Grab a Pillow and Get Comfy for This 20-Minute Relaxing Yoga Flow
These four poses are sure to help you decompress.
If you want to instantly pull an outfit together, slip on a pair of booties. They work with everything—maxi dresses, mini skirts, leggings, wide-leg jeans, casual ‘fits, dressy looks. I’m telling you, the sky’s the limit. It’s why I find myself buying so many pairs, season after season; Every time fall and winter roll around, I find myself drooling over a new pair (or two, or three) of booties. But after breaking my ankle a few years ago and needing to retool my shoe-drobe to maximize comfort and arch support, figuring out which pairs to buy is often tough.
I tapped a podiatrist to learn more about feeling supported in low-profile ankle boots. Keep reading for the best booties to provide comfort and arch support while still looking fabulous. Talk about a style re-boot(ie).
Best with removable insoles: Alegria Caiti Booties, $140
Best weatherproof: Vionic Uptown Sur Ankle Boots, $180
Best low booties: Söfft Angelica Waterproof Booties, $150
Best heeled: Easy Spirit Sidney Booties, $149
Best footbed: Naot Helm Ankle Booties, $215
Best Chelsea boots: Birkenstock Bend Chelsea Boots, $160
Best moto boots: Dansko Delphine Waterproof Boots, $210
Best buckled: Clarks Camzin Loop Ankle Boots, $130
Most width options: SoftWalk Wesley Booties, $120
Best slip-on: Sorel Out N About Slip-On Wedge Booties, $130
Best stacked heel: Dr. Scholl’s Astir Ankle Booties, $100
Best wedge: Naturalizer Haley Wedge Booties, $110
Best bootie slippers: Dearfoams Warm Up Booties, $32
Shop 13 of the best booties for arch support
Sizes: 5-12, in half sizes | Colors: 9 | Materials: Leather, latex/cork insole, PU rubber outsole
These booties are a favorite of Dr. Alvarez, who recommends them for a variety of support-friendly features. “The removable insole with built-in arch support allows for the use of custom orthotics if needed,” he says. He also likes the rocker sole, which helps reduce foot fatigue, “making it a great choice for those with high arches or plantar fasciitis.” Speaking of that removable insole—it’s crafted in a combination of latex and cork, which forms to the foot for added comfort. The booties are also designed with wide straps that sweep across the foot and fasten with a hook-and-loop closure, and they’re finished with moisture-wicking leather interiors.
Pros:
- Removable insoles can support orthotics
- Wide variety of colors and fabrics
- Low wedge heels
- Uppers are stain-resistant
- Rocker outsoles help with gait and foot fatigue
Cons:
- Sizing is a bit inconsistent
- Only one width
Sizes: 5-113, in half sizes and 2 widths | Colors: 3 | Materials: Leather, rubber outsole
It’s pretty much impossible to talk about comfortable footwear and not include Vionic in the conversation. “Vionic is known for its orthopedic footwear,” Alvarez says. These podiatrist-designed booties feature the brand’s signature Vio Motion footbed, which provides an unparalleled combination of shock-absorbing cushioning, contoured arch support, and a deep heel cup for stability and flexibility. They also have seam-sealed technology to help keep moisture out, and come on and off easily thanks to side zippers and side- gores. They’re a great option for rainy fall days.
Pros:
- Designed in weatherproof leather or nubuck
- Brand’s Vio Motion footbed provides cushioning, arch support, stability, and flexibility
- Seam-sealed technology keeps moisture out
- Available in both regular and wide widths
- Durable lug soles
Cons:
- Not a lot of color variety
- May be uncomfortable if you don’t break them in
Sizes: 6–11, in half sizes | Colors: 3 | Materials: Leather, synthetic sole
Booties that are cute, comfortable, and waterproof? I didn’t think it was possible—but, with these ones from Söfft, it most definitely is. The uppers are crafted in hand-stitched, waterproof leather, while the stacked heel provides a little extra height and style. They’re finished with back zips and cushioned footbeds for extra arch support. I’m already dreaming about wearing these with a midi dress and leather jacket.
