Open Heel Shoes With Arch Support
Open heel shoes, or back open heel shoes as some call them, might not be as iconic or fashionable as some shoe styles but they can definitely be just as comfortable—or, in the case of high heels, even more so.
It all depends on what type of open heel shoes you get and where or when you wear them. Open heel sandals are unbeatable when it comes to summer months and beach trips. Sneaker-style open heel shoes are gaining popularity as a go-to footwear for casual hangouts and errand runs.
If you want something convenient so you can go out at the drop of a penny, then open heel slip on shoes are amazing. The only possible downside is that many of these types of shoes don’t exactly have the best support or cushion.
With KURU, though, you can have it all—an easy-to-wear, ultra comfortable, supportive, and stylish pair of open heel shoes for fatigue-free feet!
As its name suggests, open heel shoes are footwear that are open at the back or along the heel. In the shoe world, any kind of shoes with no backs or constraints around the heel are called mules.
This means open heel shoes have a wide range of styles. This ranges from ones that basically look like backless sneakers and moccasins to the ubiquitous flip-flops, slides, and even formal open heeled sandals.
There are just as many flat styles of shoes with open heels as there are short or even high-heeled versions. Basically any style of footwear can have an open heel version.
The biggest advantage of shoes with open heels is the convenience they offer. You literally just slide your foot in with no problems at all. As for the main cons, heel open shoes can be a bit less stable or comfortable to wear than regular shoes.
But that’s not a problem with KURU’s line of open heel shoes—you still get the same three-part technology for maximum comfort, support, and Pain Relief Beyond Belief!
Slip into a pair of open heel shoes for work, beach, or travel. Find your perfect pair with the help of our KURU GURUs.
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MulesTechnically, any footwear that does not have a back or enclosed heel counts as a pair of mules, whether they’re open heel slippers or regular closed-toe open heel shoes. Mules of all types are generally great for casual occasions, less formal workplaces, and traveling.Mules
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ClogsBy definition, clogs are mules with a wooden sole, wide body, and rounded front. Today, you can find both flat and high heeled clogs in stores. There are also clog-style shoes that are no longer made of wood and instead made of synthetic materials, such as rubber or plastic.Clogs
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SandalsOpen heel sandals can be as high and deadly-looking as stilettos. They can also be flat and instead look cozy and comfy. High-heeled shoes with an open heel match perfectly for formal and semi-formal occasions. You can wear them to meetings, presentations, weddings, and more.Sandals
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Sneaker slip-onsAn increasing number of mules today are designed to look just like sneakers, tennis shoes, and other regular closed toe shoes. Like their closed heel counterparts, this type of open heel shoes are ideal for casual outings and smart casual office wear. Since these do not have back heel support, they aren’t great for actual sports and athletic endeavors.Sneaker slip-ons
Wondering how to style your open heel shoes? Our KURU GURUs outline the best ways to wear them below.
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Go for straight and skinnyStraight, tapered, narrow, or skinny jeans are some of the best pants you can pair with open heel shoes for work. Blue jeans will give you a more casual look while white or black jeans will work great for a smart casual or office ensemble.Go for straight and skinny
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Dress down with leggingsLeggings are a go-to for an easy, effortless casual and sporty style. They pair well with both flat sneaker-style open heel shoes and open toe, open heel shoes with heels. High heeled open heel shoes give you an instant classy and elegant look, even when wearing leggings.Dress down with leggings
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Eyes on the hemlineKeep a close watch on the hemline of the pants, skirts, or jumpsuits you wear. This applies to both men and women. You’ll risk tripping, slipping, and falling if you wear bottoms whose hem reaches your heel.Eyes on the hemline
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Keep it short and simpleShorts and skirts up to or above your knee generally look good with open heel closed toe shoes—especially ones in a sneaker or tennis shoe style. These are great for going on dates, sightseeing on vacation, and spending the day out in the sun.Keep it short and simple
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Pair like with likeWhen it comes to pairing your open heel shoes according to color, one of the rules of thumb is pairing like with like. This means wearing dark with dark, pastel with pastel, and brightly colored mules with bright clothes or accessories.Pair like with like
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Spice up a monochromatic outfitColorful open heel shoes also pair well with a monochromatic outfit, such as all-black or all-white ensemble.Spice up a monochromatic outfit
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Stay chic and comfy indoorsOpen heel shoes with proper arch support and cushioning can also be worn as indoor slippers. Since they match well with shorts and flowy skirts, they are perfect for hosting house parties and looking cozy but still ready to go out.Stay chic and comfy indoors
Shoe Care Tips
Simplify the process of finding a pair of open heel shoes that fit well with these helpful tips from our KURU GURUs.
Know your size: Always measure your foot size before going or at the store itself. There are sometimes small differences depending on the shoe brand, so we recommend using a Brannock device to measure your feet.
Shoe size isn’t the end all, be all: If shoes in your regular size don’t fit you well, try them in a size bigger or smaller. Trust your comfort level and consider how your feet actually feel while wearing the shoes, not just the size.
