Slawner Ortho, Aetrex
What To Look For
High foot arches can put strain on joints and muscles, reducing the foot's ability to absorb shock while walking. High arches can cause back and knee pain, damage to foot tissue and, in extreme cases, medical ailments. High arches can cause pain in the bones of the feet because of the stress on the foot structure caused by walking, according to medical information compiled by the world-famous Mayo Clinic hospitals and other sources.
Acquire shoes that are designed to accommodate high arches. Look for flexible shoes with a soft mid-sole to act as shock absorbers for your feet. Pertinent keywords when shopping are "extra-depth," "adjustable strap," "flexible" and "cushioned."
Common Pitfalls
Inexpensive running and walking shoes tend to do little to compensate for high or low arches or may have inappropriate construction that aggravate these conditions.
Where To Buy
A variety of shoe manufacturers are recognized for walking and running shoes that correct for high arches. These include New Balance, Aetrex, Ryke, Comfortrite, Orthofeet, Dr. Scholls, Naturalizer, PW and Drew. Many of these have their own websites, and several other online retailers specialize in footwear dealing with high arches.
Cost
An online survey of manufacturer websites reveals shoes specifically built to accommodate high foot arches generally range in price from about $60 to $130.
Comparison Shopping
Shoe inserts designed for high arches
While many athletic shoe manufacturers make walking shoes designed to compensate for high arches through a variety of cushioning technologies, the choice of the appropriate footwear ultimately is personal and should be based on fit, comfort, aesthetics and perceived value.
Accessories
Shoe inserts can provide additional arch support. Manufacturers include Dr. Scholls, Aetrex and Superfeet.
Insider Tips
Shop for shoes after walking for a while, because the feet expand during exertion.
Feet will differ in size, so try on both shoes when shopping, walk in them awhile before buying and select a shoe size that is best for the larger of your feet.
About The Author
Gary Olson is a freelance writer, editor, photographer and designer with 34 years of experience. His work has appeared in such publications as Sailing, Northwest Living, 5280, The Arizona Republic, The Denver Post and many other newspapers and magazines. He has a bachelor's degree in journalism from the University of Minnesota.
