The Best Shoes for High Arches

Here’s another fave from our senior commerce editor, who wears her pair of Milano Big Buckle Birks from May to September year after year. “They have excellent arch support that meets my feet where they’re at,” she says. “As the footbed breaks in, the arch support molds to your feet to feel even comfier!”

That gradual break-in period is great for people with high arches, because you’ll eventually end up with an insole that fits the shape of your foot—and doesn’t hoist it into an uncomfortable position.

Best Hiking Shoe: Merrell Moab Speed 2

Pros

• Excellent traction
• Great ankle support
• Wide toe box
• Under $150

Cons

• Not suitable for very rugged or technical trails

This Sneaker Award–winning hiking shoe kept our tester comfy on treks through state forests, prairie-like conservancy areas, and meadows—it even felt great when she wore it to the airport and around town.

“I have a dainty foot (slightly wide) with very high arches,” she said. “The shoe is very flexible, so it maps to the shape of my foot nicely, while allowing room for breathability and comfort.” She also noted that, even for a low-cut shoe as opposed to a hiking boot with a higher shaft, the Moab Speed 2 supported her weak ankles and prevented them from rolling while on the trail.

Best Gym-to-Office-to-Brunch Pick: Saysh One Sneaker

Pros

• Versatile look and design
• Balanced cushioning
• Breathable

Cons

• Laces tend to tighten and may need loosening throughout the day
• Only available in one width

The sleek Saysh One is streamlined enough to wear to work, cute enough for weekend hangouts, and lightweight enough for casual workouts—how’s that for versatility? “I reach for these all the time,” one high-arched SELF staffer says. “They don’t stick out at the office but they’re also easy to wear while walking through Central Park or on the treadmill.”

It has a mostly narrow shape that widens at the forefoot, so you can expect a snug fit around your midfoot but plenty of wiggle room for your toes.

Best for Recovery: Oofos Ooahh Slide

Pros

• Extremely comfortable
• Wide size range
• Under $70
• APMA-accepted

Cons

• Not great for long periods of standing or walking

Slides are the perfect shoe for when your feet are tired and just need something cushy underneath them—and few pairs are as cushy and comfy as Oofos’ Ooahh Slide. “These squishy sandals are perfect for running errands, going to the beach, camping, or sliding on as a recovery shoe post-run,” one SELF writer says. “I have high arches, and these provide a comfortable amount of contouring to help them feel properly supported…. They feel like a massage for my tired, achy arches.”

Most Stylish: Adidas Gazelle

Pros

• Timeless look
• Available in 31 colorways
• Under $150

Cons

• Heels tend to pull down the backs of socks
• Only available in one width

Adidas’s always-in-style Gazelle is our senior commerce editor’s go-to for long walks. “I have high arches, and if I don’t wear the right shoes (or insoles), I’ll get very sore and painful arches after two or three hours of walking around,” she says. “[But the Gazelles] have a perfect little pod of support right under my arch that helps me walk longer and farther pain-free.” Oh, and it just happens to go with everything—how often does that happen?

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