Compare the Best Shoes for High Arches – Review Guide

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In the past finding sneakers for high arches was a problem. And while high arch shoes have increased in popularity over the last couple years from many manufacturers, the vast selection of shoes, in general, can make finding the perfect ones a vigorous task – but worry not, we are here to help. In this article, we review over 20 shoes for men and women that suffer from high arch pain.

It’s critical that if you have high arches and especially if you like to run and lead an active lifestyle, that you wear the correct footwear for your feet. The arch of the foot plays a particularly significant role in our overall health, so it’s crucial we know how to take care of it correctly. Good running shoes for high arches can be the difference from being able to run a marathon without any pain to not being able to walk around the house or office.

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BEST SHOES FOR HIGH ARCHES- MEN’S

#1 - Orthofeet MEN'S OXFORD MODEL 465 Men's Dress Shoes

When you’re looking for a men’s Oxford dress shoe, and you need support for your high arches, one of the best shoes is the Orthofeet MEN’S OXFORD MODEL 465. This shoe has a spacious interior which is great for extra toe movement and to make sure no part puts pressure on your toes. The come with an incredible orthotic insole which provides stability and cushioning when walking. These shoes seem like a miracle and a modern marvel, if you have pain on the ball of your foot or heel, hips, knees and even your lower back, these dress shoes are for you. There are times when it seems difficult to find comfortable shoes for your high arches that you can also wear in the office, this Oxford model work they will be a lot less painful. Don’t be surprised feel immediate pain relief from the very first moment you put them on since for the majority of the people; they do not require a break-in period.

PROS

Fit: True to size
Orthotic friendly design
¼” thick in the forefoot – easily provides the space needed for custom orthotics
Make them your own, comes with two sets of removable spacers (1/16" and 1/8")

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#2 - Oboz Men's Tamarack Low Waterproof BDry Hiking Shoe

If you work outside and need a comfortable hiking style shoe for high to very high arches, then you’re in luck with the Oboz Men’s Tamarack Low Waterproof BDry Hiking Shoe. Oboz has made an exceptional hiking shoe, but besides hiking, is just a great shoe for anyone that needs to be outdoors in rugged terrain. With its unique moisture resistant top layer, they will help keep your feet comfortable and dry at the same time; the BDry technology allows for sweat to escape your shoe while at the same time preventing water, mud, and moisture from coming into your shoes. This is an extremely durable shoe which is helped by its rubber toe; it’s the small details that help make a good shoe into a great shoe. All throughout the design, this shoe is made for comfort and cushioning, and its insole is a masterpiece for people with high arches.

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#3 - Ariat Men's Workhog Work Boot - Wide Square Toe

When it comes to workboots for men that have high arches, the best work boot has to be the Ariat Men’s Workhog Work Boot. For any type of occupation that requires excellent support and cushioning while providing the maximum stability, the Ariat Workhog is the top choice. While this is made as a “work boot,” it’s a great design and exceptional comfort can be used anywhere. The soles are actually made to standup to rigorous and rugged working conditions, and it’s notable construction, and reliable build quality is easy to notice from the first time you hold them. As with most of the best boots, these do require a break-in period to perfectly mold to your foot. After a week of wearing them, they’re going to feel better than any other work boot you’ve ever worn. We like them so much; we wish Ariat made a steel toe version of the Workhog Work Boot.

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BEST WOMEN'S SHOES FOR HIGH ARCHES

#1 - Vionic Women's, Hydra Slip on Shoes

The Vionic HYDRA SLIP-ON SNEAKER is one of the most comfortable and best reviewed shoes women with high arches. This casual slip-on sneaker is lightweight and comes in great colors so I can go with almost any casual wardrobe. The mesh top is breathable and comfortable. For for women that are in constant pain due to bunions or high arches and do a lot of walking, this sneaker is a lifesaver. One of the best things about this sneaker is that it does not look like a sneaker and can be worn around the office. Vionic has been making some of the most comfortable shoes for folks that have many foot ailments, and while their primary focus is people with plantar fasciitis, it can be stated that these shoes are a great case of how a shoe can be applied for more than one type of foot issue. As with other Vionic shoes we really like that there’s basically no break-in period, you can start wearing them out-of-the-box and extreme comfort. The shoes are lightweight and comfy to wear, which is great for wearing all day long, even if you’re standing most of the day. From our testing and online reviews, this specific Vionic model seems to run just a bit small so we recommend ordering half a size larger.

