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Open Heel Shoes With Arch Support

Engineered with KURUSOLE technology to provide maximum comfort and support all day long.

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!

What are Open Heel Shoes?

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!

  • Woman wearing KURU BREEZE open heel sandals.

Types Of Open Heel Shoes

Slip into a pair of open heel shoes for work, beach, or travel. Find your perfect pair with the help of our KURU GURUs.

  • Mules
    Technically, 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
  • Clogs
    By 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
  • Sandals
    Open 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
  • Sneaker slip-ons
    An 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

How To Pair Your Open Heel Shoes

Wondering how to style your open heel shoes? Our KURU GURUs outline the best ways to wear them below.

  • Go for straight and skinny
    Straight, 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
  • Dress down with leggings
    Leggings 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
  • Eyes on the hemline
    Keep 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
  • Keep it short and simple
    Shorts 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
  • Pair like with like
    When 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
  • Spice up a monochromatic outfit
    Colorful open heel shoes also pair well with a monochromatic outfit, such as all-black or all-white ensemble.
    Spice up a monochromatic outfit
  • Stay chic and comfy indoors
    Open 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.

FAQs

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

Three Layers of Support

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.

  • 1

    KURUSOLE

  • 2

    KURUCLOUD

  • 3

    ULTIMATE INSOLE

  • How KURU brings relief

    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.

Our Secret

Animated GIF showing KURUSOLE tech in KURU shoes vs. typical flat interiors for plantar fasciitis pain.
Why Others Love KURU

Why Others Love KURU

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Perfect! I’ve been having so much back and foot issues at only 25. My doctor suggested supportive running shoes. After shopping around I couldn’t find any that would work with most outfits. Kuru is the only shoes I have found that provide the support I need while still looking cute! They are perfect. Usually I would be in pain after a couple hours walking around in flat shoes, but with these Kuru shoes I am fine all day! Definitely recommend if you are on the fence about it.

Brittany B

Best comfort by far. I bought these to wear at work, with a business casual dress code. I’m on my feet all day, on hard floors. Before these shoes, I’d often be on the verge of tears from foot pain at the end of the day. I’ve tried half a dozen other shoes that are supposed to be comfortable and dress-casual acceptable. I’ve tried several orthotic inserts. Nothing else has come close to the comfort of these shoes. Game changer!

davidgrilla

Very comfortable!! Love them! This is an extremely comfortable shoe and easy to get on and off. I wear them to work in a business casual environment. I definitely recommend these shoes.

Young Professional

Amazing Shoes!!! I just bought these shoes and this was my first pair with Kuru. I bought these shoes to help with my heel pain. I absolutely LOVE these shoes!!! Right when I first put them on, I instantly felt how comfortable these were. They fit SO nicely and they are true to size. They have wonderful arch support and I can wear these all day long and my feet and heel do not hurt anymore!! I even come home and don’t even want to take them off they’re so comfy!! I will definitely be buying more Kuru shoes!! They are so fantastic and comfortable and I definitely recommend buying them! So worth it!! I do wish Kuru made work shoes for women, like cute flats for a business look. That would be so ideal!!

rebeccad930

KURU’S ARE MY GO-GO SHOE! I wear Kuru flats to work everyday, and they have been a Godsend, but I never tried any Kuru sneakers. I saw these online and really liked the light blue color – something different from the usual white you see all over – and it knew they’d be as “Kuru” inside as my work flats. I absolutely LOVE these shoes! I got a half size larger than I would for work flats to allow for thicker socks, and they’re perfect. I am SO happy I decided to purchase these cute & comfortable beauties! Well worth every penny!!!

Shari B.

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