Best Shoes for Fallen Arches

Ever wondered how the soldiers in the medieval times survived the long and perilous march with their high buckled boots? Wearing just any shoes with the fallen arch condition can be equally torturous as that, or more. Gratefully, the modern period has shown large improvements in creating specialty shoes. Shoes for fallen arches have been made available with a distinction between styles that can be worn on different occasions. Thanks to visionary designers who are ardent in innovation, the market now has a myriad of a selection of shoes for fallen arches.

These are the best shoes for fallen arches masterfully created for your anatomical and aesthetic needs:

Running Shoes

Brooks Adrenaline GTS 19
Nike Air Zoom Structure 22

Sandals

Vionic Men’s Charlie Slide Sandal
Vionic Women’s Tide Aloe Thong Sandal

Loafers

Orthofeet Lincoln/Orthofeet Chelsea
Dansko Men’s Wyatt Loafer

Dress Shoes

ECCO Men’s Helsinki Oxford
Trotters Women’s Danelle Dress Pump

Flats

Vionic Spark Minna Ballet Flat
Rockport Cobb Hill Women’s Petra Mary Jane Flat

Hiking Boots

Keen WP Targhee II Mid Hiking Boot
Vasque Sundowner Gore-Tex Backpacking Boot

Understanding Fallen Arch

Fallen arch affects the stability and support of your foot and ankle. It can be easily mistaken as flat foot, although fallen arches can result in flat feet, their origin differs. You won’t feel the effects of fallen arches just yet because this condition can be painless. But as it progresses, it can have debilitating effects on your body.

Causes

Flat feet happen during your early childhood or adolescent life when the arches fail to develop. Whereas fallen arches commonly develop during adulthood. It occurs when the fully developed tendon that supports the arch of your foot, also called posterior tibial tendon, wears off. It can be due to aging, stress, especially if you are involved in high-intensity sports, obesity, diabetes, pregnancy, genetics, rheumatoid arthritis, foot injury, or accidents. When the tendon breaks, the arch will become lower and gradually lays flat on the ground. That is what you call PTTD or Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction.

Symptoms and Effects

In some cases, PTTD doesn’t show obvious symptoms. For those that do, owpen you experience:

Pain mainly inside and outside of the foot and ankle. It can sometimes be associated with swelling.
Increased pain when doing activities, even the most mundane one like walking, let alone intensive tasks.
A noticeable bony bump may also surface on the top or inside of the affected foot.

Important Features of Shoes For Fallen Arches

Now that you know the extent of PTTD and how it can affect a lifestyle, it is imperative to learn how simple details of a pair of shoes can alleviate the condition. These are the features of the shoes you need to pay attention to:

Heal Counter Should Be Firm – You have to make sure you choose the shoes that don’t have high heels nor flat. A slight platform on the heel area is strongly recommended. Try them on and make sure it produces no motion when you squeeze it on both sides.

Insole Should Be Removable – There are plenty of models created to accommodate orthotics. Having a removable sole will make it easy to use one.

Provides Torsional Stability – Support and motion control are the main and essential features of the shoes you need to look for. When you try one, make sure it provides torsional stability, meaning it produces little motion when you twist it.

Lets Toes Bend Naturally – The section of the shoe where your toes rest must be made flexible.

Best Shoes for Fallen Arches

These brands offer the utmost stability suitable for fallen arches. They are available in different styles, depending on what occasion you need to wear it for.

Running/Walking Shoes

Finding the right running shoes might be trivial for most, but it is a different thing for people with fallen arches. There are plenty of shoes for fallen arches up for sale, but with so many choices, it may be challenging to choose the best. Listed down are the top pick brands as the best running shoes for fallen arches.

Brooks Adrenaline GTS 19

Pros:

Breathable. The upper area is made of engineered mesh wrapped around the feet for a snug fit. The lining is smooth and sowp that keeps you away from irritation and blisters as it rubs your skin while running. It has plenty of open space that helps control your foot’s temperature making it ideal for workouts or warm weather.
Durable. The outside sole of Brooks uses blown rubber that serves as an extra layer of cushioning to preserve the shoes longer, especially when used on paved roads. Its segmented platform adds flexibility, provides impact reduction, and strengthens the grip.
Comfort and Stability. Brooks is designed to pinpoint exactly where the feet need more cushions while molding it naturally to its shape. As a result, this model helps prevent your feet from overpronation and keeps your gait straight.
Flexible. The engineered mesh used in the upper area of the shoe provides excellent responsiveness that it adapts to bending and flexing of the foot. It is easier to put on and, at the same time, take off.
Heel. As mentioned, flat shoes are not recommended for people with fallen arches. This model has a 12mm heel-to-toe drop height.

