If you’re someone who struggles with high or fallen arches, you’ve likely appreciated the ever-growing number of suitable trainers on the market.
While arch support trainers used to be stocked exclusively on specialist footwear websites, nowadays you’ll find plenty of options from your high-street favourites to keep your feet looking and feeling good.
Trevor D Prior BSc Hons FRCPodS FFPM RCPS, Consultant Podiatric Surgeon for Vionic Shoes, says: "Wearing suitable orthotic footwear provides arch support to the feet and helps to address the problems associated with various conditions or foot types. Footwear with built-in orthotics help to address the problems associated with plantar fasciitis, fallen arches, bunions, arthritis, joint pain and several other conditions."
What are the benefits of wearing shoes with arch support?
Prior explains, “Many biomechanical complaints, such as heel pain, knee pain, lower back pain and plantar fasciitis, are aggravated by poor foot function. Orthotics help to reduce unwanted movement of the foot and ankle bones, thereby allowing you to reclaim your natural footprint. In turn, this can help alleviate problems in other parts of the body. Orthotics also give a more even weight distribution, take pressure off sore spots, such as the ball of the foot, corns or bunions, and they can also provide shock absorption.”
How can someone determine their arch type and the level of arch support they need?
“Largely speaking, there are three different foot arch types: average, low and high”, he reveals. “A flat or low arch can be normal but in some people, if the arch collapses when you move, this may contribute to muscle stress and joint problems. High arches can increase the strain on muscles and joints. Your feet may not absorb shock well. If you have high arches, you should look for both arch support and cushioning.”
What are the key features to look for in a shoe with arch support?
Prior advises the following.
- Line them up: “When shopping for shoes, put your feet side by side with shoes before trying them on and visually assess if they are a good match to better predict if they will be a good fit”.
- Material: “Shoes that are not made of a forgiving material and are not the proper fit will compress and squeeze the forefoot. Wearing shoes with more structure and support, especially for some people with flat feet, is not only more comfortable but may also improve your foot function”.
- Suitable: “Make sure the shoes you wear are appropriate for what you are doing to prevent injury and pain. For example, activities like dancing and tennis (which have side-to-side, lateral movements) require a different type of support than walking, hiking and running (which are forward movements)”.
- Rigid sole and cushion: “Other features that are important when buying supportive shoes are deep heel cups and added cushion on top of a more rigid or contoured sole. The rigid sole provides some extra control and the cushion gives comfort”.
- Closed shoes: “Choose closed shoes which can be more stable and safer than very open styles. Open styles expose the midfoot, which can be unstable and encourage an unsteady gait. Open styles that have adjustable straps are a better option because they can help secure the foot."
We've rounded up all of the best arch support trainers below.
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New Balance 2002R
The New Balance 2002R trainers were designed with stability in mind, making them ideal for those who need arch support but don’t want to wave goodbye to style.
Featuring Stability Web technology, the N-ergy outsole offers outstanding grip and traction which, when combined with a cushioning underfoot and ACTEVA LITE midsole, enables a lightweight stride no matter whether you’re walking or running.
Buy now £129.99, Footlocker
Allbirds Tree Runners
Not only are Allbirds one of the more sustainable footwear brands around, they’re also ideal for arch support without setting you back a fortune. The brand’s Tree Runners are endlessly popular and tick all the boxes for style, comfort and support.
The lightweight, breathable eucalyptus fibre provides next-level comfort while their cushioned midsole gives wear-all-day support.
Buy now £68.00, Allbirds
ASICS Gel-Kayano 30
ASICS were the first ever trainers I was recommended by a podiatrist and these ASICS Gel-Kayano 30 are the newest addition to the line-up of fashion-friendly, arch-support friendly footwear from the brand.
Available in a huge range of colours, they offer a stable running experience with a more responsive feel underfoot. The GEL-KAYANO 30 shoe is designed to provide advanced stability and softer cushioning properties and features 20 per cent bio-based content, which helps to create cloud-like softness in every step.â
Buy now £130.00, Asics
HOKA Clifton 9
Ask any long-distance runner their trainer of choice and you’ll likely hear more than a few recommendations for Hoka. And, for those looking for a little extra arch support, these HOKA Clifton 9s are a great choice.
The ninth iteration of the brand’s award-winning Clifton line is lighter and more cushioned than previous models. Eliminating weight while adding 3mm in stack height, these Clifton 9s deliver a revitalised underfoot experience with a responsive new foam and improved outsole design.
Buy now £130.00, Hoka
Nike React Infinity Run Flyknit 3
Finding running shoes that offer arch support can be a tricky process but these Nike React Infinity Run Flyknit 3s tick all the boxes for ensuring an effortless jog. Designed with a Flyknit upper for lightweight breathability, this pair offers a rocker sole to support your feet as you run.
With a lace-up fastening and high-rise cushioning for comfort, they’re suitable for longer-distance running and ensuring your knees, hips and back stay suitably in place from start to finish.
Buy now £97.00, Amazon
Salomon Speedcross 6
Salomons may have been designed for trail running but you’re just as likely to see these trainers down Oxford Street or walking around Westfield as you are out in the middle of nowhere nowadays.
Staying true to its legendary roots and trail status, this Salomon Speedcross 6 is lighter with a powerful, grippy connection to the ground and plenty of support around the ankles.
Buy now £140.00, Salomon
Calla Shoes Luna Trainer
Remember the chunky Alexander McQueen trainers that were ubiquitous? You’ll find a similar model - complete with arch support - in the form of these Calla Shoes Luna Trainers.
Calla’s trainers feature a removable moulded footbed with arch support, which you’re free to remove if you’d rather swap it out for your own orthotics. They’re designed to fit EE and EEE width feet too, making them ideal if your insoles require you to go up a size or two.
Buy now £160.00, Calla Shoes
Vionic Karmelle Trainer
Vionic’s trainers were designed for those with foot issues, including not just arch support but also heel pain and toe issues. The Karmelle Trainer is one of the best for anyone who likes to keep their feet sturdy in their shoes and is made from a sophisticated mix of leather, suede and mesh.
While anyone who buys arch-support trainers knows that shoes can quickly wear out, these premium trainers ensure years of wear.
Buy now £140.00, QVC
Skechers Women's Arch Fit S-Miles Sneaker
Sometimes the classic choice is the one you really want and, in this case, the classic choice for arch support comes from Sketchers.
The Women’s Arch Fit S-Miles Sneakers feature a smooth synthetic leather upper with a removable insole system that delivers podiatrist-certified arch support. They’re comfortable and light, offering just the right amount of support for everyday wear.
Buy now £60.00, Amazon
PUMA Women's Cilia Sneaker
One of the best budget-friendly trainers for arch support comes in the form of these PUMA Women’s Cilia Sneakers. These sneakers feature a padded collar and tongue along with a shiny mesh base upper and rubber outsole for style durability and grip.
Designed for activity, these sports shoes feature an outsole that provides comfort and grip with a lightweight design that’s just as good for walking and running as it is as a staple everyday trainer.
Buy now £35.00, Amazon
Verdict
Designed with stability in mind, the New Balance 2002R trainers come with all of the necessary arch support for a comfortable walk or run. Either make use of the in-built support or switch out the included insoles for your own orthotics.
