The Best Sneakers For Arch Support, According To Podiatrists (2024)

Hannah Singleton

Contributor

Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own.

Asics Gel-Kayano 30 (Men's, Women's)

Sizes: 5 to 16 | Weight:10.7 ounces |Cushion:Maximum |Heel-to-toe-drop:10 millimeters

Geller recommends this workhorse of shoe from Asics, which is so reliable that it is in its 30th iteration. “The Asics Gel-Kayano line is often praised for its exceptional support and comfort,” agrees Dr. sh*tal Sharma, DPM, podiatrist at Pinewood Family Care Co in Jersey City. That’s because this shoe has a soft, medial support system, says Geller, which helps stabilize the inner arch. This allows the foot to properly roll outward during the propulsion phase of your gait (when you push off the ground), he says. Both podiatrists also love the gel in the heel, which absorbs shock, transferring less stress onto your joints, so they’re ideal for running, walking and casual wear.

Hoka Arahi 7 (Men's, Women's)

Sizes: 5 to 15 | Weight:9.9 ounces |Cushion:Moderate |Heel-to-toe drop:5 millimeters

All the podiatrists we spoke to praised the Hoka Arahi for its exceptional cushioning and responsive ride. Even with the extra padding, this shoe feels incredibly lightweight, says Dr. Sharma. You also won’t feel unstable as you walk or run: The heel-to-toe drop is only five millimeters, almost as if your foot is on an even plane. What sets this shoe apart from the rest, though, is the J-shaped internal frame, which “better controls heel strike,” says Geller. Instead of your heel rolling around, you’ll get the support you need to stay in line throughout your entire stride.

Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23 (Men's, Women's)

Sizes: 5 to 15 | Weight:10.1 ounces |Cushion:Moderate |Heel-to-toe drop:12 millimeters

If you have flat to medium arches, Sharma and Alabi both recommend the Brooks Adrenaline. It incorporates the brand’s GuideRails system (think of it like bumpers in a bowling lane), which is designed to prevent too much movement, says Sharma. This feature can be especially useful for runners or walkers who tend to overpronate, or collapse inward at the ankle. The most recent model of the Adrenaline got a big upgrade from previous versions, with a light, squishy midsole to keep you feeling comfortable mile after mile, and a breathable upper that wicks moisture.

Saucony Guide 17 (Men's, Women's)

Sizes: 5 to 16 |Weight:9.4 ounces |Cushion:Moderate |Heel-to-toe-drop:6 millimeters

Saucony makes solid all-around running shoes, but their responsive “Pwrrun” foam makes running fast feel so much easier. This shoe won’t be as soft as their maximum cushion varieties, but it has “a good balance of cushioning and support, making it suitable for runners with mild to moderate pronation,” says Sharma. The upper is padded and comfortable with a snug fit to enhance agility, and the outsole is durable so you can put it through the wringer on your daily training miles.

New Balance Fresh Foam X 880v14 (Men's, Women's)

Sizes: 5 to 16 | Weight (per shoe):9.5 ounces |Cushion:Moderate |Heel-To-Toe Drop:10 millimeters

New Balance is known to make some of the most comfortable shoes in the game, thanks to its Fresh Foam cushioning—and all three podiatrists agree. This shoe not only has that in droves, but also has the features that those seeking arch support need. “The New Balance medial post is iconic,” says Geller. “Think of it as a kickstand of sorts. By allowing firm support of the medial arch and stability of the first big toe, the foot and ankle cannot migrate inward.” When your foot stays in place, you can transition better from heel to toe as you push off the ground. Best of all, it’s one of the lightest shoes on this list, making it a great choice for those days when you’re constantly on your feet.

On Cloudrunner (Men's, Women's)

Sizes: 5 to 14 |Weight:10.5 ounces |Cushion:Maximum |Heel-to-toe drop:9 millimeters

The On Cloudrunner stands out for its sleek, streamlined aesthetic and comes approved by Alabi. It’s lightly supportive, lying somewhere in between a neutral and a stability shoe, as it has thicker mesh on the inner edge of the shoe but lacks any denser foam features you might not need. The integrated Speedboard—a rigid panel beneath the footbed—creates a firm ride, but it’s paired with a soft, bouncey foam sole so you get the best of both worlds. FYI: This shoe also comes in a wide fit if you want a more generous toe box.

Altra Provision 7 (Men's, Women's)

Sizes: 6 to 15 |Weight:9.6 ounces |Cushion:Moderate |Heel-to-toe drop:0 millimeters

According to Geller, the Provision 7 is a “middle-of-the-road arch protector. Not too firm and not too soft,” he says. “Good for those of us who need some mild protection in the arch.” But this shoe isn’t like others on the list: Altra has gained a massive following for its zero-drop running shoes, which means that the heel is not raised above the toe, and wide toe boxes. Some people find this beneficial for maintaining a natural foot position (as if you were barefoot), and the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) even gave this shoe a seal of acceptance that it promotes good foot health.

Nike Pegasus 40 (Men's, Women's)

Sizes: 5 to 13 |Weight:10.1 ounces |Cushion:Moderate |Heel-to-toe drop:10 millimeters

This back-to-the-basics sneaker is approved by podiatrist Alabi because of its versatility—a strap around the midfoot ensures a secure foot for all arch shapes and sizes. Moderate cushioning is soft enough for comfort during longer runs or walks, but it’s stiff enough that it won’t slow you down. Compared to other shoes on this list, it is a neutral shoe (instead of a stability shoe), which means that it won’t have built-in support to keep your foot in line, but it does have extra padding for comfort along the arch. If you’re looking for a relatively affordable and long-lasting sneaker, the Pegasus 40 fits the bill.