When it comes to footwear, everything seems to revolve around arch support, and we all have our own unique arch burden to bear.
The perfect pair of shoes looks a lot different for folks with flat feet (aka low arches) than it does for anyone with high arches, so the Shop TODAY team consulted a few top podiatrists to help you get the perfect fit. We're also sharing some adorable shoppable picks to keep your high arches happy!
What causes high arches? | Best shoe styles for high arches | Insoles for high arches | Sandals for high arches | Flats for high arches | Wedges for high arches | Sneakers for high arches | How we chose | Meet the experts
What causes high arches?
Also known as pes cavus, high arches can form for a number of reasons including genetics and certain medical conditions. Most often, you're born with high arches, but if you develop them over time, it's a sign that you should consult a doctor to rule out a number of neurological conditions.
"Certain neurological diseases like spina bifida, cerebral palsy, polio, strokes, muscular dystrophy and Charcot Marie Tooth disease can lead to high arches," foot and ankle reconstructive surgeon Dr. Ashley Lee adds.
What types of shoes work best for high arches?
There's no rule that says certain shoe styles are off-limits if you have high arches, but some are definitely more desirable than others.
"Heels can sometimes be more uncomfortable for people with higher arches due to the fact that the ball of their foot is already under more pressure than usual," Lee explains.
If you're looking for your sole-mate, here are a few worthwhile styles:
Sandals: "People with higher arches should find a sandal with a supportive arch and ensure that straps do not cross the most prominent part of their instep," Lee says.
Flats: "Sometimes people with higher arches find ballet flats to be more comfortable because the smaller toe box does not put pressure on the highest part of the instep," Lee mentions.
Wedges: "Wedges are generally a better option for people who want shoes with a height. Wedges allow the pressure to distribute across the entire foot instead of just the ball and heel of the foot," Lee comments.
Sneakers: "Gym shoes are always suitable for someone with higher arches, but often people will complain of pain to the instep due to the pressure from the shoe. A simple way I treat this is to have my patients skip an eyelet in their shoelaces overlying the most prominent part of their instep. This alleviates pressure on the nerve and bone," Lee says.
Insoles and orthotics for high arches
Fulton The Athletic Insole
- Feel good on heels
- Have great arch support
- May stain easily
Size: 5-12 | Good for: Pronation and supination | Material: Cork
Need a bit more arch support in your go-to sneakers? This insole helps prevent pain and injuries by aligning your feet, hips, knees and back. The breathable cushioned material absorbs shock while also keeping feet cool, and the style works equally well for flat feet and high arches alike.
Tread Labs Ramble Thin Insoles
- Don't feel bulky
- Fit comfortably inside shoe
- Can be too thin
Size: Men 4-14.5 and Women 5-12.5 | Good for: Arch support | Material: 100% recycled polyester
With both high and extra high options available, these insoles are a welcome treat for aching arches. The thin, flexible insert supports arches and fits in a variety of shoes. They’re also guaranteed for life and the brand will send you a new pair — no questions asked — if they crack.
Naboso Activation Insoles
- Help relieve foot pain
- Sizing can be off
Size: S-XL | Good for: Posture and foot strength | Material: Closed-cell RBEVA
Whether you're standing on your feet all day or experience high arch pain from time to time, these insoles can offer relief. According to the brand, they "stimulate, wake up and strengthen" feet, all while stimulating the nerves in your feet.
Aetrex Casual Comfort Orthotics W/ Metatarsal Support
- Great arch support
- Not enough cushion
Size: 4-13 | Good for: Metatarsal support | Materials: Memory foam and AeroCell polyurethane
Ideal for medium to high arches, this orthotic absorbs shock, cushions feet and fends off odors thanks to its anti-odor and anti-bacterial material. The cupped heel stabilizes the back of feet and a metatarsal pad alleviates ball of foot pain. The orthotic is also helpful for heel pain and plantar fasciitis.
Protalus T-100 Insole
- Natural arch support feel
- Great cushion
- Can run large
Size: 5.5-15 | Good for: Arch support | Materials: Nylon, ETC anti-friction footbed
Available in women’s, men’s and youth sizes, this insole offers a “moderate degree of arch support,” according to the brand. To help reduce pressure, they fall higher on the sides of feet, and they also help align your body.
Sandals for high arches
Skechers GOwalk Flex Arch Fit Vegan Washable Knit Sandals
- Very supportive
- Comfortable around toes
- Material can stretch
Size: 5-12 | Colors: 4
We know that flip-flops aren't exactly kind to your feet, but they're a summertime staple and we're not willing to give them up. Luckily, Skechers has created this feet-friendly pair that features a cushioned footbed and plenty of arch support. The comfy style is available in four colors and it's also machine-washable!
