Women love shoes.
Unfortunately, for many of us over 40 it gets harder to wear uncomfortable shoes as we age and we need shoes with arch support.
Shoes with arch support
In this updated extensive article based on my experience and your own comments and experiences, I will highlight the best arch support shoes and brands.
I also share a comprehensive list of brands that offer shoes with arch support and share some of my favorites with you.
Best arch support shoes
We are always updating this article so if you have a great experience with shoes that offer great support, be sure to add your comments to this article so it becomes the definitive resource on arch support shoes! (more than 100 comments and recommendations already).
Let’s help everyone to be comfortable AND stylish. There’s no reason that the two have to be mutually exclusive!
Comfortable shoes with arch support for winter and fall
As we are now approaching fall (at least for most of you) this page will now contain many of the best arch support shoes for the winter/fall 2019 season.
I have left some of the great summer sandals as well for those of you in the Southern hemisphere.
The best shoes with arch support
I know that many women over 40 suffer from foot problems like plantar fasciitis that require shoes with more arch support.
It’s one of the unfortunate annoyances that often comes with aging.
Wearing shoes with arch support may actually be a good preemptive step, as it is estimated that over 80% of the population will end up with foot problems, which are largely due to poor footwear.
Why is Arch Support Important?
A shoe with good arch support reduces muscle strain and helps you to maintain balance.
It can also reduce the risk of plantar fasciitis, which is a painful inflammatory process of the plantar fascia, the connective tissue on the sole (bottom surface) of the foot.
It is often caused by overuse of the plantar fascia or arch tendon of the foot. It is a very common condition and can be difficult to treat if not looked after properly. Another common term for the affliction is “policeman’s heel”.
A good support shoe is rigid enough to support the arch, yet offers just enough flexibility to allow the foot to naturally flex.
Will arch support insoles or arch support inserts work to provide the needed support?
Another way to provide more arch support is to work with shoe insoles like these ones from Birkenstock.
These are very affordable and you may be able to use them with your existing shoes, even though high-quality orthopedic shoes are recommended.
Experiment with insoles to see if they fit in your current shoes and if they provide enough support before changing all your shoes! I have included some options in the list below.
Can you wear arch support shoes for women and still look great?
‘Sensible’ shoes do tend to be thought of as more boring and are slightly more aging.
However, more and more manufacturers are paying attention to this problem now and the shoes on this list all look good.
Shoe brands like Ecco, Fly London and Sofft have started to create really nice shoes!
The key is to find shoes that are just slightly different, have a hip vibe to them and are just a bit funkier than the regular ‘sensible’ shoe.
You may like to get inspired by latest shoe trends for winter and fall 2019 though many of these are quite outrageous, there are some trends which could work for you.
The 10 best shoe brands with arch support and our favorite picks
Below you will find a list of recommended brands that offer comfortable shoes and shoes with arch support. My personal favorites are Ecco and Fly London.
Here are the top 10 that I like to wear and that you have recommended.
The top 10 all combine comfort with style because I’m sure you don’t want one without the other!
1. Fly London Yala wedge 280+ reviews, 4 stars
I wear my Fly London wedges with pretty much everything. They look a little ‘chunky’ in style before you put them on, but when you wear them, they are comfortable, stylish and edgy. They remain on trend each year!
They come in all kinds of colors too and I know several women who have this shoes in multiple colors.
They manage to be timeless, but on-trend year after year. The Yala wedge is my style of choice. You will always find this style is available season after season. At the moment, it’s available in seven colors, including black, red, neutrals and on-trend metallics.
I find these are a great shoe to transition from summer through to fall as you can wear with summer clothes or pieces for cooler weather.
Dayle (below) paired her fun outfit with a red Yala wedge.
Here are a few examples of how I have worn them.
Your reviews: Deanna and Krista both say Fly London are comfortable and cute, while Pam has three pairs of Fly London which she wears with an additional insert.
2. Vionic Serena ankle boot, 4.5 stars
Vionic is a popular brand for its comfort and support. The Vionic Serena ankle boot is a classic style which won’t date.
You could opt for either this shade, which Vionic is calling Greige (see what they’ve done there) or for black.
