
Have you been experiencing foot pain in the top of your foot or do you simply feel that most sneakers rub against the top part of your feet? Are you frustrated about buying your shoes online in multiple sizes and having to end up returning them all? Finding shoes for women with high insteps can be extremely challenging, as most shoes online are not labeled as “extra deep”. I know which are the best sneakers for women with high insteps as I have been fitting women’s shoes for many years.
What is a High Instep? – Images of Women with High Insteps!
I get contacted by women with “complicated” foot shapes on a daily basis. Some women have wide feet and high insteps, while some others have narrow feet and high insteps. I want to tell you that no matter how complicated your foot shape is, I will be able to help you find the perfect pair of shoes for your feet.
After having worked for a specialized women’s shoe store for many years, I now dedicate myself to helping women with “complicated” foot shapes (wide, extra wide, high instep) find the perfect pair of shoes for their feet online.
Let’s take a look at a couple of images of women with high insteps:


Having a high instep means that there will be more pressure on the ball of your foot and the outside edge of your heel. While deeper shoes will take some of the pressure away from the ball of the foot and have your heel sitting deeper and comfortably inside the shoe, sometimes you will notice how you will need a wider shoe as well.
Some of the causes of having a high instep are:
- Normal variant (i.e. some people just have higher insteps)
- Hereditary (i.e. runs in your family)
- Nerve trauma
What Makes the Sneakers I Recommend Effective for Women with High Insteps?
After having fitted and tested several different shoe brands and styles, I have noticed that to effectively accommodate a high instep the shoes must provide these 2 features:
1️⃣ Extra Depth: This feature allows your feet to fit deeply inside the shoes and prevents the top part of your feet from rubbing against the top part of the shoes. Take a look at the image below, do you notice how the New Balance shoe on the right is a lot deeper compared to the shoe on the left? I will provide you with a link to this specific shoe shortly.

2️⃣ Wider Openings: Shoes with wider openings will allow you to easily slide your feet inside the shoes. This is an awesome feature as several women complain that they have a very hard time getting their shoes on and off.

Let’s now take a look at a list of the best sneakers for women with high insteps. Please keep in mind that simply because I recommend a shoe from a specific shoe brand that doesn’t mean that all shoes from that brand will work well for your high instep. There are specific models among each shoe brand that work a lot better than others.
Best Sneakers for Women with High Insteps
Take a look at the description below each running shoe to find out what additional features the shoe provides, the materials the shoes are made of, and the size you should order to prevent your longest toe from rubbing against the front part of the shoes. Disclosure: We may receive commissions when you click our links and make purchases.
It’s important that you check the description below each shoe to also find out if it can accommodate your foot shape (narrow, medium, wide, or extra wide).
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths and also accommodate high insteps
- Engineered mesh upper for breathability
- EVA foam insert increases comfort
- AT Tread outsole provides versatile traction during both on and off-road activities
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your longest foot size
- Available in medium and wide widths and also accommodates high insteps
- CMEVA (Compression Molded EVA) midsole delivers lightweight, durable, responsive cushioning
- Strategic high-abrasion rubber zones to reduce weight
- Soft, stretchable knit fabric uppers with extra foam padding ease pressure on the foot and provide superior comfort and protection for sensitive feet
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your longest foot size
- Available in medium and wide widths
- FuelCell foam midsole delivers a propulsive feel to help drive you forward
- Medial post helps control pronation
- Ground contact IMEVA cushioning provides ample comfort without adding extra weight
- Mesh upper for a lightweight, comfortable fit and feel with an electric print.
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your longest foot size
- Fits women with medium, wide, and extra wide feet and also accommodates high insteps
- Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is precision engineered to deliver an ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride
- Accommodates orthotics
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your longest foot size
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths and also accommodates high insteps
- The updated midsole is now 100% DNA LOFT cushioning paired with the Segmented Crash Pad for an even softer, smoother ride and easier flow from landing to toe-off
- Medial post helps control pronation
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your longest foot size
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths and also accommodates high insteps
- Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is precision engineered to deliver an ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride
- Medial post helps control pronation
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your longest foot size
- Fits medium and wide feet and also accommodates high insteps
- VERSARUN cushioning absorbs impact and reduces pressure for comfortable strides at every level of walking and running
- Added heel support for a more comfortable, secure hold.
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your longest foot size
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Supportive outsole and firm heel counter provide excellent cushion and support
- Removable foam insole for excellent underfoot comfort and support.
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your longest foot size
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths and also accommodate high insteps
- ABZORB midsole absorbs impact through a combination of cushioning and compression resistance
- Dual-density collar foam that offers support and comfort for your heels and ankles
- Synthetic and mesh upper has stretch for breathability, comfort and a stable fit
- Accommodates orthotics
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your longest foot size
Will these Shoes Accommodate Your High Instep?
Keep in mind that everyone’s feet are different, and what might work well for some women with high insteps might not work as well for others. Not all women’s insteps are the same, as some are a lot higher than others.
Are You Unsure About What Shoe Size You Should Order Online?
As we age the body’s ligaments and tendons lose their strength and ability to spring back. This means that our arches decrease, which flattens and lengthens the foot and toes. This often results in an increase in shoe size by a half-size or more. You might also experience a change in foot width, meaning that even though you always ordered medium width shoes now you might have to start ordering wider shoes.
I strongly suggest that you visit your local shoe store to retrieve your exact foot length and shape. However, if you don’t have a specialized shoe store in your area you can use this free resource that I created:
How to Measure Your Foot Shoe Size – The Most Simple and Effective Way!
Are You Looking for a Different Type of Shoe to Accommodate Your Instep?
Some women already found a good pair of sneakers that worked well for their instep, but they have trouble finding dress shoes or seasonal shoes. I created different resources that you might find helpful:
The Best Winter Boots for Women with High Instep – Extra Deep, Waterproof, and Insulated!
Stylish Shoes for Women with High Instep – Extra Deep and Comfortable for Your Tall Feet!
The Best Women Sandals for High Instep — Supportive, Lightweight, Flexible, and Deep!
Do not hesitate to contact me via the comment section below or at my email if you are unsure about which specific sneaker will work best for your high insteps:
comfortablewomenshoes@gmail.com
Let me know in the comments section below if you have a favorite shoe brand or shoe style that has worked well for your high insteps.
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