Dr Scholls Madison Sneaker
These cute slip-on sneakers feature removable memory foam insoles for all-day support. Plus, they are as versatile as shoes can be, as you could easily style them with a pair of jeans or a dress. More than 10,000 Amazon shoppers have given the comfy shoes a five-star rating, with one writing, “Extremely comfortable! These Dr Scholls are so comfortable. Arch support fits my flat feet perfectly. Would definitely buy again.”
To buy: , from $25
What To Look For In An Arch Support Shoe
While there will always be athletes who gravitate toward minimalist shoes, or even going barefoot, most runners need shoes with good arch support, says Austin, Texas-based podiatry specialist Daniel T. Halloran, DPM, FACFASparticularly when it comes to solving problems with shin splints, plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinitis, posterior tibial tendinitis, medial knee pain and low back pain. Although Halloran admits evidence for this claim is somewhat anecdotal, he clarifies that most of these issues are a result of overpronation, an excess flattening or flexibility of the foot as it hits the ground. One indicator that you pronate is if you find excessive wear on the inner side of your running shoes.
No single shoe model or type of shoe works for all runners who share a foot type or running style. However, some generalizations can be made, depending on arch height, form, and foot flexibility.
Arch Height and Form
There are three types of arches based on heightlow , medium , and high. If youre not sure what kind of arch you have, this simple test can help.
Runners with high arches tend to supinate . Because their arches tend to flatten and rise to absorb the shock of landing and taking off, high-arched runners tend to benefit more from neutral shoes which provide built-in stability, says Halloran. Medium-arched runners also tend to do well with a neutral shoe.
Find Your Fit
Best For Trail Running: Salomon Sense Ride 2
What You’ll Love: The dirt-resistant mesh upper and tractioned midsole keep feet clean and steady during trail runs.
What You Need to Know: There’s less cushioning in the forefoot than the sole, which may make the shoe feel unbalancedâand a few reviewers complain they’re noisy.
These durable running shoes are specifically created for trail running with a stabilizing design that prevents painful over-rotation. The structured outsole protects your feet and ankles from twisting on rocks and other uneven surfaces while simultaneously adapting to the foot’s natural movements to give an extra boost of support wherever it’s needed. You can quickly adjust the fit of the stitch-free upper with the quick-lace system, which uses one-pull adjustments to tighten and loosen the fit.
Rave Review: “The trails around our city are pretty modest but full of scree at the steeper points, and regular running shoes just won’t cut it. We need shoes with a big grip to stay on our feet if we want to maintain any kind of speed, and the Contagrip outsole does the trick. Now there’s nothing all that special about this outsoleâin fact it’s a fairly simple sole with firm rubber diamonds that kinda work like spikes to hold you in placeâbut my favourite thing about them is that they’re spaced wide enough apart that it’s pretty much impossible to get anything caught in the treads to gum them up.”
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Try On Inserts Before Purchasing
Trying on your insole before you purchase it is a simple way to ensure youre not wasting time and money when picking out a new arch support insole.
Regardless of the recommendation for buying the device, one needs to try this device on before purchasing, said Kor. Do not purchase these devices online without trying on or having knowledge of the return policy.
The Science Of Style With Maximum Comfort
Too often, finding the perfect comfortable shoe for women comes at the expense of style, forcing you to choose between comfort and appearance. At Vionic, were disrupting the footwear space by transforming how people view womens shoes – from women’s walking shoes to high heels to slippers and everything in between. Vionic unites comfort and style, offering podiatrist-designed arch support shoes for women in the seasons most coveted trends. Our shoes are all built with superior arch support and high-quality materials to support all-day wear and minimize arch pain for those with flat feet. Read more…
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These Sleek Brooks Running Shoes
Pound the pavement pain-free with these Brooks sneakers.
The latest iteration of the Brooks’ Adrenaline support shoe represents over 20 years of iteration. The resulting lightness and softness is boon for anyone who will wear them for running or walking. The cushioning is comfy without feeling too squishy and provides adequate support from toe to heel. Available in over a dozen colors, they come in womens whole and half sizes 5 to 13 . They come in men’s whole and half sizes 7 to 15 .
They carry an APMA Seal of Acceptance, and with over a thousand five-star reviews, these sneakers don’t fall flat with customers either. “I LOVE this shoe!!!” one shopper says. Just the right amount of cushion to let me wear them everywhere.”
Brooks Mens Addiction Walker Walking Shoes
The Brooks Mens Addiction Walker Walking Shoes come with no visible flaws or letdowns which is pretty impressive. However, we have found that much like any other shoe, it might take a little time for them to break in. However, once your feet have become accustomed, its smooth sailing.
Lets get into the main features! As this is a review for the best walking shoes with arch support, we love the amount of support this shoe provides! It has been fitted with an extended progressive diagonal rollbar that targets the arch so that you make fluid and natural movements as you walk.
