The Best Arch Support Shoes of 2024 for Walking, Running and Flat Feet
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Our Picks for the Best Shoes for Arch Support in 2024:
- Best Overall Arch Support Shoes: Kuru Flux
- Best Arch Support Shoes for Walking: Allbirds Tree Runners
- Best Athletic Arch Support Shoes: adidas Ultraboost Light
- Best Shoes for High Arches: Nike InfinityRN 4
- Best Arch Support Shoes for Running: Allbirds Tree Dasher 2
- Best Cushioned Arch Support Shoes: Hoka Clifton 9
- Best Arch Support Stability Shoes: NoBull Trainer+
- Best Arch Supports Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis: Kuru Quantum
- Best Arch Support Shoes for Men: Hoka Arahi 6
- Best Arch Support Shoes for Hiking: Kuru Chicane
- Best Arch Support Shoes for Women: Nike Invincible 3
Whether you’re going for a run, hitting the trails or on your feet all day at your job, the right shoes can make all the difference. You may not think about it very often, but your feet use a complex system of ligaments, muscles and bone every time you take a step. The arch of your foot is part of this process, creating a spring-like motion that moves you forward. It also holds the weight of your body when you are standing. According to foot and ankle specialists, wearing shoes that support your arches can help you maintain good posture, relieve foot pain and even help you prevent injury.
Here are our 2024 picks for the best shoes for arch support, plus a comprehensive guide on how to find the best pair for you. We’ll dive into which options can provide the best arch support for runners, hikers, men, women and those with specific foot health concerns, like plantar fasciitis or high arches. We’ll also go over other people’s experiences with our picks, the different colors available and a general price range for each option.
Best Overall Arch Support Shoes: Kuru Flux
SI Showcase + Kuru
Key features:
- Size range: Men’s 7–14
- Shoe weight: 9.3 ounces
- Colors: 5
- Price: $150
Kuru is a brand that will make a couple of appearances on our list because they specialize in supportive but comfortable shoes. The Flux has a sleek design like other running or walking shoes but features the KuruSole—Kuru’s patented heel design that flexes when you take a step, tightening the heel support and stiffening the arch support.
The Flux also features the KuruCloud sole which is made from supercritical EVA foam, a type of EVA that Kuru claims is three times more durable and significantly more responsive to your feet than traditional EVA. The KuruSole and KuruCloud features plus a wide toe box and arch-supporting insoles makes Kuru Flux our best overall arch-support shoes.
Reviewers also like the color options available. There are five colors for men’s shoes and four colors for women’s, but some color options like the women’s Orange Sherbert-Calypso Blue are only available for a limited time.
Pros:
- Patented heel design that increases heel and arch support
- Supercritical EVA foam sole that is more durable and supportive than traditional EVA
- Wide toe box that allows your toes to spread for more support
- Lightweight for a supportive shoe
Cons:
- Expensive
- Some of the most popular colors are limited-time offers
Best Arch Support Shoes for Walking: Allbirds Tree Runners
SI Showcase + Allbirds
Key features:
- Size range: Men’s 8 to 14, women’s 5 to 11; no half sizes are available
- Shoe weight: 7.76 ounces
- Colors: 14 for men’s, 15 for women’s
- Price: $105
The Allbirds Tree Runners have large supportive arches and a padded castor bean oil-based insole that provides cushioning and absorbs shock while walking. This foam has increased breathability, helps reduce odor and is a more environmentally friendly option as compared to other foams. The insole also has a Tencel lining topper which is an eco-friendly material known for its softness, ventilation and moisture-wicking capabilities. The outsole is made with lightweight, smooth eucalyptus fiber and these shoes are machine washable. As one of the few options on our list just over $100 per pair, these shoes may be a budget-friendly way to get lightweight, durable arch support for everyday walking.
