Best Arch Support Shoes
Arches—we’ve all got ‘em, and yet somehow they couldn’t be more unique. Some people feel they never have enough arch support (we see you, high-arched friends!), while others seem to need more lift for their arches (hello, low-arched pals!). Still others have a neutral arch that’s somewhere in between.
No matter where you fall on the spectrum, you need high-quality arch support shoes to offer a comfortable fit and lasting pain relief.
KURU offers some of the best arch-support shoes on the market. Each supportive and comfortable pair features our triple-threat tech: KURUCLOUD for cushion and shock-absorption, KURUSOLE for patented heel protection and dynamic flexing with each step, and ULTIMATE INSOLE for excellent arch support and all-day comfort.
Arch support shoes are footwear specifically designed to provide enhanced support and stability to the arch of the foot. The arch is the curved middle part of the foot that helps distribute body weight and absorb shock during movement. However, many people have arches that are either too high or too low, which can lead to discomfort, pain, and various foot conditions. Arch support shoes are crafted with features such as cushioning, firm midsoles, and structured insoles to address these issues and promote proper foot alignment.
By offering targeted support to the arch, these shoes help reduce strain on the ligaments and tendons, alleviate pressure points, and provide a more balanced and comfortable walking experience. Arch support shoes are beneficial for individuals with symptoms of plantar fasciitis, flat feet, high arches, and overpronation. They can help improve foot stability, prevent injuries, and alleviate foot pain caused by these conditions. Whether you’re engaging in daily activities, exercising, or standing for long periods, arch support shoes provide the necessary support and comfort to keep you on your feet and pain-free throughout the day.
How to Determine Your Arch Type
Learn more about the various arch heights and how to properly care for your feet.
Our arches are the foundation of so much of our daily movement. They tend to fall into three main categories: low arches, neutral arches, and high arches.
To determine your arch height, try the at-home paper test:
- Grab a clean white piece of paper and wet your foot in some water. Step your damp foot onto the paper and put your whole weight on that leg.
- Step off to reveal your unique footprint.
- A high arch will have only a thin line on the outer edge, while a low arch will show most of the sole of the foot on the paper. A neutral arch will be the happy medium in between.
Flat feet, or fallen arches, are more likely to experience pronation—also called overpronation—or the excessive rolling inward of the ankle. One great way to care for flat feet is by wearing highly cushioned shoes with enough arch support to help encourage a more neutral alignment.
High arches tend to be more prone to supination—also called underpronation—where the ankle rolls too far outward. You can care for high arches by wearing shoes with plenty of great arch support and a cushioned footbed to soften impact on the arch.
Neutral arches may be the least injury prone, but still need care. A gentle arch support with adequate cushion helps a neutral foot maintain a healthy stride and reduce the risk of injury.
Shoe Fit Tips
With these helpful recommendations from our KURU GURUs, buying a pair of well-fitted arch support shoes can be a breeze.
The right pair of arch-support shoes is sometimes (at least in part!) about finding the right size. Take a peek at guidelines on how to find the right fit at KURU.
In general, we recommend shoes should fit snug and secure around the forefoot without any tightness in the toes, heels, or bunion area. Your toes should lay flat and feel comfortable. You should be able to put a finger-width of length between the end of your toe and the edge of your shoe.
A Brannock device is an industry standard tool to determine your true shoe size. We recommend getting fitted at your local shoe store for the most accurate sizing, and never hesitate to reach out to a KURU GURU for tips on finding the fit for you!
Orthotics vs. KURU’s Built-In Technology
If you’ve ever felt the need to buy a more supportive insert after buying a pair of shoes (even a nice pair!), you’re in good company.
Even today’s leading brands don’t always offer the support our arches need for long-term pain relief. While aftermarket inserts and orthotics can help alleviate pain, they usually come at an added—often pricey—cost, and you may find yourself wanting to change them out between pairs.
KURU shoes are designed with high-quality arch support already built in. Our three-part tech is more than a simple insert. KURUCLOUD acts as our shock-absorbing base layer, KURUSOLE is our patented tech that cups your heels and allows them to dynamically flex, and ULTIMATE INSOLES are the cherry on top. These contoured, dual-density premium inserts provide superior arch support and long-lasting cushion.