Reef Cushion Vista Hi
- Great for high arches
- Platform is supportive
- Second strap can be large
Size: 5-12 | Colors: 10
Shop TODAY intern Domonique Tolliver loves wearing this pair for its amazing foot support.
"The platform bottoms make them easy to walk in and supports my high arches. The braided shoe strap fits perfectly around my toes but the larger second strap is a little large around the mid-section of my foot. This is okay though because as my foot swells during the day, I still have some wiggle room," says Tolliver.
OrthoFeet Malibu Two-Way Strap
- Moderate arch support
- Runs wide
Size: 5-12 | Colors: 2
"Opt for shoes that have adjustable straps or ties for a good, supportive fit, a comfortable lightweight but non-slip sole, and arch support," board-certified foot surgeon Dr. Brad Schaeffer advises.
These walking sandals check off all the major boxes and feature multiple layers of cushioning. Ideal for sensitive feet, the sporty style has orthotic insoles with built-in arch support. The ergonomic sole also has a mild rocker that cradles feet in comfort with every step.
Hoka Hopara Sandals
- Great arch support
- Toe box is roomy
- Not as stylish
Size: 5-11 | Colors: 5
Not only does Hoka promise a cushioned and responsive midsole to offer top-notch comfort no matter the terrain, but it also makes sure its Hopara sandal includes some other eye-catching features to keep your feet happy. That includes a quick-lace system, rubberized toe cap, neoprene construction, multidirectional lugs and so much more.
Vionic Jamie Flatform Lug Sandal
- Excellent arch support
- Ideal for everyday wear
- Tend to run big
Size: 5-11 | Colors: 2
You'll glide through your day in these ultra-comfy lug sandals that have earned the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) seal of acceptance. The platform style has a sturdy 2" heel, a durable outsole and arch support. What more could you ask for?!
Flats for high arches
Dream Pairs Ballet Flat Shoes
- Flexible insole
- Minimal arch support
Size: 6-11 | Colors: 4
Associate Editor Kamari Stewart owns a similar pair which she loves dearly. This one is made from a knit fabric and comes in different neutral hues.
The right pair of shoes can make a world of difference, but regular stretching can also help with high arches. "It is extremely important to focus on stretching the Achilles and calves, so the foot does not become too rigid and create callous and pressure points on the outside of the foot!" Schaeffer says.
LifeStride Nina Women's Slip-On Flats
- Very comfortable
- Snug on the sides
Size: 5-11 | Colors: 3
Schaeffer recommends looking for shoes with plenty of room in the toe box to offer your tootsies the space they need to move around unrestricted. "Constricting shoes, whether flat or very high heeled, can have really adverse outcomes for your feet and body, and can exacerbate existing issues," he explains.
These slip-on flats have a generous round toe, arch support and cushioning, a traction sole and a foam footbed. Plus, they're the perfect mix between casual and classy, making them perfect for dressing up or down.
Dansko Lesley Cactus Nubuck
- Very comfortable
- Ideal for standing
- Runs large
Size: 5.5-11.5 | Colors: 3
Not a fan of ballet flats? These espadrilles are a fun alternative. The supportive style has a removable footbed with memory foam cushioning, arch support and a lightweight outsole. For added convenience, the lining is even treated with an odor-control shield. Of course, the vibrant color options offer added appeal!
Wedges for high arches
Dr. Scholl's Be Ready Wedge
- Have extra padding
- Can run big
Size: 6-11 | Colors: 6
With its walkable wedge, these classy ballet heels were certainly made for on-the-go gals. They're made with an anti-microbial, anti-odor foam insole that offers cushioning and arch support. Plus, they're available in four neutral hues that will go with everything.
Lifestride Zone Booties
- Wide enough
- Very comfortable
- Material squeaks when you walk
Size: 5-12 | Colors: 2
In our humble opinion, the best types of shoes are adorable (naturally) and supportive (an essential), and these booties have the market cornered on both nonnegotiable characteristics. The hiker-inspired style comes in faux leather and microsuede materials and has a walking-friendly 2" wedge heel. The flexible, cushioned style was made for comfort and also has insoles that absorb shock and distribute pressure. Talk about impressive!
Sorel Impact Y-Strap Wedge Sandal
- Great support
- High platform
Size: 5-12 | Colors: 6
Wedges are a universally comfortable style made for walking, and this sassy style effortlessly merges fashion and function. It's a great shoe for traveling and exploring neighborhoods. With a scalloped sole and supportive structure, this sandal will enhance any casual look.
Sneakers for high arches
Reebok Nano X3 Adventure Training Shoes
- Grippy sole
- Great for training
- Best used outdoors
Size: Men 6.5-14 and Women 8-15.5 | Colors: 1
Your high arches don’t have to hold you back from working out. These unisex training shoes are sturdy enough to keep your feet comfy while you’re working up a sweat. The water-resistant style is lightweight and responsive and features a traction outsole.