Cons:

Posted size is not always accurate

Nike Air Zoom Structure 22

Pros:

Support and Comfort. The Dynamic Support midsole gives a combination of support and transition. Its crash pad is responsible for absorbing impact shock for that smooth transition. This feature is best for pronation support.
Breathable. The upper part of the shoes is made of engineered mesh to give that right amount of ventilation to keep your temperature regulated. The flywire cable that wraps the shoe to your foot completes the added support you need enough not to restrict your foot from moving. Even the lacing is moved up a little bit to provide enough room for the toes to splay.
Grip and Stability. The outside sole is made of blown rubber for that added protection on the shoe. A side rail feature has been added for an optimal grip. A honeycomb tread pattern can also be found on the outsole to prevent you from slipping as you change direction while running.

Cons:

Heel counter stiffness

Sandals/Flip Flops

Sandals or partially open shoewear are not exempted from the list. Some prefer to use sandals on their day to day errands. Yet even as simple as it sounds, it can be an excruciating experience to some with fallen arches. When you choose sandals or flip flops, make sure that:

It conforms to the arch of your foot. With this design, you are preventing your arch from collapsing further. It also helps alleviate the stress from tissues that are already over-stressed.
It is wider than your foot. Flat feet tend to make your feet sprawl outward. Thus, the sandals should have width wide enough for the foot not to roll into the edge.
It has a deep heel cup. This feature will limit too much rolling of the heel, which is recurring to people with fallen arches.

Vionic Men’s Charlie Slide Sandal

Pros:

It has an adjustable buckle strap that enables you to adjust to your preferred fit
The podiatrist-designed footbed helps hold stability from the ground up.
The deep heel cup and its arch support keep your feet’s natural position.
Upper area is made of leather that enhances its aesthetic.

Cons:

Can be slippery for feet that sweat excessively

Vionic Women’s Tide Aloe Thong Sandal

Pros:

It has a thong-style sandal making it extremely easy to slip on and off
It is podiatrist-designed with biomechanical orthotic footbed making it extremely comfortable
Deep help cup for support
The leather and suede upper with an O-ring embellishment enhances its appearance

Cons:

It can be quite costly

Loafers

This type of shoes needs to be included because this is usually the go-to shoe for people who want to skip the hassle of bending over to tie the laces but still want to look presentable. This orthopedic shoe offers anatomical support with style.

Orthofeet Lincoln/Orthofeet Chelsea

Pros:

Lightweight
Comfortable. Multiple air cushioning layers with orthotic insoles. It eases pain and provides pillow-like comfortability that can be felt from your foot, heel, up to your knees, hip, and lower back.
The upper has a seam-free fabric lining with extra padded foam making it sowp and flexible, ideal for people with sensitive feet.
It has a wide toe box to give enough room for your toes.
It has removable insoles, which is perfect if you have custom made orthotics.

Cons:

The added depth of the shoe may be a problem for those feet that aren’t plump

Dansko Men’s Wyatt Loafer

Pros:

Properly cushioned for sensitive feet. The padded collar and tongue secure a snug fit.
Removable soles for enhanced comfort. This feature is ideal if you have custom made orthotics.
The polyurethane midsole helps absorb shock from impact, at the same time, reduces abrasions and friction.
Its sock liner is anti-microbial and anti-odor, the answer to the needs of people with sweaty feet.

Cons:

Bulky

Dress Shoes

A pair of shoes are more than just footwear. It serves as your reflection and statement of what you do. For working men and women with fallen arches, the essence of shoes can weigh twice as much as it does. Having stylish shoes or the highest heels is completely futile if you can’t walk in them for longer than 30 minutes. These brands can give you the prestige and comfort you are aiming for.