On the Allbirds website, the Tree Runners are rated 4.6/5 stars and have over 6,000 reviews. Users rate them as “true to size” and one verified buyer says, “These shoes are light, stretchy and very comfortable. We've been traveling through Europe and they are the perfect match for all the walking we've been doing. They are stylish on top of being comfy. So, it's the only shoe I need.” Some reviews mention the shoes fit too tight and that they wish Allbirds made half sizes. Several reviews describe the width as narrow, so these may not be ideal for those who need wide feet shoes or prefer a roomy toe box.
Pros:
- Machine washable
- Budget-friendly
- Lightweight
- Made from eco-friendly materials
Cons:
- Possible fit issues
- No half or wide sizes are available
Best Athletic Arch Support Shoes: adidas Ultraboost Light
SI Showcase + adidas
Key features:
- Size range: Men’s 6 to 14, women’s 5 to 12; whole and half sizes available
- Shoe weight: 10.3 ounces (men’s size 9)
- Colors: 8
- Price: $190
Fortunately, needing shoes with good arch support doesn’t doom you to a life of dull shoes that appear to be solely designed for ergonomics. Instead, many of the top athletic shoe brands like adidas have sporty, supportive soles to suit your arches, including one of the latest iterations of adidas’ Ultraboost series, the Ultraboost Light. According to adidas, the shoes are equipped with a Linear Energy Push system, which adds stability and responsiveness. The sock-like knit upper hugs your foot for primo comfort, and the Continental Better Rubber outsole is designed to tackle all types of running terrain. The Ultraboost Light is a high-cushion shoe, which is great for those needing arch support.
The 2,000-plus reviews for the shoes average 4.7/5 stars on the adidas website, and include multiple mentions of the shoes' stylish look, and cozy, airy feel. Writes one reviewer, “Big fan of this shoe. Stable, cushioned, and useful.” The shoes do fall in the upper echelon price-wise, however, when we last checked we spotted several color varieties on sale for as little as $76 a pair.
Pros:
- Uses recycled materials to lower the shoes' carbon footprint
- Lightest version yet among the Ultraboost series
- Snug knitted upper for sock-like feel
- Vibrant and neutral colorways available
Cons:
- No wider foot size options
- A fairly pricy option when not on sale
Best Shoes for High Arches: Nike InfinityRN 4
SI Showcase + Nike
Key features:
- Size range: Men’s 6 to 15, women’s 5 to 12; some half sizes are available
- Shoe weight: 12.4 ounces (men’s size 10), 9.9 ounces (women’s size 8)
- Colors: Eight plus “Design Your Own” feature
- Price: $160
According to the Cleveland Clinic, high arches put more stress on the feet which can result in painful symptoms such as plantar fasciitis, metatarsalgia (inflammation in the ball of the foot) and more. The Nike InfinityRN 4 has ReactX foam that offers intentionally placed cushioning to keep your arches supported and secure as you walk or run. This foam is made TPE (Thermoplastic elastomers) and EVA (Ethylene Vinyl Acetate)—a combination designed for comfort, performance and durability. The EVA in the midsole provides cushioning, shock absorption, flexibility and durability while the TPE add versatility and energy return.
These shoes have a weather-repellent liner in the toe, in case you experience inclement weather, and the waffle outsole has a grippy circular traction pattern with oval-shaped grooves for multidirectional movement. The FlyKnit upper is made from a strong yet lightweight yarn with perforations for extra breathability.
Reviewers on the Nike website rate these 4.4/5 stars and positive reviews mention the shoes as comfortable and lightweight. One states, “It combines the lightweight and breathable FlyKnit upper with the responsive and cushioned foam midsole, resulting in a comfortable and supportive ride. The shoe's wider platform makes it suitable for long-distance runs and provides excellent stability. The durability of the outsole is also commendable, offering good traction on various surfaces.” Some critical reviews mention the Nike InfinityRN 4 runs small and the brand mention that these shoes have a snug fit and recommends ordering a half size up.
