Many foot conditions have an overall direct effect on your daily activities. From plantar fasciitis (flat feet) to high arches and heel spurs, daily foot discomfort affects over one-third of the world population today.
With little to no effective cure for severe foot conditions, seeking alternative measures to alleviate the discomfort of your feet is provided by wearing specialized designed shoes. These specialized shoes relieve pain and offer the support needed to carry on with your life.
The ten shoes outlined throughout this review will reveal valuable information to combat many foot conditions while restoring the quality of your life. These shoes are not a guarantee or a remedy for foot conditions nor should interpret in such a manner.
The Adidas Energyfalcon Shoes is recommended for both men and women to support and alleviate problematic foot conditions.
Best Walking Shoes for High Arches
1. Adidas Energyfalcon Shoes
If you want a shoe that will offer arch support without compromising on style, then Adidas Energyfalcon is the way to go. This sneaker boasts of a contoured midsole that fills up your high arches and cushions them up with the impressive, tried, and true Cloudfoam. For even better comfort, an ortholite sockliner is also added on top.
The top comes with a meshed textile to promote sufficient air circulation while the bottom features a long-lasting Adiwear outsole. The lugs on the sole ensure you have a solid footing on even moist and slippery surfaces.
Adidas Energyfalcon also includes a free-motion design that fosters stability and comfort. This newfound freedom will help you achieve your goals easily. Not to forget, the shoe also weighs considerably low and won’t be a pain in the butt.
Pros
- Affordable pricing
- Lightweight construction
- Comfortable and practical
- Great color options
- Sufficient arch support
Cons
- They ran large so it will be safe to go a half size down
Adidas Energyfalcon is really a good deal at its price point. It’s got all the key elements of a reliable running shoe-comfort, style, breathability, and durability. Go a half size down because they tend to be bigger than expected.
2. Saucony Women’s Echelon LE2 Walking Shoe
These women’s walking shoes designed for those who suffer from supination, the outward roll of the foot. Molded EVA ComfortLite sockliner surrounds the foot with better support.
Full-length PowerGrid™ midsole keeps the foot centered with even distribution of body weight evenly across your feet. Dual-density foam allows for a more significant rebound with extra increased durability. SRC™ Impact Zone absorbs all shocks to the heel to reduce torque.
iBR+™ outsole material provides for more cushioning, with thirty-three percent less overall combined weight. XT-900™ carbon rubber material assures better traction, regardless of surface. Soft, supportive leather uppers soothe your feet for the ideal comfortable fit.
Pros
- Lightweight providing more comfort for many severe foot conditions
- Extremely comfortable with noticeable relief for tired and aching feet
- Thick soles for additional arch support for short or long walks
- Great all-around shoe. Stylish appearance blending well with all clothing
- Affordable. Reasonably priced walking shoes for high arches.
Cons
- Not breathable makes these uncomfortable to wear on warm days
- Questionable support. Worn only a few months with insoles worn through
- Tight toe box. No room for toes to move
- Color selection needs increasing. Only black or white is available.
See what other shoes are available that are designed to get your back on your feet without pain.
3. Vionic Men’s Walker
Men, if you have been looking for a great walking shoe that you can wear anywhere, then these shoes are for you. These shoes feature either a suede or leather upper. Also, these redesigned shoes provide maximum comfort while retaining their good-looking natural appeal.
The podiatrist-designed footbed built into these sneakers is not only comfortable but supportive. Providing the exact amount of support without being over-bearing, you will immediately feel the difference the first time that you put these sneakers on.
The built-in Orthaheel motion-controlling footbed features contoured arch support that perfectly aligns with your arch, regardless of height. Low heel realigns your stride with each step taken, reducing and eliminating overpronation or supination.
Firm, thermoplastic heel counter gives you the support needed at work, on walks, or running errands. Wear them anywhere. Perfect elevation of the midsole provides the correct height for a heel-to-toe-strike zone, which is noticeable with each step.
