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If you have high arches, then you may very well be dealing with pain when you walk due to a lack of proper support.
There are plenty of shoes out there that market themselves as having this support, but the truth is very few actually do what we hope they will.
We’ve done the hard work for you, researching countless models to bring you the top walking shoes for high arches currently available on Amazon.
No matter what your budget or preferences may be, we are positive we have at least one great option for you. Let’s jump into it!
Best Women’s Walking Shoes For High Arches
ASICS Women's Gel Excite 4 Running Shoes | Slow Man Women's Walking Shoes | Vionic Women's High Tide Platform Sandal | |
---|---|---|---|
Uppers: | Synthetic | Mesh Fabric | Synthetic Leather, Fabric |
Sizes: | 5.5 - 12 | 5.5 - 11 | 5 - 12 |
Colors: | 13 | 19 | 20 |
Quick Answer: The 7 Best Walking Shoes For High Arches
- ASICS Women’s Gel Excite 4 Running Shoes
- Slow Man Women’s Walking Shoes
- Vionic Women’s High Tide Platform Sandal
- DOUSSPRT Women’s Walking Shoes Slip On
- Clarks Women’s Haley Stork Sandal
- Skechers Sport Women’s Skech Air Run Sneaker
- Clarks Women’s Breeze Sea Flip-Flop
Our reviews of the top rated walking shoes for high arches with our comparison table and buyers guide will help you choose the right walking shoes for high arches for you.
Walking Shoes For High Arches Reviews
#1 ASICS Women’s Gel Excite 4 Running Shoes
- Uppers: Synthetic
- Sizes: 5.5 – 12
- Colors: 13
- Features: Rearfoot GEL cushioning, AHAR outsole
Let’s start things off with the best walking shoes for high arches from ASICS: their Women’s Gel Excite 4 Running Shoe. They’re not only incredibly supportive, but fashionable, too!
They come in an array of fun color combinations that evoke a kind of 90’s-esque feel that will make you even more inclined to go for a walk or to the gym!
The 100% synthetic upper is soft yet durable enough for regular use. Adding in mesh, it’s incredibly breathable to keep your feet cool and dry all day long.
You’ll find reflective overlays as well, not only adding extra to the appearance but keeping you visible if you’re walking in low-lighting conditions.
On its own, it has a nice amount of arch support, however, the removable sockliner easily accommodates medical orthotics should you need to switch them out. The AHAR outsole (ASICS High Abrasion Rubber) is located in the most vulnerable areas for increased lifespan.
No one likes feeling like their feet and joints are sore after a good walk, do they? The rearfoot GEL Cushioning
System is one of our favorites, absorbing shock once the foot meets the ground, creating a smoother and softer transition. This will allow you to feel more refreshed so you don’t have to go inside because of fatigue.
All in all, the GEL Excite for is reliable, comfortable, and made for daily use.
#2 Slow Man Women’s Walking Shoes
- Uppers: Mesh Fabric
- Sizes: 5.5 – 11
- Colors: 19
- Features: MD + Air Cushion Sole, Lightweight and Breathable
Right away, you can tell that the Women’s Walking Shoes Slip On Air Cushion from Slow Man are pretty unique.
The design is unlike any other we’ve come across visually, with the slip-on design making it easy to take on and off at a moment’s notice.
This has not only yielded them a fan base of nurses and other workers on their feet all day, but an array of people with high arches.
Coming in almost 20 different colors, you have a wide range of choices to pick from. From lime green, to Pure Purple, Light Blue, to Red, you’ll be able to choose just about anything to suit your existing wardrobe.
As one of the most lightweight shoes out there, it won’t fatigue you easily and has a sock-like fit. This fit allows you the freedom and comfort to move around without dealing with chafing, blisters, and general discomfort.
Due to this, along with the excellent arch support, many people have deemed these their “travel shoes” as they can run through various airports and cities with them and not have to take a break.
Their signature MD outsole comes complete with an air cushion, and is made of rubber for durable use and excellent grip on slippery surfaces.
The air cushion creates a luxurious barrier between your feet and any hard surfaces and makes it feel like you’re walking on air. A perforated arch works together with the mesh upper to provide supreme ventilation so you don’t have to deal with that muggy feeling.
If you thought convenience and comfort didn’t go together before, the Slow Man Slip On is here to prove you wrong!
#3 Vionic Women’s High Tide Platform Sandal
- Uppers: Synthetic Leather, Fabric
- Sizes: 5 – 12
- Colors: 20
- Features: Orthotic Footbed, Versatile Design
Did you know that some of the most comfortable walking shoes for high arches come in the form of sandals?
