Travel Products Style Shoes The 10 Best Travel Shoes With Arch Support for Women of 2024, Tested and Reviewed From Skechers to Allbirds, these shoes offer maximum arch support. By Alyssa Rotunno Alyssa Rotunno Alyssa is a travel, lifestyle and commerce freelancer, covering must-shop products, lifestyle tips, skincare, on-trend fashion, and more. She is keenly committed to discovering the best locations to travel, stellar products, innovative launches, and the best travel hacks. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines Updated on April 12, 2024 In This Article Expand Jump to a Section Our top picks Reviews Others We Liked Our Testing Process Tips for Buying FAQ Why Trust T+L We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Travel + Leisure / Kimberly Souza Whether you’re traveling to bustling cities or visiting outdoor sanctuaries with hiking trails galore, one thing will always remain the same on your packing list: a great pair of sneakers. When spending long hours on your feet, it’s important to have a shoe with a built-in level of arch support. “Shoes with arch support help distribute weight evenly, reducing stress on the arches and preventing conditions such as plantar fasciitis" says podiatrist Dr. Mark Rodriguez. “Look for features such as contoured footbeds, cushioning, and stability to ensure maximum support.” We tested 13 products over the course of six months for a variety of factors including fit, stability, responsiveness, cushioning, comfort, quality and value to determine our list below. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Rykä Devotion X at Amazon ($80) Jump to Review Best with Wide Toe Box: Adidas Ultraboost Light Running Shoe at REI ($57) Jump to Review Best Vegan: Vessi Cityscape Shoes at Vessi.com ($105) Jump to Review Best Machine-washable: Allbirds Women's Tree Dasher Relay Walking Shoes at Allbirds.com ($135) Jump to Review Best Slip-on: Skechers Go Walk Flex Alani at Amazon ($61) Jump to Review Best Adjustable: Orthofeet Kita Hands-free Sneakers at Amazon ($125) Jump to Review Best Cushioning: Asics Gel-Nimbus 25 at Amazon ($110) Jump to Review Best Breathable: KEEN WK400 Walking Shoes at Amazon ($97) Jump to Review Best for Walking: Nike Motiva Walking Shoes at Nordstrom ($83) Jump to Review Best for Stability: New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 V12 at Amazon ($160) Jump to Review Best Overall Rykä Devotion X Amazon View On Amazon $80 View On Nordstrom $80 View On Zappos $80 Our Ratings Cushioning 4.8/5 Responsiveness 5/5 Stability 5/5 Fit 4.9/5 Value 4.8/5 Why We Love It These are incredibly roomy, breathable and stylish. What to Consider They could be tighter around the toe area. After testing the Rykä Devotion x Walking Shoe through gym sessions, long walks, and daily errands, we fell in love with the fit and durability of these shoes. Designed with extra rubber in the outsole for standout durability and grip, you can add some serious mileage to these without worrying about blisters or sore feet. The Anatomical Precise-Return cushioned footbed provides a lush, soft insole that not only makes it feel like you’re walking on a cloud, but also keeps your feet firmly in place, which is ideal when walking long distances. Rykä’s full-length Re-Zorb responsive cushioning provides ultra-absorption and impact protection, all without compromising mobility or flexibility, which is why it was awarded the American Podiatric Medical Association Seal of Acceptance for products that promote good foot health. When it comes down to quality, these kicks maintained that new look even after many wears, so they will last you for countless trips with long days of adventuring ahead. And no need to worry about hot climates – the mesh lining provides great breathability for minimizing odor. The Details: Sizes 5 to 12 | Mesh with partially recycled linings and padded heel | 1.09 pounds | 10mm heel-to-toe drop Travel + Leisure / Sahara Borja Travel + Leisure / Sahara Borja Best with Wide Toe Box Adidas Ultraboost Light Running Shoe Amazon View On REI $57 View On Nordstrom $190 View On Dick's Our Ratings Cushioning 4.8/5 Responsiveness 4.9/5 Stability 5/5 Fit 5/5 Value 4.8/5 Why We Love It This shoe is very lightweight and easy to adjust. What to Consider The heel padding took a few wears to get used to. Super comfortable straight out the box and easy to slip on, the Adidas Ultraboost Light is our go-to for travel. With plenty of toe room to move around in, these shoes feel like a dream even after more than eight hours of wear. We also loved that they are intensely breathable with tons of vent holes to keep airflow circulating around the foot to reduce sweating and odors. True to the name, these shoes are very lightweight, thanks to their unique molecule design and thick but squishy sole cushioning. Best yet, due to the wider bottom of the shoe, their stability is top-notch, so you’ll never have to worry about rolling an ankle, no matter how uneven the terrain. We noticed that the extra padding around the heel was uncomfortable when breaking in the shoe, which could also lead to blisters over time. For extra protection, we’d recommend wearing a taller sock with these shoes. The Details: Sizes 5 to 12 | Rubber outsole, yarn in upper contains at least 50 percent Parley Ocean Plastic and 50 