High Arches Explained

High Arches Explained

Written with contributions from Superfeet Wellness Experts and the Superfeet education team. 


Everyone complains about their "dogs" occasionally.  But for people who are on their feet most of the day, any type of foot problem is a serious one. It's hard to concentrate on your job or your family when your feet hurt. You may take every opportunity to kick off your shoes and rub the soles of your feet (which can be embarrassing if the boss wanders by). Foot pain has many causes, but for some, the pain can stem from having high arches.

What are high arches?

While there’s no standard measurement to indicate whether your arches should be deemed “high,” you are said to have high arches if you have significant height at the arch of your feet. When you walk barefoot in the sand, your tracks may show only your heel and ball of your foot, with little to no imprint in the middle.

Causes of high arches

The shape of your feet is determined, for the most part, by genes. People with high arches may feel that their feet are abnormal, but that’s simply not true — everyone’s feet are unique, whether their arches are flat, high or somewhere in between.  It’s important to note, however, that high arched feet can also be caused by a variety of neurological conditions, like spina bifida and cerebral palsy.

Symptoms of high arches

As with most foot issues, symptoms can vary. If you have high arches, you may find physical activity painful. High-arched feet often tend to be more rigid and less flexible, which often leads people to seek out extra cushioning in insoles and footwear. People with high arches may have trouble finding footwear that fits well and often experience excess friction or pressure at the instep of the foot.

High-arched feet tend to be rigid and less flexible High-arched feet tend to be rigid and less flexible

Superfeet help for high arches

As with most foot issues, symptoms can vary. If you have high arches, you may find physical activity painful. High-arched feet often tend to be more rigid and less flexible, which often leads people to seek out extra cushioning in insoles and footwear. People with high arches may have trouble finding footwear that fits well and often experience excess friction or pressure at the instep of the foot.

Which Superfeet insoles work best for high arches?

To find the right Superfeet, start with your shoes. What type of shoes are you wearing? What you are doing in those shoes? We think you deserve to experience the I-never-knew-my-feet-could-feel-this-good benefits of the Superfeet shape in all your footwear. That’s why we make insoles for casual and dress shoesshoe inserts for high heelsinsoles for hikinginsoles for running shoesinsoles for snow sportsinsoles for skates, and more.  Need help finding the best Superfeet for you?  Take the online insole finder quiz.

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March 14, 2018