Not only does it guarantee complete support, but there is also the promise of it offering resistance to slipping. You will get complete stability and support thanks to the forefoot MC Pod construction. With the additional innovative outsole, you get stability and a perfect fit.
Moving on, we see that their patented BioMoGo DNA technology has been added to help ensure that cushioning is offered. This is crucial for users that have flat feet or those with medical conditions. This specialized feature is special since it adapts to your specific gait.
This ensures that as you move along, the sole and shoe have already conformed to your foots natural contours and thus knows exactly where to offer support. Finally, with its impressive full-grain leather upper, you will be able to make sure that this not only looks great but lasts longer!
Pros
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New Balance Womens Fuelcell Prism V1 Running Shoe
The New Balance Womens FuelCell Prism V1 Running Shoe is another one of the best shoes for high arches women can buy. These shoes have a luxurious breathable mesh upper that hugs the natural shape of your foot.
Combine that with an EVA midsole for light cushioning than you have a comfortable and protective running shoe!
Best Running Shoes With Arch Support
And these factors are related to pronation, or how your foot naturally rolls inward as it lands and distributes the impact of your stride. Heres what we mean :
Runners with high arches are underpronators. They land on the outer side of their heel at an increased angle, which means theres little to no pronation. This distributes the force of their landing through your lower leg, which can lead to injuries such as shin splints, ankle strain, and plantar fasciitis. Runners with high arches need running shoes that offer a lot of cushioning to absorb as much of the shock as possible.
Runners with low arches or flat feet are overpronators. Their foot still lands on the outside of the heel, but it then rolls inward too far. The weight of the impact travels to the inner edge of the foot, causing shin splints and plantar fasciitis, as well as heel spurs and bunions. These runners need running shoes with added support or structured soles that are also cushioned.
In case youre wondering, runners with normal arches are called neutral runners. They land on the outside of the heel and then pronate inward enough to support their body weight and absorb shock. These runners are less likely to sustain injuries and can wear a variety of running shoes.
Once you determine your foot pronation and the type of arch support you require, you can select the type of running shoes that will provide you the support you need. Here are some of the best for you to consider:
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These Throwback Adidas Sneakers
There’s a reason these Adidas Superstar shoes have been popular for over 50 years.
The Adidas Superstar is a true walking classic, sporting the same shell-toed design that it’s been known for since it stepped onto the style scene back in the ’70s. Dr. Javed suggests this shoe to her flat-footed patients thanks to its arch support. It’s made of sleek, full-grain leather decorated with Adidas’ iconic three-stripe logo. Available in dozens of colors, the sneakers come in a massive range of sizes, too: women’s whole and half sizes 5 to 11 and men’s whole and half sizes 4 to 19.
This pair has a 4.7-star rating from more than 10,200 reviewers. “This is the only pair of shoes I ever want to bring when I travel and know that Ill be doing a lot of walking,” one person raves. “They’re just so comfy!”
Most Secure Fit: Mizuno Women’s Wave Horizon 3 Running Shoe
What You’ll Love: The stabilizing technology stops overpronation without impacting the plush cushioning.
What You Need to Know: Reviewers complain the shoes require a break-in period and have a shorter lifespan than other Mizuno models.
Prepare to take your runs to the next level with Mizuno’s most advanced support shoe. The cushioned midsole offers optimal comfort, while the built-in Wave plate technology in the footbed stabilizes your run by dispersing energy evenly post-impact . The responsive plate also optimizes your head-to-toe transitions for smoother strides, gives you critical arch support, and prevents pronation. But the real standout is Mizuno’s AeroHug technology, which molds the breathable mesh upper to your foot for a secure fit that eliminates slipping and sliding during your run.
Rave Review: “I overpronate and have back issues, so I need excellent footwear. These are the most comfortable and supportive shoes I have ever put on my feet.”
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Keep Your Sneakers Clean And White
Want to pack your stylish white sneakers but worried about them becoming muddy, dusty, or dingy on your trip? Mr. Clean Magic Eraser will keep your sneakers looking brand new, no matter where you are jet-setting off to! A scrubbing sponge, Magic Erasers are super light and wont take up space in your carry-on.
Travelers love this product for keeping their sneakers looking fresh. One reader says, I love my Magic Eraser. It keeps my sneakers looking brand new. Sounds awesome, so theres no need to worry about how sightseeing will ruin your sneakers!
What do you think are the best white sneakers for travel? Share in the comments below!
White Leather Walking Shoes: Fitflop
Weve talked about FitFlops before, but usually were mentioning their amazing sandals. However, they also make a great pair of sneakers.
The Rally sneakers features ANATOMICUSH technology, which is designed with a single-density layer of anatomically curved cushioning for superior comfort. With a soft and breathable cotton lining and insulated footbed, these shoes will keep your feet dry and warm.
