21 Best Shoes for Arch Support, Approved by Podiatrists & Tested by Editors

One of Vionic’s medical advisers, Jacqueline Sutera, DPM, a podiatrist at City Podiatry in New York City, recommends these loafers for travel, calling them “perfectly packable” thanks to their smart design that allows them to collapse flat inside a suitcase. You can dress them up to go out to dinner, but the soft upper and a lightweight, flexible sole also make them comfy enough for several hours of sightseeing without giving you blisters. “They also come in a mesh version for extra breathability,” Dr. Sutera says.

Sizes: 5–13 | Widths: Medium and wide | Colors: 15 options | Materials: Leather or suede upper; EVA footbed; synthetic rubber outsole | Cushioning: Moderate

• Why they stand out: Versatile design; soft upper; lightweight; very packable; awarded the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) seal of acceptance
• What could be improved: The back of the heel can feel a bit stiff until it’s broken in

“The Elsie is great,” says Dr. Pidich, who both wears it herself and recommends it to patients. Although this pair of shoes is expensive, Dr. Pidich says it’s worth the investment if you’re looking for serious arch support without sacrificing style. “Mephisto shoes are among the most supportive I’ve worn in my career,” she says. “They work well for average or high-arched feet. The outsoles are made from durable rubber, which provides good traction for all-day wear. They are great shoes for nurses, health care workers, and teachers.”

Sizes: 5–11 | Widths: Medium | Colors: 4 options | Materials: Leather upper; rubber outsole | Cushioning: Moderate

• Why they stand out: Great shock absorption for a ballet flat; perforated design makes them extra breathable; lightweight
• What could be improved: Pricey

When your feet crave sneakers but your outfit calls for something just a little more refined, these sustainably made kicks hit just the right note. “They have an almost sweater-like look to them, so I actually feel cute and ‘put together’ wearing them with a T-shirt dress or an oversized top and shorts,” says event coordinator Brittany Rector. “They have extra cushion at all the pressure points. I like that the heel, ball of my foot, and arch are all getting an extra bit of attention and support so my feet don’t get overly tired and sore from running around all day.”

Sizes: 6–11 | Widths: Medium | Colors: 6 options | Materials: Recycled mesh upper with leather-lined footbed | Cushioning: Moderate

• Why they stand out: Cute upper complements many outfits; extra cushion on pressure points
• What could be improved: The knit material can be hard to clean

Heels aren’t often podiatrist-approved options. But Dr. Sutera calls this sandal “an ultra-walkable wedge that offers comfort, support, and style.” The deep heel cup and arch support put your foot in an ideal position no matter how many blocks you need to walk before you get to your destination.

Sizes: 5–11 | Widths: Medium | Colors: 6 options | Materials: Leather upper; EVA footbed; rubber outsole | Cushioning: Moderate

• Why they stand out: Offer enough arch support for walking; deep heel cup for ideal foot positioning
• What could be improved: The buckle can hit at the wrong place on some ankles

^{Original image by Glamour tester Jennifer Heimlich}

Cori Swanhart, a nurse at Massachusetts General Hospital, has sworn by Brooks for the past two years. “I specifically love the Brook Glycerins,” she says, pointing out their great arch support and overall cushion. “I work in a procedural area so I’m standing all day, and my feet never get sore!” Although these are designed as a running shoe (Dr. Sutera wears them on her own runs), the structured design keeps your feet feeling supported even when you’re moving at a slower pace.

Sizes: 5–12 | Widths: Medium, Wide | Colors: 6 options | Materials: Knit upper; rubber outsole | Cushioning: Maximum

• Why they stand out: Guide rails and a stiff heel offer stability that doesn’t feel overly aggressive; pillowy cushioning
• What could be improved: Lighter colors show dirt easily and can be hard to clean

Podiatrist Tara Parks, DPM, says that all Dansko shoes have solid arch support, including their dress shoes and sandals (which she recently wore to her brother’s wedding). But the brand is really “known for their clogs,” she says. “I personally love Danskos. I wear the clogs for work.” That’s because these slip-ons provide a Goldilocks-like balance of stability and comfort, with a contoured footbed, roomy toe box, and a soft leather upper that forms to your foot as you wear it.

Sizes: 4.5–13 | Widths: Medium and wide | Colors: 21 options | Materials: Leather upper | Cushioning: Minimal

• Why they stand out: Rocker bottom makes them easy to walk in; soft leather upper; wide toe box; awarded the American Podiatric Medical Association seal of acceptance
• What could be improved: They’re a bit heavy

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Broadway choreographer Karla Puno Garcia spends all day on her feet, whether in the studio or walking through New York City, and the brand she relies on is Cole Haan. “They have so many cute ones, and honestly, they are all great in different styles. And so comfortable,” she says. In particular, the brand’s Zerogrand line features a range of lightweight shoes with solid arch support and a rubber outsole that’s ideal for long days walking around a city in style.

