What shoe style offers the most arch support?

Shoes that offer the most arch support aren't necessarily a particular style — it's more about what's built into the footbeds. You can find everything from sneakers and flats to wedges and sandals with orthotic insoles or supportive contouring. If your shoes aren't up to par, you might be able to remove the insoles and replace them with supportive inserts instead.

Who should be buying shoes with arch support?

Arch support benefits people with both high arches and flat feet. For the former, contoured footbeds minimize strain by hugging the curve of the foot. For the latter, it's about preventing the feet from collapsing, which can be painful and affect body alignment, according to Mayo Clinic . Folks with normal arches might not require special shoes for a healthy stride. However, many people simply find arch-hugging footwear more comfortable, especially when traveling, walking long distances, or standing for several hours.

How do you know if a shoe has good arch support?

Generally, shoes with good arch support will be firm, yet flexible, to prevent the arch from collapsing. You should not be able to easily twist or bend your shoes. If you can twist the shoe without much resistance, or if you're easily able to fold it from heel to toe, the shoe likely won't have very much arch support.

The 12 Best Travel Shoes With Arch Support of 2023

womens arch support shoes — Courtesy of Retailers

Comfortable footwear is crucial no matter where you are or what you're doing. But it's particularly important when you're on a trip and don't have easy access to all your other shoes. Whether your travel plans involve sightseeing, padding around a resort, or speed-walking through the airport, you'll be glad to have a pair of stylish shoes with arch support as you go.

"Arch support prevents the arch from collapsing and reduces the risk of foot pain," says Marion Yau, an award-winning celebrity podiatrist based in the UK. Additionally, supportive footwear helps align your feet and balance your stride, which can minimize strain on the ankles and knees while keeping injuries at bay.

But don't worry — you don't have to sacrifice style in the name of foot health. The Vionic Zinah Slip On is just one example of a versatile sneaker with a podiatrist-designed footbed for all-day comfort. If you're not into sneakers, we rounded up lots of stylish, comfy kicks with contoured insoles that support the arches.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Vionic Slip-on Sneaker at Amazon

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Best Sandal:

Teva Universal Slide Sandal at Amazon

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Best Wedge:

Kenneth Cole Sandal at Amazon

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Best Sneaker:

Cole Haan ZeroGrand Sneaker at Amazon

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Best Flat:

Birdies The Starling Flats at Zappos

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Best Heel:

Toms Suede Heel at Amazon

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Best Bootie:

Munro Jackson Boot at Zappos

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Best for Walking:

Skechers Sneakers at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Slip-on:

Dr. Scholl's Madison Sneaker at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Breathable:

Tulip Sneaker at Amazon

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Vionic

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Why We Love It

These versatile slip-ons have easy-to-clean leather uppers, durable rubber soles, and thoughtfully engineered footbeds with arch support and deep heel cups.

What to Consider

They might take a day or two to break in, so consider wearing them around at home before your trip.

Our number one pick is Vionic's Zinah sneaker. The classically cool design flaunts monochrome leather and nubuck uppers with subtle snake detailing for a hint of texture. You can choose from several colors, including olive, black, white, and marigold. As for the outsoles, you're looking at durable-yet-flexible rubber with patterned tread for a sturdy stride.

Vionic was founded by a podiatrist, and it shows. Like all footwear styles from the brand, this slip-on shoe features built-in orthotics, meaning the footbeds are designed to reduce pain and optimize comfort. In addition to top-tier arch support, the removable, fabric-covered EVA (elastomeric polymer) insoles have deep heel cups and cushioning throughout.

But that's not all. Elastic gore panels and heel tabs make these casual sneakers super easy to get on and off. The leather is a breeze to wipe clean, too. One thing to note is that it may take a day or two to break in the material, so you might want to wear them for a few hours a day leading up to your trip.

Price at time of publish: $120

The Details: 5 to 11 | Leather and nubuck upper, rubber outsole

Amazon

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Why We Love It

These iconic sandals have supple leather uppers, adjustable straps, cupped heels, and cookie padding for the arches.