One reader says these are the best white sneakers for travel, sharing, The most comfortable and supportive of this kind of shoe I have ever tried on or owned. Just wore the suede version for a 6 day conference with no problem, and I am having foot surgery next week!
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Know Your Shoe Size And Foot Type
The key to finding the right insert is knowing your feets measurements and shape.
Once you know your shoe size and foot type, you can be guided to a properly designed insert, said Mendeszoon. Many over-the-counter insole companies now make different types of insoles that are specific for high-arch feet, flat feet and even neutral feet.
For flat feet, Mendeszoon recommended utilizing a stability or motion-control shoe with a high- or medium-volume insole.
When it comes to neutral feet, he noted that people with this foot type generally do not experience problems as significant as people with flat feet or high arches do. Therefore, a medium- or low-volume insole with the appropriate shoe can be beneficial, Mendeszoon added.
Finally, Mendeszoon said people who have high-arch feet generally benefit from an insole to provide cushioning. Low-volume and minimum-control insoles will best serve these foot types, he said.
Group Studies And Statistics
Much like the positive research studies on the benefits of an orthotic and stretching regimen, a proper shoe fitted with orthotic technology can reap the same success. There are multiple studies showing the efficacy of arch supports in relieving pain for those with plantar fasciitis.
In one study, it was concluded that foot orthotics and night splints together provided a better quality of life with significant pain relief. In as little as 12 weeks there was better foot function, while still improving over the course of the 52 weeks.
Foot orthoses and anterior night splints were effective both short-term and long-term in treating pain from plantar fasciitis.
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
The shoes below all have high ratings by online users for eliminating heel pain. As you can see in the video reviews below, they have inserts with arch support, more so than youd get from your typical casual shoe.
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What Should You Look For In A High
As SELF has previously reported, there are many benefits of walking, but ill-fitting shoes can put your legs, ankles, and feet at risk of injury, so its important to shop for walking shoes thatll suit your foot. People with wide feet, for example, should choose walking sneakers with a wide toe box. According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, you never want your toes to feel cramped when youre wearing shoes. Besides plenty of toe room, SELFs Sneaker Buying Guide recommends taking a shoes level of arch support and cushioning into consideration too, whether you have flat feet or high arches. Ultimately, you dont want to feel like your foot is fighting against the structure of the shoerather, you want a pair of shoes thatll map and mimic the shape of your foot.
When shopping for shoes that youll wear for long distances or periods of time, not just any old pair will do. If its time to find a new set of sneaks that youll be excited to lace up and go walk in, weve selected some of the very best walking shoes for you. These shoes are all expert-recommended, SELF award-winning, or top-rated shoe brands like Reebok, Ryka, Hoka One One, New Balance, and many more.
All products featured on SELF are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Mizuno Mens Wave Inspire 15 Running Shoe
Moving on in our search for the best walking shoes that offer arch support, we are reviewing the Mizuno Mens Wave Running Shoe. This product has a rubber sole for comfort and has been designed as a unisex product so it caters to the needs of all users perfectly.
This product has a shaft that is designed to be of the low-top arch variety. This ensures that you will have the required arch support you need to carry on with your day in peace. This product also has the classic Mizuno wave design that makes it so appealing to runners.
That being said, we feel as if this particular design might be better suited for running and not walking. However, other than this slight hiccup, this is a powerful and impressive pick! It offers excellent stability and unparalleled cushioning thanks to its cloud wave cushion.
Not only is it designed to be more responsive as you move, but it also has an engineered mesh upper added in. This makes the product excellent because it offers breathability and ensures that the shoes themselves will last you quite some time.
Pros
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These Supportive Saucony Sneakers
The Echelon 8 is one of Saucony’s most popular styles.
For a little extra spring in your step, slip into these well-cushioned Saucony shoes. They have a removable, orthotic-friendly sock liner for added comfort and a mesh toe box for breathability. The sneakers come in regular, wide, and extra wide widths and in women’s whole and half sizes 5 to 12 and in men’s whole and half sizes 7 to 15.
A lot of people whove bought these sneakers are on their feet all day, and say the Echelon rises to the challenge of support and comfort. “Feels like your favorite old shoe right from the start,” one person says. “Like walking on cushions with great support. I use orthotics and replaced the insole with mine and the fit was perfect.”
Replace Your Inserts After 12 Months
After youve found insoles that work for you, make sure to refresh them.
Typically, over-the-counter inserts may have a maximum lifespan of 12 months if they’re worn every day for athletics or normal activities, Mendeszoon said.
On the other hand, life spans for custom orthotic devices depend on the patients activity level, body type and type of orthotic. A good custom orthotic for an athletic shoe should last between two and five years, on average.
Just as eyeglasses and prescriptions may change, so can foot insoles, Mendeszoon said. Over time, everybodys feet change, and people who wear orthotic devices for a long period of time may not necessarily have pain, but the functionality of the custom orthotics may lose its effectiveness.
Words by Emily Shiffer
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