With the proper footwear and orthotics, high arches are manageable. Whether you find yourself struggling to stand or walk all day long, or you’re failing to get your hands on the right type of footwear for your foot-related problems, we’ve got your back with the best sandals for high arches.
High arches suck, there’s no question about that. High arches, also known as pes cavus, form for a number of reasons, ranging from genetics to medical conditions. Most often, people are born with high arches and don’t even notice that they’re struggling to get through the day pain and pressure-free.
High arches can develop over time, too, and that’s when you need to contact your doctor and make sure you’re not suffering from neurological diseases like spina bifida, cerebral palsy, polio, strokes, muscular dystrophy, or Charcot Marie Tooth disease – all of these can cause high arches.
When it comes to comfortable footwear, everything seems to revolve around arch support. When you support your arches, you battle the consequences of pes cavus, distribute your weight evenly across your feet, maintain proper posture, and get rid of some of the pressure you feel in your feet.
Whether you’re going to the office, running errands, or grabbing brunch with friends, you need your feet supported and protected. Stilettos are great, but they’re guaranteed to make your feet sore and swollen by the end of the day. Arch-support sandals, on the other hand, are your BFFs in battling painful feet.
How to pick the right arch-support sandals
Before you start replacing your footwear with top-notch orthotics, know that foot pain doesn’t need to be the norm. With the right amount of arch support, comfort, and protection, you can go hiking with your friends, grab a bite to eat with colleagues or go sightseeing without worrying about your feet.
When shopping for the right arch-support sandals, keep in mind a few of our favorite tips and tricks that guarantee to get you the comfiest arch-support sandals you’ve ever worn. We already talked your ears off with why arch support matters for people who struggle with high arches, but what about other features?
First things first, look for a footbed that matches your foot’s contour. Sandals that are too thin, flat, or flimsy are not going to do the trick. You need something that molds to your feet or wraps around them to ensure they’re getting the right amount of support.
Furthermore, opt for sandals that feel comfortable and provide stability without being too rigid. Sturdy, stable sandals are a must, but that doesn’t mean that your feet need to feel like they’re getting suffocated. Lightweight, breathable materials are always a good way to go.
Finally, brands that have been recommended by podiatrists or foot health professionals are a great place to start. Birkenstock sandals, for example, are designed to mold to the shape of your foot over time, which makes them one of the best sandals for high arches on the market.
Our top picks for the best sandals for high arches
1. Dansko Reece Sandals
It turns out comfort and style actually can coexist. It’s natural to gravitate toward footwear that works with the rest of your wardrobe, but when you’re on the hunt for the best sandals for high arches, you might find yourself struggling. It’s about time you get your hands on the Dansko Reece sandals.
Engineered with a leather upper, Danso Reece sandals look great with structured suit sets, flowy, floral dresses, and loungewear. Wearable, and versatile, these sandals are great for people with high arches because they’re made with molded memory foam footbeds, cork insoles, and durable rubber outsoles.
2. Teva Terra Fi 5 Universal Sandals
If you’re a fan of chunky footwear, Teva Terra Fi 5 Universal sandals might be the right way to go. These sandals are super sturdy and supportive because they’re made with curved soles, chunky heels, and rubber outsoles that promise to keep your feet happy all day long.
It’s a great sandal to wear when you’re exploring the great outdoors, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t get away with them when you’re out and about, too.
It’s the closest you can get to wearing supportive sneakers without actually wearing sneakers. Whether you’re too hot for that or you’re not a sneakerhead, these sandals are a great option to consider.
3. OrthoFeet Malibu Two-Way Strap Sandals
When dealing with high arches, you need something with adjustable straps that won’t put too much pressure on your arches or wrap around your foot the wrong way.
OrthoFeet Malibu Two-Way Strap sandals come with a good, supportive fit, a comfortable lightweight yet non-slip sole, and arch support. What’s not to love?
Made with orthotic insoles with built-in arch support and ergonomic soles with a mild rocker that cradles the feet, these sandals check off all the major boxes and make you feel like you’re walking on clouds.