What to Consider

They only come in whole sizes, and you'll typically want to size down if you're in between.

Dr. Yau recommends sandals with relatively wide straps, like Teva's Original Universal Sandal. "This allows room for the toes to move, preventing ulcers and callus formation," she says. These thick straps feature hook-and-loop closures, allowing you to adjust them to the perfect fit while making them easy to get on and off. And since they're crafted from supple leather, the uppers soften over time and are less likely to become stained than the textile variety.

The molded EVA midsoles have cupped heels and cookie padding to support the arches for long days on your feet. Teva sandals only come in whole sizes, and this style runs slightly large, so you'll want to order a size down if you're in between.

Price at time of publish: $50

The Details: 6 to 11 | Leather upper, EVA and rubber sole

Nordstrom

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Why We Love It

These wedge sandals are flattering and extremely comfortable, thanks to contoured arches and lightweight cushioning.

What to Consider

The leather may feel stiff at first, but should soften after a few wears.

Looking for a little extra height? Check out the Giana Sandal from Gentle Souls by Kenneth Cole. This flattering and stylish shoe has black leather or natural cork uppers with thick straps and a concealed hook-and-loop closure. The wedge heel offers 2 inches of elevation, but thanks to the half-inch platform, it doesn't feel like walking in high heels.

The Giana features contoured arch support, plus lightweight cushioning throughout the footbed. These classy shoes can be dressed up or down and worn day or night for various outings, making them an excellent choice for travel. If you opt for the leather pair, they might feel slightly stiff right out of the box, but the material will soften as you wear them.

Price at time of publish: $99

The Details: 6 to 11 | Leather or cork upper, rubber sole | Not Waterproof

Cole Haan Generation ZeroGrand II Sneaker

Amazon

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Why We Love It

These fashion-forward sneakers feature thick-yet-lightweight outsoles, supportive arches, and cushioned footbeds to absorb shock.

What to Consider

They're not the most compact pair to pack in a suitcase.

Cole Haan's Generation ZeroGrand II Sneaker has built-in arch support to evenly distribute your weight for a more comfortable stride. Not only that, the lightweight rubber soles and cushioned footbeds absorb impact to help take pressure off your knees, calves, and ankles.

This sporty-chic shoe is also one of the most sustainable options we found. It's made with at least 25 percent recycled or earth-sourced materials, including rubber derived from dandelions — yep, those weedy yellow flowers. The chunky outsoles are undoubtedly fashion-forward. And while they're not the most compact for packing, you can always wear them en route to your destination.

Price at time of publish: $135

The Details: 5 to 11 | Textile upper, rubber sole | Not Waterproof

Birdies

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Why We Love It

Beyond the sleek design, the Starling Loafer boasts an arch-hugging footbed with breathable cushioning and a pressure-relieving heel pad.

What to Consider

The sizing is inconsistent and there’s a bit of a break-in period.

Birdies makes our favorite travel-friendly flats. Inspired by traditional smoking shoes, the brand's Starling Loafer features an elevated style and an effortless slip-on design you'll appreciate on your next trip (and back at home, too). It has a velvety suede upper with subtle grosgrain trim and luxuriously plush, quilted lining.

These pared-down flats hug your arches with contoured footbeds, while responsive-cushion technology and multiple layers of memory foam promise a lightweight, breathable feel. There's also cookie padding at the heel to alleviate pressure, plus grippy soles to prevent slips. Just a heads up: Birdies run slightly small and, while the suede will break in slightly, you might want to order a half-size up.

Price at time of publish: $130

The Details: 5 to 12 | Suede upper, synthetic sole | Not Waterproof

Amazon

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Why We Love It

The thick and stylish block heel keeps you steady, a cushioned footbed helps absorb impact, and OrthoLite technology wicks away sweat.

What to Consider

They're on the narrower side, so they're not ideal for folks with wide feet.