PROS

Comfortable
Easy to put on
Wide heel
Style is casual
Lightweight
Slip-on sneaker

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#2 - Orthofeet 851 Women's CHATTANOOGA MARY JANE SHOES

One of our favorite and best-rated shoes for women with high arches is the ORTHOFEET model 851 CHATTANOOGA MARY JANE SHOES. Similar to other Orthofeet shoes, these Mary Jane style shoes extra room for comfortable toe movement. These include premium orthotic inserts for excellent arch support and since the two way strap fastening system can be adjusted on either side of the shoe it provides for a perfect fit for everyone. The shoes can be worn without discomfort and without a break in period. If you have suffered from bunions or hammertoes don’t worry about looking for ugly unattractive shoes, these look great. Their appearance and comfort level is excellent, and their quality is some of the best from any shoe manufacturer. The shoes have been a favorite of teachers and nurses for a long time, and we understand why – they are comfortable.

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#3 - Vionic Women's Tide II Toe-Post Sandal

There are some shoes that seem to be “magical.” They work for people that have plantar fasciitis, people that have flat feet, and even others that have high arches. These sandals are one of these magical shoes. We have recommended these shoes to others that have such foot ailments, and we have yet to hear any negative feedback – this has to be one of Vionic’s bestsellers and from the reviews out we see online – they are. Vionic seems to be experimenting with more designs with these flip-flops, now they have added sequins to some of the styles while keeping their iconic look. They offer an excellent fit for high arch foot pain and have a very sturdy supportive build.

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BEST RUNNING SHOES FOR HIGH ARCHES - MEN’S

#1 - New Balance Men's 990V4 Running Shoe

Running, walking and jogging are some of the best exercises we can do to maintain a healthy lifestyle. It doesn’t matter if you’re just getting into running for you are an experience multi-marathon experienced runner, we all know foot pain happens. And living with foot pain discomfort is a problem that many people wish they could surely fix even if it were a little bit expensive. The New Balance Men’s 990V4 Running Shoe is one of the more expensive running shoes in the market but for many they are well worth their weight in gold. These running shoes are made in the USA and have a cult-like following; people from all walks of life have made this shoe one of their favorite. One example was Apple’s co-founder, Steve Jobs, was one of its fans and was regularly seen wearing these shoes even if he wasn’t running marathons. You can still view the shoes in the many movies based on his life. For countless people this is their favorite shoe. It doesn’t matter that it’s a sneaker; it’s their favorite shoe in their closet period. They are made to last and are remarkably comfortable. This sneaker is of excellent quality and besides being so supportive that they help reduce back pains, they are also very breathable and stable. We are glad that New Balance has now made the shoes in additional colors besides their iconic gray. At the end of the day, that reasonable thing to say is that the New Balance 990 shoes are unquestionably worth every penny.

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#2 - Brooks Men's Glycerin 16 Men's Neutral Road Running Shoes

The Glycerin version 16 has just been released by Brooks in this sneaker is definitely one of the best high arch support running shoes. We love the midsole and stability of the Brooks Men’s Glycerin 16. The new version of the Glycerin is the 16, compared to the previous versions of the shoe, this one has a more balanced soft cushion. The new mesh upper area surrounds the foot in complete softness feeling more like a sock than an actual shoe. Besides running the Glycerin v16 are excellent every day walking shoes. Some people think that because they’re a little bit wide in the toe area, they are too wide, but for this reason they are excellent for high arched feet. The foot is supported without being constrained. This is a shoe that has been preferred by nurses, doctors and surgeons for years. If you are in a hospital setting we are sure you have seen the shoes worn by many colleagues. Standing 8-10 hours a day on hard floors will not seem unbearable at all. While this shoe is also a favorite of runners with plantar fasciitis, runners with high arches will also benefit from the overall stability of this very comfortable sneaker.

