Best Shoes For High Arches
Updated on May 03, 2024
Shop the best shoes for high arches
Let's tell a familiar tale. You’re about to try on the 5th pair of shoes that have claimed to be high arch shoes. You are cautiously optimistic. But as soon as you stand up, you find that these “good shoes for high arches” don’t even scratch the surface—of your sole. Our poor arch stays suspended in the air while the balls and heels of your feet are as cushioned as can be.
Sound a bit close to home? You may have high—or even extremely high—arches, and unfortunately the shoe market often doesn’t always cater to these lovely arched feet.
With KURU, your feet can experience the comfort they deserve with some of the best shoes for high arches. Each pair comes equipped with our proprietary blend of three layers of technology to offer superior, lasting arch support you can feel.
What are High Arches?
High arches, or Cavus foot, is a condition in which the arches of the feet rise off the ground in a more curved shape than normal. This arch type results in a diminished ability to absorb shock and can lead to supination, or the excessive leaning on the outer edge of the foot while walking.
Because the full sole of the foot doesn’t touch the floor in a highly arched foot, the midfoot goes unsupported while the balls and heels of the feet have to do all of the work. This can be a painful combination and lead to conditions such as plantar fasciitis—especially when you’re on your feet all day.
The best high arch shoes—women and men alike—feature high-quality arch support and shock-absorbing cushion to help create a supportive structure under your arches.
In addition, if you have high arches, it's important to keep your feet strong and flexible to prevent pain and discomfort. One way to do this is by regularly stretching your toes and arches.
Most Common Causes & Risk Factors for Developing High Arches
Though high arches can result from certain medical conditions, they are often inherited genetically just like their cousins, flat feet. Because the whole sole of the foot does not touch the floor with a high arch, it does not have the stability that a more neutral foot would. Therefore highly arched feet often struggle with ankle instability, supination, and frequent ankle sprains.
Symptoms & Diagnosis
Although some people with high-arched feet will never experience symptoms, others may experience pain—sometimes in less obvious ways, such as shin splints or ankle sprains.
- Supination, or excessive weight bearing on the outer edge of the foot
- Consistent ankle sprains from lateral ankle instability
- Plantar fasciitis
- Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome (MTSS) —or shin splints
- Reduced ability for your foot to absorb shock
Your doctor will be able to provide the best pathway forward for treating your unique case. For a few tips on conservative treatments you can try at home, check out our high arches treatment section below.
Facts and Stats
- About 20% of the US population has high arches.
- Arches are typically measured using a standard arch index, which ranges from flat feet or low arches to medium to high or extremely high arches.
- Those with naturally high arches are more likely to experience supination, or excessive weight distribution on the outer edge of the foot.
- Highly arched feet do not absorb shock as effectively as a more medium arch would, so it’s important to wear shoes with arch support and cushion on a daily basis.
Treatment
To help treat painful symptoms of highly arched feet, we must start by supporting them.
Since the whole sole of the foot does not naturally touch the floor, shoes with quality arch support and shock absorption are key to help treat and prevent symptoms of high arches.
The best men’s and best women’s shoes for high arches feature the ultimate in arch support, meaning the sole should actually hug the entire arch—not simply the ball and heel of the foot. And since this arch type can’t always effectively absorb shock, high arch shoes for men and women should include a plush cushion within the footbed for shock-absorbing power.
FAQs
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How do I know if I have high arches?
Though your doctor or podiatrist can give you an official diagnosis, you can perform a couple simple at-home checks to start.
First, look at already worn-in shoes. Footwear that has excessive wear on the outer edge of the sole, but less on the inside, can be a symptom of supination, which usually exists in those with high arches.
Second, get your bare foot wet and step on a dry piece of paper—preferably one that can absorb a bit of water. You likely have a high arch if you see only a thin line at the outer edge of your foot, or little to no imprint of the middle of your foot.
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How do I know which shoe to buy for high arches?
The best shoes for high arches—for men and women alike—offer extra support for arches and cushion that truly meets and molds to your arch. Whether you’re looking for casual shoes, dress shoes, or flip flops, KURUs line of high arch support shoes can help alleviate symptoms (including plantar fasciitis) for all-day pain relief.
