Podiatrists Say These Are the Best Sneakers for Your Arches
Whether you're commuting to work, taking a stroll with your pups (or kitty), or jogging in Central Park, wearing shoes without arch support can be the endgame (no, we're not talking about Thanos snapping his fingers) for your feet. Without it, arch pain, strained muscles, and collapsed arches (oh my) are likely to ensue. Luckily, the best sneakers for arches exist, so we tapped an orthopedic surgeon to garner their input.
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, Texas. "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."
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.
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).
Best sneakers for arches
Receiving the seal of approval from the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) for advancing good foot health, the Hoka Clifton 8 constantly ranks on top. It’s 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 available: 5-12, regular and wide
Colors and patterns available: 16
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 signature Litetruss structure, 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 available: 5-13
Colors and patterns available: 11
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 Electric Purple, Vibrant Sky Blue, and Lime Green.
Sizes available: 5-13, standard, wide, and x-wide
Colors and patterns available: 12
With a reinforced heel, cushioned sole, and breathable mesh, there’s no limit on the distance you can go with these kicks. The soles were engineered to hug and support the natural curvature of your arches, and the shoe has a motion forward design to propel you into your next step, making it a great option, especially “for patients that may be suffering from painful conditions like plantar fasciitis,” says Dr. Tran.
Sizes available: 5-14.5
Colors and patterns available: 3
For a more casual shoe, the OOFOS low shoe can also be a great option for arch support, says Dr. Sayed. The shoe is made of a stretchy, canvas-like material, and uses proprietary foam to absorb impact. “The OOFOS footbed is designed to cradle your foot arch and provide optimal shock absorption,” he says.
Sizes available: 5-12
Colors and patterns available: 9
These lululemon shoes are a good workout or cross training option, says Dr. Sayed. They have a bouncy and cushioned midsole, a flexible upper, and they’re designed for a female foot. Whether you’re wearing them for running, training, or walking around, they’ll keep your feet feeling supported.
Sizes available: 5-12
Colors and patterns available: 4
The Brooks Ghost 15 shoes have a lighter foam that makes them feel lightweight yet still cushioned, and are designed to help your feet make smooth transitions on the ground. The upper is breathable mesh and made partly of recycled materials, too.
Sizes available: 5-13, narrow, medium, and wide
Colors and patterns available: 8
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