What Are the Best Walking Shoes for High Arches?

When you have high-arch feet, less of your foot makes contact with the ground, which means there’s less shock absorption when you walk. According to studies, people who have high arches are more prone to foot problems such as plantar fasciitis and ankle injuries. To help lower the risk of potential foot-related issues, you’ll want shoes that offer you ankle support and a roomy toe box. We’ve put together a list of what you should look for when shopping for walking shoes and the best walking shoes if you have high arches.

What Are High Arches?

High arches, also known as pes cavus, are foot conditions that are associated with an especially high arch in a foot’s midsection. It causes the foot to have a noticeable upward curve when bearing weight. High arches may lead to a number of issues like discomfort, instability, and limited flexibility when running or walking. If you have high arches, you may experience problems like calluses, ankle stability, or foot pain due to inadequate shock absorption. Understanding what high arches are and how to tell if you have high arches is important for selecting footwear. If you enjoy taking long walks or just want to have more support in your day-to-day life, having proper footwear can prevent potential foot problems and alleviate discomfort.

How to Tell if You Have High Arches

Not sure if you have high arches or not? Figuring out whether you have high arches may seem complicated, but here are a few signs that you might have high arches. First, take a look at what kind of footprint you leave behind after you wet your feet and step onto a piece of paper or bath mat. If the imprint only shows your heel, the ball of your foot, and a thin line along the outer edge of your foot, you may have a high arch. If you experience symptoms like foot pain in the heel and arch areas, stiffness in your foot, and a general struggle finding comfortable footwear, you may have high arches. Consider speaking with a podiatrist to get a professional assessment to confirm whether you have high arches and need specialized care.

Can Women with Bunions Also Have High Arches?

Yes, women with bunions can have high arch feet, and women with high arch feet can have bunions. The two are not mutually exclusive. Both scenarios often find women struggling to find comfortable yet stylish shoes. Bunions are bony bumps that form on the joint of the base of the big toe and typically occur due to misalignment or pressure in the foot. People with high arches may also be more prone to developing bunions because of the increased pressure on the ball of the foot. Managing both high arches and bunions requires a thoughtful consideration of footwear. If you’ve been searching for shoes for women with bunions that can also accommodate your high arch, look no further than our shoe selection.

Potential Foot Problems with High Arches

High arches can lead to several other foot problems because of the structural characteristics of the foot. Excessive pressure on the ball and heel of the foot can lead to discomfort and pain. High-arched feet are more prone to supination, a situation where the foot rolls excessively outward during walking, increasing the risk of ankle sprains. High arches can strain the plantar fasciitis and possibly lead to pain or inflammation in the heel. Pressure points could form, resulting in the development of corns and calluses on the feet. Wearing proper footwear with orthotic support can help manage issues and prevent long-term complications.

The Importance of Proper Footwear

Shoes are more than pretty accessories we put on our feet to match your outfit. Having the right kind of footwear is imperative to maintain your overall well-being and foot health. Proper footwear provides cushioning, support, and stability to mitigate the impact of daily activities on our feet, like walking or running errands. For people who have high arches, suitable footwear is all the more critical. Properly designed footwear offers stability and adequate support to alleviate pressure points and prevent injury and discomfort. Appropriate footwear can promote proper alignment while reducing strain. If you commute to work, make sure you’re commuting with the proper footwear, like our comfortable work shoes for women. Investing in high-quality footwear made to your individual needs can help enhance your walking, standing, and other physical activities.

How to Choose Walking Shoes for High Arches

To pick the best walking shoes for high arches, look for shoes with ample support to reduce strain and help distribute weight evenly. Shoes with cushioning in the midsole and heel area help provide comfort and absorb shock during walking. Shoes should be sufficiently flexible to accommodate the natural movement of feet. Consider breathable and lightweight materials to prevent overheating and enhance comfort. Consulting with a footwear specialist or podiatrist can provide you with valuable insights into picking footwear to ensure optimal support and comfort.

1. Comfort — Prioritize shoes for comfort and look for details, like ample padding and a cushioned insole. Lightweight materials offer flexibility and breathability. Ensure the shoes have a snug but not constrictive fit so that you have ample toe room and your feet don’t feel crowded or uncomfortable. Shoes should be designed with enough arch support and a supportive midsole to reduce strain on your feet.

2. Support — When selecting walking shoes, also think about how the shoes will support your feet. Sturdy outsoles prevent excessive rolling of the foot and provide stability. Models with supportive straps distribute weight evenly and reduce strain on the arches. A firm heel counter, meaning the piece of material forming at the back of the shoe that gives support, helps hold the heel in place, and promotes proper alignment of the foot.

3. Cushioning — Shoes with adequate cushioning can help reduce impact and absorb shock on the feet during walking. Having extra cushioning in the heel and forefoot areas provides targeted support for high arches where it’s needed the most. Lightweight cushioning can help prevent fatigue if you’re going on an especially long walk. The right walking shoe differs for everyone, but for the most part, you can’t go wrong with prioritizing comfort, support, and cushioning.