Pros
- Full-grain leather for support from overpronation and supination
- Water resistant. Keeps your feet dry during wet conditions
- Comfortable cushioned collar and tongue with no pinching or irritation
- Breathable with the circulation of air in and out
- The moisture-wicking lining is perfect for feet that tend to sweat
Cons
- Quality issues. Not the shoes with former quality
- Sizing runs 1-1/1/2 smaller than stated. Suggest one size larger
- Sole separation after only a few months of wear
Scroll down and see the many other styles that will make your foot pain a thing of the past.
4. New Balance Women’s WW577 Walking Shoe White
Tired of laces that never seem to stay tight? Slip on these hook and loop women’s sneakers and forget about the laces. Hook and loop design with Velcro adjustable closures are perfect for the moderate-paced fitness walker or anyone that enjoys a comfortable walking shoe.
Upper leather construction is slightly perforated for breathability that is guaranteed to keep your feet comfortable on long or short walks.
ABSORB SBS technology in the heel protects your feet from shocks. Linings are fabric lined with removable footbed for insertion of additional support. Check out the shock absorbing shoes for a complete discussion for lessening the pressure to your feet.
Polyurethane midsole will give you stability and much better arch support than expected. Walking Strike Path will keep your feet stabilized during natural walking strides. The solid rubber outsole is long wearing with better traction control on slippery surfaces.
Reflective detailing gives a better appearance at sunset or after dark for more relaxed evening walks after a blistering hot summer day. These women’s walking shoes offer more for less available in three colors, black, bone, and white.
Pros
- Padded tongue/collar is ideal for a better fit
- Ideal for sensitive feet, no rubbing, pinching or binding
- Increases mobility for daily activities without pain
- Podiatrist recommended with a specially designed orthotic footbed
- Recommended for plantar fasciitis and heel spurs
Cons
- Straps are too short and do not fold over for a tight fit
- Stiff tongue with rubbing on the instep
- Squeak loudly even after being worn a few times
The time to end your foot pain and discomfort is now. These shoes will help. Why wait?
5. Ryka Women’s Sky Walk Walking Shoe
These lightweight women’s walking shoes are designed for all types of walking from fitness to casual strolls.
These shoes could be the most comfortable walking shoes that you will ever put on your feet. Multiple-use shoes. Wear them to work, shopping, bike riding, or for casual events.
Uppers crafted with one-hundred percent soft premium leather and adjustable lace-ups allow for that perfect fit. Durable rubber outsoles provide sure footing traction on all surfaces. They are beautifully designed with a modern appearance.
Partial breathable mesh on uppers allows your feet to remain comfortable with supportive overlays that surround your feet with a feeling of security and comfort.
Lightweight molded EVA midsole makes these shoes a perfect choice for plantar fasciitis, high arches, and pronation.
Interior fabric lining is smooth, soft, and gentle on your feet. The delicate lining is ideal for anyone with over sensitive feet. Memory foam footbed is contoured to the shape of your feet for that one-of-a-kind feeling.
Pros
- Padded tongue/collar secures foot in place with no slipping
- Modern/appealing design is attractive and attention-grabbing
- Inexpensive designed to fit into all budgets
- Accommodates orthotic inserts for an improved fit
- Multiple uses. Designed for work, shopping or running errands
Cons
- Thin soles lack support to the midfoot
- Heel separation issues. Heels are beginning to separate after a few months
- Poor quality insoles that are not comfortable or supportive
These women’s walking shoes are one of the best on the market, but wait a minute! There are still four other shoes that you should consider as well.
While walking, you can increase the comfort on your feet wearing this shoe by using an ideal insole with excellent arch support.
6. Propét Men’s Stability Walker Sneaker
These walking sneakers focus on stability. Comfortable and functional fitting sneakers are often hard to find for those with a wider forefoot and heel base. These specially designed men’s walking sneakers feature a heel pad and cushioning ridges for exceptional more extensive foot comfort.
Numerous features built-into these shoes provide you with the most comfort and support that you always find in a well-built walking shoe. D-ring lacing system makes these sneakers easy to put on and take off. Perforations allow your feet to breathe even on the hottest summer days.