While some individuals might have prescription needs for orthotics, inserts, or heel lifts, many of our customers tell us our three-part technology offers better support and stability than they expected. Many even find they don’t need to wear their custom orthotics with KURU shoes.
In our recent study of foot pain across America, we found that 73% of US adults who experience foot pain purchase shoes with their pain in mind.
According to Dr. Jason Hymowitz (Holy Name Medical Center, New Jersey), “When looking for shoe gear, the most important features to look for are good arch support and a supportive sole or base of the shoe.”
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How do I know if I need arch support?
Determining if you need arch support depends on various factors and individual circumstances. Signs that may indicate a need for arch support include persistent arch pain, flat feet or high arches, foot fatigue, overpronation or supination, and existing foot conditions like plantar fasciitis.
If you experience any of these signs, it is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional, such as a podiatrist or orthopedic specialist, who can evaluate your feet, assess your gait, and provide recommendations on whether arch support is necessary for your specific needs. They can help determine the appropriate level of support and suggest suitable footwear or orthotic options to address your arch-related concerns.
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Are shoes with arch support better?
Yes, shoes with arch support are generally considered better for overall foot health and comfort. Arch support helps maintain the natural alignment of the foot, provides stability, and distributes weight more evenly. This can help alleviate foot pain, reduce the risk of certain foot conditions like plantar fasciitis or flat feet, and improve overall foot function.
Shoes with proper arch support offer additional cushioning and help absorb shock, making them more comfortable for extended periods of walking or standing. Whether you have high arches, low arches, or neutral arches, wearing shoes with adequate arch support can provide the necessary support and prevent potential foot problems.
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Why do shoes need arch support?
Although walking on dirt or sand all day might not require us to need such supportive footwear, today’s hardwood, concrete, and tile floors and other hard surfaces leave us needing extra cushion and support.
Wearing arch-support shoes puts your feet in the best position to recover, prevent injury, and relieve pain. KURU’s men’s and women’s shoes with arch support give you Pain Relief Beyond Belief in styles you’ll love to wear.
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Are your shoes considered orthopedic shoes?
While our shoes are not currently considered orthopedic by a medical standard, we have received thousands of positive reviews from customers who say their KURU shoes with good arch support helped reduce or eliminate their pain—from plantar fasciitis to bunions.
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Are orthotics a good alternative to arch support shoes?
Yes, orthotics can be a good alternative to arch support shoes. Orthotics are specially designed shoe inserts or insoles that are customized to provide individualized arch support and alignment correction. They are often recommended by healthcare professionals to address specific foot conditions or biomechanical issues.
Orthotics can help redistribute pressure, improve foot and ankle alignment, and provide additional cushioning and support. They can be inserted into various types of footwear, allowing you to use them with your existing 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 that they don’t need to wear their custom orthotics with KURU shoes.
