14 Boots with Arch Support That Prove Style and Comfort Can Go Hand in Hand
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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. I'm 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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The Best Boots with Arch Support at a Glance
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 I 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 me narrow down my search. This then led me to look high and low for different boot brands focused on creating high-quality, comfortable shoes with customer reviews that make us feel like they were suggested to us by a trusted friend. The boots on this list come highly recommended by reviewers, and some from a board-certified podiatrist. Here are a few key components I considered:
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1. Vionic Nella Booties
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.
2. Vivaia Regina Pro Boots
I 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.
3. Sarah Flint Leather Perfect Chelsea Boot 30
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.
4. T?ōs Leather Downtown Boots
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.
5. Ariat Leather Heritage Western Boots
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 in two colors and have an almond-shaped toe for that classic cowboy boot look.
6. Merry People Bobbi Rain Boots
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.
7. L.L.Bean Rugged Wellie Chelsea Boots
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 former 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.
8. Merrell Moab Speed 2 Boots
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.”
9. Margaux The Eddie Boot
I'm obsessed with the shape of these high boots. The 2.5-inch 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.
10. Vionic Phillip Riding Boots
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. While these top-selling boots are sold out at Nordstrom and on the Vionic site, you can grab these beauties in black and brown on Amazon.
11. Blondo Sandra Booties
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 looks extremely elevated 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.
12. Vionic Lani II Lace-Up Boots
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 three colors. Reviewers note these run a bit large, so you may want to grab a half size down.
13. Naturalizer Lyric Boots
Boasting a partially bio-based foam footbed with built-in arch support and an incredibly trendy and tall silhouette, reviewers can't get enough of this comfortable and sexy find. These knee-high boots have a zippered side closure for easy application and removal, plus, a hidden panel in the back of the boot for a bit of added flexibility.
14. UGG Adirondack III Waterproof Bootie
It's never too early to start prepping for those winter cold fronts, and these UGG boots come highly recommended by reviewers who have hiked, trudged and climbed through the worst snowy climates. They have a dual-density EVA midsole and an enerG comfort system footbed, so they provide extra comfort while you're trekking along. Can't forget the extra warming insulation to keep your toes cozy and warm. And don't worry about these boots being too heavy on the foot like other snow boots. Some reviewers note that they're very lightweight and can be worn for daily adventures, not only snow days.
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.”
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