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I just received a pair of your shoes and my feet are sore/hurt after wearing them. Why is that?
Some customers experience tenderness when they first start wearing a new pair of KURUs.That’s ok! Your body may need time to adjust to the new levels of anatomical support you experience with our patented KURUSOLE technology.
Our shoes are also designed to mold to your unique foot shape, which takes a bit of a break-in period.
To help mitigate this, we suggest you follow our break-in procedure, including wearing your KURUs for a couple hours perday around the house in the first couple of weeks as they break in and form to your foot.
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How is the arch support of KURU shoes?
KURU shoes deliver excellent arch support without the need for thick inserts or expensive, custom orthotics.
Superior arch support starts with our patented KURUSOLE technology, which delivers natural cushioning and dynamically hugs your heel with every step. Every foot is unique, and our ULTIMATE INSOLES adapt to fit your needs by using your own body heat to custom-mold to the shape of your feet over time.
The corrective nature of our superior arch support is designed to neutralize your weight distribution and place your foot in the best anatomical position. This support can take some getting used to. We suggest slowly breaking in your new shoes over the course of 2–3 weeks.
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Can I use custom orthotics with KURU shoes?
Due to the anatomical shape of the KURUSOLE, custom orthotics with a rounded heel fit best inside our shoes.
If the underside of the custom orthotic (the part that sits on the footbed) is squared off, then it may not fit into our deep heel cup—which is rounded like your foot.
That said, many of our customers tell us the KURUSOLE technology offers better support and stability than they expected, and they don't need to wear their custom orthotics with KURU shoes.
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Three Layers of Support
At KURU, we pride ourselves on our unique approach to shoe design. We believe that shoes should be shaped to fit the natural contours of your feet, which is why we create every pair in three distinct support layers, not just an insole.
Our revolutionary ergonomic design starts with a curved footbed and adds unparalleled triple-layer support that includes shock-absorbing KURUCLOUD, heel-cupping KURUSOLE, and arch-supporting ULTIMATE INSOLES. The result? Shoes that are so comfortable you’ll stop thinking about your feet.
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KURUSOLE
...Show LessOur patented KURUSOLE plate protects and stabilizes the heel and provides dynamic flexion with each step. This plate extends from the arch to wrap around the heel—but not under it—to support and leverage your heel’s natural cushioning system: the fat pad.
Our patented KURUSOLE plate protects and stabilizes the heel and provides dynamic flexion with each step. This plate extends from the arch to wrap around the heel—but not under it—to support and leverage your heel’s natural cushioning system: the fat pad.
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KURUCLOUD
...Show LessIt’s the foot foundation of the skies. Our dense yet lightweight EVA midsole KURUCLOUD offers premium shock absorption to help protect from impact injuries and offer the cushion and support you need for a comfortable fit for your high arches.
It’s the foot foundation of the skies. Our dense yet lightweight EVA midsole KURUCLOUD offers premium shock absorption to help protect from impact injuries and offer the cushion and support you need for a comfortable fit for your high arches.
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ULTIMATE INSOLE
...Show LessHigh arches do well with a highly cushioned footbed, and ULTIMATE INSOLES are fit for the task. Made of 5mm of durable, polyurethane foam, ULTIMATE INSOLES offer superior arch support and powerful bounce back for personalized pain relief.
High arches do well with a highly cushioned footbed, and ULTIMATE INSOLES are fit for the task. Made of 5mm of durable, polyurethane foam, ULTIMATE INSOLES offer superior arch support and powerful bounce back for personalized pain relief.
KURUSOLE
Our patented KURUSOLE plate protects and stabilizes the heel and provides dynamic flexion with each step. This plate extends from the arch to wrap around the heel—but not under it—to support and leverage your heel’s natural cushioning system: the fat pad.
Our Secret
Our Secret
What makes KURU different? Every KURU shoe comes with built-in patented KURUSOLE tech—a foot health game changer.
While other shoes are flat on the inside, KURUSOLE is shaped like your foot to hug and prevent fatigue and pain.
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