Pros:
- Nike rates the support is rated as “high” and the cushioning as “super high”
- ReactX foam gives 13 percent more energy return as compared to React Foam
- Padded collar provides comfort
- Soft upper is supportive and breathable
Cons:
- No wide size options
- May be too much cushioning for some
Best Arch Support Shoes for Running: Allbirds Tree Dasher 2
SI Showcase + Allbirds
Key features:
- Size range: 8–14
- Shoe weight: 10.2 ounces
- Colors: 9
- Price: $135.00
Allbirds Tree Dasher 2s are running shoes made with a combination of Allbirds’ signature comfort and key support features that other Allbirds models don’t have: an angular heel design and a reinforced ankle collar. According to Allbirds, the angular heel shape absorbs the shock and spreads it over a wider surface area, which takes some of the pressure off of your heel during your stride. This feature works alongside the higher, reinforced ankle collar to lock your foot into place for extra stability.
The midsole of the Tree Dasher 2 is the classic Allbirds SweatFoam, which is a sugarcane-based EVA foam that is wrapped in grippy rubber on the outsole. With the Tree Dasher 2, your foot should be stable and comfortable for the duration of your run. One thing to watch out for is the flexibility. Many reviews talk about how flexible the shoe is because of the seamless upper, and that can take some adjustment if you’re used to more structured shoes.
Pros:
- Designed to stabilize the foot throughout your running stride
- Comfortable, breathable materials
- Reinforced ankle collar for comfort and support
- Variety of color options
Cons:
- Some reviewers complain that the merino wool liner can get hot in the warm months
Best Cushioned Arch Support Shoes: Hoka Clifton 9
SI Showcase + Hoka
Key features:
- Size range: Men’s 7–16
- Shoe weight: 8.7 ounces
- Colors: 19
- Price: $145
Hoka is known for its cushioned shoes that also offer exceptional support and the Hoka Clifton 9 raises that standard further. This shoe is structured with a molded EVA foam midsole—a trademark of Hoka’s shoes that create a thicker cushion without sacrificing support. The Clifton 9 has a mesh upper that is lightweight and breathable plus a thick outsole that Hoka says can last up to 400 miles.
The Clifton 9 is also equipped with Hoka’s Meta-Rocker that forces your foot to roll from heel to toe as you stride, which should give you a smooth run on most flat surfaces. If you’re looking for the best cushioned shoe with arch support, the Hoka Clifton 9 is definitely worth a try.
Pros:
- Balances comfort and support
- Designed with the Meta-Rocker to force your foot to roll which takes pressure off your knees
- Very thick soles that should last longer than other shoes
- Lightweight and breathable upper material
Cons:
- Some reviewers report the meta-rocker can be uncomfortable if you’ve never worn Hokas before
Best Arch Support Stability Shoes: Nobull Trainer+
SI Showcase + NoBull
Key features:
- Size range: Men’s 8–16
- Shoe weight: 13.13 ounces (men’s 9)
- Colors: 9
- Price: $139
Nobull Trainer+ is everything you want in a stability shoe. First, know that these shoes are essentially flat with a 4 millimeter heel to toe drop, which means they might not work well for a running or distance walking shoe, especially if you have high arches. However, you can’t beat the stability that is built into the Trainer+ design.
The upper is one piece made from SuperFabric, a patented fabric blend that is breathable and flexible without sacrificing stability. The interior is reinforced with a lacing and webbing system that will hold your foot secure, and there is extra padding on the heel, collar and tongue for comfort.
The outsole is made from carbon rubber and features sidewall guards plus a toe bumper to protect the shoe’s durability and your foot’s security on uneven surfaces. If your primary goal is a strong, durable and stable shoe for training in the gym, Nobull Trainer+ is the way to go.