There’s the common misconception that sandals are some of the worst shoes you can wear in terms of arch support, and generally that’s true.
However, when it comes to options like the Vionic Women’s High Tide Platform Sandal, it doesn’t hold any weight at all!
Just about any color you could think of, they have it available for you. This makes it easy to match with your style and wardrobe. These are perfect to wear down to the beach, to a nice dinner, or even just to school or work.
Made of synthetic leather and fabric, the uppers are beautiful to look at but still soft and flexible enough that they won’t cut into your skin and cause irritation.
The thong sandal style makes them probably the easiest to put on and take off, as well.
As we mentioned, though, it’s not just any old sandal. With a raised dot design on the footbed, you get surprisingly solid traction.
However, our favorite feature is the podiatrist-designed, biomechanical orthotic footbed. This footbed is made to specifically provide arch support while including a deep heel cup for support and security from sliding around.
#4 DOUSSPRT Women’s Walking Shoes Slip On
- Uppers: Mesh Fabric
- Sizes: 5.5 – 11
- Colors: 10
- Features: Air Custom Sole, 4 Arch Design
If you liked the Slow Man Slip On but are looking for a bit more structure in the uppers, check out the DOUSSPRT Women’s Walking Shoes Slip On.
Due to the slip on design, you can expect them to be very user friendly and easy to take on and off, so there’s no struggling with laces.
Made from a mesh fabric and elastic, they’re very stretchy yet have enough integrity to provide support where you need it most.
You do get a few less color options here, but you still have neutral shades, bright options, and pastels to suit any tastes.
The sole isn’t as hard as many other walking shoes out there, but rather soft and made with an air cushion to create a buffer between your feet and the hard ground or floor. Despite it being so soft, we found them still very tough against abrasion and wear-and-tear.
The DOUSSPRT’s arch design is also perforated and ventilated for excellent air flow. This makes them great for use in hot weather, or even all-day use.
The rounded, spacious toe box was one of the most comfortable we’ve experienced as well, never pinching nor restricting.
#5 Clarks Women’s Haley Stork Sandal
- Uppers: Nubuck
- Sizes: 5 – 12 Wide
- Colors: 10
- Features: Very Durable, Slip On Design
Changing things up a bit, we present you with the Clarks Women’s Haley Stork Sandal. Clarks is one of the most popular brands in walking shoes, due to how comfortable, stylish, and unique they are.
This model brings the best of both worlds: fashion and functionality.
These are perfect for both outdoor and casual settings, with a 100% Nubuck leather upper that is the most durable we’ve come across, but also soft and flexible.
Coming in 10 different natural colors, you can choose from Pewter, Rust, Beige, Blue, Mushroom, and more.
The loafer style is so comfortable, that you’ll never want to take these off. They’re sporty, but they also work well with street clothing. Carefully placed, elasticized insets allow for a nice flex while walking, so you’re not restricted at all.
Grip is incredibly important, no matter what you’re doing. The sole of these shoes offer great traction and stability, as well as a smooth push-off to keep your energy smooth and consistent.
With over 100 years of experience, you can feel confident that any shoe you get from Clarks is going to be engineered with your needs in mind.
#6 Skechers Sport Women’s Skech Air Run Sneaker
- Uppers: Textile
- Sizes: 5 – 11 Wide
- Colors: 14
- Features: Memory Foam Insole, Versatile Use
Having won multiple awards time and time again, Skechers is one of the most well-reputed shoe brands in the world.
Having been around for almost 30 years, they’ve had time to perfect their designs in terms of both style and comfort.
It comes as no surprise then, that their Skech Air Run High Fashion Sneakers are also one of the best women’s walking shoes for high arches.
As far as style and trendiness goes, these are our top scorers. The design is simple enough, yet incredibly sporty and will go with anything.
You get fun color combinations that just look expensive. Charcoal/Turquoise, Heather Grey, Black, Multi, etc. – the list goes on and on.
Made of 100% textile, the uppers are beautifully soft to the touch and feel fresh and airy when you put them on. The mesh addition keeps airflow high, while the synthetic overlays add a bit of structure and style.
The true-to-size shoe also comes with memory foam insoles, which were a crowd favorite. This offered just enough cushiness for most wearers, making it comfortable to wear for hours on end.
The laces on this lightweight model allow for a snug and accurate fit, and they even include an extra pair of laces. Overall, this is a very high-quality option that won’t get loose over time but also doesn’t sacrifice aesthetics.