Pros:
- Waterproof leather
- Stylish low silhouette
- Cushioned footbed
- Comfortable stacked heel
Cons:
- Only comes in regular width
<!– –>
Sizes: 5–12, in half sizes and 2 widths | Colors: 3 | Materials: Leather, synthetic sole
Sometimes, I just really want to wear heels. While stilettos are basically a thing of the past due to my ankle, I love a good block heel—and these Easy Spirit booties deliver that in spades. It’s just a bonus that they actually are good for the feet on top of being really cute. These leather ankle boots are designed with the brand’s eFlex technology to maximize comfort and have flexible soles and insoles made with arch support. Plus, the removable footbeds let you add orthotics if necessary, so you can personalize the fit to your feet. They’re finished with side-zip closures for getting them on and off easily, too.
Pros:
- Comfortable block heel
- Luxe, genuine leather and dressy silhouette
- Removable footbeds let you add orthotics
- Designed with arch support and flexible soles
Cons:
- Not available in black
Sizes: 4-12.5 | Colors: 20 | Materials: Leather, cork/latex insole
With a supremely wide color range—20, to be exact—and a stylish low profile, these Naot leather booties already had my heart going pitter-patter. But then I discovered the footbed, and I knew I was onto something special. They’re made with a blend of natural cork and latex and engineered to perfectly match the contours of your feet; they also continue to mold to your feet the longer you wear them. Done and done.
Pros:
- So many colors to choose from
- Footbed molds to your foot’s contours
- Chic low profile
- Sizing starts lower than other styles on this list
Cons:
- Sizing is a bit inconsistent
- Pricey
Sizes:5–10-10.5, in half sizes | Colors: 3 | Materials: Leather, cork/latex insole
I love the slip-on silhouette of these Chelsea boots, as well as their side gores, back heel tabs, and platform soles. Plus, the lavender suede hue is giving me major heart eyes. It’s really just a bonus that these booties have the brand’s iconic, anatomically-shaped cork and latex footbed, which offers custom comfort and arch support. Get ready to boot up.
Pros:
- Anatomically-shaped footbed
- Versatile style
- Genuine leather
- Comfortable platform sole
Cons:
- Limited sizing
<!– –>
Sizes: 5.5-12, in half sizes| Colors: 2 | Materials: Leather, rubber outsoles
Sizes: 5.5-6–11.5-12
Dansko has long been lauded for their clogs, thanks to their legendary heel support and roomy toe boxes. These moto boots take the brand to a whole new level, thanks to waterproof nubuck leather uppers, moisture-wicking and odor-controlling lining, a breathable sockliner, and textured rubber outsoles. Not to mention, they have molded footbeds that are designed with the brand’s signature Natural Arch technology and memory foam to provide comfort and support, and the footbeds are removable. Add in the cool buckle details and block heels, and I’m definitely sold.
Pros:
- Cool buckle details
- Removable footbed and supportive memory foam
- Waterproof leather
- Lining has moisture and odor control
Cons:
- Only available in regular widths
- Sizing combines two in one
Sizes: 5-12, in half sizes and 2 widths | Colors: 3 | Materials: Leather, synthetic outsole
These booties have a slender strap across the vamp that fastens with a cool, moto-inspired buckle detail. They also have low-stacked heels, which make them easy to walk in. What’s better, though, is that they’re designed with the brand’s Cushion Soft technology, which features high-rebound foam inlays concealed inside the boots to help absorb the impact with every step you take. Clarks is a favorite of Dr. Alvarez, too, who says it’s “a brand synonymous with comfort.” Can’t argue with that.
Pros:
- Designed with shock-absorbing technology
- Genuine leather
- Cool buckle details
- Low-stacked heels
Cons:
- Not all colors available in all sizes
Sizes: 6-12, in half sizes and 3 widths | Colors: 1 | Materials: Tumbled leather, EVA outsole
There’s a lot to like about these SoftWalk booties—the wedge soles, the tumbled leather uppers with inset suede heels, the cushioned footbeds, and the side ankle zips. And, yes, all of that makes for ankle boots that are as stylish as they are easy to walk in. Additionally, they have three different width options—narrow, regular, and wide—so they’ll fit a variety of feet. All that’s left to do is pair them with leggings and a T-shirt and head out for a day of errands in plush comfort.
