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.
If you have a foot condition or ongoing foot pain, talk to a doctor or podiatrist. Shoes can add comfort and support, but they are not a medical treatment.
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.[1]
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.[2]
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.[3] 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.[4] 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.
Key Specs Compared
Numbers match the reviews below (tap to jump).
| No. | Shoe | Type | Upper | Closure |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Skechers Go Walk Lite Ballet Flat / Harper (men's) | Flat | Leather | Slip-on |
| 2 | Orthofeet Emma Orthopedic Ankle / Arch Boost Boot (men's) | Boot | Leather | Not stated |
| 3 | Clarks Cora Daisey / Tilden Free (men's) | Loafer | Leather | Slip-on |
– = not stated on the Amazon listing. Specs as stated by the listing, not tested by us; check the listing before you buy.
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 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.
2
Cushioned Leather Boot for Cooler Days
- Sneaker-Level Comfort in a Dress Boot: Advanced cushioning evenly distributes foot pressure and absorbs impact so you can wear a heel all day without sacrificing comfort.
- Includes premium orthotic insole with anatomical arch support for proper foot alignment, even weight distribution, and multilayered cushioning in every pair, which helps keep long stretches of everyday wear comfortable.
- Versatile Leather Boot: premium leather upper delivers excellent ankle stability with a refined look that transitions from casual outings to work settings with ease, a feature worth weighing when comparing dress shoes for high arches.
- Ergonomic sole gently propels your stride forward, reducing impact and muscle effort while promoting a smooth, natural roll through every step, which helps keep long stretches of everyday wear comfortable.
- Men’s and women’s versions are listed separately on Amazon, each with its own size range.
- Check the Amazon listing for current colors and size availability before you order.
- Compare the size chart on the listing, since fit can vary between colorways and versions.
3
Leather Loafer for Everyday Wear
- Ortholite Footbed, Smooth Textile Linings, Durable TPR Outsole, helpful on the surfaces you meet during everyday wear.
- Delivering a look that works at the office and casual get-togethers, the Tilden Free loafer from the Clarks Collection is a must for any wardrobe.
- Stretch Gore Panels for a Flexible Fit, so it is easier to get a secure, comfortable fit for everyday wear.
- Ortholite footbed that softens impact and wicks away moisture, a useful trait in dress shoes for high arches.
- Soft Themoplastic Rubber outsole provides comfort all day, which helps keep long stretches of everyday wear comfortable.
- Men’s and women’s versions are listed separately on Amazon, each with its own size range.
- Check the Amazon listing for current colors and size availability before you order.
Index Table: Top Rated Dress Shoes for High Arches
| No. | Shoe | Men ♂ | Women ♀ | Features | Brand |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Skechers® - Dress Shoe for High Arches |  |  |
| Skechers |
| 2 | Orthofeet® - Cushioned Leather Boot for Cooler Days |  |  |
| Orthofeet |
| 3 | Clarks® - Leather Loafer for Everyday Wear |  |  |
| Clarks |
Sources
General background on foot health and footwear. This is not medical advice; see a doctor or podiatrist about foot pain or a foot condition.
- Cleveland Clinic: How to Pick a Running Shoe
- Cleveland Clinic: High Arch Feet (Pes Cavus)
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (OrthoInfo): Athletic Shoes
- American Podiatric Medical Association: Which Running Shoe is Right for You?
Update History
- Oct 2026: Updated Orthofeet Emma to Orthofeet Emma Orthopedic Ankle
- Oct 2026: Updated Clarks Cora Daisey to a current in-stock listing
- Oct 2026: Removed Vionic Amor Mariana, Hush Puppies Pleats Be With You and Vionic Magnolia Shawna (unavailable)
- Nov 2022: First published
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