Last Updated on December 7, 2024
Having high arches can be uncomfortable, especially during long workdays. High arches cause the feet to tilt slightly towards the middle, which can lead to various foot problems. According to the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons, this condition can be painful and affect the ankles and heels, making it harder to stay on your feet for extended periods.
In addition to general foot pain, high arches can increase your risk of developing conditions such as plantar fasciitis, ball-of-foot pain, and even stress fractures. You may wonder why your arches are raised. There are several factors that can contribute to high arches. Sometimes it’s a genetic trait, while other times, underlying medical conditions may be the cause.
To avoid exacerbating these issues, it’s essential to wear the right work boots for high arches. Proper footwear designed to provide ample arch support, cushioning, and stability can significantly reduce pain and prevent injuries. In this guide, we’ll highlight the 10 best work boots for high arches, helping you choose the right pair to keep your feet pain-free throughout the workday.
TOP PICKS
- Perfect Sizing
- Good Outer Look
- Protection
- Comfortable
Comparison Table
Image | Name | Upper Material | Arch support | Price |
---|---|---|---|---|
Carhartt Bison Wellington | Oil tanned leather | Yes | Check Price | |
Ariat Hybrid rancher | Leather | Yes | Check Price | |
Ariat Heritage rough stock high top | Oiled brown leather | Yes | Check Price | |
Industrial construction Oristaco | Synthetic knitting upper | Yes | Check Price | |
Skechers relment pelmo footrest work boot | Mesh upper | Yes | Check Price | |
Keen utility alloy toe | Textile and synthetic | Yes | Check Price | |
Red Wing arch support iron ranger boots | Full grained oiled leather | Yes | Check Price | |
Keen’s Targhee mid-height supination work boots | Leather mesh upper | Yes | Check Price | |
Ariat hiking boots with high arches | Oiled full grained leather | Yes | Check Price | |
Fly London women’s boots for high instep | Oiled leather | Yes | Check Price |
10 Best Work Boots for High Arches in 2025
Let’s just jump into some detailed reviews of each of these very comfortable work boots for high arches we’ve included in today’s round-up.
1) Carhartt Bison Most Comfortable Boots for High Arches
Dr Sutera, a renowned physician, mentions that you must avoid stiff and thin flat boots. She further adds that the purpose of high arch work shoes is basically to provide cushioning and shock absorbency. Therefore she suggests Carhartt as one of the best brands to manufacture class apart pull on work boots. Carhartt Bison’s work boots consist of the perfect polyurethane cushioning that fulfils all your requirements for a high arch.
The upper is made of a delicate moisture-wicking leather textile lining. The good thing about these work boot that sets them apart from all other high arch work boot types is that they have a moulded TPU counter and a technology exclusively designed for Achilles flex joint problems.
It helps you with stability at all times. For comfort, these shoes consist of soft cushioning pads inside them. These shoes are often compared to the Carhartt 10 inches Wellington waterproof boots.
However, if you’re considering boots to buy for high arches, I would recommend the former Carhartt ones. The reason for this is their high arch, accurate length, and supreme comfort.
Key Features
- Durable
- Comfortable
- Waterproof
- Abrasion-resistant
- The size is a little too wide
Custom Reviews And Scores
There are about 822 reviews on Amazon.com about these work boots at the time of writing, and the users have given them an average rating of 4.6 out of 5. The reviews of this pair of work boots are highly positive!
2) Ariat Hybrid Rancher Cowboy Boots for High Arches
Are you looking for the rowdiest western pair of work boots with a high arch? Well, search no further! Ariat Hybrid cowboy work boots are a perfect solution to your problem. These work shoes offer excellent arches support. The upper part is made of a smooth and soft leather fabric with a highly comfortable lining.
The swoon-worthy thing about these shoes is that their high arch support has almost four layers of extra cushioning, and the footbed provides good support and superb comfort all day long!
In addition to this, the wide toe is highly spacious. These work boots for wide feet are often put in comparison to the Ariat work hog shoes because of their similar styles. However, the Ariat hybrid mentioned in this review has far better features for those required for an excellent high arch work boot.
