High Arch

Updated on September 14, 2012
D.B. asks from Fargo, ND
11 answers

Hello - I have a very high arch. I think after years of wear high heels every day and having reached the ripe old age of 38 - I have lots of foot trouble, and was advised to get some good orthotic shoes. I have inserts that works, but it doesn't feel right in the shoes/boots. I developed some back heel pain, so bought an othotic flip flop and it's been wonderful . . . living in the northern, mid west as I was walking my daughter out to the bus this morning in my flip flops decided it's time for another pair of shoes. I do have very good tennis shoes - but I'm not a tennis shoe wearer for daily purposes.

I'm looking for a pair of boots for high arches. Or anyone know of boots that work well with inserts - besides just getting bigger shoes. I should add, that I'm so over fashion!! But I don't want to look like my gramma either (although she weighs less, maybe in that aspect . . . I mean I already have saggy boobs and all).

Or where to look on line? what brands? I was on-line and they are $300 - I just think that's a lot of money. I also thought about a pair of slippers - $80 - wowsers? I'm also having trouble finding them - so maybe it just a UE (user error).

Thanks!!

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S.F.

answers from Utica on

I have very high arches as well and achilles tendinitis so I have to have custom orthotics made that I am able to switch from shoe to shoe. They cost about $300 but are beyond worth the money considering the severe pain I am in if I dont use them
Good Luck

3 moms found this helpful

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L.S.

answers from Los Angeles on

I had similar symptoms, and found out everyone in my family has this same problem! It seems to be degenerative too - will only get worse over time. The pain started with heel pain, but got to the point where it would hurt to get out of bed in the morning, or to get moving after sitting at my desk for a while.
I recommend 2 things: Go to a podiatrist or the "Good Feet" store. There's one in Fargo even. Their inserts are expensive, but they never wear out, and can go in a variety of shoes - maybe not sandals, but they work in loafers, sneakers, even shoes that have a little bit of a heel. I do find that I like to try shoes on with my inserts, and I look for shoes that have a fairly high back, since the inserts lift your foot up a little in the shoe. DSW offers enough variety that I'm usually able to find something cute enough but works with my inserts. If the inserts still feel strange, take out the factory-installed insert out of the shoes you buy (which have ZERO arch support), and replace it with the insert from Good Feet.
Second, For walking, go to a specialized running store for a tennis shoe fitting. In Fargo, I recommend the Fargo Running Company. They'll take an imprint of your foot as you walk, and they'll watch you walk to analyze how much stability & arch support you need, and they'll recommend a shoe. I like the Brooks "Ariel" shoe. I don't use my insoles with these shoes but my feet don't hurt anymore.
After doing these 2 things, I find that I don't have to wear my insoles every day, and can wear heels every once in a while. When my feet start to hurt again, I go back to the insert and tennis shoes every day "therapy".

3 moms found this helpful
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S.H.

answers from St. Louis on

I love my Ariat boots. Rounded toe, lace-up. Dark mink in color, with turquoise detailing. LOVE them. I am 50, & my friends/family love them....as do all of my teen/20s nieces/cousins! Looks great with jeans, & even shorts.....

& there's room for an insert if you need it. I, too, have a high arch....& I am stress-free in these boots. Can wear them all day without issue! :)

2 moms found this helpful

D.D.

answers from New York on

I've got very high arches which I've passed on to my youngest daughter and 1 of my grandsons. We've had the best luck with 3/4 arch support inserts. They leave a lot of toe room (always an issue with most thick insoles). Spenco seems to work the best for us. So much cheaper to buy inserts than shoes.

1 mom found this helpful

I.X.

answers from Los Angeles on

you can find arch support flip flops because there is a market for it, in part because you can't wear an orthodic peice with an open shoe. Once you get into closed toe shoes, you need an insert. In the long run its more economical. My orthotic is custom, but used to use super feet. Once you find the orthodic you want to use, you need to shop with your orthodic and make sure they fit the shoe.

1 mom found this helpful
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M.R.

answers from Seattle on

I have very high arches and I only purchase high quality shoes sold at high end good shoe stores.

Look for stores that sell the brands Mephisto, Noat, Allegria, Beautifeel, etc.

1 mom found this helpful
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R.K.

answers from Appleton on

I have a high arch and a narrow heel, so many shoes do not fit me. I am STILL looking for a pair of black flats, something like a loafer. It's been 4-5 years and I am still looking. I won't pay a lot for shoes $60 is my limit and that includes boots. I try to stay under $40 for any pair of shoes.
I have found that mules seem to fit better than flats, mules are the shoes that look like loafers but have no heel. Sling backs fit better than a regular pump, I haven't found a pump in years that fits.
Sandals are a godsend --- most of the time they fit. In winter I will wear my boots and change to a pair of comfy shoes for work.
I have a DSW near me and when I want a new pair of shoes I wander around the clearance section with my shoes off and try on the shoes in the style and color I am looking for until I find what I am looking for.
I have found some really cute shoes for 80% off. Love clearance.

Inserts do not work for me. My feet swell so much by the end of the day my toes are rubbing on the inside top of the shoes and my feet hurt horriblly. I just search for shoes that fit and have arch support.

1 mom found this helpful
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E.D.

answers from Madison on

I have foot problems too mostly from running and when I stood on my feet all day with teaching. Super feet berry are the inserts I use in my running shoes. Around the house I try to wear old running shoes to protect my heels. As far as brands with good support, I wear my chaco sandals all summer (sadly no more flip flops). I also love Keen and have a pair of very cute tall black boots. I also have keen dressier sandals and shoes. Other brands to consider are Merrell, Dansko and Earth. Sign up for daily emails from Sierra Trading Post because they have excellent deals on shoes and that is wear I buy most of my shoes. Unfortunately better shoes are expensive but with sale prices and knowing they help your feet, it is worth it. Good luck!

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L.G.

answers from Minneapolis on

I have foot issues as well (bunion) and have a difficult time finding cute and comfortable shoes. I found a website called barkingdogshoes and they have suggestions for all kinds of shoes and boots to wear that are designed with comfort in mind but still stylish. In my experience, you will unfortunately have to spend money on a quality shoe...if you don't want to be in pain. All the more expensive shoes I have bought have been well worth the money and have lasted!

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M.S.

answers from Minneapolis on

Try SAS. I have been wearing them for about 15 years because literally every other kind of shoe is uncomfortable on my feet. They have some very grandma-looking shoes but they also have some cute shoes that are for us 38-year olds! If you are ever in the Cities, Schuler Shoes carries them and many other comfortable brands, and they can make recommendations on what may help your feet.

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