Podiatrists Say These Are 7 of the Best Sneakers for Your Arches

Whether you’re commuting to work, taking a stroll with your pup, or jogging in Central Park, wearing shoes without arch support can be the endgame for your feet. Without the proper support, arch pain, strained muscles, knee pain, and collapsed arches (oh my) are likely to ensue. Luckily, there are plenty of shoes out there that are designed to give your precious arches the TLC they deserve. To learn more about how to find sneakers with arch support, we tapped an orthopedic surgeon and multiple podiatrists to garner their input. Explore their tips below, plus 7 quality pairs to try for yourself.

Best sneakers with arch support, at a glance

• Best cushioned: Hoka Clifton 10, $150
• Best for running: Asics Gel-Kayano 32, $165
• Best for walking: Vionic Walk Max Lace Up Sneaker, $165
• Best versatile: New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v14, $165
• Best for road running: Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24, $140
• Best slip-ons: OOFOS OOMG Eezee Low Shoe, $130
• Best removable insoles: Sketchers Arch Fit Glide-Step Pro, $110

Why is arch support important?

Before we dive in, why is arch support so important? For starters, it can prevent and manage foot injuries, according to Nam Tran, DPM, a foot and ankle surgeon based in Dallas. “Arch support helps aid in achieving the proper biomechanical alignment of the foot that is needed for pain free walking,” Dr. Tran says. “When our joints are positioned properly, it greatly decreases the likelihood of early onset arthritis, overuse injuries, and ligament/tendon injuries.” The proper shoes can even help with knee pain.

Not all shoes are constructed equally, so before you swipe your credit card, Dr. Tran recommends checking out your inserts first. Supportive shoes will have inserts that have filler materials in the arch area. “If the insert does not have this and the inner floor of the shoe is flat, it is very possible that the shoe contains no arch support,” he adds. So to prevent sole pain, check out these sneakers for foot pain.

What should you look for in a sneaker with arch support

“When looking for sneakers that support the arch, look for an insole that closely contours the bottom of your foot. If possible, try and find a sneaker with a deep heel cup to add stability and support. In severe cases, you can look into orthotics for even more comfort and support,” says podiatrist Asim Sayed.

You also need to take into consideration what terrain you’re going to be on and what distance you’re covering, says Jacob Hascalovici, the Chief Medical Officer at Clearing and a board-certified pain specialist. “If you’re running long distance, you may want more structured support in your sneakers” he says. “You’ll also want to consider whether your natural arch is high, ‘normal,’ or low. If you have low arches, you might want to experiment with stability shoes. If you have normal or high arches, more neutral sneakers may better fit your needs.”

Ahead, you’ll find top expert-recommended sneakers, so you can keep foot pain at bay. (And for those dressier days, check out some heels with arch support, too).

Shop 7 of the best sneakers with arch support

Best cushioned: Hoka Clifton 10

$150

Receiving the seal of approval from the APMA for advancing good foot health, the Hoka Cliftons constantly rank on top. The newest iteration to hit the market, the latest edition of the Clifton line is lightweight, breathable (thank you mesh), and has a cushioned and responsive midsole that pads your feet during impact. All in all, “the Clifton is a great shoe that offers support as well as overall cushion,” says Dr. Tran.

Sizes: 5-12 (in standard and wide) | Colors: 11

Shop at Hoka

Best for running: Asics Gel-Kayano 32

$165

If your feet tend to roll inwards or you have fallen arches, Dr. Tran recommends the Asics Gel-Kayano. This lightweight shoe features the brand’s 3D Guidance System, which prevents your feet from twisting and turning during movement, and a foam footbed that cushions your arches. Even more, the external heel counter cradles your feet and the knit outer layer keeps air flowing through (see ya, sweaty feet).

Sizes: 5-13 (in standard and wide) | Colors: 9

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Best for walking: Vionic Walk Max Lace Up Sneaker

$165

With a deep heel cup, cushioned sole, and a breathable mesh upper, there’s no limit on the distance you can walk with these kicks. The soles were engineered to hug and support the natural curvature of your arches, and the shoe includes super critical foam for plenty of pressure relief. Plus, according to Dr. Tran, Vionic shoes are great “for patients that may be suffering from painful conditions like plantar fasciitis.”

