If you don’t have time to read the entire review and just want to find out what the best walking shoes for high arches and Plantar Fasciitis is, then we recommend the Hoka One One Bondi 6 as the best choice.
It is critical to choose the perfect shoes if you want relief from your plantar fasciitis because this inflammation can not only be painful, it can also prevent you from getting regular exercise.
There is not one single reason that explains why people develop plantar fasciitis. It can be caused by a number of things. However, one thing that may lead to this painful condition is having high arches.
When looking for shoes to reduce the symptoms of your plantar fasciitis and to meet your unique needs, you will have to consider your pronation, which refers to how your foot distributes the impact of your weight upon landing. When you have high arches, you tend to underpronate, which is called supination. Those who underpronate feel most of the impact with each step on the outer edges of their feet, which can lead to plantar fasciitis because of the extra strain put on the band that runs from the heel to the toes.
In this article, we will look at the best walking shoes for those who have high arches and suffer from plantar fasciitis. These are:
- Best Overall: Hoka One One Bondi 6
- Best Option for Softness: Brooks Womens Glycerin 17
- Best Option for Security: New Balance Women’s 1080v9
- Best Option for Thick Midsole: Saucony Triumph ISO 5
- Best Option for Fixing a Variety of Ailments: Asics Gel Nimbus 20
But first, let’s look at some factors that are important to consider when shopping for walking shoes for people with high arches and plantar fasciitis. Then, we will look at 5 products on the market today that fit into both of these categories.
Factors to Keep in Mind When Buying Walking Shoes if You Have High Arches
Shoes for people with high arches are specially designed to help “correct” their underpronation. For people who have normal pronation, their feet hit the ground, and their weight evenly shifts from heel to toe, which is because the foot rotates slightly inward. But for people who have high arches, the foot does not rotate enough, which can lead to painful issues.
Due to their high arches, this population needs help from their shoes to protect their feet from how they naturally hit the ground. If an underpronator continues to put a strong impact on their feet during exercise, it can cause injuries related to the shock that the body absorbs when each foot strikes the ground.
Ideal walking shoes for people with high arches have a slightly flexible sole, as to not hinder the small amount of rotation that the foot makes with each step. The specific width of shoes for people with high arches also helps encourage proper rotation to ensure comfort on impact.
While normal pronators can absorb shock in their feet as they walk, people with high arches tend to feel a lot of the effects of shock in their joints. Because of this, walking shoes for people with high arches tend to have a little extra cushioning to absorb some of that shock. So while you’re looking for a softer shoe to prevent putting a lot of stress on the ball of your foot and your heel (which will lead to tension in the plantar fascia) don’t get shoes that are too soft. If your shoes don’t have enough structure, the arch support can crush down, rendering it useless.
Here is a list of features you will want your walking shoes to have if you have high arches:
- Breathable, lightweight, soft, and flexible upper construction.
- Good structural support
- A firm–yet cushioned–midsole
- High traction rubber soles.
- A deep heel cup (or stabilizer)
- Motion control technology
- Cushioning that provides good shock absorbency
Factors to Keep in Mind When Buying Walking Shoes if You Have Plantar Fasciitis
There are no specific walking shoes made for people with plantar fasciitis, however, there are some factors to look for as you’re shopping. It is best to choose walking shoes that over solid arch support, extra cushioning, shock-absorbing soles, and a heel cup or stabilizer to reduce the inflammation that leads to plantar fasciitis.
When you suffer from plantar fasciitis, it’s also best to wear walking shoes that offer a lot of stability that helps your feet hit the ground at an ideal alignment, preventing overstretching of the plantar fascia.
Here is a list of features you will want your walking shoes to have if you have plantar fasciitis:
- Heel support
- Firm heel counters
- Proper cushioning and arch support
- Flexibility
- Ergonomic sole to propel your foot forward and encourage your foot motion to minimize impact
- A wide toe box to ensure your toes aren’t cramped, which can lead to additional pain
Now that you know what you’re looking for in these specific walking shoes, let’s look at some of the best options that are on the market today.
5 Best Walking Shoes for High Arches and Plantar Fasciitis
1. Hoka One One Bondi 6
This is the best overall option if you’re looking for walking shoes that address both your high arch and plantar fasciitis needs. This is a versatile shoe that many praise for its energy-returning abilities. Some who have turned to this shoe due to pain caused by other brands found their pain to be instantly relieved once they began to use the Hokas.
These shoes offer a great amount of cushioning, which is perfect for people with high arches and those who are prone to suffering from plantar fasciitis. Many users find the shock absorption capabilities and the cushioning feel of these shoes to be unrivaled.
These shoes offer a large heel to toe drop, which means they provide significant arch support. They have a dependable sense of stability with a deep heel bed and a snug fit in the midfoot. However, just as people with high arches need, the forefoot and toe box offer some room for your feet to wiggle around.
The Lycra heel and sturdy upper will not come loose while you’re walking. In fact, you will feel just as supported when you take these shoes off after a walk as you do when you put them on before you put them on before heading out. The width of the outsole and midsole provides users with a steady walk and help absorb shock and mitigate possible displacement of heavy strides and impact on pavement.
The breathable mesh upper will keep you cool and dry, meaning you can get very hot while wearing these shoes and it shouldn’t compromise your walk. They also have a loop on the back of the shoe allows you to easily pull these shoes on and take them off. These shoes are both stable and durable, allowing users to walk on any type of terrain that is in their area.
Many users report that this is the brand and style of walking shoes that they will stick with from now on due to its ability to eliminate pain.
