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There's a very good chance that you've been shopping for shoes wrong your entire life. You've been focusing on style, comfort, and maybe even support—which are all great—but you've most likely been neglecting one of the most important parts about footwear: arch support.
Our Top Picks
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Most Stylish Sneaker with Arch Support
Sole Bliss Hero Sneaker
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Best Slip-On Shoes
Beek Pelican Leather Platform Sandal
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If you have flat feet or high arches, finding the appropriate shoe with supportive arches is a must. And why exactly? We consulted one of New York City's best podiatrists, Amnon Barnea of Walk NYC Podiatry, who says, "The arch is the ultimate architectural design [of the foot]," and having adequate support for your arches enable your feet to "function as an accelerator and decelerator of motion, provide structural stability and are capable of transitioning from a superb shock absorber at 'heel strike' to a semi-rigid structure needed for 'push off.'" Thus, it's time to find the right shoe to do just that.
What to look for in a shoe
Barnea says, "It is widely believed that arches need softer or 'cushiony' materials for comfort. However, the arch actually requires some rigidity for better support which reduces the compressive forces of the body on the arches. Shoes with soles that are very soft and 'bend' in the middle are less supportive. Soles with firmer materials under the arch or those with a beveled heel and a forefoot rocker offer excellent support."
Don't worry; a shoe can provide the right support for your foot and still be fashionable. We are making sure of that with these 20 stylish shoes that have appropriate arch support. And take into account Barnea's parting words, "For many foot types, shoes alone do not provide adequate support and require additional bio-mechanical control provided by shoe inserts." Equipped with ample knowledge, let the shopping commence.
Pros
- American Podiatric Medical Association's Seal of Acceptance
- Highly cushioned soles
Cons
- May look a bit big on feet
Hoka is one of Barnea's top picks, which isn't surprising given the level of cushion and support the brand is known for. Yes, the soles are a bit larger than most, which can make the shoes look a bit big on your feet, but this is exactly where all that comfort comes from. According to the brand, that large rear crash pad allows for a softer and more balance movement during the heel strike to forefoot transition. Importantly. this pair also has the American Podiatric Medical Association's Seal of Acceptance.
Type | Sneaker |
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Materials | Engineered mesh, recycled polyester |
American Podiatric Medical Association Seal of Acceptance? | Yes |
Pros
- Removable footbed
- Easy to put on
Cons
- Run a bit narrow
Another recommendation from Barnea, Vionic is known for manufacturing supportive shoes that are stylish to boot. (Quite literally!) Take these combat-style boots for example. The built-in removable polyurethane coated EVA footbed has significant arch support to help ground and balance your body, while the flexible patent leather upper supports your ankle. As a nice bonus, these shoes pull on and have a side zipper for easy access, so anyone with back issues won't struggle to bend and tie.
Type | Boots |
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American Podiatric Medical Association Seal of Acceptance? | Yes |
You know if it's Dr. Scholl's, then it's going to be good. The brand's signature cushioning technology gives the insole an extra boost of comfort.
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Who says flip-flops can't be supportive? The traditional silhouette has gotten a cushiony upgrade.
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Enhanced arch support is delivered in the form of these simple sandals. Lightweight yet durable, they are a pair that's going to hang around for a while.
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For the hiker or adventurer, Canada Goose makes a pair of boots that are as functional as they are fashionable. The midfoot has an added stabilizer for extra arch support throughout their wear.
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Headed to a nice lunch or dinner but don't want to sacrifice support? These block-heeled sandals are here to help you out.
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20
Gentle Souls Lori Crisscross Slingback Sandals
20
Gentle Souls Lori Crisscross Slingback Sandals
Now 40% Off
Gentle Souls have always made some of the most comfortable and supportive shoes. These don't disappoint, thanks to their multilayered system of performance cushioning, cushioned insole, and memory foam.
Gaby Keiderling
Gaby Keiderling is a New York–based writer working on fashion, lifestyle, travel, and sports features. She also covers celebrity style for Esquire's “Get Ready with Me” franchise. Her work can also be seen in Vogue, Harper's Bazaar, and more. Sometimes you can spot her around the West Village, out on a walk with her dog, Sneakers.