People with a high arch (cavus feet) experience many problems in terms of walking. Due to this problem, walking usually becomes painful and finding appropriate footwear becomes as irritating as the inconveniences this disorder can bring. Neurological disorders are the ones that usually contribute to someone having a high arch but it can also be inherited. This review will help you find the best orthotic shoes for high arches and help you walk again without impairment.
Quick overview
| Product | Vionic Men’s Orthaheel Technology Walker | Brooks Men's Addiction Walker Walking Shoes | New Balance Men's MW928 Walking Shoe | SPIRA Women’s classic Leather Walking Shoe | Brook’s Women’s Addiction Walker Walking shoes | Sketchers for Work Women's Shape Ups Slip Resistant Sneaker |
| Material | Full-grained leather | Leather | Leather | Leather | Leather | Leather |
| The country the shoes are made in? | China | United States | Vietnam | United States | United States | United States |
| Are they shock absorbing? | Shock-absorbing EVA midsole | HydroFlow shock absorbing technology | ABZORB shock-absorbing technology | Wavespring shock-absorbing technology | HydroFlow shock absorbing technology | Kinetic Wedge technology |
| What colors are available? | Grey, white and black | Black, brown and white | Brown, black and white | Black and white | Black, white, bone white | Black and white |
| Do they have the diagonal Rollbar? | No | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | No |
For men
Vionic Men’s Orthaheel Technology Walker
Vionic is the first to create heat moldable orthotics which afterward developed into Orthaheel Orthotic, the first one of this kind you could get without doctor’s prescription. They have truly concreted themselves to aiding people with heel pain and made sure to create affordable shoes that would set thousands of people into action.
Vionic Men’s Orthaheel Technology Walker are sneakers made of full grained leather, have synthetic soles, shock-absorbing EVA midsole, and flexible rubber outsole. They’re available in several different colors: black, gray, white and taupe.
These sneakers are customized to be sporty and comfortable. The leather is waterproof as well, which will save you from worrying how rain can ruin your brand-new footwear. Once you put the sneakers on, you’ll feel that your foot position is back to its original state thanks to the contoured orthotic bed with deep heel cup.
The medium-density EVA midsole will alleviate the shock that usually puts stress on your feet, knees, and ankles. This is a sort of footwear you can wear throughout the whole day because not only your feet will feel more relaxed but stable as well because of the firm thermoplastic heel.
Additionally, you’ll be able to move your feet freely in these sneakers as they have a durable outsole with flex groves. Thanks to 100% polyester mesh liner with PU foam base, there will be no friction against your skin and feet will be allowed to breathe. You can also let your worries about smelly feet and bacteria be gone! These sneakers have removable orthotic features and anti-bacterial top cloth.
Unfortunately, you may be forced to change these shoes a bit more often because the durability is not really on their side. If you wear them continuously but take good care of them, they could last up to 6 months. Also, the size could be a problem because, when you order them online, you can always end up buying shoes which are too small. Therefore, ordering shoes one size bigger could possibly solve this problem as well as the problem with the endurance.
Pros:
- Puts your foot in a natural position thanks to the contoured orthotic bed.
- Thermoplastic heel brings you stability.
- There will be no pond skipping as the shoes are made of waterproof leather.
- Durable outsole with flex grooves gives you the freedom of movement of your feet in the shoes.
- No bacteria will attack your feet because of the anti-bacterial top cloth.
- Full-grained leather makes them extra comfortable.
- EVA midsole will absorb the shock that could possibly pressure your feet and knees.
- Thanks to polyester, the shoes are breathable with no skin friction.
Cons:
- The shoes are not very durable.
- Picking the size of the shoes is tricky when you buy them online.
Brooks Men’s Addiction Walker Walking Shoes
Brooks is a company that tries hard to give their customers what they deserve. By paying attention to details that we don’t usually take note of, they provide thousands of people with the comfort that makes them want to stand on their feet forever.
Brook’s Men’s Addiction Walker Walking Shoes are comfortable and casual at the same time. They’re made of full-grain leather that provides the shoes with durability and softness. They also have a removable sock liner. Hydroflow technology along with dynamic gooey fluids empowers the midsole cushioning and shock absorption.
The MoGo midsole compound in the shoes gives some extra cushy feel and provides energy return. There’s a robust post at the medial arch, i.e. Extended Progressive Diagonal Rollbar that controls progressive pronation. What gives the flexibility to the shoes is the energy-efficient S-257 Cushsole.
The mid-sole and outsole are backed up by MC Pod Configuration that sets foot in such a position that enables your foot to be in a balanced, fixed position while providing it with movability. The outsole is also made of environmentally-friendly silica that will prevent skidding.