In addition to a thick, sturdy heel, this 3-inch shoe features a cushioned footbed with OrthoLite technology to wick away sweat and prevent your foot from overheating. The wide straps won't cut into your skin, and the zipper closure makes them a breeze to get on and off. One thing to note is that these shoes are on the narrower side. Since the straps aren't adjustable, they may not work for those with wide feet.

Price at time of publish: $87

The Details: 5 to 12 | Leather or textile upper, synthetic sole | Not Waterproof

Munro

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Why We Love It

The durable and timeless Jackson Bootie flaunts a modest heel, a cushioned insole, and built-in arch support.

What to Consider

They're on the pricier side, and each boot weighs roughly a pound.

If you're traveling during winter or heading to a colder climate, this one's for you. The Munro Jackson Bootie features a cushioned insole with built-in arch support and a modest heel height of just under two inches. Available in a handful of neutral hues, these stylish and versatile travel boots have genuine leather or nubuck uppers with convenient elastic gores and inner zippers.

The Jackson is on the more expensive side, but the timeless style and durable design should hold up for years. The only other thing to note is that each ankle boot weighs about a pound, so keep that in mind when packing.

Price at time of publish: $220

The Details: 5 to 12 | Leather or nubuck upper, rubber sole | Not Waterproof

Amazon

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Why We Love It

These machine-washable, stretchy knit sneakers have responsive footbeds that absorb shock and hug your arches.

What to Consider

If you plan to wear them with socks, you may want to size up.

Beyond arch support, Texas-based podiatrist Chanel Perkins, DPM, recommends walking shoes with a flexible forefoot and ample cushioning. The Skechers Arch Fit Iconic checks these boxes and then some. This slip-on sneaker features podiatrist-designed contouring that hugs your arches while absorbing shock and helping to evenly distribute your weight.

What's more, the brand's Comfort Pillar Technology responds to your movement to optimize comfort with every stride. The stretchy, sock-like mesh uppers offer breathability while making it easy to slip these sneakers on. You can also machine-wash them as needed. But since they have a somewhat snug fit, you might want to order a half-size up, especially if you plan to wear them with socks.

Price at time of publish: $90

The Details: 5 to 13 | Mesh upper, rubber sole

4.8

Amazon

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Why We Love It

Available in over two dozen designs, these stylish slip-ons are also insanely comfortable and supportive.

What to Consider

They're not the most breathable, so you may not want to wear them in hot or humid weather.

After trying on over a dozen pairs of women's sneakers in a test conducted by T+L, the Dr. Scholl's Madison was clearly the standout slip-on pair. This wear-anywhere shoe boasts memory foam insoles with deep heel cups and built-in arch support, plus thick-yet-flexible rubber outsoles with traction underfoot. Additionally, the padded collar cushions your forefoot, while the stretchy gore panels make them easy to get on and off.

The lightweight design is not only extra comfortable, but conveniently packable as well. Available in more than two dozen styles including solid colors, prints, and various textures, the Madison is sure to complement your personal aesthetic at the same time. The only downside our testers mentioned is that the synthetic uppers could cause your feet to overheat, so they may not be ideal for hotter climates.

Price at time of publish: $80

The Details: 5 to 13 | Faux leather or microsuede upper, rubber sole | Not Waterproof

Amazon

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Why We Love It

Featuring all-over teardrop perforations, these sneakers allow air to pass through without exposing your toes.

What to Consider

Only whole sizes are available, so order the next size up.

If you're heading on a warm-weather vacation, breathable footwear is key. We're big fans of Ilse Jacobsen's Tulip Sneaker, which features teardrop perforations all across the microfiber upper. This allows air to pass through to help prevent your feet from overheating and getting clammy with sweat.

The uppers are whipstitched to the flexible rubber outsoles, and the footbeds provide crave-worthy cushioning and all-day arch support. These breezy shoes are also notably lightweight and easy to get on, thanks to the slip-on design and handy heel tabs. They come in lots of cool colors, too, like surplus green, warm nutmeg, sandy beige, and blush.

