Many podiatrists foreshadow that 80% of people in the world will end up with feet problems. Yeah, you got the news.
You are probably wondering how an entire population can suffer from feet problems, right? Here’s the thing; most people (you included) buy shoes for the wrong reasons. Some buy because their favorite celebrity has them, others upgrade to new pairs because their friends have the same shoes.
Guess what happens next. You start complaining about foot aches. Why, because you never bought shoes that are actually suitable for your feet. You just got them to keep up with others. You got them to satisfy your whims. You were not strategic at all.
The next time you want to buy shoes, at least know more than just your feet measurement. For instance, you need to know your arch type, foot shape, and any existing problems. This way, you can get a kick that contributes to your wellbeing.
Feet conditions worsen when you don’t have better arch support and cushioning. And if you continue ignoring, you might face more significant problems that will cost you dearly.
What’s The Deal With Arch support?
Good question. Your feet arch defines your entire walking experience. The average population has a normal arch that is slightly curved. For people in this category, arch support may seem less necessary; something of an afterthought.
However, we live in times where one has to take double to triple shifts to make ends meet. Even those with less demanding jobs work on floors that make things a bit extreme. Thence, arch support has become more critical.
If you disregard the simple practice of using proper shoes, you risk exposing your feet to severe problems. Fallen arches (flat feet) and high ones must be taken care of in order to live a normal, healthy lifestyle.
In this extensive review, you will learn about the best arch support shoes, key factors to consider, and a lot more. If you are short on time, take a look at our top recommendations: Brooks Men’s Adrenaline GTS 19 and ASICS Women’s GEL-Venture 5 Running Shoe. They both comfort, stability, and arch protection.
Best Arch Support Shoes For Women
| Name | Price | Made of | Sole |
|---|---|---|---|
| Asics Women’s Gel-Venture 5 Running Shoe | Check Price | Synthetic | Rubber |
| Ryka 'Women's Devotion Plus 2 Walking Shoe | Check Price | Mesh/Synthetic | Synthetic |
| Saucony Women’s Cohesion 11 Running Shoe | Check Price | Textile and Synthetic | Rubber |
| Clarks Women’s Hope Roxanne Loafer | Check Price | Leather | Rubber |
| Dansko Women's Jenna Flat | Check Price | Leather | Synthetic |
Here are some of the top shoes with excellent arch support for women:
1. Asics Women’s Gel-Venture 5 Running Shoe
Are you among the millions of people in the world who have developed affection for Asics shoes? In many online reviews, you won’t miss coming across thousands of their happy customers who don’t put in a positive word about them.
If you are looking for the best arch support sneaker that you can do anything in, we’ve got something for you. Try Asics Women Gel-Venture 5 Running shoe. With gel-cushioning, foam sock liners and energy-returning midsoles, you will never know how discomfort feels like.
The rugged outsole offers reliable traction in all surfaces-slippery or otherwise. Let’s say you something you probably want to hear: Venture 5 has thousands of positive reviews. This means virtually any person who has bought it had a good experience.
Its design takes care of all pronation problems-this includes flat arches. AHAR (high abrasion rubber) is placed in various areas for prolonged service.
Top features
- Eye-catching colors
- Meshed synthetic toppers
- Gel cushioning system
- Removable foam sockliner
- High-abrasion rubber
Just like other narrow shoes mostly suitable for women, Asics Women Gel-Venture 5 Running shoe is slightly narrower in the toe box but still leaves a bit more room for toe movement. Whether you want it for your daily workouts, evening strolls, or any other purpose, this sneaker will get you covered.
2. Ryka Women’s Devotion Plus 2 Walking Shoe
Ryka Women’s Devotion Plus 2 assures both impressive arch support and stylish look. This latest sneaker is an update from previous practical models that somehow didn’t consider good looks.
