Does good looking footwear with arch support exist?

[PetiteMum]

or am I destined to a life of scholl Clogs

I need to know this too! I can't wear anything completely flat, so ballet flats and havianas/gladiators are out, which is a shame coz they're so pretty! In the summer I mostly wear birkenstocks, which aren't especially pretty, and last winter I lived in Fitflop Mukluk boots, which were so comfy I think I'll buy them in another colour for this winter.

Other than that, I find inbetweeny weather more difficult, I have Jack Purcell Converse trainers, which have more support than the All Stars, and I do find wedges/low heels comfortable as well so I can wear smarter shoes and boots. Just wish I could find a pretty pair of ballet flats with some support, I may try Clarks.

Hi PetiteMum. I have needed arch support for years and used to live in Birkenstocks. About five years ago I discovered Orthaheel insoles and have never looked back - I now buy any shoes I fancy in a half size larger and insert the Orthaheels.
There are a couple of drawbacks - Orthaheels are expensive (£20 upwards) and you really need a pair for every pair of shoes. Also, they're a bit bulky and don't fit well in very flimsy or shallow shoes - however, I do have several pairs of dainty flats and pumps which they fit in just fine.
I have built up a wardrobe of shoes with Orthaheel insoles over the last five years and no, I don't work for them!

Orthotics might be the way to go - either custom made or orthaheels if they suit you. Some shoes have removable insoles which accommodate full length orthotics more easily -such as some of clarks ( unstructured range) and Think if you like quirky. Try Lovethoseshoes as they stock several brands.

I usually wear Clarks shoes with removeable insoles for daily wear. Or any good shoes or boots which will take a full length Orthaheel orthotic. For evening or smarter occasions when I'll only be wearing them for a few hours I go for any pretty shoes or pumps worn with the Orthaheel slimline or half length orthotic, although these don't provide quite as much rigid support as the full size ones.

Gulp! I will buy some inserts and see if they fit my shoes....I can't bear to part with ANY of them :(

I just wear inserts. There are very few shoes with decent arch supports around. My trainers aren't too bad, but even the Clarks stuff needs inserts.

Do you mean you have a high instep? I do and I find birkensotcks totally unbearable. They cripple me.

I have El naturalista shoes, excellent arch support. Other than fitflops it's all I've found lately that is comfortable.