Sizes: 5-13 (in standard and wide) | Colors: 11

Shop at Vionic

Best versatile: New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v14

$165

Lightweight, breathable, and supportive, the New Balance 1080s are “a great all-around shoe with lots of cushion and accommodation,” says Dr. Tran. The midsole is constructed out of foam, absorbing the shock so your joints and arches don’t have to, and the outer layer is constructed out of knit (so lightweight and breathable, that it feels like second skin). It comes in classic colors like white and black as well as more vibrant colorways.

Sizes: 5-13 (in standard and wide) | Colors: 14

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Best for road running: Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24

$140

The latest version of the Adrenaline GTS from Brooks includes the brand's "GuideRails" support system, which helps keep your foot in alignment while you stride. There's also plenty of nitrogen-infused foam for a soft, adaptive fit, and a breathable mesh upper to keep your feet cool, no matter the distance.

Sizes: 5-13 (in narrow, standard, wide, and x-wide) | Colors: 21

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Best slip-ons: OOFOS OOMG Eezee Low Shoe

$130

For a more casual shoe, the OOFOS low shoe can also be a great option for arch support, says Dr. Sayed. These slip-on sneakers are made of a stretchy, canvas-like material, and use proprietary foam to absorb impact. “The OOFOS footbed is designed to cradle your foot arch and provide optimal shock absorption,” he says.

Sizes: 5-12 (in half sizes) | Colors: 3

Shop at OOFOS

Best with removable insoles: Skechers Arch Fit Glide-Step Pro

$110

Dr. Lobkova recommends the Arch Fit Glide Step for its arch-supporting insole, which is removable and can be replaced with a custom orthotic if you choose. This style boasts foot-friendly features like a cushioned midsole, grippy rubber sole, and breathable mesh. Better yet, the entire shoe is crafted out of 100 percent vegan materials.

Sizes available: 5-11, in half sizes | Colors: 2

Shop at Skechers

How to choose the right sneakers with arch support for you

• Your activity type: If you’re looking for a good shoe for walking and standing all day, any of the picks on this list should suit your needs. If you’re hoping to run in your sneakers, you’ll want to be sure the shoe ticks additional boxes beyond offering good arch support. Consider the toe-to-heel drop and the overall cushion in the shoe, as those factors will definitely come into play as you run.
• Special sizing: If you have narrow or extra wide feet, you’ll want to opt for a pair that comes in your required width. Some shoes tend to run wide or narrow, but it’s always wise to play it safe and go for a shoe that caters to your unique foot shape as much as possible.
• Style: Of course, style comes into play when choosing shoes. Some of the brands on our list offer more variety in their colorways than others—if color and patters are important to you, the Brooks, Hoka, and Asics shoes on our list offer the most versatile color options.

Frequently asked questions

1. Do Hokas, Brooks, or New Balance shoes have good arch support? 

They can, but it depends on the style you choose. Nelya Lobkova, DPM, a podiatrist based in New York, says that arch support can only be provided by the insole of the shoe. “Arch support appears as a supportive bump inside of the insole around the area of the midfoot/arch,” she says. If your shoe lacks arch support, placing an over-the-counter or custom-made orthotic can help. “The orthotics would replace the thin and soft removable existing insole in the sneaker,” adds Lobkova.

2. Do podiatrists recommend Hoka shoes? 

In addition to receiving American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) seal of acceptance, “many podiatrists recommend Hoka One sneakers,” says Dr. Lobkova. “They offer a lot of cushioning, which is great for high-impact activities, such as running.” Dr. Lobkova adds that Hoka One sneakers are great for city dwellers because they have rocker-bottom technology, which helps with efficient walking. Not to mention, they’re super lightweight.

3. Are Skechers approved by podiatrists?

Podiatrists approve many Skechers styles now. When the brand launched back in 1992, Dr. Lobkova says the sneakers were very flexible, offering no midsole rigidity with minimal cushioning—which made them unpopular in the podiatry community. “We commonly saw pathology such as overuse injuries and fractures when people wore Skechers sneakers,” says Dr. Lobkova. “However, it seems to me that Skechers sneakers have evolved with the changing trends. There are Skechers styles that offer more midsole rigidity, cushioning, and even a rigid heel counter.”