The good thing about Ryka is that it solely specializes in women’s shoes. How is that helpful? Because they get everything right from the size to design. This partly explains why this shoe is true to size most of the time. And by being of the right fit, you can worry less about dealing with returns-which could be a long, costly process.
So what’s so cool about Ryka Women’s Devotion Plus 2? Well, these walking shoe is fully breathable and rebounds with every step to make walking a bit less straining. Thanks to arch support, you could easily get your improper gait fixed.
As a suitable gear for long-distance walks and runs, it is heavily cushioned thanks to premium synthetics and EVA foam. On the bottom, Devotion Plus bears a superb sole with reliable traction.
Top features
- 100% Mesh/synthetic
- Re-zorb midsole
- Lightweight EVA midsole
- Synthetic sole
- Breathable uppers
- Multiple color options
- Lace garage
- Stylish print
Given the massively glistening reviews of Ryka Women’s Devotion Plus 2, it’s understandable to say that this shoe is close to being perfect. It fits great, provides superb comfort, and takes care of painful arches. Cost-wise, there is nothing to worry about as both cheaper and high-end models exist.
Setbacks? Yeah, there are a few. The sneaker is heavily meshed. If you walk in the rain or muddy roads, there is a possibility it’ll get drenched. Secondly, like other sports shoes, the cushioning is bound to thin out. But hey, these issues aren’t deal-breakers as such as most kicks have these problems too.
3. Saucony Women’s Cohesion 11 Running Shoe
You love your heels, no doubt. What if we told you there are well-designed sneakers out here that can give you the same flawless looks that you get from stilettos but with extra comfort and support? One such shoe is none other than Saucony Women’s Cohesion 11 Running Shoe.
This arch support sneaker is designed to take care of your feet on both your easiest and hardest days. Its biomechanics include a massive foam midsole and rubber outsole with awesome traction. Thanks to the dense structure of the midsole, this shoe practically absorbs all the impact. ALL of it.
Does it fit well? So far, most buyers ordered it in their right measurements. It is roomie in the toe box than the previous models and comes with a removable insole to allow the use of custom models.
Besides providing adequate arch support, Saucony Women’s Cohesion 11 Running Shoe is ultra-comfortable enough to take care of tender feet issues like plantar fasciitis and bunions.
Top features
- A mix of textile and synthetic
- Durable rubber outsole
- Supportive upper overlays
- Grid cushioning
- Multiple color options
- Removable insole
Saucony Women’s Cohesion 11 Running Shoe doesn’t disappoint in the slightest possible way. From comfort, arch support to sizing, everything is (as Spanish would call flawless)-Excelente.
Being an upgrade to previous models, Cohesion 11 has garnered a lot of positive reviews from thousands of former users. If you are always afraid of buying shoes online due to a bad experience, this one will change that.
4. Clarks Women’s Hope Roxanne Loafer
If you are a nurse, a secretary, or any other employee of an institution, Clarks Women’s Hope Roxanne Loafer should be on your list. Before you ask why let’s explain. This loafer is 100% leather and bears a formal design that is acceptable in most job places.
It may not be one of the fanciest shoes, but you get quite a lot from it compared to those shiny pumps in your wardrobe. First of all, it’s easy to slide in. No laces to fuss with. Just a single wide strap with button detail for a secure fit. There is a hidden gore panel that further strengthen your fit.
Material wise, it’s laden with the softest cushioning which when combined with the ortholite footbed and rubber sole, leaves you feeling royal like Princess Diana or Moana-the fairy one. It’s too lightweight-that will make a long day suck less.
Top features
- Genuine leather
- Cushion soft technology
- Ultra-lightweight design
- Low profile heel
- Rubber outsole
- Ortholite footbed
- Stretch gore panels
- Easy slip-on design
- EVA midsole
- Side button detail
With Clarks Women’s Hope Roxanne Loafer, you can experience ultimate comfort thanks to the soft, purposeful padding, full-length cushioning, soft upper, and a breathable ortholite footbed.