Pros:
- Designed to keep your foot stable and secure
- Durable materials and construction
- The insole is molded to add extra comfort
- 4.5/5 star rating with almost 6,000 reviews
Cons:
- Only simple color schemes available
Best Arch Supports Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis: Kuru Quantum
SI Showcase + Kuru
Key features:
- Size range: Men’s 6.5 to 14, women’s 5 to 12; some half sizes and options for wide feet available
- Shoe weight: 12.4 ounces
- Colors: Four for men’s, nine for women’s
- Price: $160
Kuru makes shoes with orthotic technology and stylish designs, so you can walk or run pain-free. The Quantum from Kuru is our top pick for the best shoe for those with pantar fasciitis because it has thick soles, supportive arches, and extra cushioning to help reduce the pain of plantar fasciitis.
These shoes have a responsive, patented midsole designed to respond to each step and provide ultimate cushioning as you move and to support the heel. The upper is made of a breathable mesh and these shoes have a moisture-wicking lining. The Quantum is also available in a wide variety of stylish colors and Kuru offers half sizes and wide widths.
If you have plantar fasciitis, look for a shoe with “cushioning to cradle your foot properly, and plenty of room for your toes to move freely,” says Kerry E. Berg, D.P.M., foot surgeon and podiatrist in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
The Kuru Quantum is rated 4.6/5 stars on the brand's website, with most customers praising the comfort and abundant cushion the shoe provides. One review says, “I’m a 42-year-old woman with bad plantar fasciitis. Bought these to help. They are pretty stylish. Honestly, they don’t look any different from a regular trail shoe. My husband said he couldn’t tell they were orthopedic. They are super high-quality shoes and fit snug. The size was spot on to my normal shoe size.” Other customers, however, mention that while certainly comfortable, they start to feel heavy after wearing them for long periods. Several reviews also mention they take a few weeks of regular wear to break in.
Pros:
- Highly cushioned and comfortable
- Padded insole to support the arch and heel
- Several colors options available
Cons:
- May feel heavy after wearing it for an extended period
- Reviews mention they feel stiff at first
Best Arch Support Shoes for Men: Hoka Arahi 6
SI Showcase + Hoka
Key features:
- Size range: Men’s 7 to 15; some wide and half sizes available
- Shoe weight: 9.30 ounces
- Colors: 11
- Price: $140
When it comes to men looking for the best shoe with arch support, it’s hard to beat the American Podiatric Medical Association’s seal of approval. Hoka’s Arahi 6 has checked this box thanks to its extensive arch support features, like its J-Frame midsole and zoned rubber design. Hoka’s J-Frame tech is geared specifically towards flat-footed runners helping to prevent arches from collapsing. Zoned rubber and a rocker shape help your feet feel traction and support as each part makes contact with the ground, moving from heel to toe along with you.
Related Post: Everything You Need to Know to Find the Best Walking Shoes for Men
There’s a good amount of cushion in the Arahi 6, but not enough to weigh you down at 9.30 ounces. This is to help runners get the momentum they need from the shoe, without their feet feeling heavy.
Pros:
- Shoe has the American Podiatric Medical Association’s seal of approval
- Proprietary arch support design to keep overpronation at bay
- Vegan, lightweight materials used
- Decent range of whole, half and wide sizing available
Cons:
- Design and cushioning may not make it the best race day shoe option; more so made for casual runs
Best Arch Support Shoes for Hiking: Kuru Chicane
SI Showcase + Kuru
Key features:
- Size range: Men’s 7 to 14, women’s 6 to 12; some half and wide sizes are available
- Shoe weight: 19 ounces for men’s, 15 ounces for women’s
- Colors: 6 for men’s, 6 for women’s
- Price: $175
The Kuru Chicane is a designed to support your arches while you hike or during any other outdoor adventure. This lightweight shoe is created to help you run safely on any trail, thanks to its rubber outsole, durable upper and impact-reducing KuruCloud foam. The EVA foam offers you arch support and a responsive feel, hugging the heel for extra stability. The KuruSole heel-hugging technology flexes with each step and provides cushioning, ideal for long or short distances.
These hiking shoes come in mesh and leather upper options, so you can choose which best fits your needs. No matter which you choose, the moisture-wicking liner will help keep your feet ventilated.