MBT Gadi Sneaker
- Very comfortable for all-day wear
- Toe box can be narrow
Size: 5-12 | Colors: 2
These APMA certified walking sneakers are a true triple threat. They offer arch support, improve balance and posture, and cushion feet while reducing impact on knee and hip joints. The orthopedic style also features a durable rubber outsole and a shock-absorbing insole.
Kuru Stride Move Sneaker
- Great arch support
- Some say they're too tight
Size: 6-11 | Colors: 4
"I like to recommend athletic or running shoes with good offloading features that provide a good balance transfer between heel strike and toe off. The goal is to achieve a neutral foot type movement, whether you have high arches or flat feet," Schaeffer says.
Supportive shoes don't have to be clunky, and this sneaker is a perfect example with its sock-like fit. Featuring a stretchy mesh material, a reinforced and roomy toe, and shock-absorbing technology, the style supports arches and heels with ease.
Frequently Asked Questions
Much like low arches, high arches can cause their own unique set of feet issues. Here's a quick cheat sheet:
Increased weight on your feet: "With high arches, your foot is structured to naturally place too much weight on the outside of your foot when walking or standing," Schaeffer says.
Tight calves: "The Achilles tendon, which connects the calf muscles to the back of the heel, is often tight and can lead to tendinitis and spurring on the back of the heel bone," Lee says.
Increased pressure on your feet: "People with high arches also have more pressure on the ball of their feet which can lead to metatarsalgia, capsulitis and stress fractures in the metatarsals and neuromas," Lee comments.
Other foot conditions: "Higher arches can also shorten the plantar fascia, which is a ligament on the bottom of the foot, which can lead to plantar fasciitis ," Lee says.
Ankle, knee and hip injuries: "People with high arches are typically prone to rolling the ankle and having knee and hip problems in the future when not supported properly," Schaeffer notes.
Arthritis and nerve pain: "High arches can also lead to arthritis in the midfoot due to the arches slowly falling over time. High arches can also cause shoes to put pressure on the top of the foot, which can compress a nerve leading to neuritis, or inflammation of the nerve," Lee says.
Calluses and hammertoes: "High arches might cause calluses and hammertoes due to altered foot mechanics," podiatrist Dr. Casey Pidich says.
As Lee notes, flat shoes are sometimes more comfortable for high arches. However, they shouldn't be your everyday option.
"High arches need more support and cushioning, especially in the midfoot area, which flat shoes often lack. Instead, shoes with built-in arch support or orthotics are often more supportive and comfortable," Pidich mentions.
Flat shoes typically put more stress on feet tendons and ligaments due to a lack of support. However, podiatrist Kevin Douglas, DPM, notes that they're ok to wear sparingly.
"If you’re comfortable and not in pain, you shouldn’t have any problems. If not, you should think about changing it up," he says.
Tired of dealing with your high arches? They can be corrected, but Douglas doesn't necessarily recommend doing so unless you're having a major issue.
"Some patients with high arches have a progressive neuromuscular disorder and they may require surgery to put the foot in proper alignment, but that is not the majority of patients," he says.
Per Pidich, there are a few ways to live comfortably with high arches without surgical intervention.
"With the proper footwear and orthotics, high arches are manageable. In addition, physical therapy exercises can help maintain flexibility and strength in the feet," she summarizes.
High arches and wide shoes don't necessarily go hand in hand, according to Pidich.
"The requirement for shoe width is related to the overall shape and width of the foot, not just the height of the arch," she says. "However, people with high arches usually need shoes with more depth to accommodate the elevated arches."
Douglas also recommends shoes with a bit of heel lift.
"They can be beneficial because they relieve some of the pressure and provide more flexibility, especially if the Achilles tendon is tight," he explains.
How we chose
We selected shoes based on customers' reviews and included those favored by our editorial team. After experts recommended the right features, we focused on those offering proper arch support, sturdy traction and overall great fit.
Meet the experts
- Dr. Ashley Lee is a foot and ankle reconstructive surgeon at Northern Illinois Foot & Ankle Specialist. She previously talked to Shop TODAY about why Brooks are popular amongst podiatrists and how to shop for socks.
- Dr. Brad Schaeffer is a board-certified foot surgeon at Sole Podiatry NYC and spokesperson for Dr. Scholl's. He previously spoke to Shop TODAY about how to search for supportive flip-flops and essential shoe styles for your 40s.
- Dr. Casey Pidich is a VIVAIA brand partner and podiatrist based in New York City. She previously spoke to Shop TODAY about why dad shoes are trending.
- Kevin Douglas, DPM, is a podiatrist at NYU Langone Medical Associates. He previously spoke to Shop TODAY about how to determine if it's time to replace your sandals.