One of my colleagues was experiencing the problem of high arches. They couldn’t perform well on their worksite due to the discomfort in their feet and ankles. However, since the time they started using Ariat rancher work boots for cowboys, they felt a lot better and much more comfortable while standing all day long on the worksite.
Referring to their experience, I would recommend this pair of shoes!
Key Features
- Comfortable
- Slip-resistant
- Durable
- Breathable
- The square toe is not that effective for non-western feet
Custom Reviews And Scores:
There are 1,859 reviews globally of these boots and a rating of 4.6 on Amazon.
3) Ariat Heritage Rough Stock High Top Work Boots
Another good addition to the Ariat western boots, these shoes are one of a kind. The high top is perfect for people having high arch issues. I personally really like the forked shank that provides excellent support.
I have previously experienced high arch problems, due to which it is almost impossible for me to focus on work. But when I started using the Ariat rough stock boots, I didn’t feel uneasy even once!
Not only this, but the work boots also have excellent insole cushioning, which is suitable for increased comfort levels in your shoes. These work boots are positive contenders for the Ariat Hybrid cowboy shoes that I have also mentioned in this review. That’s mainly because they have similar designs and features.
The exciting thing about these shoes is that they consist of these pull holes, making it easier for you to carry the boots from one place to another! Also, the Ariat company gives a valuable guide and demonstration on the size and fit, which is a plus point!
Key Features
- Attractive design
- Comfortable
- Good shock absorption
- Acid-resistant
- Not quite breathable
Custom reviews and scores
There are 1,992 reviews of these boots and a highly positive rating of 4.6 on Amazon.
4) Oristaco Work Boots For High Arches
Oristano boots are one of the best steel toe shoes designed explicitly for arches. You must be thinking if the steel toes are suitable for high arches. Well, that is not a problem; if your shoes have excellent cushioning and arch support, then the safety toe has a very minimal impact, just like the Oristaco boots made for all-day comfort. The excessive cushioning inside the shoes is your source of comfort!
I like these shoes because they are available in both men’s and women’s sizes. They are good competitors of Keen’s utility construction work boots. However, I would recommend the Oristaco industrial boots that are perfect for your high arches.
One thing that sets the boots apart is their unique outer design that completely changes the look of a typical high arch work boot!
Key Features
- Comfortable
- Lightweight
- Durable
- Good design
- Not water resistant
Custom reviews and scores
There are 3,151 reviews of these shoes on Amazon and 4.2 ratings.
5) Skechers Relment Pelmo Footrest Work Boots
Since you have high arches, comfort is the main thing you’re always looking out for. These comfortable Relment boots by Skechers are a fine addition to your list of work boots.
3 inches shaft height and approximately 1 and a half inches of the heel are perfect solutions to your high arches. The breathable mesh upper is your rescue in humid weather, while the cushioned insole provides superb comfort all day long.
These boots are similar to Keen’s voyageur hiking boots due to their features and exterior design. I like these shoes because the memory foam inside is air-cooled. Usually, we expect the waterproof boots to be humid from the inside. However, with these shoes, that is not the case. They provide a cooling effect that provides ventilation to your feet.
Key Features
- Comfortable
- Durable
- Attractive design
- Breathable
- The boots are not available for narrow feet
Custom reviews and scores
There are 13,136 reviews of these work shoes with a good rating of 4.5.
6) Keen Utility Alloy Toe Hytest Footrest High arch Boots
Keen utility work boots are specifically designed for high arches, due to which you encounter accidents on worksites daily. The breathable membrane is waterproof and keeps your feet dry all day long. The air-injected midsole sets these boots apart from all other work shoes, making them lightweight and airy.
I would recommend these American made work boots because they are probably the first alloy toe high arch boots. Why are alloy toes batter? They weigh less than the steel toes and provide more protection than the composite ones. Therefore, in both ways, they are perfect and suitable for weight and safety.
People having high arches should try these Hytest footrest that provided fantastic support. These KEEN utility 6 inches EH rated boots have entirely solved this problem, and now I am pretty at ease during work.