Ample room is provided for custom orthotic inserts if needed. The quality built-in these men’s walking sneakers are designed for support where and when required.
These excellent walking sneakers focus on the moving areas of your feet aligning comfort and support correctly.
The arch-supporting PU insole offers to cushion ridges for targeting padding intended for plantar fasciitis, cavus foot, and other uncomfortable foot conditions.
Walk all day at work or around the block and experience the unique difference of premium stability walking sneaker.
Pros
- Slip-resistant rubber outsole for excellent traction
- Medicare-approved with reimbursement
- Classic styling that never goes out of style
- Superior engineering backed by years of research
- Lightweight with more support in heel and forefoot
Cons
- Narrow is an understatement
- A narrow toe box that binds and cramps toes
- Disappearing quality from former models from the same company
Haven’t found the shoes that you are looking for yet? There’s more. Keep looking!
7. Brooks Women’s Glycerin 15
How do you make the right shoe even better? You revamp last year’s models with the insertion of the latest in design and technology.
These women’s running shoes have a long history of providing comfort for those who remain focused on dependable running shoes with style and flair.
These upgraded women running shoes include a super midsole material combined with the latest in 3D-print technology. How does this translate into a dependable running shoe? With reshaping and tapering the midsole up slightly, for a better heel to toe transition.
The midsole is twenty-five percent more adaptable for placement of proper cushioning that is often a problem area with most running shoes. Four-way upper, seamless stretch mesh built for maximum lateral support.
Available in wider widths for those that need a little extra room. These women’s running shoes flex and move with your feet. These running shoes have been designated and designed for those suffering from high arches, plantar fasciitis, and arthritis.
Pros
- Improved fit that is immediately felt
- Smooth transitions from heel, toe, and forefoot
- Plush heel/tongue is very supportive and comfortable
- Adjustable lace-up design for a better fit
- Very flexible. Durable, lasting longer with proper care and cleaning
Cons
- The small toe box is disappointing
- Not lightweight as claimed to be
- An oddly shaped shoe with a high rising toe box
Read on; it only gets better from here.
8. Dr. Scholl’s Women’s Freestep
No need to make an appointment to see this doctor. The doctor is in and waiting to show you one of the most versatile women’s shoes that can be worn all year, in all weather conditions. These shoes offer a sporty appearance for casual wear with a choice of knit or wool uppers.
Built with comfort from the inside-out, this stylish rendition of athletic shoes can be worn everywhere with casual or business attire. There are no limitations when wearing these very versatile shoes. The majority of women’s shoes offer similar features, not improved features.
Temperature regulated inner fabric keeps your feet fresh in the summer and warmer in the winter. Other features of these women’s shoes include a cushioned footbed and a flexible outsole. Natural fiber composition of these shoes allows your skin to breathe naturally.
Manmade polyurethane outsole is durable, flexible with shock absorbing qualities. Considered to be both a sneaker and casual footwear, every step you take in these shoes will free you from all the cumbersome inefficiencies of other similar styles.
Pros
- Round toe adds appeal and styling
- Lace-up closure is adjustable for a perfect fit
- Lightweight with support and comfort
- A modern appearance that combines quality and design
- Machine washable, dry on low temps only
Cons
- Stiff requiring a long break-in period
- Poor traction on almost all surfaces
- Tight, narrow and hard to get on
Just when we thought it couldn’t get any better, take a look at these walking shoes.
9. Asics Men’s GEL-Tech Walker Neo 4 Walking Shoe
You will want to consider these men’s walking shoes from Asics if you suffer from plantar fasciitis or any other discomfort to your feet. These walking shoes are updated versions from the previous style with more technology to give you the best comfort levels possible.
Other walking shoes offer gel support either from midsole or heel. These shoes take it a step farther with gel support and comforting from toe to heel. Remove the insoles of these shoes and insert custom or specialized inserts for even more support.
Improvements have also been made to the mesh upper for increased breathability keeping your feet relaxed. Ortholite sock liner guards against anti-microbial bacteria and foot odor. These shoes are incredibly lightweight made from synthetic fabric that is durable and easy to clean.