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#3 - Saucony Men's Zealot ISO 3 Running Shoe

When a runner is looking for high arch running shoes, it’s recommended to have a neutral cushion on the sneaker’s midsole. For many men, the Saucony ISO 3 will be one of the really good shoes they buy for running since it’s a very lightweight neutral running shoe with a thick dense cushion. If you usually destroy the inside part of the sneaker’s sole, then you are an overpronator, and this sneaker will be excellent for you. They are excellent for using on treadmills as well as the road. And while they might be some of the best shoes for running, they do seem to wear faster than others in certain road conditions. They do have an excellent grip which might be the reason for the fast there wear. The toe box has ample room and does not restrict toe movement.

TL;DR – Awesomely comfortable neutral running shoes.

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BEST RUNNING SHOES FOR WOMEN WITH HIGH ARCHES

#1 - Mizuno Women's Wave Rider 21 Running Shoe

Mizuno has a loyal following with the Wave Rider 21 Running Shoe. The top of this shoe is very breathable and feels more like a lightweight sock and the cushioning around the ankle is exceptional. Find the perfect high arch support shoes is not always easy but we think the Wave Rider 21 is a winner. Experienced runners love them because they provide a soft gentle cushion every step you take which is great benefit to consider as you get older. Finding shoes the help you deal with foot pains is essential in helping you keep an active life. The shock absorbing is excellent. This is another top-rated running shoe that can be used for general fitness and in the gym without a problem. As with some Mizuno sneakers, it’s better to take a few days for breaking period to help personalize and mold footbed to your foot. Mizuno has a great color selection but we do wish they were available in more classic simple colors such as all black or gray but as the saying goes to each their own. For us runners that have high arches, it’s better to get one size up.

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#2 - ASICS Women's GEL-Venture 6 Running Shoe

In our opinion, ASICS makes some of the top running shoes around. The ASICS Women’s GEL-Venture 6 is one of the best rated and highest reviewed NEUTRAL running shoes for UNDERPRONATION (SUPINATION). The new redesign of the GEL-Venture 6 is exceptional for trails and will keep your feet cushion all along the way no matter how far you are running. If you wear orthotics for high arches, then you’re going to think this shoe is a gift from above since this shoe has a removable sock liner which is great for the extra space needed for custom medical orthotics and inserts. The cushioning system at the heel is stupendous, and while these are intended for running, they are great for general exercise and all-around use. They are pretty stylish compared to other running sneakers, and we positively consider these a great buy.

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#3 - Brooks Women's Ghost 11

The Brooks Women’s Ghost 11 is truly a state of the art running shoe. The 11th version of the popular Brooks Ghost has a new waterproof, breathable upper thanks to Gore-Tex® materials used. It’s a balanced running sneaker with a soft cushion that provides a great overall feel; Brooks is really onto something with this mesh because it extraordinarily feels like a sock hugging your foot instead of just a shoe. As with most Brooks running shoes, this has an excellent grip for any road conditions. For the majority of runners with high arches looking for lightweight sneakers, it’s going to feel like running in the clouds, fluffy and heavenly all the way around. For many of us while walking and running this is also an exceptional walking shoe that is very cushy and protected of our knees and hips. One thing we need to mention about the Ghost 11 is that it’s about half an ounce heavier than the Ghost 10, this seems to be related to the new updated waterproof materials. We don’t think that this makes that much of a difference and we really prefer the waterproofing over the half an ounce, but it still needs to be noted.