This 1-inch heel comes with an arch-supporting ortholite footbed that is replaceable. It’s ideal for both casual and formal settings. Furthermore, the price is motivating, indeed.
5. Dansko Women’s Jenna Flat
There are two things that Dansko Women’s Jenna Flat gets right-comfort and arch support. Since leather can get too stiff alone, this shoe mixed it up with soft textile to soothe the feet.
More comfort is delivered by the thick, and bouncy EVA injected outsole and cushioned footbed. You will barely feel the rough nature of the terrain. The raised heel, tuck board insole, and shanks work together to offer the best arch support as well as stability.
Thanks to the contoured nature of the footbed, Jenna Flat can fit virtually feet type. The stitched leather welt at the top adds more support and stability. This part can be hidden when wearing jeans to achieve a ballet flat-like shoe.
Top features
- A mix of leather and soft textile
- Synthetic sole
- Stitched leather welt
- Injected EVA outsole
- Integrated tuck board and shanks
- Raised platform
- Slip-on design
- Cushioned footbed
Dansko Women’s Jenna Flat is another reliable arch support shoe that can accompany you to the workplace and other formal events where they value professional looks. But that doesn’t mean it’s limited to professional events only. You can wear it for casual strolls.
So many 5-star reviews back Jenna Flat’s excellence. What about prices? It’s moderately priced with a room to pick either inexpensive or high-end ones.
6. Grasshoppers Women’s Janey li Fashion Sneaker
Grasshoppers Janey has a good record of manufacturing some of the comfiest shoes on the market. One of their latest offers with bold feminine structure is Grasshoppers Women’s Janey.
This kick is both simple and stylish with laces to achieve a tight fit. Other things that give it an active lifestyle vibe include the dense padding on the collar, tongue, and footbed. Everything has been kept to a minimum to avoid a bulky look. This makes it the lightest yet practical footwear in this article.
Despite the simplicity, Grasshoppers Women’s Janey bags premium tech that aids to manage moisture, microbes, and odor. The footbed is removable so you can swap it with a higher quality one.
Top features
- 100% textile
- Removable insole
- Low-top design
- Ortholite sock liner
- Moisture, odor and antimicrobial management
- Foam padded collar
- Lace closure
- Lightweight structure
You get quite a lot with Grasshoppers Women’s Janey-comfort, arch support, odor control, antimicrobial properties, and moisture-wicking. Guess what, all this happens at merely a few bucks.
So if you want a top-level shoe with adequate arch support and comfort without blowing a hole in your bank, you know which one to pick, right?
7. Alegria Women’s Keli Professional
Do you spend 8+ hours on your feet? Do you do lots of walking? Do you have a dire need for arch support and comfort? If you answered yes to all these questions, you probably need to check out Alegria Women’s Keli Professional.
Like other less fancy professional shoes, this one too is not glamor-packed but don’t let that fool you. This kick offers the softest feeling for those who spend an unspeakable amount of time on their feet. The rubber outsole bounces back in preparation for another step, thus making walking so easy.
Regarding traction, this shoe’s sole can take care of you on concrete floors. You need to be a bit more careful on slippery floors though as they are not sufficiently non-slip. One more thing-Alegria is a slip-on and therefore, time-saving while wearing.
Alegria doesn’t make wide feet shoes. Instead, they use flexible material so the shoe can expand to fit those with wider feet. There is a bit of a hit and miss on sizing. The best way forward here is to visit an offline store and try one on to know your right measurement. Once you are done, feel free to place your order online to enjoy discounted prices.
Top features
- Leather top
- Rubber sole
- Low top, slip-on shoe
- Style: clog
- Several vibrant colors to choose from
- Narrow toe box
If you spend most of your day on concrete floors and your job requires professionally-looking shoes, Alegria Women’s Keli may work fine. It falls under budget shoes and hence bound to last somewhat longer.