Key Features
- Lightweight
- Comfortable
- Stable
- Waterproof
- The breaking-in period is a little longer for these shoes
Custom reviews and scores
There are almost 1,177 global reviews and a rating of 4.4 on Amazon for these boots with a lot of satisfied customers.
7) Red Wing Arch Support Iron Ranger Boots
The best about red wing work boots that sets them apart from all other work boot brands is that they fit many foot shapes. As a result, these boots will fit people with different foot structures. The arch’s 1 once heel and 6.5 shaft length are exceptional for high arches.
The stitch-down welt construction makes them durable for the longest time. Keeping all the features aside, I like the premium leather quality of these boots. Moreover, they consist of a shiny polished surface which is quite attractive.
The list does not end here. These red wing boots consist of a bump toe which is rare in work boots. It allows your toes inside the boot to move more naturally and easily.
Iron ranger boots are often compared with the keen utility work boots that I have also listed in this review. They are pretty similar, except that the iron ranger ones consist of a leather toe cap.
Key Features
- Breathability
- Slip-resistant
- Durable
- Solid
- Not waterproof
Custom reviews and scores
There are almost 2,311 reviews and a good rating of 4.6 stars on Amazon.
8) Keen’s Targhee Mid-Height Supination High Arches Work Boots
Keen is always there to the rescue when it comes to hiking adventures! Keen’s supination boots are perfect if you have a high arch. With a torsion stability shank and a heel capture system, these boots provide excellent grip and support.
The mid-height Targhee is comparable with the same brand voyageur mid-height boots. However, if you are looking for the perfect arch boots, Keen Targhee is a better choice.
One of my colleagues with high arches experienced these shoes. After using it, she reviewed them to be extremely lightweight. She also mentioned that not a single drop of moisture entered her work shoes. If we talk about arch support, the podiatrist is recommended and is excellent for your arch problems!
Key Features
- Odour-free
- Comfortable
- Waterproof
- Available for both men’s and women’s sizes
- The boots are not that durable
Custom reviews and scores
There are more than 3000 global reviews of these boots with a rating of 4.5. That means they are quite positive.
9) Ariat Hiking Boots With High Arches
Hiking and high arch work boots go hand in hand. Therefore, high arch work boots are suitable for the workplace. However, they also come in handy when you want to go for a hike.
Ariat hiking work boots consist of an amazing shank with great torque stability, providing excellent support to your high arches. They hold the arch in its place and absorb shock while walking.
The boots are often bought along with the other Ariat range of shoes for high arches. This one is specifically designed for hikers with high arches.
The outsoles of the boots are made all sorts of environment friendly. You can walk from rough tricky terrains to wet, rainy areas; these boots won’t disappoint! The square toe also provides immense support to your feet and prevents them from getting bruised.
I really admire these shoes because they are built for wide feet; however, they are special sizes available for people with thin or slim feet! Another exciting thing about the boots is that they have 1.5 inches of heel. Short people will love them!
Key Features
- Good traction
- Dry
- Spacious
- Stability
- Eye locks of the boots may break if pulled together roughly
Custom reviews and scores
These work boots have 1,627 global reviews with a favorable rating of 4.5.
10) Fly London Women’s Boots for High Instep
Style and comfort together sound good, right? Fly London is exclusively a women’s brand. I really like these shoes because they don’t give off the vibe of a typical work boot. They are quite the perfect arch support boots, but the looks are deceptive in this case!
The wedge heel provides great arch support even when working all day for long hours. Moreover, the boots are highly breathable. You must be wondering if the complete knee-high closure may cause them to be slightly humid on the inside. However, that is not the case. The insoles of these women’s pull on work boots have a specific cooling technology that ensures your feet feel roomier.
The heel height measures approximately 4 centimeters, and I would certainly suggest these to all the ladies with high arches!
Custom reviews and scores
Overall, there is a rating of 2,781 of these work shoes, and the users have given them 4.6, meaning they have many positive reviews!
Key Features
- Flexible
- Comfortable
- The sizes available are for narrow feet
How To Know Your Arch Size?
Well, for that, you must dip your feet into the water and then place them on a paper bag or a piece of stiff paper just so that your footprint accurately places its mark.