ECCO Men’s Helsinki Oxford

Pros:

Tested durability. This brand can withstand use and abuse for at least 3 years.
The injection-molded one-piece sole is perfect for arch support
Padded tongue and collar gives an added comfort, ideal for a whole day use
The upper area is made of full-grain leather making it breathable
ECFC helps regulate inner temperature and controls the build-up of moisture

Cons:

The polyurethane sole gives out a squeaking sound on hard surfaces

Trotters Women’s Danelle Dress Pump

Pros:

The upper made of suede leather gives a sophisticated look for any woman who wears it
EVA insole absorbs impact and protects your feet from shocks on walking surfaces.
It has an arch cookie for optimal arch support
Although it is a full heel, it still looks good on a dress with its 1.5” heel.

Cons:

Sole may need extra padding

Flats

These are not entirely flat shoes. As stated, completely flat shoes are not ideal for people with fallen arches, nor is a high heel. But if you want to go for more laid back shoes for work, especially amongst women, you can opt for these brands. They have adequate arch support, could be mistaken as literal flat shoes, but with minimal heels no more than 1 inch.

Vionic Spark Minna Ballet Flat

Pros:

Padded inside sole for cushioning
Removable microfiber-covered EVA footbed
It has full biomechanical contact hugs that cradle the natural contours of your foot
Great arch support
The upper is made with the leather top off with a dainty bow giving it a classic vibe
Outside sole is rubber and textured for extra grip

Cons:

Size may hinder you from using custom made orthotics
Smaller toe room

Rockport Cobb Hill Women’s Petra Mary Jane Flat

Pros:

EVA footbed provides optimal support on your arch
Lightweight and comfortable that you can either wear this as your everyday flats or work shoes.
An adjustable strap you can utilize to tighten or loosen the shoes in your preference
It has a wide toe compartment that doesn’t press down and hurt the top of the toes
You can pair the shoes with almost anything; jeans, yoga pants, leggings.

Cons:

The footbed is not too cushiony
Size can be tricky

Hiking Boots

Fallen arches conditions shouldn’t necessarily prevent you from doing outdoor activity. With the help of the right footwear, you should be able to go on with your hobby like normal. Choosing the right outdoor shoes shouldn’t be taken lightly, especially if you will be out in the wilderness alone. Symptoms from fallen arches can possibly spread from your ankle to your knee, hip, back, and head. And when you are off the grid, you have to be physically able to survive. For outdoor enthusiasts, these are the hiking boots that can protect your feet from the terrain.

KEEN WP Targhee II Mid Hiking Boot

https://youtu.be/ScNGtGB8NZQ

Pros:

This badass is made of 100% waterproof nubuck leather exterior that can handle use and abuse.
Its waterproof membrane makes it breathable still while keeping any water from coming in.
The metatomical footbed cradles the natural contours of your foot and is removable.
The interior is anatomically engineered for superior arch support.
It has a padded tongue and collar for that added comfort
Rubber outside sole secures extreme traction grip in all sorts of environment
The external support shank, mid-cut height, and contoured heel provides a top-notch level of stability and support

Cons:

Sole can wear off early

Vasque Sundowner Gore-Tex Backpacking Boots

Pros:

Rubber sole for a high-level grip
Speed lacing system for that added support without taking too much of your time
High-top design is another addition to support your ankle
Polyurethane midsole to support your arch with comfort
Curvature on the heel for an efficient hike

Cons:

Narrow toe box
Design is more inclined to narrow feet

Understanding Fallen Arch

Causes

Symptoms and Effects

Important Features of Shoes For Fallen Arches

Best Shoes for Fallen Arches

Running/Walking Shoes

Brooks Adrenaline GTS 19

Pros:

Cons:

Nike Air Zoom Structure 22

Pros:

Cons:

Sandals/Flip Flops

Vionic Men’s Charlie Slide Sandal

Pros:

Cons:

Vionic Women’s Tide Aloe Thong Sandal

Pros:

Cons:

Loafers

Orthofeet Lincoln/Orthofeet Chelsea

Pros:

Cons:

Dansko Men’s Wyatt Loafer

Pros:

Cons:

Dress Shoes

ECCO Men’s Helsinki Oxford

Pros:

Cons:

Trotters Women’s Danelle Dress Pump

Pros:

Cons:

Flats

Vionic Spark Minna Ballet Flat

Pros:

Cons:

Rockport Cobb Hill Women’s Petra Mary Jane Flat

Pros:

Cons:

Hiking Boots

KEEN WP Targhee II Mid Hiking Boot

Pros:

Cons:

Vasque Sundowner Gore-Tex Backpacking Boots

Pros:

Cons:

Related Questions

Can fallen arches still be corrected?

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