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BEST SNEAKERS FOR HIGH ARCHES (MEN’S WALKING)

#1 - New Balance Men's 1080v8 Fresh Foam Running Shoe

When you begin looking for the best walking shoes for high arches, it’s of utmost importance to find shoes that have high arch support insoles. The New Balance Fresh Foam 1080v8 now include an Ortholite® Premium insole that provides exceptional cushioning for arch support and is designed for durable comfort. The breathable engineered mesh gives an extra snug feel that is remarkably comfortable. The shoe has a neutral cushion and is considered a mid-weight sneaker at only 11 ounces and has been designed for premium comfort all-around. We say “considered mid-weight” because for some people that are used to extremely lightweight shoes, this shoe can be considered heavy, but from our testing it’s not heavy. New Balance says that this shoe is designed with luxurious cushioning and we have to agree, this entire shoe helps absorb impact like very few others that we have tested and reviewed. One of the things that they have improved in this latest version is about the engineered mesh, is stretches and subtly hugs the midfoot and the arch helping provide a magnificent stability for walking or running. As with all reviews it’s important to note that for many people this shoe runs a bit small, so getting half a size higher might be helpful, while providing the snug Fresh Foam feel. If you have high arches and a wide foot, make sure you get the wide version in your jogs and walks be much more comfortable. If you live in a cooler/colder climates, keep in mind that the shoes have excellent ventilation which means that your feet can get a little bit cool while running. This is kind of a first world problem – an excellent running and walking shoe, that gives too much ventilation; so your feet don’t sweat, might actually be too great at moving air when its cold outside.

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#2 - Orthofeet MEN'S ATHLETIC SPRINT - TIE-LESS LACE & HEEL STRAP

Orthofeet has been making some of the best shoes and sneakers for foot pains in the recent years. They have become one of the top podiatrists recommended shoes because of their amazing orthotic technology. They currently make two versions of this walking sneaker that is great for high arches; they are model 672 and model 674. The only difference is that the 672 is the Gray version and the 674 is the blue one. As with other Orthofeet shoes, this walking sneaker includes premium orthotic insoles and has a toe box that is extra spacious and warm not hinder total movement or put pressure on your toes. We love that it has an orthotic-friendly design in case you prefer to use your custom orthotic inserts. The shoes don’t require any laces since they have incorporated Velcro’s straps into the design. The cushioned sole is lightweight and soft and’s every step at an angle the helps you move forward. This is sneaker is undoubtedly designed for walking and that easy to notice from the first moment you put them on. One additional feature that this sneaker has is that it easily accommodates white feet and braces and since not every walking sneaker has this feature, it’s important to note in case you need them. While these walking sneakers are great for high arches, if you have plantar fasciitis they are also highly recommended.

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#3 - ASICS Men's GEL-Tech Walker Neo 4 Walking Shoe

While there seem to be countless good walking shoes for men, finding ones for high arch foot pain is a whole other matter. We are glad that the ASICS GEL-Tech Walker Neo 4 still be found online. As with other shoes designed for higher arches that we have already mentioned, this one provides a very good upper fit thanks to its improved breathable mesh. We especially like that it has a quite high-grade Ortholite® Sockliner, this helps by adding to the internal comfort of the shoe and at the same time providing anti-microbial protection. This shoe is not intended as a running shoe so please keep this in mind. This is a very good walking shoe if you have high arches.

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BEST SNEAKERS FOR HIGH ARCHES (WOMEN’S WALKING)

#1 - Vionic Women's DASH SLIP ON SNEAKER

When we reviewed the Vionic DASH SLIP ON SNEAKER, we became instant fans. These casual tennis shoes are perfect for walking and are profoundly praised. They are made in medium and wide widths and in three color combinations. We are sure that after wearing a pair you will buy more than one color combination. This slip-on sneaker has excellent arch support and outstanding comfort. While this shoe is not explicitly designed for high arched feet, it’s footbed has wonderful arch support for high arches. One of the chief suggestings we have for you regarding this walking sneaker is to allow yourself for a small break-in period when you first get them. Just wear them around the house a little bit at a time for the first few days. Also, make sure you wear them the same way you will usually be wearing them – wear them with socks during the break-in period if you will often be wearing them in with socks. After a few days, you will see that the insole and the shoe have become one with your foot, it’s absolutely incredible. These slip-ons are easy to clean which is great because you’re going to be wearing them a lot.