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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 per day 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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Arch support shoes do not inherently weaken foot and ankle muscles. In fact, they can provide necessary support and stability, especially for individuals with specific foot conditions or imbalances. However, it is important to strike a balance when using arch support shoes. Here are a few key points to consider:
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Support vs. DependencyArch support shoes should be used as a means to provide temporary support and alleviate discomfort. Relying too heavily on arch support without addressing the underlying causes or engaging in appropriate foot strengthening exercises may lead to muscle weakness over time.Support vs. Dependency
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Balanced ApproachIt is important to incorporate exercises and activities that promote natural foot and ankle movement alongside wearing arch support shoes. This helps maintain muscle strength and flexibility, preventing overreliance on external support.Balanced Approach
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Gradual TransitionIf you have been wearing arch support shoes for an extended period, transitioning to shoes with less support or minimalistic footwear should be done gradually. This allows your muscles to adapt and gradually strengthen.Gradual Transition
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Individual VariationsEvery individual’s foot structure and needs differ. Some individuals may benefit from arch support due to certain conditions, while others may not require as much support. Consulting with a healthcare professional, such as a podiatrist, can help determine the most appropriate approach for your specific situation.Individual Variations
If you’re experiencing discomfort or pain in your feet, arch support shoes can be a game-changer. These specialized footwear are designed to provide targeted support to the arch of your foot, offering a range of benefits that can help alleviate symptoms and improve overall foot health. Here’s how arch support shoes can make a difference:
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Proper AlignmentArch support shoes help promote proper alignment of the foot by providing stability and preventing excessive pronation or supination. This helps to distribute weight evenly across the foot, reducing strain on the arch and other areas.Proper Alignment
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Shock AbsorptionThe built-in cushioning and shock-absorbing properties of arch support shoes help to minimize the impact on your feet when walking or engaging in physical activities. This can help reduce discomfort and prevent the aggravation of existing foot conditions.Shock Absorption
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Enhanced StabilityArch support shoes offer increased stability by providing a supportive structure that helps to prevent excessive movement or rolling of the foot. This stability can be particularly beneficial for individuals with flat feet or those prone to ankle sprains.Enhanced Stability
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Pressure RedistributionBy providing support to the arch, these shoes help to redistribute pressure throughout the foot. This can help alleviate pressure points and reduce the likelihood of developing painful conditions such as plantar fasciitis or metatarsalgia.Pressure Redistribution
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Improved ComfortWith their contoured insoles and supportive features, arch support shoes offer superior comfort compared to regular footwear. They provide a snug fit, reduce foot fatigue, and allow for better shock absorption, allowing you to stay on your feet for longer periods without discomfort.Improved Comfort
Finding the right shoes with proper arch support is essential for maintaining foot health and preventing discomfort. Whether you have high arches, low arches, or neutral arches, here are some key factors to consider when choosing the best shoes for arch support:
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Arch SupportLook for shoes that provide adequate arch support to help maintain the natural alignment of your feet. This support helps distribute your body weight evenly and reduces stress on the arches.Arch Support
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CushioningOpt for shoes with cushioning materials that offer shock absorption. This helps alleviate impact on your feet and provides extra comfort throughout the day.Cushioning
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StabilityConsider shoes with a stable construction, such as a firm heel counter and sturdy outsole. This enhances stability and helps prevent excessive foot pronation or supination.Stability
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Foot TypeConsider your foot type when choosing shoes. If you have high arches, look for shoes with a curved last and ample cushioning. For low arches or flat feet, opt for shoes with motion control or stability features to provide extra support.Foot Type
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Proper FitEnsure the shoes fit well and have ample room for your toes. They should neither be too tight nor too loose, as a proper fit promotes proper foot alignment and prevents discomfort.Proper Fit
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.
KURUSOLE
Our patented KURUSOLE plate features a unique design that cups and protects the heel and allows for dynamic flexion with each step. This superior …Show More
Our patented KURUSOLE plate features a unique design that cups and protects the heel and allows for dynamic flexion with each step. This superior support helps utilize our body’s natural cushioning system, the heel’s fat pad for comfort, support, and stability all day long.
…Show lessKURUCLOUD
Our KURUCLOUD midsole acts as a cushioned footbed to offer padding and shock absorption for the whole foot. This layer of lightweight …Show More
Our KURUCLOUD midsole acts as a cushioned footbed to offer padding and shock absorption for the whole foot. This layer of lightweight EVA foam helps absorb impact to your joints and bones and helps support every type of arch. You might even feel like you’re walking on clouds.
…Show lessULTIMATE INSOLE
The final layer in this technology trifecta, our ULTIMATE INSOLES feature premium arch support and cushion for the entire sole of your foot. Made of …Show More
The final layer in this technology trifecta, our ULTIMATE INSOLES feature premium arch support and cushion for the entire sole of your foot. Made of durable polyurethane foam, these insoles form to your feet and last longer, making KURUs some of the best shoes for arch support.
…Show less
KURUSOLE
Our patented KURUSOLE plate features a unique design that cups and protects the heel and allows for dynamic flexion with each step. This superior support helps utilize our body’s natural cushioning system, the heel’s fat pad for comfort, support, and stability all day long.
Fine, We’ll Tell You 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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