Sizes: 5–11 | Widths: Medium | Colors: 4 options | Materials: Leather upper; EVA foam midsole; rubber outsole | Cushioning: Minimal

• Why they stand out: A dressier upper and athletic outsole strike an unexpected look and comfy feel; lightweight
• What could be improved: There’s not a ton of cushioning

If you need arch support but also love your flip-flops, Dr. Sutera recommends looking for a pair that has at least a 1" thick sole, a deep heel cup, and a cushioned arch. This pair from OOfos fits the bill. “It’s got serious arch support that makes it feel like I’m getting a mini massage as I walk,” says Glamour contributor Jennifer Heimlich. ”They’re specifically designed to be post-workout ‘recovery’ shoes, with foam that absorbs more impact than your typical shoe so your muscles and joints get a break. Honestly, they’re the only thing my feet want to wear after a long run.”

Sizes: 5–11 | Widths: Medium | Colors: 4 options | Materials: OOfoam | Cushioning: Moderate

• Why they stand out: Loads of arch support; extremely shock absorbing; lightweight; machine washable; accommodate wider feet
• What could be improved: The thick toe post can get uncomfortable if you walk too far in these

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Podiatry resident and running coach Antonio Sierra, DPM, suggests motion-control shoes to patients with a rigid flat foot or bad arthritis in their feet. He recommends the Brooks Addiction GTS 15 in particular. “That has guide rails implemented and will do the best at preventing any excess movement,” he says. This means it will keep the feet from rotating too far inward when you walk. Meanwhile, a good dose of cushioning makes them extra comfortable whether you’re using them for walks or runs.

Sizes: 5–12 | Widths: Narrow, medium, wide, extra wide | Colors: 3 options | Materials: Textile-and-synthetic upper; rubber outsole | Cushioning: Maximum

• Why they stand out: Major stability; ample cushioning; come in four widths; awarded the American Podiatric Medical Association seal of acceptance
• What could be improved: The athletic design doesn’t always pair well with outfits

Your need for arch support doesn’t go on vacation just because you’ve taken a trip to the beach—something Dr. Pidich knows all too well. “I’ve recommended a lot of Aetrex sandals for vacation,” she says. This woven strap wedge has surprisingly good arch support for a 3" heel. “I like how the leather stretches and it forms naturally over our bones,” Dr. Pidich says. “Very comfortable shoes. And they’re cute too.”

Sizes: 5–11 | Widths: Medium | Colors: 2 options | Materials: Leather upper; jute-suede wedge | Cushioning: Moderate

• Why they stand out: Memory-foam footbed; flexible leather forms to your foot
• What could be improved: Straps can be too wide for narrow feet

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“I like these because they shift your body weight,” Dr. Pidich says. Design details like the low heel-to-toe drop (just 4 mm) and the rocker bottom mean you end up with less pressure on your metatarsals (forefoot) and midfoot as you’re walking. “It sort of rocks you through your gait (your particular way of walking),” Dr. Pidich says. “And there’s such good cushioning that helps a lot with shock absorption and reducing strain on your joints, especially during walking and running.”

Sizes: 5–12 | Widths: Medium, wide | Colors: 17 options | Materials: Mesh upper; rubber outsole | Cushioning: Maximum

• Why they stand out: As much cushion as you could ask for; joint-friendly rocker shape; awarded the American Podiatric Medical Association seal of acceptance
• What could be improved: The exaggerated rocker bottom can take a little while to get used to

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For patients who only need a little help with overpronation, Dr. Sierra says, “I’ll try to keep people in something that will help them move as naturally as possible while still providing stability with a traditional medial post.” And if he thinks they could benefit from a zero-drop shoe (meaning the toes and heels are on the same horizontal plane), his go-to recommendation is the Altra Paradigm. This design puts the feet and ankles in a more natural position, but it can be hard on the Achilles if you rack up major miles in these sneakers too quickly.

Sizes: 5.5–12 | Widths: Medium, wide | Colors: 5 options | Materials: Mesh upper; rubber outsole | Cushioning: Maximum

• Why they stand out: Gentle stability; roomy toe box; plenty of cushion; awarded the American Podiatric Medical Association seal of acceptance
• What could be improved: Zero-drop design can take some getting used to

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These comfy slides are a summertime no-brainer. “They’re great sandals for walking while exploring a city or hanging on the beach,” says Truxal. “They’re new to me this year but they quickly became a fave that can go from beach to dinner easily, mold to the foot nicely, are super comfy, and hold up well to wear and tear.”

Sizes: 5–12 | Widths: Medium | Colors: 15 options | Materials: Leather upper; rubber outsole | Cushioning: Moderate

• Why they stand out: A memory-foam footbed cushions and supports; made with recycled and recyclable products
• What could be improved: The strap can be too wide for some feet, though Beek offers an instep pad for a more snug fit

Save when you shop best shoes for arch support with these Nordstrom promo codes.