Pros:
- Multiple widths and sizes
- Genuine leather
- Cushioned footbed
- Easy side zip closure
Cons:
- Only available in one color
<!– –>
Sizes: 5-12, in half sizes | Colors: 1 | Materials: Leather, felt
Sometimes you don’t want to deal with a lot of fussy buckles or zippers—you just want to slip on a pair of booties and head out the door. Well, that’s exactly what you’ll get with these handy-dandy slip-on booties from Sorel. They’re crafted in genuine suede that’s been sourced from a responsible tannery. They have sturdy rubber wedge heels, removable insoles, and a reinforced heel counter that make them super comfortable for trekking long distances. Plus, the elastic side gores with inset contrast felt color-blocking let you slide them on and off with ease. Game, set, match.
Pros:
- Genuine leather sourced from a responsible tannery
- Bold colorblock details
- Sturdy rubber wedge heels
- Slip-on silhouette
- Removable insoles
Cons:
- Only available in one color
- Only available in regular width
Sizes: 6-11, in half sizes and 2 widths | Colors: 7 | Materials: Faux, recycled suede
Now that Sarah Jessica Parker has single-handedly (single-footedly?) revolutionized Dr. Scholl’s, I’m on a mission to buy every single style from the brand. That includes these booties, which are designed with low-stacked heels and side zip closures. They come in a wide variety of versatile colors and fabrics, including faux leather, faux suede, and even all-over perforated detailing. Inside, they have anti-odor insoles, plus a ton of cushioning and support. I also love that they’re sustainably crafted from recycled plastic bottles and are even shipped in a box made with recyclable materials and soy-based inks. Looking good while doing good? Sold.
Pros:
- Multiple colors and fabrics
- Low stacked heels and side zip closure
- Anti-odor insoles
- Interior cushioning and support
- More affordable
Cons:
- Not all colors available in all sizes
Sizes: 5-11, in half sizes and wide widths | Colors: 3 | Materials: Faux leather, synthetic outsole
When I want to add height to my five-foot frame, I reach for a pair of wedge booties. Enter, these wedges from Naturalizer, which have heels that measure just under three inches high, making them equal parts comfortable and stylish. They also feature an exposed hardware zipper at one side, a padded heel collar, an antimicrobial sockliner, and arch support with cushy memory foam. They come in black, gray, and brown—and, you know what? I want all three.
Pros:
- Comfortable wedge heel
- Cushy memory foam support
- Antimicrobial sockliner
- Wide variety of sizes and widths
- More affordable
Cons:
- Not all colors available in all sizes
<!– –>
Sizes: S- XL | Colors: 6 | Materials:
When Oprah deems an item as one of her favorite things, I sit up and take notice—which means I’ve long been curious about these slipper booties, which she picked back in 2022. The quilted nylon booties feature a durable, thermoplastic rubber sole, breathable and temperature-regulating DF Adapt technology, and they come in a variety of bold hues. They also have gel-infused memory foam insoles that offer cloud-like comfort.
Plus, they’re podiatrist-approved. “They have a relatively wide toe box and are made from a soft and flexible upper material, which is great for not pinching or restricting the toes,” Alissa Kuzinas, DPM and founder of Doctor Ark, previously told Well+Good.
Pros:
- Wide variety of colors
- Cool allover quilting
- Machine washable
- Breathable technology that keeps feet warm but not sweaty
- Gel-infused memory foam insoles
Cons:
- Not available in traditional shoe sizing
Why arch support is important
“Booties with arch support are beneficial for a wide range of people, especially those with high arches, flat feet, or plantar fasciitis,” says Gregory Alvarez, DPM, FACFAS, a board-certified podiatrist at the Ankle & Foot Centers of America. Whether you’re running errands or out for a weekend brunch, your feet deserve a little extra TLC, as it can benefit:
- Body alignment: Arch support helps keep your body properly aligned, which reduces strain on your knees, hips, and back.
- Foot fatigue: Supportive soles reduce the impact on your feet, making long days on your feet feel less tiring.
- Better balance: A good arch can help improve your stability, especially in trickier fall weather when surfaces may be slick and icy.
- Foot health for the long haul: Prevent issues like flat feet, bunions, or overpronation by investing in booties that support your arches.