesh or knit are great for comfort. Leather or synthetic leather offers more durability and structure.
Q: Will these shoes help prevent foot pain?
A: Yes, properly fitted walking shoes with good arch support and cushioning can significantly help prevent common foot pains like arch strain and heel pain.
Q: How often should I replace my walking shoes?
A: You should typically replace walking shoes every 300-500 miles or about every 6-12 months, depending on how much you use them and their condition.
Q: What does a firm heel counter do?
A: A firm heel counter helps to keep your heel in place and provides stability, preventing your foot from rolling too much.
Q: Are there specific brands known for good high arch support?
A: Many brands offer shoes suitable for high arches. Look for models from brands like Brooks, New Balance, ASICS, and Hoka One One, which often have supportive options.
Q: Can I wear running shoes for walking if I have high arches?
A: While some running shoes can work, walking shoes are generally designed with different support and cushioning needs for the repetitive impact of walking.
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.
David Ruperto is a Footwear Engineer with expertise in 3D printing, design, and pattern making. With a background in Fine Arts from CUNY and training from SLEM and Cordwainer’s Savannah, he blends creativity with innovation. Based in New York, he shares his knowledge on BestForShoes.com, helping others explore the world of footwear.