8. Orthofeet Comfort Plantar Fasciitis Shoes for Women
Orthofeet Comfort Plantar Fasciitis Shoes for Women is uniquely made to address various extreme foot conditions like plantar fasciitis, diabetic feet, bunions, hammertoes, and anything you can think of.
Thanks to its capability to address painful conditions, the inherent structure of this shoe is also designed to be worn by those that would wish to keep their feet healthy in the first place.
Where does it get the magic to manage so many delicate conditions? Simple answer-premium components. To begin with, this sneaker derives Comfort from a premium orthotic that also happens to be anatomically designed to provide sufficient-not moderate- arch support.
On top that, cushioning is insanely massive-beginning from the collar, tongue, and all the way to the surrounding overlays. There is also a strategically ortho-cushioning system that is biomechanically fashioned to fix improper gait as well as foot and leg alignment.
You probably think that was all; No way. There is more. Orthofeet Comfort is one of the few women’s arch support shoes that offer supreme foot support and a wider room for toe movement as well as breathing.
Top features
- Contoured orthotic insole
- Thickly cushioned ergonomic sole
- Gel padding in the heel
- Cupped heel
- Moisture-wicking and antimicrobial EVA insole
- Non-binding upper
- Synthetic sole and uppers
- Meshed fabric
- Lace design with a heel pull tab
Obviously, there are a few things that might make Orthofeet Comfort Plantar Fasciitis Shoes for Women fail to tick all your boxes. Nonetheless, this is the perfect shoe you need not just for arch support but for other feet conditions.
Best Arch Support Shoes For Men
| Name | Price | Made of | Sole |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brooks Men’s Adrenaline GTS 19 | Check Price | Mesh | Synthetic |
| Skechers Men’s After Burn Memory Fit Sneaker | Check Price | Leather and Synthetic | Synthetic |
| New Balance Men’s 990v4 | Check Price | Leather and Textile | Rubber |
| Vionic Men’s Walker | Check Price | Leather | Synthetic |
| Merrell Men’s Encore Bypass Slip-on | Check Price | Leather and Mesh | M Select GRIP |
Here are top collections for men worth looking into:
9. Brooks Men’s Adrenaline GTS 19
Who said comfort and style could not be mutually exclusive? Well, it’s about time you meet Brooks Men’s Adrenaline GTS 19. This beast is not just bold-it is drop-dead handsome. A go-to shoe (GTS) for any event-causal or otherwise.
This shoe was primarily built for running, which makes it a reliable gear for those with arch problems. If you have low arches or medium ones, the best protection comes from the softest padding inside GTS. BioMoGo DNA and new DNA LOFT crash pad are also responsible for stretching this kick’s comfort a mile further.
So basically, you get the best shock-absorbing base. This will prevent your toes and heels from being overworked. Brooks Adrenaline also comes with a unique GuideRails technology that aims at establishing comfortable motion. This holistic support system ensures less pain to the knees.
Besides the impressive features, this shoe pops up in colorful streaks that can give anyone a style they value.
Top features
- Synthetic overlays
- Synthetic sole
- Streamlined construction
- Reliable responsiveness
- Supportive cushioning
- BioMoGo DNA cushioning
- DNA LOFT crash pad
- Mostly true to size
If you want a shoe that offers both top style and performance, Brooks Men’s Adrenaline GTS 19 is definitely worth a shot. It is ideal for those with low to the medium arch. So if you have a higher arch, try other versions.
As you noticed, this sneaker sports nothing but the most exceptional technology. So be ready to cash out a bit more than you are used to. After all, so many reviewers highly recommend it.
10. Skechers Men’s After Burn Memory Fit Sneaker
So what’s your endgame apart from getting the best arch protection? If its comfort then you need to update your wardrobe with Skechers Men’s After Burn Memory Fit Sneaker. You won’t regret it.
This lace-up sneaker has both the looks and stunning comfort that makes you feel something close to the Saudi prince. It’s easy to think we are exaggerating but take a look at its online reviews; there are thousands of them, and all are glowing with positivity.