Regarding the Velcro straps, in some reviews, some people might assume that the adjustable Velcro straps might be unnecessary and an overkill, when they are there for a good reason; that reason is better helping stabilize your foot effectively. Since Vionic makes this shoe, and they specialize in plantar fasciitis shoes, this is another shoe on our list that can be utilized for high arches and plantar fasciitis. And while the inserts are not specifically “high arch insoles,” they work remarkably well for high arches. Overall this is an extremely comfortable run-around walking shoe for women.

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#2 - Brooks Women's Adrenaline GTS 18

The Brooks Women’s Adrenaline GTS 18 is meant as a road running shoes, but they also make excellent walking sneakers if you have high arch foot pain. They are well cushioned and extraordinarily supportive, and if you use them for jogging, they do assist in improving your running posture which makes them an overall comfortable trainer. They come with removable insoles in case you have your own custom orthotics. Overall, this shoe is an incredibly well cushioned neutral sneaker that gives superior stability without being overly stiff which makes is what makes it one of our favorite all-around walking shoes. They feel great on the feet and are so light that you forget you are wearing them. If you have bunions or particularly wide feet, these shoes will be a lifesaver. This Brooks model seems to run about half a size smaller than typical, but the width feels perfect. Overall these are great either as a running shoe or just a walking sneaker. Here is another shoe that is fantastic for plantar fasciitis as well as high arches.

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#3 - Orthofeet Tahoe WOMEN'S ATHLETIC - TIE-LESS LACE, MODEL 910/911/916

When you are researching for the best shoes for foot pains there are a few brands that continually seem pop up. Orthofeet is one of those brands because they make very good shoes for high arches as well as other foot ailments. The Orthofeet Tahoe Athletic Shoe comes in three colors, white/blue, black and pink. They bring great orthotic inserts which give an outstanding anatomical correct arch support and are amazing to walking thanks to their multiple layers of cushioning. But don’t worry if you prefer to use your own custom insoles, the shoes provide extra depth for orthotics up to a quarter inch thick. And for women that do a lot of walking, this is will be one of their favorite shoes – it’s probably the reason so many nurses around the country wear them as their work shoe. If you read a lot of reviews online you’re going to notice that these are some of the best shoes for nurses for many good reasons. It doesn’t matter if you spend 10 hours a day on your feet and have plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendinitis after you start wearing the Orthofeet Tahoe shoe, you’re going to forget about these annoying foot pains. If you have “difficult feet” these are going to be a real lifesaver.

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NIKES or ASICS

Looking to find good shoes for high arches from your favorite shoe brands?

6 Best

BEST ASICS FOR HIGH ARCHES

#1 - ASICS Men's Gel-Nimbus 19 Running Shoe

Out of all the ASICS running shoes, these are some of our overall favorite high arch tennis shoes since they are designed specifically for runners with high arches. Since not all footwear is designed with UNDERPRONATION (SUPINATION) in mind when a company as big as ASICS wants to make an excellent shoe for a specific group in the market, they have the know-how and financial backing to be able to accomplish it as they did here. With this shoe, it seems that ASICS more than succeeded as the Gel-Nimbus 19 is one of the very best athletic shoes for high arches currently available.

They are meant for extreme comfort and a responsive ride for neutral runners. We love the seamless construction that makes sure there’s is no type of friction that can be associated due to traditional stitches. The Gel-Nimbus 19 includes a premium ORTHOLITE® X-40 sockliner that make sure sweat is removed while allowing excellent breathability. Since this is a shoe design for running, ASICS has taken special care in designing the heel and cushioning system as well as the eyelets since many runners use different lacing techniques to create or remove tension through the shoelaces. We highly recommend these absolutely amazing sneakers!