percent recycled polyester | 1.1 pounds | 10mm heel-to-toe drop Travel + Leisure / Kelsey Chapman Best Vegan Vessi Cityscape Shoes Vessi View On Vessi.com $105 Our Ratings Cushioning 5/5 Responsiveness 5/5 Stability 4.8/5 Fit 4.8/5 Value 4.9/5 Why We Love It These are waterproof and feel very breathable. What to Consider They got dirty easily during our tests and are difficult to clean. The Vessi Cityscape Classic is the perfect pair of kicks for long walks in the rain. These vegan shoes are made from 100 percent waterproof Dyma-tex technology, engineered with thousands of nano-sized pores small enough to keep water out but large enough to let sweat and heat escape. Great for slipping on as you run out the door to your next adventure, the shoe also provides great customization through the laces to adjust for a snugger fit. Ultra-lightweight and stable, these shoes are the perfect companion for long walking days on cobblestone, grass, or even sand. Though these shoes are great for travel, they are easy to get dirty and are difficult to clean. We also noticed that Vessi is not available in half sizes, making fit a bit of a challenge. If you’re looking for a half size, try sizing up for a more relaxed fit or sizing down for more of a snug fit. The Details: Sizes 5 to 11 | Elastic ankle collar and breathable upper knit Travel + Leisure / Sarah Naftzger Travel + Leisure / Sarah Naftzger The 12 Best Walking Shoes for Women of 2024, Tested and Reviewed Best Machine-washable Allbirds Women's Tree Dasher Relay Walking Shoes Allbird View On Allbirds.com $135 View On Lyst.com View On Lyst.com Our Ratings Cushioning 4.8/5 Responsiveness 5/5 Stability 5/5 Fit 4/5 Value 4/5 Why We Love It They’re made from sustainable materials. What to Consider The mesh top leaves your feet exposed to the elements. When it comes to sustainability and transparency, Allbirds are the gold standard. The Allbirds Tree Dasher Relay has a carbon footprint of 6 kg CO2e, and is made from earth-friendly materials, such as leftover stock yarns. The brand also has a commitment to reduce their impact on the world and is a carbon neutral business certified by Climate Neutral. Beyond sustainability, the Tree Dasher Relay is super easy to slip on and off and provides a relaxed, comfortable fit that put a little extra spring in our step. We love that they're machine washable, so after a long vacation, you can stick them in the wash to get them looking good as new. Optimized for cushion, stability and energy return, their dual-density SweetFoam midsole also provides a solid base for security and excellent traction no matter the terrain. Though breathable thanks to the mesh top, the upper also leaves the foot unprotected from the elements, so be sure to wear extra thick socks or avoid wearing them in the rain. The Details: Sizes 5 to 11 | Made from leftover stock yarns Travel + Leisure / Bronwyn Barnes Best Slip-on Skechers Go Walk Flex Alani Skechers View On Amazon $61 View On Zappos $52 View On Skechers.com Our Ratings Cushioning 4.5/5 Responsiveness 5/5 Stability 5/5 Fit 5/5 Value 4.8/5 Why We Love It These are easy to slide on and off, even without hands. What to Consider They are not adjustable. Skechers left no stone unturned when creating these kicks – from the mesh upper with stretch laces to breathable insoles to lightweight cushioning, these were one of the comfier pairs of shoes we tested. With lots of padding around the heel, we felt like we were walking on a cloud. This comfortable slip-on style is perfect for when you need to get shoes on quickly — like crowded TSA lines. The Skechers Go Walk Flex Alani stll had plenty of room in the toe and the tightness was flexible enough around the foot without being too compressing. The mesh upper provides a level of breathability, however due to the snugness of the shoe it did make our feet feel a bit warm compared to other sneakers we tried. The Details: Sizes 5 to 13 | Textile mesh upper, polyester lining, rubber outsole These Podiatrist-approved Flip-flops With Arch Support Have Been My Go-to Travel Shoes for 9+ Years Best Adjustable Orthofeet Kita Hands-free Sneakers Orthofeet View On Amazon $125 View On Orthofeet.com $135 Our Ratings Cushioning 4.8/5 Responsiveness 5/5 Stability 4.7/5 Fit 5/5 Value 5/5 Why We Love It It comes with ways to modify the fit for extra comfort. What to Consider The cushioning can run a bit hot and cause sweating. Orthofeet thought about everything when designing the Kita Hands-free sneaker – from the premium orthotic insoles to the slip-resistant outsole, we were thrilled with the level of comfort we experienced. Not only are these shoes easy to slip on thanks to Orthofeet’s Slip-on System that eliminates the need for bending down and using your hands to take them on and off, we also loved the glove-like fit. The stretchable knitted upper forms to the contours of your feet, so your knee and ankle are stable whether you’re going for a brisk 30-minute walk around town or are adventuring all day and logging tens of miles. Best yet, these shoes are made of durable, high-quality materials that are sure to last for vacations to come. The Details: Sizes 5 to 12 | Stretchable knitted upper | 1.22 pounds Best Cushioning Asics Gel-Nimbus 25 Amazon View On Amazon $110 View On Zappos $110 View On Dick's $120 Our Ratings