4. Cole Haan Original Grand Flatform Sandals
Wedges might not be the first footwear you gravitate towards when you know you’re going to spend the day standing, walking, or running. But these mini wedges from Cole Haan are what dreams are made of.
Breathable and lightweight, they’re designed with stabilizing foam and rubber soles to offer you the ultimate comfortable experience. They’re much more than that, though. They’re extremely wearable because they’re designed to go with everything you own, from formal wear to workwear.
We’re not just saying it. Cole Haan Original Grand Flatform sandals are genuinely worth checking out.
5. FitFlop F-Mode Leather Flatform Back-strap Sandals
Bored with sporty sandals and orthopedic sandals that look like they could belong to your grandma? Put your best foot forward with the FitFlop F-Mode Leather Flatform Back-strap sandals. Bold and beautiful, these sandals are ready to wear as soon as you buy them. They’re that comfortable.
Made with FitFlop’s unique “Microwobbleboard” midsoles, these sandals are guaranteed to accommodate your high arches and make you wonder whether you ever suffered from foot problems at all.
Moreover, they’re cute enough to wear to work, on a date night, or even to a wedding. What can we say, we’re rooting for them!
6. Skechers Go Walk Arch Fit Affinity Sandals
Skechers Go Walk Arch Fit Affinity sandals come with excellent arch support and cushioning for all-day comfort. They’re one of the best sandals for high arches because they’re made with memory foam that contours to your feet, making them happy and healthy.
Skechers are known to produce the most comfortable, wearable sneakers out there, and that’s why we’re not surprised that these sandals are reviewers’ favorite. We do need to underline that they might not be everyone’s cup of tea appearance-wise, but they’re pretty easily dressed up or dressed down.
7. Sorel Joanie III Ankle Strap Wedge Sandals
If you’re not a fan of Skechers sporty sandals, Sorel Joanie III Ankle Strap Wedge sandals may interest you. Fun, retro, and chic, these are the perfect go-to shoes for the season.
Furthermore, these sandals are made with soft PU-like EVA footbeds, molded BPU-PU wedge midsoles, and molded high-traction rubber outsoles. It’s a great sandal to consider if you’re a fan of wedges, but we’d go as far as to argue that they’re a steal of a deal regardless of your personal preferences.
8. Kuru Tread Sandals
We can’t seem to get enough of these sporty sandals that were designed for outdoor adventures. But that’s the thing with the best sandals for high arches – they’re meant to come with a myriad of features that support and protect your feet.
Outdoor enthusiasts know what’s up when they’re shopping for footwear, and that’s why we’re more than happy to take their advice and opt for sandals such as Kuru Tread sandals.
These sandals are made from rugged, waterproof materials with just the right amount of give to ensure your feet have plenty of wiggle room. Kuru’s proprietary Kurusole technology ensures that your feet are taken care of from heel to toe, too.
9. Vionic Jamie Flatform Lug Sandals
We’re dancing between sporty sandals and strappy sandals that look like they’d be a great pick for a wedding, but we’re trying to offer you plenty of options to choose from. Vionic Jamie Flatform Lug sandals are one of the dressier styles that work great for formal events, officewear, and even date nights.
Made with a sturdy 2″ heel, a durable outsole, and arch support, these sandals don’t even look like they’re that comfortable. But they earned the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) seal of acceptance, which means they’re approved by podiatrists.
10. Birkenstock Arizona Suede Sandals
We might have saved the best for last. Birkenstock sandals are everyone’s favorite comfy, cork footbeds. Whether you’re trying to copy Sofia Richie’s “quiet luxury” style or Hailey Bieber’s fashion-forward, on-trend ‘fits, you’ll want to get your hands on a pair of Birkenstock Arizona Suede sandals.
Cushioning, arch support, stability, and flexibility are some of the features you can count on, and that’s not even the best thing about these sandals. Birkenstocks are designed to adapt to your feet over time, which means they’re perfect for your high arches. Needless to say, Birks are always in style.
Read more: A Step-By-Step Guide To Different Types Of Sandals
