fashion
Healthy feet have never looked so chic
By Olivia Dubyak
•
Published Mar 13, 2024
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Paula Boudes for PureWow
When you think of boots with arch support, you probably picture clunky orthotics that wouldn’t exactly pair well with the contents of your closet. We’re here to politely tell you that stylish boots that are supportive and healthy for your feet do exist.
Whether you have a high instep, flat feet or just prefer the feeling of a supported arch, comfortable and cushioned insoles in boots can keep you comfy all day long. From hiking boots to Chelsea boots to cowboy boots, this list has options for every kind of style.
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Meet the Expert
Dr. Jacqueline Sutera, DPM is an NYC-based podiatrist and foot surgeon who specializes in women’s foot care.Dr. Sutera earned her medical degree from the New York College of Podiatric Medicine in Manhattan. She performed her residency at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center in Queens, where she served as chief resident.
How We Chose the Best Boots with Arch Support
Dr. Sutera, offered some insight into the qualities to keep in mind if you’re looking for a boot with arch support, which helped us narrow down our search. We also took into consideration many facets of different boot brands focused on creating high-quality shoes with reviews that make us feel like they were suggested to us by a trusted friend. The boots on this list come highly recommended from reviewers, and some from a board-certified podiatrist. Here are a few key components we considered:
- Inside construction: Does the boot have a padded footbed or insoles with extra cushion to support the arch of the foot?
- Outer sole construction: The bottom of the boots should be durable and offer traction.
- The aesthetic: We looked for versatile and stylish boots that are thoughtfully designed for fashion purposes, not just foot health.
- Price: We understand not everyone has the same budget, so we included boots across a variety of price ranges.
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Podiatrist Pick
What We Like
- platform style
- cushioned EVA insole
- Vio-Motion technology
What We Don't Like
- only a few half sizes
- limited stock
Vionic
Dr. Sutera names these booties as one of her favorite pairs from Vionic, a brand known for its supportive and well-constructed footwear. She tells us, “Vionic's Vio-Motion technology is built into every pair: deep seated heel cup, arch support and cushioning.These features provide stability, comfort and flexibility.” The heel height comes in at just over three inches and has a side zipper and pull on tab on the back, making them easy to slip into. “The Nella gives you a little more height with the platform forefoot, without sacrificing flexibility,” notes Dr. Sutera.
Fast Facts
- Promising Review: “These boots fit perfectly right out of the box. Don't be afraid of the higher heel, the platform makes them very walkable. Can't wait to wear them with everything!” — a Zappos customer
- Material: leather
- Size Range: 5 to 11
Best Square-Toe Boots
What We Like
- 15 color and material options
- geometric heel
- pressure-relief insole cushioning
What We Don't Like
- may run slightly narrow
Vivaia
We love the look of sock booties, and this pair has a geometric heel that makes them a little more unique. The knit, recycled materials are water-repellant, and they have a heel tab to pull them right onto your feet. The sole has a diamond cushion pattern that’s designed to offer pressure-relief, and there is extra, improved arch support added for comfort.
Fast Facts
- Promising Review: “I usually only buy genuine leather shoes just as a foot precaution since I walk around a lot, but these were a game-changer. They are as comfortable as advertised and very well made. I've worn them about eight to ten times now and have had no foot pain whatsoever.” — a Vivaia customer
- Materials: recycled materials
- Size Range: 5 to 11
Best Chelsea Boots
3. Sarah Flint Leather Perfect Chelsea Boot 30
What We Like
- anatomically padded footbed
- wide toe box
What We Don't Like
- toe box may fit wide on narrow feet
Sarah Flint
Instead of standard stretch panels on the side like most Chelsea boots, these have leather along the paneling for a more elevated look. Inside you’ll feel anatomical arch support with 6 millimeters of footbed padding and an extra-wide toe box.
Fast Facts
- Promising Review: “My new go-to boot—[I] love this boot. [It’s a] great heel height for lots of walking but, of course, lovely enough to wear to work and after!” — a Sarah Flint customer
- Materials: leather
- Size Range: 4 to 13
Best Lug Sole Boots
4. Täōs Leather Downtown Boots
What We Like
- lightweight construction
- lug sole
What We Don't Like
- some reviewers note they run a bit narrow
Täōs
If you love the look of a chunkier boot but don’t love heavy shoes, you’re going to want these. They have a cork and polyurethane midsole that’s super lightweight, so they’re easy to walk around in all day. At the very bottom there’s a slim rubber lug sole for durable traction and a bold look. The upper and insole are constructed for arch and metatarsal support so your whole foot will feel that comfort.