Cushioning 5/5 Responsiveness 5/5 Stability 4.5/5 Fit 5/5 Value 4.5/5 Why We Love It Tabs on the heel and tongue allow for slipping these on and off with ease. What to Consider These shoes can be tight on the heels and cause blisters. Just like Cinderella’s slipper, this shoe fits perfectly. Even with plenty of room in the toe box to comfortably wiggle around in all directions, it is still sturdy enough to keep your heel planted firmly in place. What really makes this shoe spectacular are the tabs on the back of the heel and shoe tongue that allowed us to easily slip these on and off without untying each time. The design is sleek and made of at least 75 percent recycled content to reduce waste and carbon emissions – ideal for the eco-conscious traveler. One of our testers did develop a small blister on the back of the ankle after several days of wear. We suggest getting your regular size, unless you want to use it for running as well, in which case try sizing up by half to avoid any irritation. The Details: Sizes 5 to 13 | Engineered knit upper, rubber sole Travel + Leisure / Madison Yauger Travel + Leisure / Madison Yauger Best Breathable KEEN WK400 Walking Shoes REI View On Amazon $97 View On REI $160 View On Sportsshoes.com Our Ratings Cushioning 4.5/5 Responsiveness 4.8/5 Stability 5/5 Fit 4.7/5 Value 4.8/5 Why We Love It The anti-odor materials and mesh lining minimize odor. What to Consider These run small; we recommend sizing up. No matter where your travels take you, the Keen WK400 Walking Shoe is a must-have sneaker. Designed specifically as equipment for walking, these comfy kicks have impeccable arch support that curves perfectly along your foot. There is also an added layer of foam above the sole that supports the arch to keep your feet feeling supported while walking. Extremely breathable thanks to their mesh lining and upper, they didn't cause any excess sweating during our tests, so you can lace them up for a long day of walking tours or hours of hiking without worry. However, these sneakers do have a shorter toe box which could cause you to run into issues with fit. The higher arch could also cause problems for those with flat feet. The Details: Sizes 5 to 12 | Mesh upper and lining, TPU overlays, PU insoles | 1.6 pounds Travel + Leisure / Jaylyn Pruitt Travel + Leisure / Jaylyn Pruitt Travel + Leisure / Kelsey Chapman The 9 Best Slip-on Sneakers for Women of 2024, Tested and Reviewed Best for Walking Nike Motiva Walking Shoes Nike View On Nordstrom $83 View On Dick's $110 View On Nike.com $73 Our Ratings Cushioning 4.8/5 Responsiveness 5/5 Stability 5/5 Fit 5/5 Value 5/5 Why We Love It These have ample shock support and cushioning. What to Consider The toe box area runs small. Whatever your travel days bring, the Nike Motiva is uniquely designed to give you a super smooth, cushioned, and comfortable stride all day long. The sole features an exaggerated rocker design that takes a bit of getting used to, but after an hour of breaking them in around the house, we were practically gliding while simultaneously getting an active workout from our daily walks. The rocking motion is subtle but it's also active, so you will have to adjust the way you walk to any changes in terrain. In terms of quality, you won’t find anything better – these shoes are made of high-quality materials that can withstand a decent amount of abuse, whether you’re a runner or are just constantly on your feet. Best yet, they come in hot pink, just in time for Barbie summer! The Details: Sizes 5 to 12 | Textile upper and lining, rubber sole Travel + Leisure / Donna Freydkin Travel + Leisure / Kimberly Souza Travel + Leisure / Kimberly Souza Best for Stability New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 V12 New Balance View On Amazon $160 View On Dick's $125 View On Zappos $120 Why We Love It These offer top-quality stability, breathability, and extra comfort. What to Consider They take a few wears to break in. If you’re a more active traveler seeking running trails on varied terrain, you’ll want to make sure you pack the New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 v12 in your suitcase. What makes the 1080 unique isn’t just that it’s an incredible running shoe thanks to its impeccable stability, but we also loved its cushioned midsole that provides extra comfort, and the lightweight mesh upper that allows for maximum breathability. These kicks provide a supportive, second skin-style fit for any type of foot arch, making walking and running feel like a dream. The Details: Sizes 5 to 13 | Fresh Foam X midsole, mesh upper, rubber outsole | 1.5 pounds Other Shoes with Arch Support We Liked The shoes listed below were close to making our top list, but they fell slightly short during our lab tests for various reasons. However, we still felt they deserved an honorable mention. Skechers Go Walk Joy - Sensational Day: This shoe is great for slipping on and off for all types of adventures, and is machine washable, which is a huge plus for the outdoorsy traveler. However, they don’t have the most attractive silhouette and need to be broken in before long wears. Skechers Slip-ins: Ultra Flex 3.0 - Brilliant: Though these shoes are great for stability and offer amazing support, the hard back and faux laces made for an uncomfortable fit. Kizik Athens: These