There’s a removable orthotic insole with arch support and Vionic’s own Orthaheel technology, which is designed to support the alignment of your foot.
I can see these booties going with pretty much everything from dresses to jeans.
“These boots are great – I can’t wear flats (Plantar fasciitis) but want something I can wear for hours without getting sore feet. These are it!” – etmom
3. Born Uchee knee length boot, 4.1 stars
Born was founded on the idea that a shoe was needed that was not only comfortable but also lightweight.
Shoes feature arch support cushions as well as an air diffusion layer to prevent that weird puff of air noise that you can sometimes get from cushioned soles.
I love burgundy for fall but you can also opt for classic black or brown. They are particularly recommended if you have wider calves.
“Born makes beautiful boots and these are no exception. The leather is soft, the footbed is super comfortable and the quality is great.” – Loreez
4. Blondo Valli waterproof bootie, 700+ reviews, 4.6 stars
The Valli waterproof bootie is a style you’ll be able to find for season upon season from Blondo.
It has a cushioned footbed and a low stacked heel with added traction to make sure you don’t slip on rainy days. Most people say they sized up to make sure they could wear thicker socks during winter.
“These booties have proven to be the most comfortable ones when on your feet all day.” – Beth97
Blondo Valli waterproof bootie
5. Vionic Josie kitten heel pump, 40 reviews, 4.3 stars
Another classic from Vionic, the Josie kitten heel pump is great if you don’t want to give up your heels, but you still want to be comfortable.
Plus, kitten heels are still very much on trend for winter and fall this year. You can choose from five colors. I was torn between classic black and a textured burgundy.
“I bought these for my 70-year-old mom to wear to a wedding and they fit the bill perfectly. She has foot issues, but not with these shoes!” – knooper
6. Naturalizer Karina square toe pump
Naturalizer has a stylish array of versatile styles season after season which combine comfort and style.
Whether you choose a sneaker, a pump, a bootie or a flat, all Naturalizer shoes have the same fit technology. There’s cushioning to relieve pressure as well as breathable linings to keep your feet cool.
I think you’ll like lots of their styles this season. I definitely do. There are plenty of stylish booties, sneakers, as well as some heels if you want to stay comfortable at any occasions.
Square toes are particularly on trend this year.
“Very nice. cute. comfortable.” – Mrsgi
Naturalizer Karina square toe pump
7. Naturalizer Morrison sneaker, 270+ reviews, 4.2 stars
I think it’s great that sneakers have never been so on trend.
It makes it so much easier to stay comfortable AND stylish. This gray would be perfect for fall.
Naturalizer is popular among women who need arch support because of its contour technology with arch support, and a flexibility that means its shoes move with the foot.
“Purchased these last year and when I saw them again repurchased and got 2 additional colors cause they’re so cute & comfortable.” – Wendy
8. Birdies The Starling flat, 4.1 stars
Birdies is a new discovery for me, but I’m sure many of you already have a pair.
The brand has created arch support cushioning with seven layers along with elevating arch support and memory foam. There’s also a pressure reducing system on the heel.
The classic loafer is always available, but you’ll find new colors and patterns each season.
“Super comfy and cute. The footbed is cushioned and I walked around in them for several hours on day 1 and day 2 and didn’t need any break in time.” – Gsudie
9. FitFlop Allegra ballet flat, 80+ reviews, 4 stars
FitFlop is obviously best known for its flip flops, but the brand also does a great range of comfy flats.
Its ballet-style pumps have the seal of approval from the American Podiatric Association.
They come with a removable insole and a contoured, cushioned footbed with arch support.
The Allegro is one of its most popular styles and comes in different colors each season. My favorites this time are gold and a pale, yet vibrant blue.
“Ya gotta love this brand of shoes. They wrap around your feet and have soles that feel like walking on clouds.” – Fashionista104
10. Orthofeet sneakers, 720+ reviews, 4 stars
If you’re searching for a pair of sneakers which are more suited to exercise rather than everyday wear, Orthofeet have been recommended to me by many of you with foot problems.
They have an orthotic insole, air pockets and gel padding.
“My new favorite shoes. From the moment I got them, I could wear them all day and my feet never hurt.” – Cassie
Sandals with arch support
If you’re either heading off on vacation or you live in warmer climes, you may be looking for the best sandals with arch support rather than booties or sneakers for fall.
