Best arch-support trainers tried and tested for stability and comfort

If you’re someone who struggles with high or fallen arches, you’ve likely appreciated the ever-growing number of suitable trainers on the market.

While arch-support trainers used to be stocked exclusively on specialist footwear websites, nowadays you’ll find plenty of options from your high-street favourites to keep your feet looking and feeling good.

Trevor D Prior BSc Hons FRCPodS FFPM RCPS, Consultant Podiatric Surgeon for Vionic Shoes, says: “Wearing suitable orthotic footwear provides arch support to the feet and helps to address the problems associated with various conditions or foot types. Footwear with built-in orthotics help to address the problems associated with plantar fasciitis, fallen arches, bunions, arthritis, joint pain and several other conditions.”

What are the benefits of wearing shoes with arch support?

Prior explains, “Many biomechanical complaints, such as heel pain, knee pain, lower back pain and plantar fasciitis, are aggravated by poor foot function. Orthotics help to reduce unwanted movement of the foot and ankle bones, thereby allowing you to reclaim your natural footprint. In turn, this can help alleviate problems in other parts of the body. Orthotics also give a more even weight distribution, take pressure off sore spots, such as the ball of the foot, corns or bunions, and they can also provide shock absorption.”

How can someone determine their arch type and the level of arch support they need?

“Largely speaking, there are three different foot arch types: average, low and high”, he reveals. “A flat or low arch can be normal but in some people, if the arch collapses when you move, this may contribute to muscle stress and joint problems. High arches can increase the strain on muscles and joints. Your feet may not absorb shock well. If you have high arches, you should look for both arch support and cushioning.”

What are the key features to look for in a shoe with arch support?

Prior advises the following.

Line them up: “When shopping for shoes, put your feet side by side with shoes before trying them on and visually assess if they are a good match to better predict if they will be a good fit”. Material: “Shoes that are not made of a forgiving material and are not the proper fit will compress and squeeze the forefoot. Wearing shoes with more structure and support, especially for some people with flat feet, is not only more comfortable but may also improve your foot function”.Suitable: “Make sure the shoes you wear are appropriate for what you are doing to prevent injury and pain. For example, activities like dancing and tennis (which have side-to-side, lateral movements) require a different type of support than walking, hiking and running (which are forward movements)”.Rigid sole and cushion: “Other features that are important when buying supportive shoes are deep heel cups and added cushion on top of a more rigid or contoured sole. The rigid sole provides some extra control and the cushion gives comfort”. Closed shoes: “Choose closed shoes which can be more stable and safer than very open styles. Open styles expose the midfoot, which can be unstable and encourage an unsteady gait. Open styles that have adjustable straps are a better option because they can help secure the foot.”

At the ES Best desk, we put each of these arch-support trainers through their paces to see which ones really deliver on comfort and support. As someone who knows how tricky it can be to find shoes that actually work for your feet, we focused on making sure these trainers catered to all kinds of arch types; high, low, or average.

We tested them in a variety of ways, from long hours of wear to running, walking, and even some lateral movements for those who need more from their shoes. I paid close attention to how well each pair supported the arches, how cushioned they felt, and whether they helped with common foot pains like heel discomfort or plantar fasciitis. We also checked for quality materials, the perfect fit, and overall stability. These are the ones that stood out as the best for getting you through your day.