7 Best Shearling-Lined Boots With Arch Support in 2022

Real winter is here (well, has been here for the last few weeks) with below-freezing temps, which means there is only one fashion rule that matters: Comfort. And that very much applies to our feet. To help brave the blustery elements, many of us have ventured into the depths of our closets to find our trusty shearling-lined boots that defined our middle school years. That said, while our decades-old, worn in shoes may feel like a hug to put on, they often don’t have the arch support our feet need when walking around all day. Luckily, we’ve talked to a few podiatrists to find the best shearling-lined boots with arch support so we can fulfill all of our cozy fantasies while still keeping our soles healthy, happy, and pain-free.

The appeal of shearling-lined boots is no secret. Sheepskin regulates temperature well, and keeps feet warm during the cold seasons—but it’s also surprisingly effective at not getting too warm in moderate temperatures because it wicks moisture well.  Though it doesn’t have the same moisture-wicking qualities, the more eco-conscious faux-shearling is just as plush and warm as its pricier cousin.

What to look for in a shearling boot with arch support

That said, while “shearling-lined boots are a great investment during the cold winter months…finding ones with arch support can be daunting,” says Najwa Javed, DPM. If you have collapsing arches your foot pain can worsen if your shearling boots are flat. As such, using arch support, built-in or added, can help to keep your foot stable and supported, she explains. You can even add shearling-lined orthotics to increase stability and support.

If you’re on the hunt for the perfect shearling boots to add to your collection, there are a few things to keep in mind as you shop and research. First, make sure to at least look for a thick sole. “If you are unable to find a boot with arch support, other key things to look for are a good thick sole for arch and heel support along with a toe box that is wide and deep,” says Dr. Javed.

Second: You’ll have better luck with higher-quality designs. Some red flags to steer clear of are thin, flimsy, flexible boots because they will inevitably cause foot pain and cause you to slip. Dr. Javed explains,”Whenever you buy boots, make sure that the sole of the shoe is robust. It will provide better balance and grip.”

What happens if your boots don’t have arch support?

Because the arch of your foot is supported by the plantar fascia, a thick, bowstring-like ligament that connects your heel bone to your toes, “when you wear shoes that do not support your arch, it collapses causing the plantar fascia to stretch like a bowstring away from the heel bone. The cumulative effect of gravity and the repeated stress of weight bearing on the plantar fascia can cause tiny tears in the ligament, which can lead to pain and swelling,” adds Miguel Cunha, DPM. To help, it’s best to pick out boots that have a 3/4 to 1 inch heel lift or wedge to give you proper arch support, he explains.

Ready to shop? Scroll down for the best, podiatrist-recommended shearling-lined boots with arch support that will keep you comfortably strutting all season long.

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