Plagued with chronically throbbing feet, I believed the suffering was a necessary evil of long travel days—until a doctor said my flat feet could benefit from arch support shoes. I was not surprised. It didn’t matter if it was just a daylong solo hike in Patagonia Urban exploration throughout ScandinaviaAt the end of each day I would prop my legs up, hoping to reverse the pain.
According to some estimates, up to 37% of people have flat feet. according to a National Library of Medicine study. Many people don’t notice, but others suffer with every step. After pushing myself too far during a half marathon, I was diagnosed with posterior tibialtendonitis. This is an inflammation in my foot and ankle muscles.
If you have more severe problems, you should consult a doctor. For those who are just looking for a bit of stability on their travels, here’s some tips for finding the best arch support shoe. (My happy ending: I haven’t needed surgery and finished the Boston Marathon, thanks to proper physical therapy—and the right shoes.) Here are 17 options that will provide you with the arch support needed for a long day of walking.
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FAQ:
Who should wear arch-support shoes?
Justin Hill is a certified pedorthist at Foot Health. Hanger Clinic. “These issues are worse for many travelers when they’re on a vacation, because they’re more active than they are at home.” The problem is exacerbated by wearing slip-ons, flip-flops or other shoes with little support.
What to look out for in an ar support shoe
Grab the shoe in both hands, and then twist it in opposite directions. Hill says that patients who can wring out their shoe as if it were a washcloth are not receiving any support. Only the ball of the foot should be flexible. “Any side to side bending is a clear indicator of lack of support which could lead to discomfort or pain.”
What are the brands that make the best supportive footwear?
Brands like Asics and Brooks have models that are designed to provide more support. Other brands include On, Saucony, New Balance, On and New Balance. These are usually geared toward those who overpronate. Birkenstocks have a supportive sole with arch support. Vionic is also known for its wide range of shoes.
Sneakers
Brooks
Adrenaline GTS 25 running shoe
GuideRails is a technology that gives this shoe extra stability. When I started running long distances, my local Fleet Feet looked at my foot shape and gait. The secret is that the shoe doesn’t correct your stride but rather guides it to a direction you feel natural. All I know is that it got me through my first marathon training and became my go-to-shoe—after all, that’s what GTS stands for. With the newest version, on pre-order for a November 1 release, the extra nitrogen-infused cushioning is like walking on marshmallows—so I can go for 20,000-step travel days and not feel a tinge of tiredness.
New Balance
Fresh Foam 860v14 Sneaker
This was the first shoe that I could wear without having to have it custom-made after an injury. orthotics. New Balance’s Fresh Foam Series offers a shoe that is both comfortable and stable. This shoe was designed with a stability plan, which is a medial. postIt is a midsole device that is stiffer than the rest to align the foot.
An orthopedic doctor advised me to buy a pair Hokas, and get back into running, during the worst of my foot pain. One of the best-selling stability shoes from Hoka is this shoe with an H Frame to prevent arched feet from turning inward. The new summer update provides 3 mm of additional cushioning for a more comfortable step, without compromising security. It’s even endorsed by the American Podiatric Medical Association, a group that certifies its benefits for foot health.
The Guide line, aptly called by Saucony, maximizes cushioning and support. Comfort is the top priority, and the soles are plush, absorb shocks, but still gently guide the foot in the correct direction.
Asics
Gel-Kayano 32 road-running shoe
This stabilized running shoe is specifically designed for flat-footers and those with low arches, noting that it accounts for one of their most common traits—pushing their steps from their big and second toes. Dynamic pods underfoot provide adaptive stability, which creates a balanced stride. The 3D space construction also improves compression when the foot strikes the shoe.
Oofos may be known for its slides The classic walking shoes, which were introduced last week, are based on the same lightweight support strategies. Oofoam’s trademark high-impact absorbing Oofoam is combined with the versatile design. No-tie slip-ons have elastic laces, which means they tend to be a bit larger. Consider sizing down by a half size.
On is known for its cushioned soles and airy soles, so it’s difficult to imagine that they can also provide stability. Cloudflyer, however, is a masterful example of how On can achieve stability. It has a heel counter which cradles your ankle and a molded sock liner that stabilizes the foot. It’s also good to know that the shoe looks like a cloud and is made out of 100% recycled polymer.