The structural makeup includes padded tongue and collar, memory foam insole, and a thicker midsole for better impact absorption. This means, if you buy Skechers After Burn, you get not just one of the best shoes for arch support but the most breathable as well.
Unlike Brooks Men’s Adrenaline GTS 19 above, After Burn is affordable to many while still giving others a chance to spend much more on advanced versions. It comes in a few luxurious colors.
Top features
- Lace-up sneaker
- Memory foam insole
- Meshed upper
- Padded tongue and collar
- Synthetic sneaker
- A mix of leather and synthetic
Skechers After Burn is an all-round sneaker that can accompany you to your casual walks, day to day activities, and occasional running. It’s perfectly engineered for any and all environments. Furthermore, it arrives in cost-effective models, and that’s what most people like to hear.
11. New Balance Men’s 990v4
New Balance Men’s 990v4 is a revamp of 990v3 and sports more cushioning than the previous model. This sneaker has the perfect combination of comfort and stability with arch support for virtually any feet type.
Its outer shell consists of both leather and textile to ensure both longevity and breathability — the collar, tongue, and footbed sport thick paddings that guarantee many months of comfort.
New Balance Men’s 990v4 pops up in many eye-candy colors. The sneaker fits as expected and falls into one of those few shoes will save you the headache of dealing with returns. The only downside to New Balance 990v4 is that it’s a bit heavier than V3 because of its expansive cushioning.
Top features
- Leather and textile
- Rubber sole
- Dual-density collar
- Supportive leather overlays
- Multiple color choices
- ENCAP cushioning technology
New Balance Men’s 990v4 has a massive base of followers behind it. It has garnered thousands of five-star reviews with a measly number of lackluster ones. Given its fine looks and solid quality, you should be ready to shell out a bit more bucks. Put simply; this sneaker is beyond doubt one of the greatest in terms of quality.
12. Vionic Men’s Walker
Vionic Walker is one of the best walking shoes with arch support that you can spend the entire day, every day of the week and have no complains at all. Besides having APMA certification, it features an active motion system technology that simplifies walking.
Both the sole, supportive overlays and footbed are designed to go easy on your leg. The latter comes cushioned in the comfiest material ever-EVA. Therefore, you get the rebound effect with every step taken.
The footbed also happens to be podiatrist inspired. This is a good thing because you can be at peace, knowing the shoe you are wearing meets foot doctors’ recommendations. Its design is also amazingly stylish and colorful-something worth showing off.
Top features
- 100% leather
- Dual-density EVA footbed
- Removable footbed
- Durable rubber outsole
- Podiatrist-inspired footbed
- Active motion system
- Cushioned outsole
Without doubt, Vionic Walker Classic works as expected and delivers comfort that is needed for tender feet. But there are caveats. First, it might not last very long. Secondly, it’s not true to size. The latter can be fixed by going one full size up.
13. Merrell Men’s Encore Bypass Slip-on
Merrell’s Encore Bypass is a stunning product that has both eye-candy styling and comfort. Its unique design gives it both casual and professional looks. You could pop with it the office, and it will take some time before anyone notices the relaxed nuance on it.
To add an element of breathability, the front section has heavily meshed so you can stay cool in hot weather. Comfort-wise, Encore does a wonderful job thanks to both the massive layer of cushioning and the ability to rebuff odor and microbes.
This easy-going shoe ranks well in terms of arch support. Courtesy of the contoured footbed, your feet will perfectly follow the borders for the perfect fit. Furthermore, you get the best support, stability, and flexibility.
Top features
- A mix of leather and mesh
- M-Select GRIP outsole
- Breathable mesh lining
- Slip-on clog
- Air cushion heel
- Antimicrobial properties
- Anatomically designed footbed
If you’ve never heard of Merrell Encore Bypass before, then here is something to note; this shoe is not just hassle-free. It provides you with the best comfort, support, and stability.
