We Tested More Than 50 Podiatrist-Recommended Shoes — These Are the 12 We Recommend If You Have High Arches

Of all of the shoes we tested, the Brooks Addiction Walker 2 gave us the most crossover in terms of functionality and support. It’s built like a walking shoe on the inside, with maximum support and soft cushioning, but it has the look of a more casual leather sneaker on the outside. While it is on the heavier side (just under 13 ounces), its combination of comfort and maximum support will help you stay on your feet for hours.

Health journalist Raki Swanson tested the Addiction Walker 2 for a week and noted that it actually looked better in person (great news if you’re concerned about an orthopedic vibe). The high-quality leather upper was easy to keep clean, and Swanson appreciated that the sizing options included wider widths, which helped her find a better fit.

In terms of wear, Swanson says that at first they seemed a bit stiff, firm, and heavy. However, after a week, they felt “lighter and actually quite supportive,” she says. While they didn’t have the “cloudlike” feel of other shoes she’s worn, she described the arch support as “fantastic,” and she felt that the shoes molded to her feet over time.

Overall, the Addiction Walker 2 is a great pick if you’re on your feet for hours and need a shoe that doesn’t scream “athletic wear.”

While the fit of the Brooks Ghost 15 runs narrow, we think that makes it a great option for anyone looking for a slimmer-fitting shoe. Not everyone with high arches needs a wider fit, and as always, the best fit is the one that works for your foot. The Brooks Ghost 15 gives you plenty of options in that regard, with narrow, medium, wide, and extra-wide sizes available.

However, we should note that when we say this shoe runs narrow, we mean it. Swanson ordered the wide width and still found it a little narrow for her feet. But despite the shoe being a bit tight around the toes, she described it as “very cushioned and soft,” as well as providing good arch support.

Swanson experienced some soreness after long periods of standing, likely due to the snug fit. She noted, however, that the shoes were amazing for walking, and after a few days of wear, they felt more molded to her feet and comfortable in the arches.

If you’re in the market for a narrower shoe with midsole support that works just as well for daily use as it does for longer walks, the Brooks Ghost 15 is a strong contender. Just don’t wait too long — this version is being phased out to make room for the next generation of the Ghost.

I tested the Ghost 16, and while I found the cushioning quite firm (despite the manufacturer describing it as soft), it contributed to the overall feeling of stability, along with the more secure heel, which the Ghost 17 also shares.  As someone with wide feet and high arches, this feeling of a snug fit often causes my foot to fall asleep, but that was never the case with the Ghost.

The Ghost 16 did take a bit to break in, but the new Ghost 17’s have added cushioning in the heel and forefoot, which likely makes them a bit bouncier and more comfortable overall than my 16’s, without losing any stability. The redesigned upper gives the same support I loved in the 16 but seems a bit more wearable right out of the box.

If you’re in search of a shoe that helps you feel firmly planted and offers a neutral but stable fit, we recommend checking out the Brooks Ghost 17.

Testing gave us a good look at exactly how this shoe feels, and Emily Hirsch, RD, LDN, put the Flex Via through its paces. As a dietitian and wellness professional, Hirsch had high expectations, and these shoes delivered. “The cushioning provided excellent support, making them feel soft yet stable from the very first wear,” she says. “They were comfortable for walking, standing for extended periods, and wearing while I was working. I didn’t notice any pinching, stiffness, or pressure points with any activity during the trial period. The material conformed well to my feet, allowing for natural movement without restriction. Unlike some shoes that require time to loosen up or adjust to your foot shape, these felt ready to go right out of the box.”

Hirsch also notes, “After a week of testing, the shoes have remained consistently comfortable for casual walking. The support is great, especially in the arch and heel, which helps reduce foot fatigue for someone like me who has high arches.” This is where we think the Kuru Flex Via really excels — in supporting our arches and offering the heel support needed to prevent or alleviate the symptoms of plantar fasciitis.

Reducing foot fatigue with the right-fitting shoes is all well and good, but lightening the shoes themselves can make a big difference in how your feet feel. However, finding a shoe that provides the support those with high arches need without feeling heavy or orthopedic can be challenging. This is why we love the Hoka Clifton 10; it has all the cloud-like cushioning that the Hoka brand has become known for, without feeling bulky or heavy. At just 7.3 ounces, it’s one of the lightest shoes we tested—almost half the weight of some others we tried.

We tested the earlier version of this shoe, the Clifton 9, and Swanson enjoyed how lightweight and comfy these shoes were. “This shoe was beyond comfortable when I first tried them on. It was like standing on a cloud. So comfortable when standing, lots of cushion when walking,” she said. We love that you get all the cushion without the weight, making them a great lightweight option, and the updated version in the Clifton 10 carries the same advantages.

Lighter footwear not only works for making the general population more comfortable, but can be especially important for those with muscle weakness, such as individuals with multiple sclerosis, circulatory problems, stroke, or spinal issues, where lifting a heavy shoe could make walking more challenging. The Hoka Clifton 9 nails the sweet spot between function and flair, pairing lightweight comfort with bold colors and standout style, and we’re confident the 10 does too.

One thing that many of the shoes we tested had in common was the price, with most coming in at well over $100 per pair. Fortunately, the Skechers Arch Fit 2.0 offered some welcome relief. While these sneakers are not exactly cheap, it’s a significant cost difference that might make a supportive shoe more accessible for some people.

Now, there are some drawbacks in terms of sizing limitations, in both length and width, and the fit may not work for everyone. However, we loved the machine washability as well as the many different varieties of fits and styles available in the Arch Fit lineup.