4. Flexibility — Something else to think about for walking shoes is having a shoe that’s flexible. A flexible sole bends easily at the ball of the foot, so you’ll have a smooth transition when walking. Look for soft materials like knit uppers and mesh fabrics that provide breathability and flexibility without compromising durability. At Charleston Shoe Co., our shoes are made of blown rubber heels and elastic uppers, allowing them to flex and move with the foot. Twist and bend shoes to test theory responsiveness and flexibility. Avoid stiff shoes that restrict movement and can cause discomfort. Walking shoes should have just enough flexibility to ensure you have a natural and comfortable walking experience to support your foot’s high arch.

5. Durability — Durable walking shoes can be made from durable materials like reinforced mesh or leather. Even synthetic overlays can withstand regular wear and tear that comes from daily walks. Look for shoes that have strong outsoles and robust stitching. When you prioritize walking shoes that balance durability and flexibility, including comfort and support, you’ll rest easy knowing you have shoes that can withstand the rigors of daily walking and last for all the miles to come.

Charleston Shoe’s Top Picks for Women with High Arches

Now that you know what high arches are, let’s take a look at Charleston Shoe Co.’s top picks for women with high arches. The Cannon, New Monterey, and IOP shoes are great options for anyone with a high arch looking for comfortable walking shoes. All of these designs feature support, providing you with much-needed stability to reduce strain on your arches when walking. Enhance your overall comfort when you’re running errands or going for a leisurely stroll with flexible outsoles and cushioned insoles. Look for details like stretchy materials and adjustable straps that can accommodate varying foot shapes and sizes, ensuring a customized fit that will feel like these shoes were made just for you. Crafted from high-quality and durable materials, these shoes offer long-lasting support for high arch feet.

1. The Cannon — Style your versatile Cannon wedges with leggings or cropped jeans for a relaxed yet chic look. The effortless elegance of the Cannon complements various outfits, making them a perfect shoe for everyday wear. Add on a flowy blouse or lightweight sweater to transition seamlessly from your morning errands to midday brunch outings. Thanks to the supportive design and cushioned insole, the Cannon offers both fashion and functionality so you can step out in comfort and style wherever the day takes you.

2. The New Monterey — The New Monterey blends style and comfort as a versatile walking shoe. Pair it with any athleisure outfit like leggings or joggers and a cozy oversized sweater or fitted athletic top. Get the New Monterey in muted colors so it lends well to casual, on-the-go outfits. For a more polished look, coordinate your New Monterey shoes with a midi dress or a denim skirt and relaxed blouse. With a hint of laid-back charm, the New Monterey shoes elevate any ensemble while ensuring you’ll have total comfort for all-day wear.

3. The IOP — Get walking with the IOP this spring or summer. It goes well with casual summer outfits like flowy skirts or jean shorts paired with a lightweight blouse or simple t-shirt. The design of the IOP offer versatility, allowing for easy pairing with just about anything in your wardrobe. From experiencing the city streets to enjoying a beachside walk, the IOP is your perfect walking companion for any occasion.

Styling Your Walking Shoes for Work

While many people may commute to work wearing one pair of shoes and switching to another pair altogether once they get to work, it’s easy to style your walking shoes for work. You just need the right pair of walking shoes. Opt for sleek-looking walking shoes in darker colors like black or navy. Pair them with a pencil skirt or tailored trousers. Add on a crisp button-down shirt and structured blazer to elevate your look. Consider accessorizing with a stylish watch or delicate necklace to add personality. Your walking shoes should have supportive cushioning to keep you comfortable, especially if you’re spending long hours on your feet.

Styling Your Walking Shoes for the Weekend

Embrace the comfort and casual chic walking shoe for the weekend. Think of loafers, slip-ons, and trendy sneakers that match your favorite denim jeans or shorts for a more laid-back look. Add on a graphic tee or cozy sweater for effortless style. Accessorize with statement sunglasses and a crossbody bag. Whether you’re exploring the great outdoors or just running errands, your comfy chic walking shoes will keep you moving throughout the day.

Styling Your Walking Shoes for Vacation

Get resort-ready with our resort wear for women that can get you walking, running, and jumping for joy on your next vacation. Your next vacation should be filled with pretty dresses and cute wedges in fun colors or patterns to add personality to your vacay look. Cropped pants and shorts are great options for sightseeing and exploring new destinations. Layer with cardigans or lightweight jackets for cool evenings when the breeze rolls in. Hats and scarves can complete any vacation look while adding a bit of holiday glamour. Stick to walking shoes with cushioned insoles and supportive features to keep your feet comfortable as you embrace vacation wanderlust.

No matter what kind of feet you have, having high arch feet doesn’t have to stop you from living your best life. Wearing comfortable and stylish cute athletic shoes can help you with short-term or chronic pain that you have. When in doubt, speak with your healthcare provider about options that may work best for you. Having proper footwear is a great way to practice preventative care and to ensure you have the support you need for your daily life. Our walking shoes at Charleston Shoe were made for walking, and that’s just what you’ll do!