Furthermore, it accomplished its purpose without packing more weight. If the reviews are anything to go by, this slip-on is absolutely worth recommending to anyone. You won’t be disappointed.
14. Nike Men’s Lunarglide 9 Running Shoe
There are many Nike running shoes on shelves, both online and offline. However, very are few as unsophisticated and streamlined as Lunarglide 9 Running shoe. No fanciness. Just a reliable, good old design that brings the best out of you.
This shoe’s top-level cushioning and absence of bothersome seams targets runners with overpronation. If your foot rolls further inwards, you’ll be susceptible to nasty shin splints, ankle sprains, and many other unwanted problems. Lunarglide 9’s supportive overlay offers reliable stability and keeps the ankle from rolling inwards.
Thanks to advanced Lunarlon foam cushioning, and lightweight texture, you get top performance. This is because of sneaker’s responsive design and flawless shock absorption.
With a heel drop of 10mm, Nike Men’s Lunarglide 9 promotes a natural gait. Furthermore, it comes with laces to lock your foot in place while running.
Top features
- A mix of synthetic and mesh
- Rubber outsole
- Lunarlon foam padding
- Flyknit material and cables for breathability
- Multiple color choices
- Lace-up
Nike Men’s Lunarglide 9 is one of the best running shoes that offer reliable arch support as well. It does an excellent job of fixing gait and stabilizing the foot. As a predecessor to Lunarglide 8, this sneaker does come with a lot of improvements. You really do not want to miss out on this kick if you are a Nike fan.
15. Keen Men’s Austin Shoe
Are you an adventure-loving person with a penchant for exploring city limits? Do you find yourself in places very few people have an idea of? Do you have a thing for offroad vehicles? If you said yes to any of these questions, you are going to love Keen Men’s Austin Shoe.
Built with full-grain waterproof Nubuck leather, this shoe can cruise over the worst terrains without its structure getting compromised. The toe section is reinforced with patented technology to keep your feet safe from the unknowns.
For comfort and support, Keen Men’s Austin Shoe features a metatomical footbed that is also contoured to provide a stable fit and sufficient arch support.
Top features
- Waterproof Nubuck leather
- Rubber sole
- Oxford lace design
- Multiple color options
- Patented toe protection
- Removable Keen Metatomical footbed
From the timeless style to the top craftsmanship, Keen Men’s Austin Shoe is obviously on its own level of excellence. You get comfort, reliable arch support, stability, and protection against anything you can ever come across.
This shoe is a must-have for outdoor lovers, concrete workers, and non-frontline firefighters. So if you want a long-lasting arch support shoe that doesn’t sacrifice on comfort, you know where to look, right?
How Does One Go About Choosing the Best Shoes for Arch Support?
Arch problems are rampant. Even those with healthy feet are likely to start experiencing arch pain after prolonged use of improper shoes. Having listed over 10(ten) offers in the review section, it can get confusing to know which one will work for you.
In this section, we will hold your hand and take you through the entire process of making sober purchase decisions. How will this be helpful? So you don’t have to deal with frustrating returns. Sounds good? Cool. Here are things to keep in mind before you press “add to cart:”
Arch type
So, what’s your arch type? Don’t be shy lift up your leg and take a quick look. Here is how to know your arch type.
If upon contact with the ground, your feet happen to lie flat to the extent that they are almost in touch with it, you have a low arch (otherwise known as flat feet). Potential problems for this arch type include over-pronation, bunions, heel spurs, plantar fasciitis, medial knee problems, and post-tibial tendonitis.
As you already know, there is good news. Through some of the shoes in this review and custom orthotics, you can prevent your low arches from becoming a nuisance.
The next type is the medium arch. This represents a biomechanically efficient foot, and 60% of the population has this type. Consider yourself lucky and relatively safe from feet problems if you have a moderate arch.