Hirsch tested a pair for us and notes that while the shoes felt snug at first, “after a week of wear, the shoes have softened slightly.” She also says that they were “comfortable for walking or standing for long periods because of the cushioned memory foam footbed and noticeable arch support. While they felt a bit clunky when walking, the firm structure actually provided good stability when standing, which helped reduce foot fatigue.”

Despite some fit issues with the heel and the top of the foot, we really like that some versions of this shoe from Skechers have a hands-free, slip-on design, making them potentially more accessible in form as well as price. If you’re finding yourself adrift in a sea of shoes that stretch your budget, these Skechers may be worth a try: They might just give your arches the support they’ve been missing, at a price that’s easier on the wallet.

In testing, I found the length to run true to size, but the fit was especially forgiving in terms of width, which is fortunate because these shoes only come in one width. The shoe was very accommodating to the shape of my feet, though it did feel a little loose at times. However, with the right socks, I was able to find a good balance of comfort and flexibility without feeling unstable.

I took the Cloudrunner 2 for a spin during long days on my feet, including some brisk 3-mile walks, and it offered plenty of room for foot swelling without discomfort. There was really no “breaking-in” period with these, as they were comfortable right out of the gate, but they did mold more closely to my arches after about a week.

I’ve owned other pairs of On shoes in the past, and they were never my favorites, but it’s clear the brand has made real improvements that create a more comfortable and functional shoe. I can easily recommend the Cloudrunner 2 to runners with high arches.

Having a high arch often means your foot requires more space vertically to feel comfortable in a shoe, and that can sometimes be accommodated by a wider width — that is, if one is available. Not only do we love the Hoka Bondi 9 for its wide and extra-wide sizing options — we also grew to love its ultra-plush cushioning.

Mary Sauer, our tester, is not only a health writer but also an avid hiker, so she knows a good shoe when she feels it. She says that “even though the intense sole was a weird adjustment, I ultimately think it is providing me with a lot of shock protection. I have pretty severe mechanical foot pain that impacts my entire foot, as well as localized heel pain, and these seem to help some.”

In addition, those with wide feet and high arches often want to use an orthotic or insert, only to find that the shoe can become uncomfortably tight. Sauer says that the Bondi 9 also “works well with my custom orthotic if I remove the sock liner,” which is music to our ears. She found these shoes to be excellent for standing and walking, and although they come with a hefty price tag, they’re worth it if your wide feet need relief.

The price point on the Mephisto Rush definitely puts these in the “splurge” category, especially for a casual shoe, but for those with high arches, it can be really difficult to find casual sneakers with any real support that lasts. The Mephisto Rush is made of genuine leather, with lightweight midsole cushioning and a teeny bit of a heel lift to reduce strain on the plantar fascia ligament.. There are multiple color options available, ranging from a white-on-white classic sneaker to two-tone options and earthy neutrals like taupe and cloud. The style itself is described by Mephisto as “retro yet utterly modern” and reminds me of a much more supportive and built-out boat shoe.

“I like the arch support it provided, and it's made with high-quality materials. These have held up well during testing, and I think they'll continue to hold up since they're really well made,” says editor Ashley Ziegler. She added that these would make a great gift, and we agree. They’re luxurious, practical, and long-lasting. For a casual shoe that really leans into arch support, we really couldn’t ask for more. These are well worth the price.

Whether you’re trying to get in your daily steps or plan to spend the day walking all over an amusement park, the Aetrex Danika Arch Support Sneaker is a great choice for a variety of foot issues, including high arches. The stretchy upper portion of the shoe accommodates feet with greater vertical needs while remaining comfortable and snug. The arch support helps the foot find natural alignment, and the extra cushioning in the forefoot helps minimize discomfort. With padded collars and tongues, you won’t find them rubbing around the opening, and they’re lightweight, so they won’t drag you down.

“The arch support was great, and it felt both supportive and bouncy,” says editor and writer Alexandra Klausner. “It seems like a high-quality shoe, and the price is comparable to other shoes like this,” she said of the moderately high price. The fabric is stretchy and overall comfortable. These shoes run a bit narrow but come in wide sizes, so if you have a bunion or wide feet, we recommend going for a wide. Some wearers report that the shoe runs small, so you may want to consider getting a half size up. We could easily see wearing these all day for bopping around town or for longer, more fitness-inclined walks, and really whenever great arch support is needed. 

I tested these and love how firm but comfortable they felt right out of the box. I also appreciate the great arch support and full-foot support. The fit is a bit more snug than I hoped for, but after just one use, they stretched to fit my foot, and I didn’t have to contend with much soreness. I don’t play pickleball, so I took my usual high-intensity interval training workout to a tennis court to test these out and loved how stable I felt during jumping movements. I will also be giving them a try for weight lifting, as they are a flatter fit, ideal for exercises like squatting. The shoe might be designated for pickleball, but it’s a useful option to have on hand for various court and racket sports, especially if you have high arches.

The Huia Women’s Slip-On Athletic Shoe is the ideal shoe for everyday wear – from its comfortable, cushy arch support to the stretchy heel and elastic laces that make slipping them on and off super simple. This lightweight shoe has an incredibly breathable mesh upper with a sewn-in tongue to reduce discomfort. These are our favorite shoes to grab, not just for every day, but for all day.

“I absolutely love these shoes,” says health editor Ashley Ziegler. Not only are these shoes comfortable for high arches, but they also won’t cost you a fortune. Ziegler says, “These are around $130, which I think is reasonable for what you get. They're well-made, super comfortable, and they can be worn casually or for walking/training,” she says. You may want to note that these aren’t running shoes and aren’t ideal for strenuous workouts. They also don’t come in wide sizes. We love that the shoe is versatile and that it provides athletic-level support while still being cute enough for casual wear.