Medial bunion window in the toe box is perfect for anyone suffering from bunions, toe numbness, hammertoes, or any other foot conditions. Previous consumers continue to appreciate the support, stability, and flexibility felt while wearing these walking shoes.
Pros
- 3M reflective detailing for higher visibility after sunset
- Duomax™ and Trusstic™ technology engineered for comfort and support
- Biomorphic Fit® upper that is flexible and comfortable
- Impact guidance system corrects overpronation
- Fatigue resistant insoles keep you moving
Cons
- Sizes run smaller than expected
- Narrow width not expected from a premium walking shoe
- Stiff and constraining requiring a rather long break-in period
From the dress to work and casual, these dress shoes for plantar fasciitis, high arches, and overpronation keep you in style and out of pain. There’s more!
Asics is a well-known shoe brand as they provide excellent support to feet, reducing pain, giving proper arch support and comfort. Take a look at some unique Asics walking shoes that might suit your feet.
10. Rockport Men’s World Tour Classic
Elegance, design, and comfort are what these shoes were once best known for. These shoes once filled the gaps between premium walking shoes and casual shoes that were worn to work, dinner, or the theatre. The quality and dependability of these shoes continue to decline rapidly.
Every element of these shoes was once designed to flex in all directions yet providing the support to all vulnerable areas of your feet. The built-in relaxed walking platform has diminished to decreased levels that once kept your feet in harmony with your natural walking stride.
Cushioned EVA footbed midsole once conformed to the shape of your feet for assured comfort each time these shoes were worn. Diminished resilient outsole once provided excellent traction, stability and a higher level of support to the ball area of your feet.
Still easy to clean the once stylish nubuck leather now appears cheap, discolored, and faded. Secure lace-up front closures are probably the only good quality remaining. Sizes and layouts of these shoes have been reduced, making a good fit hard to find.
Pros
- Odor-resistant keeping feet fresh and feeling great
- Knit, moisture-wicking lining keeps feet dry
- Steel shank for maximum support that does not fade
- Flexible Strobel construction for long-lasting durability
- Soft, genuine leather construction that is true, not fake
Cons
- Diminished quality from previous versions
- Sizes tend to run smaller than expected
- Rigid uppers are stiff and rub on feet
These shoes appear to be undergoing some dramatic, negative transformation during the manufacturing process. Once a perfect shoe, now a debatable shoe.
11. ECCO Men’s Helsinki Slip-On
Looking for a pair of men’s dress shoes that will not slow you down? These shoes are a perfect match from form to function. Perfected and tapered toe stitching with a softly squared toe produces a look of styling and luxury found on more expensive shoes.
Advanced construction techniques applied to every pair of these shoes. These casual/dress shoes are a product of continually searching for improvements to an already stylish slip-on footwear. More room in the toe box is suitable from heel to the instep.
Polyurethane is standard on most athletic, casual, or dress shoes. These shoes have a direct-injected polyurethane outsole that often lasts two to three times longer than other manufacturer’s similar styles. Direct injection also retains the shape with memory capabilities.
The direct injection process represents leading-edge technology and innovative styling that continues to make these shoes one of the ten best walking shoes for high arches of 2022 and beyond. Impeccable styling and design are what you will find in these casual/dress shoes.
Pros
- Fabric lining that soothes aching feet
- Moisture management for decreased foot bacteria
- Elastic inserts allow for a variety of foot conditions
- Full-grain genuine leather that is soft and durable
- Nylon shank is flexible and supportive
Cons
- Small and tight at first but loosens up when worn a lot
- Poor fit/poor styling and even more inadequate Amazon customer support
- Beware of imitations or fakes. Look before you leap
Always in a hurry? These slip-on get you out the door faster. These shoes may be the last in this review but certainly the least.
Biology of the Foot
Your feet contain 26 bones, 33 joints, and over 100 tendons, muscles, and ligaments. Your feet allow you to balance your body weight on two legs. The many bones, work together to provide movements such as standing, climbing, and walking on a variety of surfaces.
