Everyone has an arch along the inner side of their foot, creating a space between their foot and the floor.  Some people have a larger space between their foot and the floor, a condition called high arches or pes cavus.  Due to the bone structure of the foot, people with high arches place a larger percentage of their weight on the ball and heel of the foot when standing because the foot acts something like a tripod without the arch supported.  Pes cavus can lead to a range of symptoms, including pain and instability, which may increase with duration of walking or standing.  Issues from high arches may develop at any age, in one foot or both.

Symptoms of high arches vary dramatically depending on activity level and severity of the condition.  Many people have no pain or other symptoms.  Often, people with high arches present with:

• hammertoes (bent toes) or claw toes (clenched toes)
• calluses on the ball, side or heel of the foot
• pain in the arch (plantar fasciitis) or other part of the foot
• instability in the ankle, possibly resulting in ankle sprains
• long-term pain

Shoes with inadequate arch support seem to exacerbate plantar fasciitis or other problems with high arches due to overpronation (inward rolling of the ankle).

What do I do?

For immediate relief of arch pain, massage and ice work wonders.  A bag of frozen vegetables or a cold can of soda applied to the arch of your foot can provide quick relief from arch pain.  Roll it around and you have an instant cold massage.  Feels fantastic!  Stretching and strengthening of the foot muscles can also play an important role in the treatment of pain due to high arches.  Consult your doctor for information pertaining to your specific case.
 
Ongoing, you've got to find some shoes with adequate arch support to relieve your foot pain and realign your foot to a neutral position or the arch pain will persist.  You only get this one pair of feet, right?  And no one wants to be hobbling around when they get older.  Your doctor may prescribe orthotics for you to wear in your closed toe shoes, but this solution leaves a lot to be desired when it comes to summer sandals.  You simply cannot put your orthotics into sandals and expect them to stay in place and do their job.  Plus, you'll look like a kook with orthotics sticking out of your sandals.  There are not a lot of sandals with arch support available, and frankly, most of the ones we do have to choose from are really unattractive.

My Story

Hi, my name is Donna and I have issues.  With my feet.  I have always had pretty narrow feet, making it somewhat difficult to find shoes that fit well, but usually I can go into any shoe store and find something workable.  It may take adding pads to the foot bed or sticking heel pads into the back of the shoe to make the shoe fit me properly, but I figured this was just something I would have to do to wear stylish shoes. 

But, after years of aerobics, running, walking and two pregnancies, my feet started to change.  First of all, they grew about a half size during pregnancy, which is what I didn't really need.  My feet already looked like skis, any additional length was definitely not welcome.  So.  In addition to the increase in shoe size, my arches began to feel tender after a series of particularly high-impact aerobics classes.  My gym calls the class Body Attack, and let's just say that's what it felt like... my feet were being attacked.  Pain.  Oh, the pain.  I bought new shoes, thinking the padding in my old shoes was too broken down, but those new, squishy shoes didn't help at all, even though I cut back on my Body Attack class to once a week.  The pain persisted.

My only option was to seek the advice of a podiatrist because as long as I rested my feet, they felt fine, but as soon as I started back to any activity, whether it was running, walking or aerobics, the pain returned.  I like to lounge around like anyone else, but to lead a life without activity wasn't going to work for me.  I have kids!  Plus, my heart wouldn't really care for all that laying around business.  Of course, my doctor prescribed orthotics for me, took a mold of my foot, ordered them and I was told to rest my feet until the orthotics arrived.  And I did.  I rested like a pro.  Other than walking.

The orthotics felt like a rock in my shoe at first, but in time, I got used to the extra arch support - support my feet needed to be healthy and pain-free.  So funny, because my previous idea of orthotics was something I would need in about 30 years.  Not the case.  I'm officially old before my time.  In fact, many of my friends have them as well, and we're not close to being elderly.  So, I wore these orthotics in my tennis shoes for months, and my feet remained pain-free.  Then came the hot weather.  Everyone else was wearing adorable sandals and simple flip flops.  I wanted to flip around too!  So, I kicked the orthotics-filled tennis shoes to the curb and slapped on my flip flops.  "Woo hoo, look at me.  I don't need my orthotics anymore," I thought.  Ha!  The day after I wore the flip flops my feet hurt so bad I could barely walk.  I've been on the hunt for regular-looking shoes with arch support since then.  And, there are some good options out there.  And also, some really ugly ones.