Shop in the afternoon: Our feet naturally expand throughout the day, so it’s always best to shop for new backpacking boots in the afternoon or even evening. This way, you can avoid having shoes that only fit you well in the morning.
Look for wide toe boxes: You want snug and comfy shoes, but that doesn’t mean you need to have your toes all crammed together. It can make it harder to wear open heel slip on shoes if you keep wiggling your toes to relieve pain or tension.
Walk around in the shoes: When you try on your shoes, don’t just stand there and admire them. Take a short walk or two around the shop to determine how they feel while walking.
Find shoes that fit from the start: Don’t rationalize that your shoes need to be “broken in” to feel better. Make sure they fit you snugly and comfortably right at the start.
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How do I know which shoes to buy? Which is best for me?
The best shoe for you will depend on your unique foot type and the style you’re looking for.
The best shoes for men and women alike offer adequate arch support and cushion. Whether you’re looking for bright blue shoes, dark blue shoes, or white shoes with blue accents, KURUs line of pain-relieving footwear help alleviate foot pain symptoms for all-day comfort.
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Can I use custom orthotics with KURU shoes?
Due to the anatomical shape of the KURUSOLE, custom orthotics with a rounded heel fit best inside our shoes. If the underside of the custom orthotic (the part that sits on the footbed) is squared off, then it may not fit into our deep heel cup—which is rounded like your foot.
That said, many of our customers tell us the KURUSOLE technology offers better support and stability than they expected, and that they don’t need to wear their custom orthotics with KURU shoes.
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I just received a pair of your shoes and my feet are sore/hurt after wearing them. Why is that?
Some customers experience tenderness when they first start wearing a new pair of KURUs. That’s ok! Your body may need time to adjust to the new levels of anatomical support you experience with our patented KURUSOLE technology. Our shoes are also designed to mold to your unique foot shape, which takes a bit of a break-in period.
To help mitigate this, we suggest you follow our break-in procedure, including wearing your KURUs for a couple hours per day around the house in the first couple of weeks as they break in and form to your foot.
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How is the arch support of KURU shoes?
KURU shoes deliver excellent arch support without the need for thick inserts or expensive, custom orthotics.
Superior arch support starts with our patented KURUSOLE technology, which delivers natural cushioning and dynamically hugs your heel with every step. Every foot is unique, and our ULTIMATE INSOLES adapt to fit your needs by using your own body heat to custom-mold to the shape of your feet over time.
The corrective nature of our superior arch support is designed to neutralize your weight distribution and place your foot in the best anatomical position. This support can take some getting used to. We suggest slowly breaking in your new shoes over the course of 2–3 weeks.
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Foot Grooming and Why It’s Important
At KURU, we pride ourselves on our unique approach to shoe design. We believe that shoes should be shaped to fit the natural contours of your feet, which is why we create every pair in three distinct support layers, not just an insole.
Our revolutionary ergonomic design starts with a curved footbed and adds unparalleled triple-layer support that includes shock-absorbing KURUCLOUD, heel-cupping KURUSOLE, and arch-supporting ULTIMATE INSOLES. The result? Shoes that are so comfortable you’ll stop thinking about your feet.
KURUSOLE
Our patented KURUSOLE protects your heel with each step. Gently wrapping around the heel and extending to the arch of your foot, the …Show More
Our patented KURUSOLE protects your heel with each step. Gently wrapping around the heel and extending to the arch of your foot, the KURUSOLE dynamically flexes with each step to protect your heel and hold the fat pad in place. This technology redirects stress, reduces foot pain, improves alignment, and encourages a healthy gait.
…Show lessKURUCLOUD
Experience the smoothest stride while walking with the KURUCLOUD midsole. As the base layer of our three-part technology, …Show More
Experience the smoothest stride while walking with the KURUCLOUD midsole. As the base layer of our three-part technology, KURUCLOUD’s proprietary blend of high-grade, lightweight EVA foams ensures shock-absorbing support with every step. This support helps relieve pressure and offers a soft cushion for maximum comfort that makes you feel like you’re walking on clouds.
…Show lessULTIMATE INSOLE
Last but not least in our three-part technology is ULTIMATE INSOLE — the linchpin in all KURU footwear. This technology offers superior cushion and …Show More
Last but not least in our three-part technology is ULTIMATE INSOLE — the linchpin in all KURU footwear. This technology offers superior cushion and supports similar to expensive orthotics without requiring additional purchases. The ULTIMATE INSOLE is made of dual-density polyurethane foam. This allows it to support and mold to the shape of your arch for custom, personalized comfort in every KURU shoe.
…Show less
KURUSOLE
Our patented KURUSOLE protects your heel with each step. Gently wrapping around the heel and extending to the arch of your foot, the KURUSOLE dynamically flexes with each step to protect your heel and hold the fat pad in place. This technology redirects stress, reduces foot pain, improves alignment, and encourages a healthy gait.
Fine, We’ll Tell You Our Secret
What makes KURU different? Every KURU shoe comes with built-in patented KURUSOLE tech—a foot health game changer.
While other shoes are flat on the inside, KURUSOLE is shaped like your foot to hug and prevent fatigue and pain.
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