For runners who need a little extra arch support, both Dr. Pidich and Dr. Sierra recommend these sneaks. “Asics Gel Kayano is designed with denser foam on the medial side of the midsole—the part of the shoe that supports the arch. This helps prevent overpronation when running,” Dr. Pidich says. And, Dr. Sierra adds that “these have plenty of cushion.” That’s thanks to Asics’s signature PureGEL technology that’s infused into the midsole, which gives these shoes a bouncy ride with great shock absorption.

Sizes: 5–13 | Widths: Narrow, Medium, Wide | Colors: 11 options | Materials: Mesh upper; rubber sole | Cushioning: Maximum

• Why they stand out: Bouncy cushion; great grip on slippery surfaces; three widths; low carbon footprint
• What could be improved: On the heavier side for running shoes

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Dr. Pidich gets a plantar fasciitis flare-up whenever she plays too much tennis. But she’s still able to pull off comfy heels without foot pain as long as she reaches for these Vionics. “I like the Perris Slingback heel for work,” she says. “I think that’s a really cute heel with a nice arch support in it. The shoe’s support helps maintain natural foot alignment. It’s also designed to reduce pressure on the plantar fascia, making it a good choice for people with flat feet or plantar fasciitis.”

Sizes: 5–11 | Widths: Medium | Colors: 4 options | Materials: Leather or suede upper; synthetic rubber sole | Cushioning: Minimal

• Why they stand out: Classy but walkable; heel feels very stable
• What could be improved: Can take a few wears before they feel super comfortable; toe box is on the narrow side

Save when you shop best shoes for arch support with these Nordstrom promo codes.

Mary Jane ballet flats are having a fashion moment. But they’re not always the foot-friendliest option. “This one stands out for its unique arch support,” Dr. Pidich says. “The shoe’s insole is designed to align the foot properly, reducing overpronation and alleviating strain on the plantar fascia. The contoured footbed cradles the arch, providing consistent support that you won’t find in an average Mary Jane flat.” Meaning you can look cute, minus the heel pain.

Sizes: 5–13 | Widths: Narrow, medium, wide | Colors: 2 options | Materials: Leather upper; thermoplastic rubber outsole | Cushioning: Minimal

• Why they stand out: Comes in three widths; impressive shock absorption; hugs your arches
• What could be improved: Runs big

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^{Original image by Glamour tester Jennifer Heimlich}

Many podiatrists will tell you that most of the best walking shoes are actually designed as running shoes, since shoe companies put more resources into their development and technology. And if you’re looking for arch support for long walks, you can’t go wrong with these Adidas shoes, despite the fact that they’re technically created for faster paces. Dense foam support rods and Dreamstrike cushioning give your arch a hug with each step. “These are superlight and supportive—comfy right out of the box,” Heimlich says. “Plus, the sporty chic style makes me actually want to lace up and head out the door.”

Sizes: 5–12 | Widths: Medium | Colors: 12 options | Materials: Mesh upper; rubber outsole| Cushioning: Moderate

• Why they stand out: Immediately comfortable, lightweight
• What could be improved: The grip on the bottom wears down after a while

^{Original image by Glamour tester Jennifer Heimlich}

When you’re dealing with a plantar fasciitis flare-up, you’ll want a solid sole and extra structure. “The Cloudrunners feel like they’re cradling my heel from every angle to give my feet that sweet relief, no matter whether I’m walking or running,” Heimlich says. Bonus: Unlike some other On shoes, the redesigned outsole on this model doesn’t get rocks stuck inside.

Sizes: 5–11 | Widths: Medium | Colors: 5 options | Materials: Recycled polyester upper; rubber outsole | Cushioning: Moderate

• Why they stand out: Wide base for extra stability; stiff but padded heel area for extra support; partially made with recycled materials
• What could be improved: Can feel a bit firm if you use them as running shoes

For younger patients with more flexible flat feet, Dr. Sierra recommends strengthening the intrinsic foot muscles through physical therapy. But in some cases, only a serious stability shoe can help. “If we are talking about individuals who have more of a rigid flat foot, then I would recommend something with greater stability and maybe in the motion-control category,” he says, noting the Brooks Ariel GTS (or its male counterpart, the Brooks Beast GTS) is one of your best bets, with a super-stable base and plush cushioning. Plus, a roomy fit offers plenty of space for bunions and lets you easily swap out the insole for inserts if you need.

Sizes: 6–13 | Widths: Medium, wide, extra wide | Colors: 4 options | Materials: Mesh upper; rubber outsole | Cushioning: Moderate

• Why they stand out: Impressive motion control; come in three widths; roomy enough for orthotics; awarded the American Podiatric Medical Association seal of acceptance
• What could be improved: The design of these athletic shoes is a little plain