Which Sandals Will Work For Me?

I have tried numerous sandals to keep my feet healthy, and I will tell you it's very difficult to find stylish sandals with adequate arch support.  I have spent hundreds of dollars, literally, purchasing and trying out comfortable sandals that don't make me look like I'm ready for a retirement home.  My podiatrist recommended I never wear flip flops again, due to the lack of arch support, but honestly, I live in a hot, humid climate and I love to just slip my shoes on and run out the door.  But, I also realize that it's important for me to be able to walk later on in life.  What if my kids don't want to push me around in a wheelchair?  I don't want to be stuck in a corner and forgotten.  So, I've scoured everywhere looking for a sandal that will keep my feet healthy without compromising style.  Here's what I've found, I hope it helps you find a sandal you love and will love you back.

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Birkenstock Gizeh

Birkenstock is well-known for making comfortable sandals, but they're usually not so attractive.  Until now.  There are two styles of Birkenstocks that I would wear, I own one of them, the Gizeh.  The other one is this one, available in six patent leather colors.  First, a little bit about Birkenstock and why I chose it as my highest rated sandal.  The features in a Birkenstock sandal are inarguably some of the best for comfort and foot health:

Raised Toe Bar - Designed to encourage the natural gripping motion of your feet, exercise your legs and improve circulation.

Footbed Form - is a healthy shape for your foot.

Arch Support - the footbed's curves ensure even weight distribution and proper support, especially important for you if you have high arches (or flat feet).

Deep Heel Cup - a neutral heel cup keeps the foot's natural padding directly under the heel as nature intended.

Sole - flexible, durable, lightweight, shock-resistant and replaceable.

Cork Footbed - cork / latex footbed gives support and reduces fatigue.

Footbed liner - soft suede for increased comfort.


Verdict:  We have a WINNER!  The Birkenstock Gizah sandals fit like a dream and I love the bling on the top.  I can walk for miles without tired feet or sore arches.  So fabulous!  Try 'em.  Available in about 30 colors, with or without funky jewels on top.  Additional benefit: If your arches are really high, some Birkenstock sandals, including this style, can be retro-fitted with additional arch supports.  Yes.  Love that.



Click here to purchase your own pair of Birkenstock Gizeh sandals _______________________________________________________________________________________________

Mephisto Hatty



Mephisto is another brand similar to Birkenstocks in that they are known for manufacturing comfortable shoes, but these comfortable shoes are waaaay adorable as well. 

Delicate leather straps are highlighted by a jewel-encrusted toe ring.  Did you get that?  Jewel-encrusted toe ring.  And let me tell you, the sandal's toe ring looks even better if you have your own toe ring on another toe. 

Trust me. 

Makes your feet look special and not all gangly.  Maybe only my feet look gangly in some shoes.  The in-step strap is made of elastic, so it stretches with each step, which means more comfort, no blisters.  Mephisto also has a footbed made in heaven that conforms to the natural foot shape for better comfort and support.  The cork / latex insole (same materials as Birkenstock) is suede covered to help wick away moisture - essential if you live in a hot climate.  Sweaty feet.  So ick.  These treasures are available in black, silver and gold.


Verdict:  Very close, but the top strap wasn't quite tight enough for me, although the arch support was fantastic.  If you have narrow feet, the strap may be too loose on you as well.  If you don't have narrow feet, you are golden and these can be yours!  VERY cute on.  Lightweight and would be very comfortable for a day of walking.



Click here to purchase your own pair of Mephisto Women's Hatty sandals
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Chaco Bali Leather Flip Flop



Chaco flip flops are very comfortable because they have a super padded footbed, which they call a poron-layered BioCentric™ footbed.  The outsole (bottom) is constructed of EcoTread™ recycled rubber, made from 25% recycled rubber, reducing your impact on the environment. EcoTread™ is available in charcoal and chocolate to complement their new midsole colors.  I really wanted these to work, because the top braided strap is really beautiful and is neutral enough to match everything in my wardrobe.  However, once again, not enough arch support for high arches.  These shoes caused my foot to overpronate (roll inward) when I put my full weight on it.  Not good for long distance walking, but still, a very comfortable shoe if your arch is not super high. 