Fast Facts
- Promising Review: “I purchased these shoes a few weeks ago and have been wearing them 90 percent of the time! I'm a hairdresser and work up to ten-hour days with little to no breaks. I wore them straight out of the box (I brought spares in case!) and these shoes needed absolutely zero break-in time! I honestly couldn't be happier with these.” — a Täōs customer
- Material: leather
- Size Range: 37 to 42
Best Cowboy Boots
5. Ariat Leather Heritage Western Boots
What We Like
- removable cushioned insole
- almond shaped toe
What We Don't Like
- need some break-in time
Ariat
Most cowboy boots aren’t exactly built with comfort and support as the primary goal, but this Ariat pair is an exception. They have ATS technology for ergonomic support as well as a removable cushion insole. They are available three colors and have an almond shaped toe for that classic cowboy boot look.
Fast Facts
- Promising Review: “I’m just now on my third pair of these boots over 20 years of only wearing Ariat. The most comfortable and durable boot I’ve ever had. Rode many miles over the years on trails, wore them for my wedding, and everyday life. Very thankful for the thought and love put into these boots for us average everyday people. Makes life a bit easier!” — an Ariat customer
- Materials: leather
- Size Range: 5.5 to 12
Best Rain Boots
6. Merry People Bobbi Rain Boots
What We Like
- 100 percent waterproof
- vegan materials
What We Don't Like
- no half sizes available
Merry People
Everyone needs a good pair of rain boots, but rain boots are notoriously flat and stiff. These, however, have built-in arch support. They’re made of 100 percent vegan materials and are lined with a super flexible and soft neoprene lining to make them fully waterproof. These rain booties are available in 19 colors, so have a blast picking just one of these fabulous shades.
Fast Facts
- Promising Review: “I often resist the urge to go out [when it’s raining] because it is messy out there and I can’t be bothered to go upstairs, get old shoes and then switch out my orthotics just to go out in the yard for a bit…but these wonderful boots are the change I needed!” —a Merry People customer
- Materials: rubber
- Size Range: 4 to 14
Best Waterproof Boots
7. L.L.Bean Rugged Wellie Chelsea Boots
What We Like
- stretch side paneling
- front and back pull-on tabs
What We Don't Like
- no half sizes available
L.L.Bean
These waterproof Chelsea boots are stylish and practical. Even if you don’t live in Seattle (or anywhere else where it rains all the time), these boots will keep you prepared for the most surprising inclement weather. “I’ve had these for several years and they just get better every time I wear them, says PureWow Commerce Editor Olivia Dubyak. “I have very narrow and sensitive feet and the support these boots offer is a must.” They have a rubber lug sole for traction and EVA midsole pods for extra cushion and support. They’re available in black, green, navy and gray.
Fast Facts
- Promising Review: “I moved from coastal Maine to the Oregon coast and these boots are perfect year-round. Comfortable to walk for miles and keep my feet dry crossing small streams as well as the winter rains.” — an L.L.Bean customer
- Materials: rubber
- Size Range: 6 to 11
Best Hiking Boots
What We Like
- padded tongue
- waterproof shell
- odor control technology
What We Don't Like
- not the most aesthetically pleasing shoes
Merrell
Hikers deserve a pair of boots that will keep them comfortable, dry, supported and protected, no matter the intensity of the hike. These have a GORE-TEX shell to protect from water and moisture and a Vibram TC5+ sole for traction to keep the foot stable while still being flexible. The midsole has the brand’s FloatPro foam built in for cushion and comfort, too. “I’m a huge fan of Merrell boots and sneakers for hiking,” Dubyak shares. “I had boots similar to this that are no longer available, but the secure design of the interior kept my feet feeling optimally supported during my Colorado hikes.”
Fast Facts
- Promising Review: not available
- Materials: GORE-TEX, recycled materials, nylon
- Size Range: 5 to 11
Best High Boots
What We Like
- sleek shape
- padded insole
What We Don't Like
- run slightly small
Margaux
We’re obsessed with the shape of these high boots. The block heel still has a low profile and the almond shaped toe is a classic style. They offer plenty of flexibility in the calves and feet so they will feel comfortable to wear all day long. The insole has five millimeters of foam padding, which sounds heavenly.
