These 20 Shoes Give Great Arch Support Without Sacrificing Style (2024)

FAQs

What shoes provide the best arch support? ›

Designed to minimize impact as your feet hit the ground, MBT's Huracan-3000 Running Shoes are our top pick for runners who need great arch support and protection against knee pain. During testing, we were impressed by how well this shoe absorbed shock, taking the load off of our joints.

Typically, arch support inserts are devices placed into your shoes to support the arch of your foot in order to reduce – or even eliminate – pain. Good Feet Arch Supports, in particular, are designed to support all four arches of the foot, placing the feet in the ideal position, and aligning the body from the feet up.

Whether you're an athlete with flat feet or you're just looking for some extra support during weekend pick-up games, Superfeet's Carbon Insoles are our top recommendation for sports enthusiasts. The combination of stellar arch support, stability, and blister prevention makes them a must-have on the court or field.

New Balance shoes are often cited as great for people suffering from foot pain. The Fresh Foam 1080V9 Running Shoes for men and women are stylish and comfortable with their mesh uppers. They have a wide toe box that helps to stabilize your feet and their ample cushioning helps with shock absorption.

Sketchers DO NOT have appropriate stability in the upper fabric and the heel counter to complement an orthotic. As such, you will probably find the orthotic redundant, or in worse case contributing to the cause of injury. Remember, an orthotic does 50% of the work. The shoe does the other 50%.

As a consequence, Skechers can cause ligament and muscle stresses and strains. The memory foam could take on the 'memory' of a poor gait style causing destabilising foot, ankle, knee, hip and lower back pain.

Best orthopedic shoes, at a glance:

Best podiatrist-approved: Klaw, Klaw 528, $148. Best orthopedic classic: New Balance, 990v6, $200. Best orthopedic gel: Asics, Gel Kayano 30, $160. Best orthopedic shoes for comfort: Hoka, Gaviota 5, $175.

Shoes which often make plantar fasciitis worse are flat slip on shoes or pumps. Ugg boots are also very bad. Flip flops are bad yet remain a popular choice of footwear for many people, particularly those that live in warmer climate.

What will make plantar fasciitis worse? ›

Eating too much sugar: When your blood sugar levels are high, your body releases molecules that can trigger inflammation and make heel pain worse. Standing for long periods: Spending too much time standing — especially if you're standing on a hard surface or in one position — makes the effects of plantar fasciitis ...

Your insoles may be hurting your feet because they're not the right arch height, are too rigid or too flexible, are not the right style for your footwear, or the arch placement isn't working for your feet. For insoles that don't hurt your feet, looking for ones that offer a choice of arch heights.

People with high arches, or a lot of space in their mid-foot, should not choose shoes with added arch support, since it will tilt their foot outward too much and they won't move evenly.

Have you ever experienced pain in your feet, back, or knees? This could be a sign that you may need custom arch supports. Your feet are your foundation, bearing the weight of your entire body day in and day out. When your arches are unsupported, foot problems, such as plantar fasciitis, bunions, and pain, can arise.

The Benefits of Arch Supports

When the pressure is even across your feet, it improves the alignment of your entire body. As a result, you might find other issues you thought were unrelated, like back pain, to improve. Arch support can improve your posture and your sense of balance because of the even support.

According to board-certified podiatrist and foot and ankle surgeon, Brad Schaeffer, DPM, On strikes a great balance between cushioning and support with its neutral shoes, making them a top footwear choice for extended periods of walking or standing.

Plantar fasciitis/heel injuries:

Studies have shown a reduction in pain after using arch support, mainly because arch support provides a cushion to the affected area. Neutral cushioned shoes can result in the reduction of pain in flat-footed athletes with plantar pressure.

Hoka is widely recognized for its innovative designs and exceptional cushioning. One of the key features of Hoka shoes is their meta-rocker technology, which promotes a smooth and efficient gait cycle. This design, combined with generous arch support, helps to reduce strain on the arch and prevent overpronation.