Best womens walking shoes for high arches and supination

Best womens walking shoes for high arches and supination

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If the arch of your foot—the area between the ball of your foot and the heel—is on the high side, you’re not alone. According to the Cleveland Clinic, approximately 20% of the population have a high arch.

“High arched feet are also called ‘cavus feet,’” says Jacqueline M. Sutera, D.P.M., a New York City/New Jersey-based board-certified podiatric surgeon. “It is thought to be called this because the arch is more raised than a normal arched foot, and the space between the arch and floor looks to be shaped like a ‘cave.’”

Also, having a high arch means your foot is structured to naturally place too much weight on the outside of your foot when walking or standing, states Brad Schaeffer, D.P.M., a New York City-based board-certified podiatrist and foot & ankle surgeon, and star of the TLC show, My Feet Are Killing Me.

“The actual arch, the area between your toes and heel on the bottom of the foot, bends or arches away from the floor, which is the opposite of a flat foot,” he continues.

Keep in mind that slipping into the correct shoes for your feet is essential. “People with high arches are typically prone to rolling the ankle and having knee and hip problems in the future when not supported properly,” explains Dr. Schaeffer. The two take-home tips are to wear shoes that support the arch, as well as stabilize the heel in a more neutral position, he says.

And the good news is there are plenty of stylish options on the market. “Nowadays—more than ever—there are many brands that make on-trend, good-looking shoes that don't sacrifice comfort and support,” adds Dr. Schaeffer.

How we chose the best shoes for high arches

We consulted Dr. Sutera (a member of the Vionic Innovation Lab), Dr. Schaeffer, and Suzanne Fuchs, D.P.M., a board-certified podiatrist and surgeon who specializes in sports and regenerative medicine at LuxePodiatry™ in Palm Beach, Florida, as well as reviewers who have shared some of their own insights.

Shop the best deals on shoes for high arches on Amazon

Our top picks

  • 1

    Best womens walking shoes for high arches and supination

    Best Overall

    OOmg Low Women’s Shoe OOFOS

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  • 2

    Best womens walking shoes for high arches and supination

    Best Budget

    Women’s Fresh Foam Arishi V2 Running Shoe New Balance

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  • 3

    Best womens walking shoes for high arches and supination

    Best Walking Shoe

    Women’s Drift Tokyo Leisure Sneakers Vionic

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  • 4

    Best womens walking shoes for high arches and supination

    Best Running Shoe

    Women's Gel-Cumulus 22 Running Shoes ASICS

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  • 5

    Best womens walking shoes for high arches and supination

    Best Cross Training Shoe

    Women's Adrenaline GTS 22 Brooks

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1

Best Overall

OOFOS

OOmg Low Women’s Shoe

2

Best Budget

New Balance

Women’s Fresh Foam Arishi V2 Running Shoe

3

Best Walking Shoe

Vionic

Women’s Drift Tokyo Leisure Sneakers

4

Best Running Shoe

ASICS

Women's Gel-Cumulus 22 Running Shoes

5

Best Cross Training Shoe

Brooks

Women's Adrenaline GTS 22

6

Best Slip-On Sneaker

Vionic

Beach Malibu Casual Women’s Slip-On Sneakers

7

Best Heels

Sorel

Women's Cameron Wedge Multistrap Sandals

8

Best Clogs

NAOT

Women's Autumn Clog

9

Best Flats

Clarks

Women's Sara Ballet Flat

10

Best Boot

Vionic

Women's Perry Sienna Leather Ankle Boot

11

Best Sandals

Vionic

Unisex Blissful Rejuvenate Recovery Sandal

12

Best Slide Sandals

Rockport

Women's Vivianne Slide Sandal

13

Best Flip-Flops

Vionic

Women's Tide II Toe Post Sandal

14

Best Slippers

OOFOS

Women's OOlala Sandal

15

Best Splurge

HOKA ONE ONE

Women’s Bondi 7 Running Shoes

How to choose the best shoes for high arches

✔️ Seek support. “I can’t preach it enough: Find a shoe with good arch support!” emphasizes Dr. Schaeffer. “Proper arch support in shoes absorbs that pain-inducing pounding that happens when walking, running or doing other activities.” Dr. Fuchs adds that a few terms to search for include cushioning, cushioned footbed and shock absorption. “High arch feet tend to put a lot of pressure on the ball of the foot, so you want as much cushioning (like a memory foam foot pad) or something with shock absorption at both the ball of the foot, as well as the heel,” she explains.

✔️ Say yes to adequate room in the toe box. Opt for shoes that allow enough room for toes to move around unrestricted, says Dr. Schaeffer. “Constricting shoes, whether flat or very high heeled, can have really adverse outcomes for your feet and body, and can exacerbate existing issues.”

✔️ Keep it light. Dr. Sutera says that people with a higher arched foot tend to prefer shoes that are accommodating, lighter and cushioned. Dr. Schaeffer concurs and stresses that stay away from shoes that too tall, flat or stiff, as well as shoes that constrict your feet at any point. “The goal is achieve a neutral foot type movement, especially if you have high arches,” he adds.

How do I know if I have a high arch?

“Here’s a fun and easy trick for self-diagnosis: When your feet are wet (like from getting out of the tub, shower or a pool,) step on the floor and look at your footprint,” suggests Dr. Schaeffer. “Is the print flat like a pancake where you see the whole foot—or do you see space in the middle at the arch? Of course, the best determination is to have your feet checked by a podiatrist.”

Amy Capetta Amy Capetta has been writing health and lifestyle articles for over 15 years.

Do high arches cause supination?

High arches are arches that are raised more than the median height while supination, also known as underpronation, is when the foot doesn't properly roll inward upon landing. Though they're not the same, supination is often caused by high arches.

What are the best walking shoes for supination?

Top 15 Best Shoes for Supination Reviews in 2022.
Best for Women: Ryka Women's Influence Cross Training Shoes..
Best for Men: Men's Ghost 12 Running Shoes..
Best for Running: Asics Men's Gel-Kayano 25 Running Shoes..
Best for Nike Brand: Nike Women's Air Zoom Pegasus 36 Running Shoes..

What shoes should I wear if I have high arches?

Flats: "Sometimes people with higher arches find ballet flats to be more comfortable because the smaller toe box does not put pressure on the highest part of the instep," Lee said. Wedges: "Wedges are generally a better option for people who want shoes with a height.

Are Altras good for high arches?

Best for Trail Walks Splichal likes Altra's transitional shoes for people with high arches because they don't offer as much cushioning or a heel-toe drop, which helps strengthen your feet. The Timp 3 offers equal cushioning from heel to toe, encouraging better form while you run.