However, improper shoes and long-standing hours might result in problems like metatarsalgia, heel pain, and muscle strain. Concerned about finding the right shoe for metatarsal pain? Look at our review about metatarsalgia shoes to avoid foot pain.
The last arch type is an extreme one and sits so damn high, leaving the forefoot and rearfoot experiencing excessive pressure. Those with high arches have an extremely lower surface for absorbing impact and therefore experience much pain in poorly designed shoes.
If your arch sits so high from the surface, you can develop the following problems; calluses, heel pain syndrome, claw toes, plantar fasciitis, metatarsalgia, and arch strain. Orthotics, premium cushioning, and proper arch support shoes can provide so much relief from this condition.
Midsole
Midsole plays a vital role in shock absorption and is most common in sneakers. You see, the difference between regular midsoles and high-end ones is big. Ordinary materials will flatten out and lose the shock-absorbing willingness to absorb impact.
Those made from top technology like EVERUN, EVA, and other proprietary materials are efficient in minimizing the impact. EVA delivers the greatest rebound and durability as well. Let’s just say, the meatier the midsole, the less your feet will hurt-particularly for those with high arches.
Shoe stability
Are you a frequent runner? Do your legs pronate inwards or outwards? If you said yes to any of those questions, you must prioritize shoes with better stability.
You see, stability-enhancing kicks have three key features-medial post, thick soles, and many overlays. Medial post contains pronation, i.e., it prevents your foot from turning either inwards or outwards. A thicker sole provides a firm landing base that doesn’t collapse quickly.
Lastly, the more the overlays, the firmer your foot will be held down to the base of the shoe. So keep your eyes open for these vital support-enhancing features.
Outsole
Sometimes having a rubber or synthetic outsole for protection is not enough. Depending on the nature of the floor you work on, you might need extra features like reliable traction and better cushioning for a responsive ride.
So before you go through the checkout process, make sure you’ve seen at least one of two images of the outsole and are happy with how it looks and what it’s made of.
Style
Looks do matter, and frankly, it’s okay to give a damn about it. Here is why; when you meet people for the first time, your style can make them respect you or otherwise. It can make them decide to talk to you while traveling or remain mum. It’s all about how you will be perceived-something that make or break a deal.
In a perfect world where people value performance overlooks, the style would not be essential. However, in this imperfect world, being picky about what you wear can boost your self-esteem and ultimately make you more productive.
You will realize that most of the shoes in this article are just as colorful and well-designed to provide better foot health. So yes, once in a while, it’s okay to consider arch support kicks that accentuate your good looks.
Breathability
Proper underfoot protection is inarguably paramount. But do you know what else is? Adequate ventilation. We’ve been to a point where we had to slide out our shoes to give them some fresh air. But you can’t do this in public places or when your shoe stinks (yeah, they sometimes do). That’s why a breathable pair is preferable.
Look at the 15 choices we have reviewed. All of them permit air circulation through either the meshed overlay or smaller perforations in the top fabric. You won’t need to remove your shoes, and that’s a good thing.
Other things you need to pay attention to include durability, cost, comfort, and weight-of course. A shoe that weighs too much can be a problem instead of a solution. So, keep your eyes open and consider all these factors while shopping for arch support shoes, won’t you?
Common Complaints About Arch Support Shoes (and Devices)
Can arch support hurt my legs? Can custom arch support orthotics become a pain the butt? Is arch support a good or bad thing? These are some of the concerns many people express towards arch support shoes. Let’s demystify some of them.
Science is expensive, and that is why shoes with reliable arch support cost a lot. However, due to varying conditions, this technology may not solve all your problems.
Here is why. Our feet are like a rubber ball with compression and recoil ability. So when your foot lands, about 17% of the effort is stored for a comeback. Unfortunately, some inserts can deter the natural, spring-like motion of your feet, resulting in losing some of the stored “recoil” energy.