Pros:
- Offers superior cushioning
- Good at returning energy with every step
- People who have joint, tendon, or muscle issues in their legs and feet have found these shoes to be able to stave off any discomfort while walking
Cons:
- Not very attractive shoes, although they are offered in several colors
- Some find these shoes to be too stiff, but this is actually an ideal feature for people with high arches who have plantar fasciitis
- People tend to get blisters while breaking in these shoes
2. Brooks Womens Glycerin 17
If you are looking for a soft shoe, this is it. The Glycerins are filled with DNA Loft foam and then wrapped in a specially-engineered mesh upper that prioritizes cushion over everything else. This special foam is Brooks’s softest foam technology and is ideal for long walks on uneven pavement.
The Brooks Glycerin 17 is designed to have a plush fit and ride. The specially-designed mesh upper offers the perfect amount of stretch to ensure these shoes fit a variety of foot widths, so if you have either especially wide or especially narrow feet, these shoes can still be perfectly comfortable. The heel collar even features a soft fabric, so the material you feel touching your ankles is soft and will not cause any type of skin irritation.
These shoes feature an internal support system that hugs walkers’ midfoot area without being too snug. The heel offers great structure to the shoe and helps the shoes stay securely on your feet without slipping or rubbing. Even users with average-width feet, but have a wide heel, report these shoes stay comfortable, even on very long walks.
Users love that these shoes are able to offer a smooth transition from heel to toe, yet they’re still durable and responsive to movement. Even with the extra foam in these shoes, they are lightweight, making many users report to not even think about these shoes while they’re on long walks, which is the ultimate compliment when it comes to athletic shoes.
Pros:
- Softest option available
- Offers a secure fit
- Durable
Cons:
- In the higher price range
- Some find the toe box to be too small
- Some find the arch support to feel abrupt
3. New Balance Women’s 1080v9
This is the best option for keeping your feet locked into place. They feature an asymmetrical heel counter to help secure the position of your foot while you’re walking. The New Balance 1080 also has a lot of cushioning all over, so it’s a very comfortable shoe to wear throughout the day.
Aside from helping you maintain a healthy foot position, these shoes also absorb shock from your step so you don’t experience inflammation that leads to plantar fasciitis. The design of the soles help redistribute shock so weight isn’t consistently bearing directly on your heel. This means these shoes are great for both preventing and recovering from severe plantar fasciitis.
Users find these shoes to be ideally geometrically designed, luxurious, and smooth. They have updated, reconfigured flex grooves that add to their historically reliable cushioning. The engineered mesh upper has a soft and stable saddle that lets the foot flex with ease while still maintaining a structured and secure fit.
Pros:
- Excellent at holding your foot in place
- Users find these to have a perfect balance of weight, balance, and comfort
- Have very durable soles
Cons:
- Some find there is not enough cushioning in the front
- Some have experienced a defective tongue
- These run wide
4. Saucony Triumph ISO 5
This option offers the thickest midsole of all of the shoes on this list. Its maximum cushioning is perfect for those who have high arches and plantar fasciitis. The outsole of these shoes are made from textured rubber, which offers superior traction, whether you’re walking on wet pavement or on light trails. They also come with a minimal upper design that features a thin mesh forefoot that is breathable for extra comfort.
The thickness of the heel and the forefoot on these shoes is very high, which is a clear indication of how much quality cushioning is included in this shoe. Additionally, the substantial outsole, which is supported by a thick midsole and a soft upper translates into superior durability while walking. The upper features a massive tongue that almost completely covers the forefoot. It also has a minimalist lacing system that offers optimal flexibility and molds well to your foot. The toe box is made from a very thin, breathable mesh with plush padding around the collar.
These shoes offer an ideal amount of cushioning for a smooth walk. Some users reported to have fewer aches and pains when wearing these shoes than when wearing other walking shoes they had preferred in the past. These shoes are heavy-duty, offering a high-mileage option that will support your foot’s unique needs with its midsole durability.
Pros:
- Offers the thickest midsole
- Less expensive than other options
- These durable shoes will last for many miles
Cons:
- Some users have found one shoe (either the right or left) to show wear faster than the other
- Not great for people with narrow feet
- Shoe feels a bit heavy for some people
5. Asics Gel Nimbus 20
These Asics are not only a great walking shoe for people with high arches and plantar fasciitis, they also help reduce incidents of knee and lower back pain. They can be worn all day, as they’re light and breathable and feature a stretch mesh that will adapt to your feet, leading to a superior fit.
These shoes also offer FluidRide technology and gel cushioning for advanced shock absorption and increased energy return with each step. The shock absorption is increased due to the Flytefoam midsole and Ortholite liner, which cradle your foot as you walk. This high-density foam is very responsive to movement, so you will feel an energy return with each step. This option’s seamless construction also provides users with comfort because it prevents friction and ensures you don’t experience chafing or irritation.
Finally, the durable rubber sole provides walkers with a firm grip and helps prevent slips and injuries. They’re lightweight, yet extremely durable, making this a versatile option for a variety of needs.
Pros:
- Great walking shoes to address a variety of issues
- Offers a customized fit as these shoes adapt to your unique motion
- Provides great cushioning and support
Cons:
- Small toe box
- In the higher price range
- Shoes have become inconsistently manufactured
Final Thoughts
While all of these options are the best pick for their category, the overall winner is the Hoka One One Bondi 6.
They offer superior cushioning, shock absorption, and overall comfort. These shoes come in sizes for both men and women, so anyone can find a pair of these to fit their foot size. These shoes are durable and will stay comfortable throughout their lifetime.