Pros:
- Designed for varying terrain
- Wide and medium width options
- Cushioned midsole supports the arch and heel
Cons:
- Leather upper is less breathable than mesh
- 19 ounces may feel heavy
Best Arch Support Shoes for Women: Nike Invincible 3
SI Showcase + Nike
Key features:
- Size range: Women's 5 to 12; half sizes available
- Shoe weight: 9.10 ounces
- Colors: 3
- Price: $180
Nike’s Invincible 3 caters specifically to women in need of some arch support. Thick ZoomX foam is used underfoot to help maximize energy return and keep you comfortable mile after mile. To keep arches supported and healthy, foam is placed along the midsole to prevent overpronation. The Invincible also employs a rocker shape to maintain support as you touch down and move with your feet, and with its high-set foam, it aims to give you an energetic, bouncy feel. The foam is also situated to be a bit wider in the front for extra traction. However, if you like to feel the surface you’re running on ever-so-slightly, the Nike Invincible 3 may not be able to provide that experience.
With all its foam components, the Invincible 3 aims to not hold you back as it weighs a mere 9.10 ounces. If you’ve been looking for a melding of comfort and support from your shoe, the Invincible 3 is a great choice.
Pros:
- ZoomX foam used throughout for extra responsiveness
- Cushioning around arches to keep them supported
- Lightweight foam and Flyknit upper
Cons:
- Unique support tech drives up price
- Forefoot may feel too bulky for some
How to Choose the Best Shoes for Arch Support
Which shoe is best for you will depend on your arch type, foot shape, daily needs and a number of other factors. When you’re trying to choose the best option, make sure that any built-in arch support is the right height and in the right position on your foot. This can help avoid added pain or discomfort. The right arch support should also not put pressure on your toes or cause your heel to slip out the back. Make sure the shoes can twist slightly for flexibility and that they have a stiff back for stability and support. And lastly, find a shoe with the right width. Wearing shoes that are too narrow or too wide can cause discomfort over time.
Shoes for Arch Support FAQs
Are memory foam shoes good for arch support?
According to Christopher Hubbard, M.D., board-certified foot and ankle orthopedic surgeon in Wayne, New Jersey, memory foam shoes can help provide arch support and relieve a number of other foot concerns.
Related Post: Best Orthopedic Shoes
Why do shoes with arch support hurt my feet?
If shoes with added arch support hurt your feet, the support may be too high, too stiff or not in the right position on your foot. It's recommended to seek a podiatrist’s help to find what’s right for you and use custom-made supports whenever possible.
Do arch support shoes weaken foot and ankle muscles?
The evidence on arch supports and foot muscle strength is somewhat mixed. In a small study recently published in the scientific journal, Clinical Biomechanics, evidence suggested that short-term use of foot supports may lead to weaker foot muscles in people with flat feet. However, a number of other studies and most podiatrists argue that the opposite may be true, and that arch supports can actually help strengthen the muscles in your feet.
Related: Top 10 Best Shoes for Flat Feet to Keep You Stylish and Comfortable
How do I figure out my arch type?
Figuring out which arch type you have is as simple as looking at your footprints. Matthew Webber, D.P.M., a podiatrist in Fairmont, Minnesota, says to dip your feet in the water, step on a flat piece of cardboard and see what shape your foot makes. A normal arch will fill about half of the footprint’s middle section, a low arch will look closer to a complete foot and a high arch will likely not appear on the cardboard.
Can too much arch support hurt your feet?
According to podiatrists at Cincinnati Foot and Ankle Care, having too much arch support can cause pain, body aches or even injury. Choose an arch support with the right height to better support your feet and avoid added discomfort.
Final Thoughts
Investing in the right pair of shoes with supportive inserts is vital for anyone who spends a lot of time on their feet. That means leaving your flip-flops at home if you’re going to be standing, walking or running for a long period of time. Choosing shoes with the proper arch support for your unique needs can help you perform better, improve your posture and alignment and provide some much-need pain relief.
Prices are accurate and items in stock as of publish time.