Arch support insoles are usually heavily padded. When you add that to the thick nature of midsoles, your shoe becomes overly cushioned. These types of footwear hit the ground harder, and you might feel some knee pains.
There is also the issue of material composition. Sometimes the arch may be well fitted, but the material is utterly problematic. Have you ever complained about your arch being too hard, too cold, smelly, or flattening out too early? Yeah, we bet you have.
There are two types of materials: rigid (or semi-rigid) and soft. Rigid material can include anything from plastics, leather to stainless steel. As you might predict, they can get quite stiff and inflexible, which goes against the idea of reliable arch support. They are costly too.
Softer materials include EVA foam, sponge rubber, felt, and cork compositions. These are flexible and mostly inexpensive but can lose their thickness real fast. You will need to be keen on what works for you.
Fitting problems exist, as well. This happens when an arch insert is too short to fit in the shoe resulting in movement. If it’s too thin, some parts of your heel will overhang and get pinched.
Thicker versions are believed to offer top-level comfort. However, they take up much space, which could compromise the shoe’s fit and breathability. Does this worry you? Let it not. Most of the shoes in this article strike the right balance so you can get the best experience.
Lastly, arch support intervention is just but a small bit of what you need to do to have healthy feet. Do not consider it the silver bullet to all your problems.
After all, the Zulu populace has the healthiest feet, yet they mostly walk barefoot, and the west, who have access to advanced shoes suffer from all types of foot problems. This means it’s also about exercises, not just technology.
To save you from heavily relying on shoes, we will take about alternative ways of handling painful arches.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Which shoes have the best arch support?
A. If you are a very thorough person, it shouldn’t be hard to get a shoe with reliable arch support. In this review, some of the offers that outshine the rest in providing maximum arch support include Brooks Men’s Adrenaline GTS 19, Orthofeet Comfort Plantar Fasciitis Shoe for Women, Saucony Women’s Cohesion 11 Running Shoe and New Balance Men’s 99v4.
Q. Is it possible to improve arch support in shoes?
A. Yes, it is very much possible to upgrade your shoe with better arch support. After a long while of wearing, any shoe-no matter the quality, it is bound to start conking up. Therefore, you begin to feel the absence of padding and arch protection.
If the shoe still has some months of use in them, then you could just upgrade it with a new custom insole to restore arch support. This move is only advisable for those who have older shoes that still have some life in them and new ones with inferior arch.
Trying to improve arch support in poorly designed or damaged shoes is not advisable. You will be doing more harm than good.
Q. What shoe brands have the best arch support?
A. Although no one particular brand specializes in this area, there are a few that pay much attention to shoe designs. The end results? You get something that not only fits well but offers much-needed comfort and support.
Shoe brands that excel at offering the best arch protection include Dansko, Merrell, Nike, Asics, Brooks, Ryka, Grasshopper, and many others.
Q. What closure type is best?
A. This is more of a preferential issue where you decide between laces, Velcro strap, and gores. For runners and outdoor lovers, laces are the best to keep the shoe firmly attached.
However, if you have back pains or are too old and don’t want the fuss laces to come with, Velcro and gores will be easy to work with. These closure types are also ideal for those who start feeling uncomfortable in shoes after a short while and have to remove them occasionally.
Conclusion
It’s easy to buy any shoe, but it’s not easy to get one that offers reliable arch support. What this means is, you need to do a lot of research in order to get the best arch support shoes.
As we discussed earlier, if your arch isn’t supported, you are opening the doors for unpleasant feet problems like heel pain, heel spurs, plantar fasciitis, bunions, and hammertoes. Some of these issues might need surgery to get done with for good and should use appropriate shoes to lessen your foot pain after surgery. So, why risk it when getting the right shoe fixes everything?
The good thing about this review is that it presents you with all the shoe types for dealing with arch problems. Whether you want sneakers, casual slip-on, formal shoes, or outdoor styles, you can get them. We hope you find one that makes you look stylish and keep your feet healthy as well.
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