Price at time of publish: $94

The Details: 6 to 11 | Microfiber upper, rubber sole | Not Waterproof

Amazon

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Why We Love It

These ultra-light sandals have shock-absorbing footbeds that grip your arches and stretchy, breathable uppers to ensure a comfortably snug fit.

What to Consider

Since they're backless, they may not be ideal for walking long distances.

The LifeStride Poolside Sandal is exceedingly lightweight but also plenty supportive. There’s a flexible, airy sole and a cushioned footbed that absorbs impact and evenly distributes your weight while keeping you buoyant on your feet.

These travel-ready sandals have knit uppers to enhance breathability. Though the backless design might not be ideal for walking long distances, the stretchy material provides a snug, secure fit. We also like that they come in half-sizes and multiple widths to accommodate a range of foot sizes and shapes.

Price at time of publish: $38

The Details: 5.5 to 11 Wide | Knit textile upper, synthetic sole | Not Waterproof

Amazon

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Why We Love It

This sophisticated slip-on has an arch-supporting footbed with memory foam cushioning and a modest, walkable heel.

What to Consider

It might take a few wears to break in the leather.

If you're traveling for work, the SoftWalk Whistle II might be your best bet. These Oxford-style loafers have arch-hugging footbeds with memory foam cushioning for support through conferences, coffee dates, luncheons, and pitch meetings. At just over an inch, the modest heel provides slight elevation without sacrificing comfort while walking or standing.

The smooth, full-grain leather uppers have stretchy gores and padded heel liners, while the durable rubber outsoles absorb shock. These sophisticated slip-ons come in a wide range of sizes, including half-sizes and four widths, so you can count on finding the perfect fit.

Price at time of publish: $100

The Details: 5 to 12 Wide | Leather upper, rubber outsole | Not Waterproof

Tips for Buying Travel Shoes With Arch Support

Know what type of arches you have

Knowing what type of arches you have can help you figure out which shoes will feel best on your feet. Normal arches are raised just slightly in a standing position, while high arches will have significantly more space between the bottom of the foot and the floor. If you have flat feet, there will be virtually no space between the underfoot and the floor in a standing position.

Prioritize comfortable features

In addition to built-in arch support, Dr. Yau recommends shoes with flexible soles made of cork, foam, or rubber. "These materials can reduce impact and help with weight distribution, improving shock absorption to relieve stress on the foot," she explains.

To ensure all-day comfort, Dr. Perkins says to look for supportive shoes with roomy toe boxes and cushioned footbeds. Some pairs also feature arch or heel cookies. Also known as scaphoid pads, they help alleviate pressure and deliver extra support to these areas.

Make sure they fit

When it comes to comfortable travel shoes, Dr. Yau says a proper fit is essential. "The shoe should not cause any pain in the legs or toes, as this means that the heels may be too high or too small for your feet," she notes. With this in mind, it's worth carefully measuring your feet and checking the brand's size chart before ordering any pair.

Frequently Asked Questions

What shoe style offers the most arch support?

Shoes that offer the most arch support aren't necessarily a particular style — it's more about what's built into the footbeds. You can find everything from sneakers and flats to wedges and sandals with orthotic insoles or supportive contouring. If your shoes aren't up to par, you might be able to remove the insoles and replace them with supportive inserts instead.
Who should be buying shoes with arch support?

Arch support benefits people with both high arches and flat feet. For the former, contoured footbeds minimize strain by hugging the curve of the foot. For the latter, it's about preventing the feet from collapsing, which can be painful and affect body alignment, according to Mayo Clinic.

Folks with normal arches might not require special shoes for a healthy stride. However, many people simply find arch-hugging footwear more comfortable, especially when traveling, walking long distances, or standing for several hours.
How do you know if a shoe has good arch support?

Generally, shoes with good arch support will be firm, yet flexible, to prevent the arch from collapsing. You should not be able to easily twist or bend your shoes. If you can twist the shoe without much resistance, or if you're easily able to fold it from heel to toe, the shoe likely won't have very much arch support.