The shoes are very easy to wear according to customers and last long. They’re convenient to wear even at some slightly formal occasions such as meetings. If you have plantar fasciitis or arthritis besides high arch, these shoes are a great choice. To support the arch, even more, you can add some professional insoles. The only thing you have to be weary of is the sizing. If you are ordering them online, we can fairly say that you won’t miss if you purchase the ones which are somewhat bigger in size than you usually wear.
Pros:
- The design has a very versatile use.
- The ‘’life-span’’ is longer than the others of this kind. With care, these could last you well more than 6 months despite the every-day use.
- The shoes are constructed so that you can always run or walk an extra mile without getting tired thanks to the MoGo tech that ‘’returns’ energy
- Diagonal Rollbar will take care of pronation
- HydroFlow technology is there to absorb the shock
- Mc Pod Configuration in the midsole gives your feet a standard position.
- The shoes have ecological silica that will prevent skidding.
Cons:
- Choosing the size is tricky.
New Balance Men’s MW928 Walking Shoe
New Balance is a company founded in 1906 and has been a leader when it comes to sports footwear since then. They are seated in the state of Massachusetts, America, but are well-known across all the continents. They pride themselves on technical features of their shoes such as blended gel inserts, heel counters and a great selection of sizes.
New Balance Men’s MW928 Walking shoe is made of leather featuring lace-up vamp. The thick cushioned collar will fix your foot in an optimal position. The sole is made of rubber. The stabilizing Rollbar technology will stop your feet from pronation.
Repelling feet smell won’t be on the list of your worries because seamless odor resistant Phantom Liner will take care of this. The shaft measures approximately 2.33’’ from the arch and is supported by Walking Strike Path Outsole. An elemental part of the shoes’ construction is the ABZORB technology that acts like a shield against shock to the feet and knees.
These shoes are recommended by many podiatrists. Customers also boast about how the shoes could be worn even at workplaces with dress codes. What gives them a special note is a leather which is natural. This is the reason the color is not really equal at all places which are pretty common for this sort of material.
These shoes have been compared to the 927 model. Seemingly, the ones who are not satisfied claim that the quality of the shoes has been declining. This is manifesting through their durability which sometimes doesn’t exceed 3-4 months. Having in mind that many shoes of this kind last between 6 months to a year because their users wear them quite often, we can say that durability is not the strongest quality of these shoes.
Pros:
- The shoes are made by a trustful company with years of experience at customizing shoes for workers with long standing hours.
- They’re cushioned so your foot isn’t too lose.
- The shoes are equipped with the pronation-preventing Rollbar.
- Your feet won’t smell in these shoes.
- Have a somewhat elegant design that allows you to wear them even on official occasions.
- Shoes are made of natural leather.#
- They are equipped with ABZORB technology that has the role of shock-repellant.
Cons:
- In comparison to previous models, the durability is dropping.
Click Here to see the latest price
For women
SPIRA Women’s Classic Leather Walking Shoe
SPIRA has been supporting effortless walking and injury protection for many years. What makes their footwear special is the Wavespring technology whose most amazing effect is the return of energy which means you’ll be able to walk or run a few more miles without exhaustion.
SPIRA Women’s Classic Leather Walking Shoes are very breathable and are enhanced by a rubber sole. There is no slipping in them and the design ensures you can use them in very versatile ways. The logo is imprinted on the tongue, side, and heel.
These shoes have full cushioning which will take you anywhere you want to go. There’s also a removable inner sole for using personal orthotics. The Wavespring technology will take in the shock and return the energy. Full external midfoot shank support affords torsional stability. Compared to previous models, this one has bigger toe box which will make your toes very happy as they’ll have more space. Extra cushioning is added by full-length memory foam insert.
The major issue we could find with the shoes is that some customers said the product felt heavy which might not be very pleasing. What we also find as a trouble with the product is that it is only available in black and white colors which could be bothersome for people who would like a wider array of options. Despite the fact that the design is trendy, adding color would be a great spice!
Pros:
- The shoes are geared with Wavespring technology that provides cushioning and energy return.
- The shoes are secured against slipping.
- The design is very fancy and enables you to wear them in different occasions.
- Besides your feet, the torso is secured as well.
- The toes have a big toe-box.
- Memory foam is added for extra cushioning.
Cons:
- Might feel heavy to some people.
- The line doesn’t have the most imaginative array of colors.
Click Here to see the latest price
Brooks Women’s Addiction Walker Walking Shoes
Brooks’ Women’s Addiction Walker Walking Shoes are as good as the ones made for men. They’re supported by a synthetic sole. The tongue is cushioned and partially sewn. Orthotics can be easily accommodated.
As the ones made for men, these have the shock absorbing technology that combines HydroFlow in the midsole and the gooey fluid in the heel and forefront. There is also pronation control Diagonal Rollbar technology as well as innovative MoGo technology for soft and stable cushy feel. The Pod Configuration will place your foot in a balanced position allowing it to be flexible and stable at the same time.