Women love Ecco’s Damara gladiator sandal. Striking the right balance between a comfort shoe and a hip sandal sandals are extremely popular.
They are available in several colors but I couldn’t resist choosing the textured silver ones!
Ecco’s Damara gladiator sandal
Vionic, Kirra Backstrap sandal, 250+ reviews, 4 stars
Vionic (formerly Orthaheel) is a popular choice which was launched because of the work of a renowned podiatrist who realized that treatments alone weren’t enough to alleviate sore feet and conditions such as plantar fasciitis.
Its shoes are designed to hug your feet as if they were your own footprint.
This season, there are plenty of stylish options to choose from, including sandals, sneakers, wedges and ankle booties.
The black toe post sandals (below) are a stylish classic that will be on trend for many summer vacations to come. They are designed to help stabilize, support and realign the foot while relieving heel pressure.
Your reviews: Jeanette recommends looking at some of the Vionic sandals that have adjustable straps at the toe area. She also has a couple of sets of Vionic inserts to wear with some shoes that do not have arch support but work great with bunions.
Aerosoles Women’s Conchlusion Gladiator Sandal, 558 reviews, 4.5 stars
Aerosoles is another popular brand that makes a similar shoe to the Kirra Back strap sandal, which is even more popular than the Vionic version.
It has a memory foam foodbed, good arch support and adjustable straps. It comes in all kinds of colors too.
Aerosoles Kirra back strap sandal
Dansko Vera sandal, 44 reviews 4.5 stars
Known for their comfort line, Dansko shoes are ideal if you’re on your feet the whole day.
I’m not keen on some of the styles in the Dansko range, which include some “clumpy” looking clogs, but, there are also some new sandals styles which you would never guess were comfort wear. I bet you would get plenty of compliments for these Cecily wedge sandals as they make quite the statement.
My pick is for the Dansko Vera flat sandal This sandal gives you a bit more height and dressiness, yet will ensure your feet are comfortable all day.
Shoes with good arch support for travel
If you are looking for comfortable shoes for travel, here are a few more options.
Many of the arch support shoes mentioned above will be great choices but if arch support is not your top priority here are a few more.
I really enjoy wearing these brogues from the brand Rollie. Although there is not a huge amount of arch support the soles are very soft and I have found these shoes very comfortable. They are ideal for travel as they are super lightweight.
Great for walking around the city. More shoes from Rollie here.
Superga Women’s 2750 Cotu Sneaker, 599 reviews, 4 stars
A good white sneaker never goes out of style and they are still very current.
The Superga Cotu sneaker has long been a favorite as very popular walking shoe that looks good with many outfits.
It doesn’t offer great arch support though so if that’s a main issue for you, you may want to try one of the other options.
There are more ideas here in this piece on the most comfortable walking shoes for women over 40.
Other recommended brands of arch support shoes
Of course, the options above aren’t the only arch support shoes available, although they tend to be the most popular.
Here is a full list of recommended brands of shoes that offer you great arch support and are comfortable walking shoes.
I have listed the best arch support shoes brands in alphabetical order:
- Aerosoles
- Aetrex
- Alegria
- Antelope Shoes
- Aravon
- Arche
- Arcopedico
- Bernardo
- Born
- BZees
- Chaco shoes
- Clarks
- Cobb Hill
- Ecco
- Earth Origins
- Earthies
- Finn Comfort
- Fly London , edgy comfortable shoes
- Geox
- Jack Rogers
- Jambu
- Josef Seibel
- Klogs
- Mephisto
- Merrell
- Naots
- Paul Green
- Pikolinos
- Rieker
- Romika
- Sam Edelman
- Think!
- Taos Footwear
- Vaneli
- Vionic
- Wolky
- Ziera
Want to make this resource even better? Add your arch support recommendations as well!
Just add a comment to this article with your favorite arch support shoes and why they work so well for you.
Please note that many of the shoes featured below come in several color options, so if you like a model, please make sure to click through and see if they have your desired color.
Do you have any favorite comfortable shoe brands?
What would be your picks for the best arch support shoes? Let me know in the comments below.
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Feature image by Dayle
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