Fast Facts
- Promising Review: “The perfect boot! Super comfortable, [wore] them for eight hours straight, never felt any discomfort.” — a Margaux customer
- Materials: leather
- Size Range: 5 to 11
Nordstrom
Best Riding Boots
10. Vionic Phillip Riding Boots
What We Like
- water repellant
- buckle details
What We Don't Like
- not made for wider calves
Vionic
Sleek riding boots never go out of style, so you may as well get a pair that will last and keep your feet supported. This style of boot is usually very stiff and harder to walk long distances in due to the flat sole. These, however, have added padding on the removable insole for extra comfort. You can grab these in black and brown.
Fast Facts
- Promising Review: “I love them so much I’m considering buying them in black. I have very thin legs, I found the calf to be way too big on most other boots. I also have a high arch and love that Vionic addresses that.” — a Nordstrom customer
- Materials: leather
- Size Range: 5 to 9
Nordstrom
Best Ankle Boots
11. Blondo Sandra Booties
What We Like
- no socks required
- cushioned footbed
What We Don't Like
- may run slightly narrow
Blondo
These booties are easy to slide on, not just because of the pull-on tab, but also because of the stretchy side paneling and ankle openings. Inside, there’s a cushioned footbed with added arch support. The suede covered leather upper is elevated looking and it’s also waterproof. The heel is just under two inches, so it gives you a smidge of extra height but will still be comfy for all-day wear.
Fast Facts
- Promising Review: “I have so many pairs of these booties from this brand because they really fit my feet well. They look great with my dresses, denim and this pair doesn’t disappoint. Plus, with no zipper, they just slip on and that is great!” — a Nordstrom customer
- Materials: leather
- Size Range: 5 to 11
Best Combat Boots
What We Like
- side zipper
- EVA footbed
What We Don't Like
- runs slightly large
Vionic
If you want something a little more rugged looking, these combat boots are a great pick. The laces are functional, but there’s also a side zipper to get them on and off with ease. They have a removable EVA footbed that’s polyurethane coated to help it last longer. You can grab these boots in four colors. Reviewers note these run a bit large, so you may want to grab a half size down.
Fast Facts
- Promising Review: “I’ve found I don't need my orthotics so far in these Vionic boots since the sole and arch are supportive enough. Lovely relief for my usually sore feet. These boots are lace-up as well as zip-up, so I can lace to get snug support on my arch with easy-on-easy-off convenience.” —a Zappos customer
- Materials: leather
- Size Range: 5 to 11
What to Consider When Shopping for Boots with Arch Support
Not all boots provide adequate arch support, so there are a few things you need to keep in mind when you try on and shop online. According to Dr. Sutera, opting for heel heights under two inches for daily wear is a great rule of thumb if you have flat feet. “Save higher styles for special occasions and for shorter times of walking and standing,” she says. You’ll also want to pay attention to the construction of the upper and the outer construction of the shoe. The more durable and stable the shoes are, the more support your arches will get from the insole build. “When picking shoes, choose styles and brands that offer cushioning, arch support and shock absorption,” says Dr. Sutera. “These good-for-you features are foot and body loving, both short term because they feel good and long term because they help to prevent and treat common foot complaints like plantar fasciitis, tendonitis, strained ligaments, ball of foot pain, etc.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What Boots Are Good for Arch Support?
Opt for boots that have a high-quality external construction so they offer stability to your feet. Also, you’ll want to look for boots with supportive insoles. “Look for a cushioned insole preferably with arch support built in,” says Dr. Sutera.
Should I Add an Insert to My Boots for Arch Support?
Additional support never hurts, especially if you have foot issues. Picking a pair of boots that’s amply padded specifically for arch support will be helpful. It’s always a good idea to ask your podiatrist for advice for daily wear, too.
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Olivia Dubyak
Commerce Editor
Olivia Dubyak is PureWow's Commerce Editor and textbook Capricorn. She studied journalism at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, but has gone from New York City to...
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PureWow's editors and writers have spent more than a decade shopping online, digging through sales and putting our home goods, beauty finds, wellness picks and more through the wringer—all to help you determine which are actually worth your hard-earned cash. From our PureWow100 series (where we rank items on a 100-point scale) to our painstakingly curated lists of fashion, beauty, cooking, home and family picks, you can trust that our recommendations have been thoroughly vetted for function, aesthetics and innovation. Whether you're looking for travel-size hair dryers you can take on-the-go or women’s walking shoes that won’t hurt your feet, we’ve got you covered.