Tendons pull the bones of your feet inward toward each other. This action results in producing distinctive arches between the heel and toes. Fallen arches, plantar fasciitis or flat feet occur when tendons of your feet do not pull the bones together.
Flat feet ache and tire quickly. Back pain and leg pain may also develop. Treatment for plantar fasciitis (flat feet) often involves rest and wearing the right supportive shoes.
Types of Arches
There are three types of arches, medium (standard) low and high. Medium arches are the most commonly found in over sixty-percent of the world population. Twenty-percent of the people have low arches or plantar fasciitis, resulting in pronation.
Pronation is the inward roll of the foot during normal motion when your heel strikes the ground, and your foot rolls inward and flattens out. A certain amount of pronation is reasonable; however, damage often occurs from excessive pronation.
Supination (under-pronation) occurs when your feet roll outward during motion. Excessive supination places an excessive amount of pressure and strain on muscles and tendons that stabilize the ankle. Ankle sprains and total ligament tears are a result of supination.
Additional Items for Pes Cavus
Pes Cavus or high arches is a higher than average arch that places stress on both the ball and heel of your feet. Pes Cavs can affect one foot or both feet simultaneously. High arches are a severe foot condition. Pes Cavus also is linked to:
- Bone damage
- Further injury
- Bent Toes (hammer or claw toes)
- Tripping
- Loss of sensation
- Loss of understanding where your body is.
- Dropped foot, resulting in tripping and loss of balance
Pes Cavus is not always painful but can produce significant amounts of pain. Pes Cavus often creates additional complications including fractures, plantar fasciitis, strains, and even ankle breakage, and it’s stress fractures of Pes Cavus also produce heel splints and limited activity.
The Function of the Foot Arch
The arches of your feet do more than support your entire body weight. Arches are an accelerator that makes it possible for you to run. Arches provide a space in the sole of your feet, protecting muscles, nerves, and vital blood vessels.
The arches of your feet help absorb shocks to your feet. Excessive pronation or supination is a result of flat feet or a high arch. This condition can cause micro-tears and tension where the plantar fascia attaches to the heel.
Footwear shape and construction play a vital role in the function of the foot arches. Footwear should also be level from heel to toe so arches can load and move evenly. The ideal healthy shoe should be flexible to encourage the natural movement of the arches.
What to Look for Before Buying Walking Shoes for High Arches
Support
Wearing unsupportive walking shoes is a waste of time and money. Comfort is essential in maintaining balance and the ability to complete daily tasks with an occasional walk around the neighborhood, or on short runs.
Having high arches places restrictions depending on the degree of severity but should not control your life. Undercut heel allows for the natural forward rolling movement of walking with the support that is required to carry on a healthy, active lifestyle.
Walking shoes with rubber or rubber synthetic compounds provide excellent support for those with high arches.
Comfort
Comfort in any shoe is essential. Comfort takes a more significant meaning for those that are looking for a high arch walking shoe. Overall cushioning of the best walking shoes for high arches determines how much pressure can be applied to your feet when standing or walking.
Comfortable shoes should support higher than average arches. Shoes for high arches should also be lightweight, flexible, and offer interior foam or gel cushioning that cradle the most sensitive parts of your feet.
High arches are already uncomfortable. Wear supportive and comfortable shoes that relieve pain, not add to it.
Features
All walking shoes have features designed for support and comfort. Sneakers worn for high arch support require additional features that are not commonly found on the more traditional everyday walking shoes.
Sneakers for high arches must conform to the shape of the foot. The arch shape is fundamental when looking for a high arch walking shoe. The heel of your shoes should be flat as possible, with little to no rise.
High arch walking shoes should have cushioned soles with extra shock absorbing qualities for stability, preventing tripping and foot drag.
Durability
Walking shoes for high arches need to be as durable, if not more durable than walking shoes worn by others. High arch walking shoes may need to be specially ordered to accommodate the degree of high arch severity. Never overlook the importance and durability of walking shoes.