Verdict:  Great shoe with a good amount of arch support.  Unless you have very high arches, these shoes will provide  nice support for your arch.  For me, these shoes are comfy for short walks, but not quite enough arch support for my very high arches.  Similar in construction, fit and feel to the Zealand flip flops reviewed below, although a little less beachy-looking.  Great choice if you are looking for a green flip flop option, or if you have medium width feet.  Slightly heavier than the standard flip flop due to the weight of the leather.



Click here to purchase your own pair of Chaco Women's Bali Premium Sandals _______________________________________________________________________________________________

Zealand Luzon Ribbon Thong



Zealand flip flops are very comfortable and squishy and they feel great on your feet.  The fun and colorful nylon upper with soft toe post dries fast and doesn't rub a blister between your toes. The midsole gives arch support for all-day wear and the channeled rubber outsole absorbs shock and improves traction.

I own these and wear them, but not when I have a lot of walking to do because the arch support is not quite high enough.  It is a normal-looking flip flop, though, and if your arch is higher than average, but not super high, this sandal will work wonderfully for you.  Available in two colors, orange and blue, only at The Walking Company.


Verdict:  Don't work for me for long walks, but quite handy for a quick trip to the grocery store.  You can find a more comfy shoe if you have a very high arch, but this one is perfect if your arch is not super high.  Love the blue-flowered strap.  Very similar in fit and style to the Chaco flip flops.  A great choice if you just want something to wear to the beach or pool because the rubber footbed is quite water-friendly.



Click here to purchase your own pair of Zealand Ribbon Thongs

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Crocs™ Prepair



Crocs are worn by millions of people, and the closed-toed shoes are one of those like 'em or hate 'em sort of shoes.  I own a pair of Crocs that I use to garden, but they don't really offer much in the way of arch support.  Crocs has come out with a new style, called Prepair, certified by the United States Ergonomic group, that are supposed to reduce pressure and muscular effort and promote a natural motion of the foot.  These flip flops are marketed towards runners and other athletes, for recovery after a run, so I thought I'd give 'em a shot.  Not pink though.

The Crocs™ Prepair is as comfortable a flip flop as you could imagine, and they do offer some arch support.  With a croslite™ material sole and a micro fiber toe post, you won’t want to wear any other sandal after your workouts, but if you have high arches, pay close attention to the fit of this sandal on your arch.  Does the footbed fit all the way up to your arch?  If so, go for it.  If not, keep looking.  Available in about 6 cool color combinations. 

Verdict:  Insufficient arch support for very high arches, but a nice, lightweight shoe.  Love the Crocs croslite™ insoles super squishy quality, but my arches would hurt after wearing these all day.  Great option for short jaunts, like to the beach or pool though. 

Click here to purchase your own pair of Crocs Prepair Flip Flops _______________________________________________________________________________________________

Bite Spirit OS Flip Flop



Bite flip flops are great in theory because the company says you can use your own custom orthotics in these shoes.  AND, the top straps slip through a slit in the footbed (or your orthotic) and tighten with velcro, a great option for those with narrow feet.  (Bite was purchased by Crocs™, in case you're wondering why the footbed looks familiar.)  So, I bought a pair, hopeful that at last I had found a solution.  They come with a Crocs™ croslite™ material insole, which you remove if you have your own orthotics and your orthotics are supposed to velcro right in there.  BUT.  The shoe is so bulky that my orthotic was too short to fit in the opening after I removed the croslite™ insole.  OK.  I thought maybe it would be supportive enough with the Crocs™ insole.  Nope.  And using both my orthotic with the croslite™ insole was far too bulky.

Verdict:  Not even close to sufficient arch support with the croslite™ insole and this is a very heavy shoe.  My legs and feet would be very tired after hauling these shoes around for a day.  If you have high arches, do not waste your money on these shoes.



Click here to check out the Bite Orthosport Women's Spirit OS Sandals
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