After that, you must notice a few things. You have normal arches if the footprint is filled halfway through and has a curve along the arch. The arch support that fits closely to your heels is suitable for these types.
Buying Guide Of Work Boots for high arches
Before buying your work boots for high arches, there are some factors that you must keep in check. According to physicians and orthopedics, there are three main types of arches.
- Medium arches
- Low arches
- High arches
You must know your specific arch type before picking your boot pair. How can you do that?
If you notice the toes, heels, and ball of your foot quite empty and there is a hollow in between, you most definitely have high arches. For these arches, you should go for arch supports consisting of heel seats and the ones relieving pressure on your heels.
You certainly possess low arches if you see that your foot does not have a single curve along the middle. For these arches, always select boots that lift your feet a bit.
1. Insoles
If you think that insoles are only there for comfort, well, sadly, you’re wrong, and that is not the case. The insoles must support your arch area and not just that; they must help your feet.
One important thing I am listing down is always selecting soft insoles in weight, so they don’t weigh your steps down. Also, they must be breathable and moisture-wicking, so they keep the odour away.
2. Perfect Size
If you have high arch feet, you must also consist of wide feet. That is why you need to select work boots with accurate sizing. In addition, you should pick up shoes with plenty of space inside so that your toes or heels may not get injured or bruised while you’re walking around.
Never go for wedge work boots that are too tight, or you’ll probably get blisters. Therefore, whenever you select a pair of work boots for yourself, make sure that you try them on first and if the toe box is roomier and your feet move around in them ( not too much!), then go for them! Also, while trying them on, make sure that your toes don’t touch the front part of your boots; they are slightly hunched back.
3. The upper part
Whenever you’re working outdoors, wearing boots all day long might cause your feet to sweat. Especially in the summer, this may be a huge problem. And since you have high arches, your feet will stay close to the upper part of your shoes at all times, which will cause you to sweat.
But you don’t need to worry too much about it. This problem has a breathable solution! When buying work shoes for high arches, make sure they consist of a breathable mesh. Consequently, the sweat dries out quickly and keeps the moisture away for quite some time. Hence, inspect your shoes, and if they have a mesh on top, they’re the ones for you!
4. Midsoles
Having high arches can be quite a problem for beginners. That is why I have listed down the buying guide for high arch work boots so you can easily have the information you require. Midsoles are usually the supporting part of your shoes. If they are supportive enough, they also provide good shock absorption. What does it do? Shock absorbing midsoles protect your high arch feet from any injuries while working. It keeps your feet in place and resists compression or impact. You must always look for good midsoles in your work shoes.
5. Good outer soles
High arch boots can sometimes be used as hiking boots due to their similar properties. Outsoles are an essential part of work shoes. As you work in several different places over the day, if your outsoles are not strong enough, they will wear out soon.
When you have high arches, your feet may not always touch the ground in the middle, so you need good outsoles in your firm shoes, and they protect you from soft, rocky, or uneven surfaces. Therefore, you won’t have to face injuries or accidents anymore. Usually, a suitable rubber outsole is a perfect choice.
6. Great Traction
Traction is another important element when it comes to working outdoors. Since you’re on rocky terrains most of the time, your work shoes need to have good traction. Having high arches also makes you prone to accidents and injuries.
So, how does this work? Your work boots need to have outsoles that consist of good lugged patterns for exceptional grip. Traction helps prevent accidents that may occur when you slip on wet or slippery terrains.
7. Waterproofing
Waterproof work boots are essential because you’re dealing with wet surfaces most of the time, so when your feet are wet, you become more exposed to blisters. Therefore always check if your boots have waterproofing properties.
We have mentioned some of the other comfort features of work boots.
8. Cushioned Footbeds
Whenever you’re looking for work-boots, one thing you never underestimate is comfort. You can have all the support they want if you have soft cushioned footbeds in your work shoes. Your feet can always rest in a comfortable position, even while walking and running all day long.
9. Shanks having arch support
If your shoes don’t have good arch support, you’re probably feeling a sense of discomfort due to high arches. That is why I would recommend you to look for boots that consist of good arch support shanks, due to which you can genuinely avoid all the discomfort and pain!
