Shoes for High Arches

To choose: if the pressure you feel is across the top of the foot, look at the models with the most adjustable fastening — laces and multi-strap styles open furthest and let you set the instep yourself. If the ache is under the heel or the ball, look at the deepest-cushioned soles. Our insole lifts out of every pair if you wear a prescribed orthotic.

Instep depth, not just width

Width is side to side; depth is the room above the foot. A high instep needs depth, and a wide shoe without it will still press across the top of the foot when you fasten it.

Removable footbeds for cushioning and support

Selected models use a 1 cm moulded footbed with a contoured arch and metatarsal support; other models use our 6 mm removable footbed. Both options provide cushioning and lift out for a prescribed orthotic where required.

Shoes for high arches that take custom orthotics

High arches are one of the commonest reasons for a prescribed orthotic. Lift our insole out and the depth underneath is available for yours — without the shoe becoming tight over the instep.

Questions we are asked

Do I need cushioning or support with high arches?

Needs differ. Some people prioritise cushioning beneath the heel and forefoot, while others have been advised to use a particular form of arch support. A podiatrist can assess which matters for you.

Why do my shoes press across the top of my foot?

A high instep can press against a shallow upper. Going up a size mainly adds length, so a deeper shoe with an adjustable fastening may be more suitable.

Can I use my own orthotics?

Yes. Take ours out first.

If you have high arches with clawing toes, recurring ankle sprains or numbness, that is worth investigating with a podiatrist rather than treating as a footwear problem.