#7 Clarks Women’s Breeze Sea Flip-Flop
- Uppers: Synthetic
- Sizes: 5 – 12
- Colors: 25+
- Features: Cushion Technology, Very Breathable
Lastly, we’ll finish things off with some of the best flip flops for arch support: the Clarks Women’s Breeze Flip.
Yes, we are back with another Clarks product, but that’s because we can’t stay away from the level of quality they bring to the table!
Coming in over 25 different colorways, you can select the perfect color combo for your tastes and lifestyle.
Casual and comfy, these will without a doubt be your go-to summer shoe. Wear them to the beach, while camping, at the pool, or just strolling around the neighborhood.
You can wear them all day, every day, and never have to worry about them deteriorating or causing you pain.
The synthetic uppers are very strong but soft against the skin. You even get a handy little strap for precise adjustments to make sure the sandal fits your feet just right.
The synthetic rubber sole feels nice and grippy when you walk, but snappy enough to minimize fatigue and keep the energy flowing.
You’ll notice right away when you slip them on that the heel is raised just enough to create arch support while creating a natural feel that your feet will thank you for.
Cushion soft comfort technology comes included as well, to help provide a little cloud for your feet to rest on while absorbing impact.
Walking Shoes For High Arches Comparison
Walking Shoes | Uppers | Sizes | Colors | Rating | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
ASICS Women's Gel Excite 4 Running Shoes | Synthetic | 5.5 - 12 | 13 | 4.5 / 5.0 | |
Slow Man Women's Walking Shoes | Mesh Fabric | 5.5 - 11 | 19 | 4.0 / 5.0 | |
Vionic Women's High Tide Platform Sandal | Synthetic Leather, Fabric | 5 - 12 | 20 | 4.3 / 5.0 | |
DOUSSPRT Women's Walking Shoes Slip On | Mesh Fabric | 5.5 - 11 | 10 | 4.4 / 5.0 | |
Clarks Women's Haley Stork Sandal | Nubuck | 5 - 12 Wide | 10 | 4.4 / 5.0 | |
Skechers Sport Women's Skech Air Run Sneaker | Textile | 5 - 11 Wide | 14 | 4.5 / 5.0 | |
Clarks Women's Breeze Sea Flip-Flop | Synthetic | 5 - 12 | 25+ | 4.8 / 5.0 |
How to Choose the Best Walking Shoes For High Arches – Buying Guide
Now that you’ve been able to read all about women’s high arch walking shoes, do you know which pair is right for you? If not, there’s no need to worry.
If you have high arches, it’s paramount that you select a shoe that works with the individual shape of your feet. You don’t want to have to deal with pain or other consequences from the lack of this arch support. That’s why we’ve taken it upon ourselves to write up the buying guide below.
This guide will take you through each step of the process to ensure you are 100% confident in the decision you’re making and getting the most suitable model for you.
Uppers
The uppers greatly influence the performance of any shoe. The wrong ones can leave you with redness, blisters, and chafing – which no one wants.
You need them to offer a combination of protection, air flow, and support against possible obstacles without being so thick and stiff that they weigh you down or restrict natural movement. The best upper is just stretchy enough that it moves with your feet, though snug enough that it fits perfectly without slipping or sliding around.
Mesh or textile is often the favorite upper material because of how lightweight and breathable it is, though you need to make sure there are overlays to provide structure.
Arch Support
That’s what you’re here for, right? If your shoes don’t have the right arch support, there’s no point in even buying them as all they’re going to do is cause you discomfort and even pain.
Arch support will make sure your feet aren’t falling, nor “too supported” to the point that it feels unnatural. This support will make sure your feet are properly pushing off and will transfer energy more efficiently.
Sole
The sole of the shoe is also one of the most important, as it is the component which actually makes contact with the ground or floor.
Almost all shoes on our guide have soles made of a durable rubber material which will protect your feet against sharp/tough objects like pebbles, twigs, and anything else you may come across.
However, there are also quite a few that are made of synthetic materials that are designed to be long-lasting yet offer enough traction that you can walk with complete confidence.
If you can find it, you want the sole to have flex grooves. These help let your foot flex and push off naturally, letting the balls of your feet roll without effort.
Sockliner
Not every model is going to have a nice sockliner, but those that do are greatly appreciated by most who walk or stand for long periods of time. These consist of a pad of foam inside the shoe which cushions your feet, and hopefully helps contour to the unique shape of them.
If they’re removable, that’s even better, as you’ll be able to switch them out with your custom orthotics, should you so choose. This way, you know that you have the perfect arch support.