Columbia Sportswear
Konos TRS Outdry shoe
Let’s face it: Hiking shoes can be a pain to pack—which is what makes this Columbia Konos hiking boot disguised as a sneaker so brilliant. After seeing that there would be rain every day on my two week trip to Thailand, I tested out shoes at home, to make sure they were durable. These passed the test without any breaking in—and kept my feet completely dry every time a storm passed. The most impressive thing was that during my Northern Thailand adventure with Intrepid Travel, they got me through an uneven and muddy four-mile hike to Huay Sathan Waterfall—with several slippery rivercrossings. The sophisticated underfoot system offered maximum cushioning, traction and support so I never questioned my stability.
Boots
Teva
Grandview Max Gore Tex walking boots
It’s easy to overlook basic support when you are looking at technical gear. Teva is a leader in this area, using its patented universal heel-lock system, Lite-Comf for a cushioned step and Vibram grip on the outside for traction.
Merrell
Moab 3 hiking boot
The dependability that comes with Merrell’s high-performing outdoor wear is merged with Gore-Tex’s gold standard of waterproofness in this simple yet powerful hiking boot, that‘s become my go-to for the last few years. At 16.36-oz. The design is robust, providing stability on all levels. The Kinetic Fit-blend contoured footbed strengthens the heel and a molded nylon shank adds arch support, while Vibram traction on the soles prevents slipping on slick surfaces, eliminating any flat-footed hiker’s worries—and taking me on adventures I thought were out of my range.
Birkenstock
Highwood slip on leather boot
It’s an all-purpose leather Chelsea boot on the outside. On the inside it has Birkenstock’s Deep Blue Footbed. This insole traces your foot anatomy to hug the heel while also providing a boost in the arch. The result is all-day comfort, with a touch of softness thanks to the suede.
Sandals, flats and sandals
Aetrex
Jillian Sports sandal
Aetrex’s favorite beach shoe, the water-resistant version is perfect for long walks on the sand. The EVA foam gives it a weightless feel, while the contoured rearfoot and arch, along with the forefoot support pod work together to ease pressure even on long walks in the sand.
Here’s what Vionic does best—take the patented footbed it’s known for with orthotic-grade arch support and apply it to styles that don’t disclose your foot problems. This footwear is designed to conceal foot problems. everyday loaferMade from post-consumer materials, the combines a solid base with extreme flexibility, and a gripping sole. But the best part for travelers is how packable these loafers are—the upper (which comes in either super soft leather or suede) squishes easily, yet retains its shape and support. They are often asked about them when I wear them to conferences or events. It’s hard to find business-casual shoes with such support.
Dansko is another popular brand with foot specialists. The removable EVA footbeds feature natural arch technology, which allows for flexibility when using custom orthotics. Dansko is best known for their professional clogs. Many of these were designed for medical workers who are on their feet for long periods. The brand also offers Mary Janes, mules and boots. This leather loafer has odor control so you can stay fresh and clean throughout the day, no matter where your journey takes you.
Birkenstock
Arizona Big Buckle Sandal
Birkenstocks’ legendary support that dates back to 1930s is still as strong today. Its deep footbed helps keep feet in place, and it supports the arch. New York University professor said, “That is the best of the best.” Dr. Louis IannuzziCurrently, he is a member of the Pedorthic Association Board of Directors. This waterproof EVA twist, though best known for its latex and cork cores is splash-friendly.
Vionic
Walk Max Wanderer sandal
These shoes were designed for walking! This walking sandal features Vionic’s arch-supported footbeds, which are found in all of the shoes in the Vionic line. This shoe is packed with features, including hook-and loop straps to adjust the fit and dual-density midsole and footbed support.
Hari Mari
Fields flip flop
Arch support is important for lazy days at the beach or pool. Unassuming in appearance, these flip flops actually pack in firm arch support as well as a memory foam core and cupped heel—all the elements of the stability needed, along with extra traction and grip but those slippery boat surfaces.
This article was updated to include new information since the original publication date.