Whether you’re commuting to work, taking a walk with your puppies (or kitten), or jogging through Central Park, wearing shoes without arch support can be game over (no, we’re not talking no Thanos snapping his fingers) for your feet. Without it, arch pain, tight muscles, and collapsed arches (oh my god) are likely to ensue. Luckily, the best sneakers for arches exist, so we enlisted an orthopedic surgeon to get their opinion.
Before diving in, why is arch support so important? For starters, it can prevent and manage foot injuries, according to Nam Tran, DPM, a Dallas, TX-based foot and ankle surgeon. “Arch support helps achieve the proper biomechanical alignment of the foot that is necessary for pain-free walking,” says Dr. Tran. “When our joints are positioned correctly, it greatly reduces the likelihood of early onset arthritis, overuse injuries, and ligament/tendon injuries.”
Not all shoes are built the same, so before swiping your credit card, Dr. Tran recommends checking your inserts first. Support shoes will have inserts containing fillers in the arch area. “If the insert doesn’t have one and the inside floor of the shoe is flat, it’s quite possible that the shoe doesn’t contain arch support,” he adds.
We called on Dr. Tran for his best sneakers for arches. Ahead, you will find its main recommendations, so that you can avoid foot pain.
The 4 Best Sneakers for Arches
Hoka, Clifton 8 — $140.00
Receiving the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) Seal of Approval for promoting good foot health, the Hoka Clifton 8 consistently ranks at the top. It’s lightweight, breathable (thanks to the mesh), and has a cushioned, responsive midsole that cushions your feet on impact. Overall, “The Clifton is a great shoe that provides support as well as overall cushioning,” says Dr. Tran.
Sizes available: 5-12
Colors and patterns available: 18
Asics, Gel-Kayano 29 — $160.00
If your feet tend to roll inward 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. Plus, the external heel counter cradles your feet and the knit outer layer keeps air flowing (see you soon, sweaty feet).
Sizes available: 5-13
Colors and patterns available: 11
New Balance, Fresh Moss X 1080v12 — $160.00
Lightweight, breathable and supportive, the New Balance 1080s are “a great all-around shoe with lots of cushion and accommodation,” Dr. Tran says. The midsole is foam, absorbing shock so your joints and arches don’t have to, and the outer layer is knit (so light and breathable it feels like a second skin). It is available in classic colors like white and black as well as electric purple, vibrant sky blue and lime green.
Sizes available: 5-13
Colors and patterns available: 12
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Vionic Sneaker, Unlimited – $135.00
With a reinforced heel, cushioned sole and breathable mesh, there’s no limit to how far you can go with these kicks. The insoles have been designed to contour and support the natural curvature of your arches, and the shoe has an advanced design to propel you into your next step, making it a great option, especially “for patients who may suffer from conditions painful like plantar fasciitis,” says Dr. Tran.
Sizes available: 5-14.5
Colors and patterns available: 4
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