Breathability
Everyone who’s had to suffer through muggy, wet shoes knows the necessity of breathability in any walking shoe.
The extra moisture and humidity can make your feet slip and slide around, increasing the risk of blisters and chafing, not to mention it just doesn’t feel pleasant and makes it hard to concentrate on the task at hand. The shoe must keep your feet cool and dry for the duration of the time you are wearing them.
Look for uppers which are comprised of mesh or have ample perforations to give you a nice amount of airflow and to let moisture escape and evaporate. Proper aeration will also serve to minimize the growth of bacteria and foul odors.
Cushioning
Cushioning comes in different forms in the models on our guide. The most common is cushioning in the sole, which often comes as a little air pod. These make it feel like you’re walking on air, creating a pleasant barrier between your feet and the ground that help minimize shock and fatigue.
There are also cushions made of memory foam that work great to contour to the unique shape of your feet and options. Neither one is really “better” than the other – it all comes down to personal preferences.
Slip On or Lace Ups
The choice is yours. Slip on designs are the most convenient of the bunch for most walkers, as you just have to slip them on when you’re ready to run without dealing with any laces or knots.
However, laces can create a more customized and accurate fit, whereas slip ons don’t really give you that choice. There’s no “better” option here either; it just depends on the wearer and the individual model’s fit.
Price
How much are you willing to pay for one of the best walking shoes for high arches? No matter what kind of budget you’ve set for yourself, we’re confident that we have at least one great option for you and your feet.
Higher prices doesn’t always mean they’re better, though you can often expect higher quality when you spend a bit more. Higher quality materials are going to be used, and engineering is more precise and well-researched.
So, while the upfront price tag may be more, it will oftentimes pay off as they will probably last longer than the less expensive alternatives.
FAQs About Walking Shoes for High Arches
Q: What women’s sneakers have the best arch support?
A: Any of the selections on our guide will suit you just nicely, though we really recommend checking out the ASICS Gel-Excite 4 Running Shoe.
Q: What type of shoe is best for high arches?
A: Those with high arches tend to underpronate, which can create a great amount of pain. You need shoes that will help to correct this, as well as offer adequate support in the arches specifically.
Q: Is arch support really necessary?
A: Yes, it is. It may not feel like it at first, but after extended periods of time walking, you’ll start to feel pain in your feet. If it continues like this, it can cause fallen arches, and other serious issues.
Q: How can I tell if I have high arches?
A: You can do this with a simple test where all you’ll need is a piece of paper and some water! Simply wet your foot a bit and step on the piece of paper, making sure you don’t wiggle around. How much of your footprint do you see? If you don’t see much of a footprint, particularly in the center, congratulations – you have high arches!
Q: Do you need orthotics for high arches?
A: If you don’t have shoes that are supportive enough, yes. However, if you’re going with the shoes on our guide, you will probably be just fine without them.
Tips For Choosing Walking Shoes for High Arches
#1: Don’t just look at appearance.
While you should definitely get a shoe that you’d actually like to wear and think looks attractive, don’t go off of looks alone or you could be missing out on the right fit and support you need.
#2: Choose a shoe that has a spacious toe box.
No one likes the feeling of their toes being squished and restrained. You need a shoe that will facilitate your natural movement from beginning to end. A tight toe box doesn’t allow for this, which can end up causing pain and discomfort as well.
#3: Choose the right size for you.
Many manufacturers vary in the fit and sizing. Just to make sure, it’s always a smart idea to check their sizing guide. There are some that purposefully fit tighter than most, and many runners need to go up a size.
Summary
Now that you’re essentially a pro in how on how to choose good walking shoes with arch support, which pair is the one for you and your feet? No matter which model you select, know that you’re getting one of the best options on the market today, ensuring the optimal amount of support.
However, what’s most important is that you select the perfect pair for your individual needs and your environment. We hope that our guide has helped you do exactly that. Thanks for tuning in, and we’ll see you again soon. Happy walking!
How We Researched
To come up with the top walking shoes for women, we researched a variety of sources for reviews such as REI, Walmart, Target and Dick’s Sporting Goods along with our own personal experience.
The authors consulted sources such as online magazines for research and reviews unbiased information.
By using Fakespot.com we tried to eliminate fake reviews and use only genuine ones.
With so many options available, the authors narrowed down the selections by using products they felt were the best value for the money.
The staff authors have a wide and varied background as fitness trainers, yoga instructors and runners. The authors have decades of experience and are eager to share their knowledge with readers.
In order to narrow down the options, we used personal experiences plus recommendations from other trainers and instructors.