These shoes are especially good for those of you who need wider toe box due to wide feet. Although they have been made in 2 different countries, China and Vietnam, there are no major differences in the quality. The ones made in Vietnam are maybe narrower and the leather is stiffer but this makes no difference when it comes to how comfortable they are. To make them even more convenient, you’re welcomed to purchase some flat laces as they put much less weight on the upper side of your foot.
These shoes are apparently not made for summer as it is possible they’ll add some extra heat. Also, the design is not very feminine which many ladies complain about. It is true that such a thing doesn’t matter when you’re making a product that is supposed to ease the pain and make your life better, but today’s customers are very picky and long for a perfect product that will both look attractive and feel cozy.
Pros:
- The shoes have removable orthotics.
- HydroFlowA and gooey fluid in the midsole and heel will absorb the shock.
- The shoes are also supplied with Rollbar and MoGo technology for extra cushy feeling and stability.
- The foot in the shoe is set into its natural position.
- Wide toe-box
Cons:
- Feet feel warm in these shoes which make them unsuitable for summer weather.
- The design is not what the target customers are really looking for.
Sketchers for Work Women’s Shape Ups Slip Resistant Sneaker
Sketchers started small with utility-style boots and skate shoes in 1991. Then it spread its business and now has a worldwide renowned name in fashion and sports industry. When it comes to footwear, they’ve got several lines including the ones for everyday use, the ones for working and the line for professional sportsmen. Sketchers for Work Women’s Shape Upsize one of their most popular footwear that has met the expectation of millions of females with troubled feet.
These leather shoes’ heels measure approximately 1.75’’ while the platform measures 1.25’’. They are also claimed to provide protection against electrically energized objects. They are designed with durable, ultra-lightweight toe and high-grade materials for superior strength, protection, and comfort. The shoes are also slip-resistant. Padded collar and tongue, cushioned insole and Kinetic Wedge super soft foam in the midsole will make you feel as if you were walking on clouds.
The only issue we found with the product is that it is not long-lasting. After a short period, they will start cracking at the front and the sole will start to break away. Other than this, customers seem to be satisfied with the product and it majorly received 5 stars. Most of them obviously do not mind replacing the shoes every so often.
Pros:
- The shoes are very safe: they are not skidding and will also provide you with the protection from electricity.
- The shoes are comfortable: they have padded tongue and collar as well as the super soft foam in the insole.
- Kinetic Wedge Technology will absorb the shock and the
Cons:
- The shoes are not very durable.
Click Here to see the latest price
Buyers’ guide
Buying the best orthotic shoes for high arches isn’t an easy task. You’ll probably have to look for the ones that fit you for quite a long time. Doctors can help you with this by finding the cause of this leg deformity and then recommend you shoes that will support your feet in the best way possible.
When it comes to men footwear that is specially customized for high arches, the ones that will last you the longest are Brooks’s shoes. Along with a fashionable design, they have the cutting edge technology in their asset that will aid your aching feet for a good year. Vionic’s the pioneer and innovator in this industry.
This shoe-making veteran constructed shoes that will align with your feet perfectly and please them with a nice design, full-grained leather, and protection from odor and bacteria. They’re the forefathers of modern orthotic tech so if you would like to buy from a brand with revolutionary ideas, their shoes are the right choice. New Balance Shoes have a century of history on their side which means you can trust your feet with this product without any doubts.
Female footwear has always been a melting pot of various designs and ideas. This makes it even tougher on the manufacturers who have to take special care when they make shoes for women because their attention is averted to the looks of the shoe much more than it is the case with men. The ones that really stand out among them are SPIRA shoes with their Wavespring technology that will keep you hopping without tiredness.
There are certain points that are inherent in all the shoes mentioned here. They all have technologies for absorbing the shock put on your feet and knees when you’re physically active. Be it HydroFlow, Wavespring or ABSORB, they all have the same goal to reduce the damage to your feet. It is impossible to know which of these would be the most effective because every each of us needs different treatment and needs. Another point that is common to most of the shoes mentioned is the Rollbar technology that keeps your feet in place.
Sketchers and SPIRA found another way around this but an overall impression is that nowadays shoes are made to place the foot in a stationary yet flexible position. This means that your foot can be in motion but these special techniques of manufacturing made sure you can’t make any redundant movements.
The final point that has to be made relates to the durability of the shoes of this kind. Many customers seem to have problems with their shoes getting ruined very soon. As orthotic shoes are on the expensive side, the lack of lifespan to these shoes doesn’t make everyone happy.
However, the footwear in question is usually bought with the purpose to relieve the ache and support feet at all times. This means they have to endure all those strenuous hours at work along with you which is a pretty high demand. If your shoes last for more than 6 months, you’re free to say you strike a good bargain but don’t be disillusioned that they should last you forever!
Finally, other brands that you may consider are Asics and Saucony. They’re all popular brands in the industry and many use them as an alternative to the ones noted here.