10. Extra comfort pads
If your shoes have all the requirements for a good arch work boot, but the proper comfort is still missing, there is one thing you can do to overcome this situation.
You can buy additional soft pads for your shoes that may provide extra support to your arches and prevent all the pain.
11. custom orthotics
It must be a problem when your boots didn’t cause any pain at purchase. However, they are not giving proper support to your arches now that you’ve noticed. To prevent this problem, you can buy specific orthotics that you can insert into your work shoes. In turn, this will increase your arch support!
12. Composite safety toes
It is better to choose work boots that consist of composite safety toes. Why am I recommending these? Composite safety toes are much more comfortable than steel toes. Since you have high arch problems, you must look for composite ones that would provide good protection to your feet, especially the toe area, without making the boots heavy or bulky.
13. Good manufacture material
Wouldn’t you feel bad if your hard-earned money is wasted on a pair of lousy work boots? Of course, you will! To save you from this embarrassment, I would suggest that you always check and adequately inspect the boots’ material. If it is well constructed, and you don’t see any loopholes in its manufacture, don’t think twice!
I would like to add here that inevitable protective wear can prevent the issues caused by high arches. Some of them are orthotic devices, corrective shoes, braces, and surgery to end this high arch misery. However, if you have proper work boots, you do not need these things.
You can also visit your orthopedist and have an idea about your arches. They will certainly suggest the best shoes for your feet and arch type.
The basic idea behind this activity is to teach your feet to function without the supportive wear on their own. Therefore, your feet learn to absorb all the impacts and compression on their own.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can simply stand on a piece of cardboard with wet feet. After that, if you see two wet circles without a specific shape between them, definitely have high arches. This means that your arches are so high that only the front and heel parts are touching the surface.
A: The ones I have mentioned in this review are among the best for high arches. Always look for good arch support, proper cushioning, and good shock absorbency.
Yes, as a matter of fact, they do. High arches can be a cause of pain. Therefore, if you’re getting proper supportive shoes, there are fewer chances you feel discomfort or pain. That is why arches need support.
Your work boots tend to cause problems only when they don’t have accurate features. If your shoes don’t have prior cushioning for your arches and are not good shock absorbers, you will experience back pain.
I would recommend at least one size bigger for the high arches. However, if you have standard feet, you may even get half a size bigger or fit size.
No. High instep work boots are also available for men.
Several work boots can be used for high arches. Some of them I have also mentioned in this review. However, If you’re looking for formwork boots specifically designed for this purpose, I would recommend the Carhartt Bison work boots.
For high arches, Fly London boots are ideal for women.
That is not necessary. Some work boots are exclusively designed for high arches and are orthopedist recommended. In comparison, some of them are just food for hiking. They may or may not have high arches.
If this condition is not adequately treated or given attention to, there are some problems you may eventually develop. These include Plantar Fasciitis, Metatarsalgia, Hammertoes, ankle instability, and claw toes.
Work boots for a person with flat feet has no arch in the foot whenever they stand. However, the person having high arches may have a huge arch between their toes and heels, and their middle part won’t touch the ground.
Insulation may or may not be necessary for high arches. However, if you are looking for insulation in your work boots, you can go for 200 grams of Thinsulate.
Both the safety toes and composite toes are acceptable for high arches. But if you’re very specific in the buying guide of safety toes, I would suggest composite toes are better for high arches as they are more comfortable.
For high arches, I would recommend work boots approximately around 8 to 10 inches. You will receive more protection and support this way. However, if you’re looking for lightweight and less bulky boots, I would suggest 6 inches for boots.
Final Thoughts
Having high arches can be a significant problem. Your feet have to experience all the pain and discomfort, especially while you’re at a worksite outdoors. To handle this problem, you must carefully select the most suitable comfortable work boots for high arches. This will help you walk easily and keep you relaxed. Read some of our more articles to find interesting facts about work boots.
Mark Walter is an accomplished researcher and writer with a wealth of knowledge and experience in the world of work boots. His expertise in this field is unmatched, having worked in a variety of industries and work environments. Mark's writing is clear and concise, making him an ideal source of information for anyone looking to learn more about the importance of selecting the right work boots for the job.