When the arch of your foot is higher than normal, you may need extra support from your shoes, which does not just count for running shoes but also your dress shoes, especially when you need to wear more formal dress shoes for work.
Dress shoes for high arches need to offer neutral support, plenty of plush cushioning, and a slightly higher toe box to accommodate a higher arch.
High Arches and How They affect You
The arch of your foot refers to the area between the heel and the ball of your foot that runs at the bottom of your feet.
The arches of your feet have the purpose of evenly dispersing weight and impact across your feet and help with alignment and stability when walking and running.
Individuals with a high arch type may have problems with some discomfort or skeletal issues, medically known as Cavus foot.
The easiest way to tell if you have higher than normal is to wet your feet and stand on a concrete surface or piece of paper. If you have a high-arched foot, you will only see an imprint of your heel, toes, and the ball of your foot, not the sides or anything in between.
A normal arch is usually slightly raised off the ground when you stand, while a flat arch will press flat on the ground, and a high arch will leave plenty of space between the ground and the center of your foot.
High-arched or cavus feet are much less common than flat feet; only 20% of the population is estimated to have high-arched feet.
High arches can result in extra strain on your feet, leading to painful symptoms and issues with shoes that will fit properly. Several conditions may result from having high-arched fees; here are only a few;
- Metatarsalgia – People with high-arched feet are more likely to get inflammation in the ball of the foot because most of the impact is felt in this area.
- Plantar Fasciitis – Plantar Fasciitis may also occur in individuals with high or flat arches, one of the main causes of heel pain.
- Hammertoes – because of the unnatural foot form of a high arch, it may cause hammertoes, which occur when the second, third, or fourth toes bend at the middle of the joint point upwards rather than lying flat down.
- Claw Toes – Claw toes, similar to hammertoes, occurs when the toes curl downward and dig into the soles of your shoes, negatively impacting how you walk.
- Instable Ankles – Because of the lack of support and stability required of a normal arch, you may also have ankle instability that could increase your risk of suffering an ankle injury.
- Metatarsal Fractures – High arches likewise cause repeated stress in the bones of the foot, especially the thinner hairline bones that could lead to metatarsal fractures.
Shoes for High Arches
You will mainly use a neutral shoe for high arches for running or athletic shoes, with plenty of cushioning. Thus, looking for the same in dress shoes would be best.
The midsole needs to be supportive and shock-absorbing with plenty of cushioning. The shoe needs more volume in the toe box and mid-section, as your foot will be shaped higher than normal.
Plenty of toe room so you can easily wiggle your toes is ideal, as well as comfortable and plush cushioning inside.
Arch support for a higher arch type is also advisable.
Features of a Good Dress Shoe for High Arches
- Uppers – Most dress shoes have leather, synthetic or fabric uppers. Look for a shoe with extra depth and a very roomy toe box to accommodate a higher arch type.
- Cushioning and Support – Shoes that offer plenty of shock-absorbing cushioning and a thick foamy midsole are ideal. Make sure the midsole does offer neutral support.
- Outsole – Look for a shoe with a durable and high traction rubber outsole, and opt for dress shoes with a low or more stable heel type.
Reviews: The Best Dress Shoes for High Arches
In our list before we have some of our top favorite Dress shoes that are ideal for High arches;
1
Dress Shoes for High Arches
- The Dress Pumps and Oxford-style dress shoes from Vionic have a supportive arch and a higher-toe box fit for high arches.
- They are well-cushioned to provide good shock absorbency.
- The dress pump has a stable medium heel, and the Oxford shoe is adjustable in fit.
- They are both available in more color variations.
2
Dress Shoes for High Arches
- From Hushpuppies, we have Orthopedic dress shoes for high arches.
- The shoes offer a high, roomy toe box and proper midfoot support for high arches.
- They are well-cushioned with a more flexible sole.
- Both shoes are available in a few more color options.
3
Dress Shoes for High Arches
- From Vionic, I have chosen some comfortable dress boots with an adjustable fit and laces for a higher arch type.
- The boots have arch support and plenty of cushioning for a higher arch type.
- They have a roomy toe box and an extra depth design.
- The outsole is durable and ensures good traction.
4
Dress Shoe for High Arches
- The Skechers Dress Pumps and Loafers have a generally comfortable and roomy fit for a higher arch.
- They have a memory foam and high rebound cushioning system, which is perfect for high arches.
- The shoes offer comfortable leather uppers and a durable rubber outsole.
- They are available in more neutral colors.
5
Dress Boot for High Arches
- The Orthopedic Dress boots from Orthofeet have extra depth and a wide toe box ideal for higher arches.
- They offer balanced support, cushioning with arch support, and a deeper heel cup.
- The shoes have leather uppers and a lower-heel design.
- They are available in wider widths and more colors.
6
Dress Shoes for High Arches
- The Clarks Escalade is a leather slip-on shoe, while the Cora is a synthetic and fabric slip-on shoe for high arches.
- The shoes have a roomy fit and comfortable lining.
- They both offer plenty of cushioning ad a supportive footbed.
- The outsole is a durable and high-traction rubber.
Index Table: Top Rated Dress Shoes for High Arches
| No. | Shoe | Men ♂ | Women ♀ | Features | Brand | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Vionic® - Dress Shoes for High Arches |  |  |
| Vionic | 98 |
| 2 | Hush Puppies® - Dress Shoes for High Arches |  |  |
| Hush Puppies | 97.9 |
| 3 | Vionic® - Dress Shoes for High Arches |  |  |
| Vionic | 97.6 |
| 4 | Skechers® - Dress Shoe for High Arches |  |  |
| Skechers | 97.5 |
| 5 | Orthofeet® - Dress Boot for High Arches |  |  |
| Orthofeet | 97.8 |
| 6 | Clarks® - Dress Shoes for High Arches |  |  |
| Clarks | 97.7 |
Table of Contents
- High Arches and How They affect You
- Shoes for High Arches
- Features of a Good Dress Shoe for High Arches
- Reviews: The Best Dress Shoes for High Arches
- Index Table: Top Rated Dress Shoes for High Arches