shoes provide a seamless slip-on experience due to its rubber back and holds, but are tough to clean and are not machine washable. Our Testing Process The T+L team tested 13 top-rated shoes for arch support through a variety of real life trials. After first performing a “bend test” – bending the shoe at the toe back towards the heel to record how the shoe responds – we tested the fit by walking around for 30 minutes, analyzing the initial comfort level. Next, we wore the shoes for at least three hours of intermittent walking, movement, and standing, such as running errands, sightseeing, and shopping. We made sure to take meticulous notes on the comfort level, if we developed any blisters, if our feet felt overheated, feeling of pressure or tightness, and overall stability on different types of terrain, including grass, sidewalks, carpet, and tile. We then wore the shoes for a full day, (at least eight hours), and paid attention to the same potential issues as well as how our feet felt while wearing the shoes and after taking them off. The team made sure to wear the shoes as often as possible, at least twice per week, for the duration of the test. Testers will continue using the products and collecting their insights for a period of six months after the initial test. Tips for Buying Travel Shoes with Arch Support Choose the right shoe for your needs One size does not fit all when it comes to arch support. Choosing the right shoe for your needs can depend on a variety of factors, from your foot’s specific arch to the width of your foot or any pre-existing issues you may have. But how do you know what your feet need? Orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Mauricio Garcia recommends looking for shoes that match the natural arch of your foot – if you have flat feet, opt-in for a shoe with a flatter base – as well as always looking for toe box space. “When traveling and spending a lot of time on your feet, you don’t want to have your toes pinched and squished inside a narrow toe box. Instead, look for a pair of shoes that have enough space in the toe box to allow your toes to move naturally without crowding.” Prioritize comfort While prioritizing comfort over style when choosing supportive travel shoes is key, many of the shoes on this list offer a great balance between style and function. When spending a lot of time on your feet it’s important to have ample cushioning and good arch support. Make sure to avoid tight or restrictive footwear that can cause discomfort and pain by the end of the day. Frequently Asked Questions How do you know if a shoe has good arch support? There are a few factors to look for in shoes to know if the arch support will be up to par. “Look for shoes with a defined arch contour that mimics the natural shape of your foot's arch,” says Dr. Rodriguez. In addition to the shape, firm support is also top of the list. What drives good arch support is the shoes’ ability to provide stability and prevent excessive foot movement. Dr. Rodriguez also advises to look for support features such as a firm midsole and good overall construction to increase stability and reduce the risk of rolling the ankle. Don’t forget to keep an eye out for cushioning, too – when trying on shoes at the store, be sure to ask yourself: is there enough cushioning in the arch area to absorb any shock? This will help to reduce the impact on your feet. How long does the arch support in a good travel shoe last? Generally, sneakers last between six months and a year before you need a new pair. However, this is dependent on how often you use them, how long you’re on your feet for and a variety of other factors. If your feet start to feel sore after short wears, you’ll know it’s time to call in for a new pair. Why Trust Travel + Leisure Alyssa Rotunno is a trusted beauty, fashion, and shopping writer, who thoroughly researches, tests, and reviews the products she recommends to her readers. A New York City native, Alyssa is constantly walking long distances and running around from place to place. In addition to speaking to podiatrist Dr. Mark Rodriguez and orthopedic surgeon Dr. Mauricio Garcia for their expert tips and advice, the Travel + Leisure team conducted extensive research into each shoe and prioritized diversity in their picks to best provide a wide array of products that are sure to provide the best arch support possible. The 10 Most Comfortable Golf Shoes of 2024 Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we’ll send you our favorite travel products each week. Edited by Sophie Mendel Sophie Mendel Sophie Mendel is a Commerce Editor at Travel + Leisure with Dotdash Meredith where she assigns, edits and publishes the product reviews and recommendations that help guide travelers toward the best shoes, apparel and accessories for their needs. Sophie has traveled to 50 countries and has lived in five, and is bilingual in English and Spanish. She has more than five years of experience as a writer, editor and copywriter. learn more Updated by Taylor Fox Taylor Fox Taylor Fox is a Commerce Updates Writer at Travel + Leisure where she tests, researches, and writes about travel products. Taylor holds a Master’s in Geography and has been a writer and editor for over seven years. learn more Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit