‘I’m a Podiatrist, and These 6 Loafers Actually Provide Great Arch Support’
There's a reason why we've been seeing loafers everywhere. Smart, sleek, and go with just about every single outfit in your closet, loafers are a foot-friendly shoe choice that instantly upgrades your daily ensemble. And they're especially a great fashion addition for autumn, since loafers pair really well with jeans, slacks, and the classic skirt-and-tights combo. Whether you decide to make them look more preppy or punky all depends on your accessories, but what we really love about loafers is that they're versatile—anyone can rock a loafer.
And since there are thousands of loafer styles out there, we've narrowed it down to the ones our podiatrist sources say are the healthiest for our arches. Below, you'll find our favorites styles that also happen to be the more comfortable if you're looking for arch support.
- Anne Sharkey, DPM, board-certified podiatrist based in Austin, TX
- Jackie Sutera, DPM, podiatrist and member of the Vionic Innovation Lab
Best loafers with arch support, at a glance:
- Best overall: Vionic Mizelle Loafer, $140
- Best budget: Dr. Scholl's Check In Loafer, $75
- Best '90s-inspired: Everlane The Gum Sole Penny Loafer, $160
- Best height: Naturalizer Darry Loafer, $130
- Best for bunions: Vionic Elora Loafer, $130
- Best splurge: Corrine Lug Loafer, $650
To tell if your loafer has arch support, look for "raised padding or elevation located on the top of insoles in the shoes or incorporated into orthotics to help elevate and neutralize the inside of the mid-foot," says Jacqueline Sutera, DPM, a NY-based podiatrist. Why look for it? For starters, arch support stabilizes your foot, keeping it in a neutral position and preventing your feet from overpronation. It can even increase comfort during walking, says Anne Sharkey, DPM, a board-certified podiatrist based in Austin, Texas. If you have flat feet or pronate, it prevents the exacerbation of bunions, hammertoes, tendinitis, fasciitis, and knee pain.
The best loafers with arch support
Whether you're heading into office or are looking for an excuse to dress up, check out these podiatrist-recommended loafers with arch support, so you can strut to your destination in style.
Best Overall
Dr. Sutera recommends Vionic’s Mizelle Loafer as the best overall choice because it’s as stylish as it is comfy. The shoe is made of the brand’s proprietary insole, which is designed to hug your arches and support your feet. It has a rubber outsole for shock absorption and a leather outer that’ll tell the tale of time. Plus, it helps that Vionic has received the APMA seal of approval, so you know their shoes promote a healthier foot. Pair it with sweats to spruce up a casual look, or a suit for in-office days.
Sizes available: 5-11
Colors and patterns available: 3
Best Budget
Dr. Scholl’s Check In loafers are the dad shoes of the loafer world. Thick sole? Check. Chunky look? Yes. Comfortable? 100 percent. The elevated insole supports your arch, and it’s made of anti-microbial materials to combat funky smells and odors. Bonus: This loafer retails under $100, making it a budget-friendly buy. Trust us, you won’t want to take them off.
Sizes available: 6-11
Colors and patterns available: black
Most '90s-Inspired
Everlane managed to recreate that ’90s chunky penny loafer look in the most sleek and stylish way possible. This shoe is totally designed for that business-casual look you can rock any day of the week (whether you’re headed to the office or going grocery shopping), and you don’t have to worry about feet feeling sore at the end of the day. Thanks to the material (a premium, soft leather), you’re less likely to hurt your feet.
“They have added extra grip to make for great traction. A nicely rounded toe box. And real leather is great as it is less likely to cause blisters,” Dr. Sharkey says.
Sizes available: 5-11 (selling out fast)
Colors and patterns available: 2
Best Height
If you’re looking for a bit of height, check out Naturalizer’s Darry Loafer. While clunky on the outside, the Darry is a lightweight shoe that won’t drag you down. The insole has a raised arch, offering support and stability, and was created with a slip-on fit for easy wears whenever you’re headed out.
Sizes available: 4-12
Colors and patterns available: 4
Best for Bunions
Tight shoes can be a nightmare for people with bunions, but not with this pair. Another option from Vionic, the Elora Loafers are recommended by Dr. Sutera and have formable leather that doesn’t constrict your bunion. The loafer is engineered with an arch-hugging insole and can even alleviate symptoms of plantar fasciitis (woot woot).
Sizes available: 5-11
Colors and patterns available: 3
Best Splurge
Attention all loafer lovers and fashionistas: You won’t have to sacrifice comfort or style with Corrine’s Lug Loafer, which is why it’s a favorite of Dr. Sharkey. Designed by podiatric surgeon Marion Parker, the loafer features a patented insole that offers stability and contours to the natural curvature of your foot over time. We also love the gold buckle and chunky sole, which adds a fashionable touch to the classic silhouette of the shoe. It’s a bit on the pricier end, but the quality, insole, and style of the shoe make it worth the funds.
Sizes available: 35-42
Colors and patterns available: 2
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