Depending on the frequency of use, your walking shoes need to withstand a certain degree of hazards that may or may not be visible. Walking on groomed and designated walking paths is recommended, but getting off the beaten path is more enjoyable.
Full-leather walking shoes have proven to be more durable and easier to clean; however, they may be slightly more expensive.
Stability
Of all the factors to be considered when looking for walking shoes for high arches, stability is one of greater importance. Feet with high arches tend to lessen stability and balance to a certain degree.
High arches produce additional concerns due to the increased height of the instep. Walking shoes for high arches need to balance support, comfort, durability, and stability into one specialized walking shoe that offers the best possible scenarios.
Buying walking shoes for high arches with less than required stability and other design features may induce other foot conditions of a more severe nature.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is a high arch foot?
A. High arches are also known as Pes cavus. High arches are a foot condition in which the sole is hollow when bearing weight. High arches are the opposite of flat feet or plantar fasciitis. High arches are a rare foot condition.
High arches may be painful due to metatarsal compression. Properly treated by a qualified and specialized podiatrist, high arches are manageable.
Q. How do you know if you have high arches?
A. The more unusual cases of high arches are by visual presentation. For less noticeable instances, a simple but effective way to determine if you have high arches is the “Wet Test.” A “Wet Test” is the most common, at home method with immediate proven results.
Q. Causes of High Arches
A. High arches or Pes cavus is often a heredity foot condition which may be directly related to other neurological, orthopedic or neuromuscular disorders. High arches link to Hereditary Motor and Sensory Neuropathy Type 1 (Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease).
Factors affecting high arches include muscle weakness, an imbalance of neuromuscular disease, residual effects of congenital clubfoot, and post-traumatic bone malformation or shortening of the Achilles tendon. Pes Cavus can be present from infancy through adulthood.
Q. Low Arches vs. High Arches
A. Individuals suffering from high arches suffer from what referred to as “foot drop.” Foot drop is a condition where the foot dragged due to ankle and muscle weakness. Foot drop is often associated with underlying neurological conditions.
Low arches, or flat feet, is the exact opposite of high arches. Low arches or plantar fasciitis occurs when muscles or tendons of the foot and ankle tear away, allowing the arches of the foot to collapse. Low arches are less painful than high arches and are readily more treatable.
Twenty to thirty- percent of the current population have plantar fasciitis, flat feet.
Q. How do you treat high arches?
A. In only sporadic cases, surgery is required to correct high arches. Treatment for high arches often includes the use of orthotic supports on the exterior of the foot for more advanced conditions or the insertion of orthotic supports on the inside of specialized footwear.
Stretching of tight and weak muscles of the foot and ankle in combination with physical therapy treatments often improves balance and stability. Unfortunately, high arches is a severe foot condition that may require many years of therapy and wearing of proper supportive shoes.
Q. What are the best shoes for high arches?
A. The best shoes for high arches should have ample room in the toe box, allowing your toes to spread and move when needed. Supportive high arch shoes should also have a higher level of comfort due to increased levels of discomfort and pain.
Shoes for high arches should also offer support to the arch of the foot to distribute weight evenly. The best shoes for high arches should also be made of smooth materials to prevent rubbing on high-pressure/sensitive areas of the feet.
Conclusion
Stop letting high arches and other foot conditions take control of your life. Depending on the severity of your present foot condition, sitting idly by and waiting for a miracle cure is like waiting for your lottery numbers to be drawn…it is probably not going to happen.
As a last resort, surgery may be required to correct high arches, however very rare. There are shoes available today that are designed and engineered to help everyone with foot conditions from plantar fasciitis, cavus foot, heel spurs to those suffering from diabetic neuropathy. Check the details about neuropathy shoes review.
Taking the time and conducting the research required will produce the results that you are looking for to help alleviate the discomfort of your current foot condition. You owe it to yourself and those in close association with you to get back on track and enjoy the life you deserve.
Related Reviews:
- Look at Most Supportable Shoes for Foot Pain
- Top 7 Shoes for Diabetics Review
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Additional Support:
- The Arches of the Foot, by TeachMeAnatomy
- Arches of the foot, by wikipedia