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#2 - ASICS Men's Gel-Contend 4 Running Shoe

ASICS makes the Gel-Contend 4 Running Shoe for both men and women in these are some of the best budget-friendly shoes for high arches in the market. If you happen to use a custom medical orthotic inserts or high arch support inserts, then any of these will easily fit by removing the stock sockliner. This ASICS running shoe runs slightly small so remember ordering half a size larger. Overall this is a great everyday walking shoe.

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BEST NIKES FOR HIGH ARCHES

#1 - NIKE Men's Air Monarch IV Cross Trainer

If you’re a fan of Nike shoes, there are probably times when you can’t find the perfect ones if you have high arch feet.

But that is no longer an issue since we have been researching for the best Nike for high arched feet. TheNike Air Monarch IV Cross Trainer is one of the best for these cases since they have a lightweight cushion and Phylon midsole which consist of compressed EVA foam pellets; this provides great flexibility with a stable foot bed. These cross-training tennis shoes are excellent for the gym and everyday use and come in a wide selection of styles.

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#2 - NIKE Air Force 1 Men’s Basketball Shoes

The Nike Air Force 1 Men’s Basketball Shoes is a classic basketball shoe that has been available since 1982. While it offers ample arch support, one of its best features is that it allows for custom inserts with a spacious interior. We especially like the thick comfortable sole and the very padded ankle collar. Since Nike has been producing this shoe for a few decades, it’s important to make sure you get authentic ones since now there seems to be a flux of fake ones being sold on the Internet. The “AF1” as they are also called by fans has a following worldwide. Besides being extremely comfortable, they look awesome. And we understand, a basketball shoe like this one from Nike’s is not what we ordinarily expect to find when we are looking for shoes with high arch support, but these positively fit the bill.

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Let’s briefly discuss insoles for high arches. We understand that even with all the great shoes we have already shown you, for some folks, it’s always best to use insoles specially designed for a high arch foot. One of the best reasons for using orthotic insoles is that they can be transferred from shoe to shoe. We take into consideration that not every shoe we review is going to match with every outfit you need to wear so having a great pair of insoles is always a good plan and also great for your budget!

BEST INSOLES FOR HIGH ARCHES

#1 - Superfeet GREEN, High Arch Orthotic Insoles – Unisex

When we say that SuperGreen Insoles can save you from the pain, we mean it! Superfeet makes amazingly quite good, high-quality insoles; and for high arches the make some of our favorites. The cushioning heel cup provides marvelous shock absorption. Superfeet GREEN has an outstanding base and has a particularly strong structure to help biomechanically stabilize the foot while helping lower the stress on your knees and ankles. One of our favorite characteristics is the unique organic odor controlling coating that does a fantastic job of stopping odor-causing bacteria due to sweat. Since these are unisex there perfect for both men and women, it doesn’t matter if you’re wearing them with your boots or with your high heel shoes. These inserts are “vegan” since they are manufactured free of latex as well as formaldehyde and other unfriendly substances. Overall these are wonderful for proper posture and form in any activity you perform on your feet. Overall, we can highly recommend this orthotic insole for high arch individuals.

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#2 - Sof Sole FIT Series High Arch Inserts – Unisex

We are fans of the Sof Sole FIT Series High Arch inserts. They can use for just about any type of sports activity, but they are also perfect design for just walking around town. They are designed to provide extra cushioning for feet with an extraordinarily high arch. One thing to keep in mind when purchasing orthotic inserts is always to choose a size bigger if your shoe size is a “half size” since you can always trim the excess parts of the insoles. These Sof Sole insoles provide an extreme cushion since the heel area is about 7 mm thick in the forefoot around 5 mm. We highly recommend these as they are made of astonishingly high quality and will be an excellent investment for your overall foot health.

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We hoped we helped you find the best shoes for high arches!

In closing this article we hope that we have helped you find the right shoes the help alleviate pains related to high arches. We will be updating the reviews for 2019 in the coming months and if you enjoy our articles articles and reviews, or just have a comment, please leave us a reply below.