How to Choose Orthotic Insoles for High Arches

by Raina Green November 7, 2022

High arch feet are less common than flat feet. It's been estimated that about 20% of the population has high arch feet.

A simple way to tell if you have high arches is to wet your feet and stand on a safe surface, such as concrete or a piece of paper. After you move your feet, look at the imprint left behind. People with high arches will only see an imprint of their heel and the front of their foot with nothing in between

The sure-fire way to know if you have high arches is to schedule a consultation with your healthcare provider. They can run some tests to determine the severity of your condition

Symptoms of High Arches

With high arched feet, the toes are often in a clawed position. This foot type tends to be very rigid in nature and often lacks some shock-absorbing properties. When the foot does not absorb shock effectively due to failing to roll in sufficiently, symptoms such as shin, knee, heel and back pain are more common as these structures are forced to take more force than they are normally supposed to.

There are several conditions that can develop as a result of high arch feet:

Metatarsalgia
Achilles tendinitis
Plantar fasciitis
Hammertoes:
Claw toes
Ankle instability

In other cases, high arch feet are a symptom of another conditions, such as: Spina bifida, Muscular dystrophy, Cerebral palsy, Polio, Spinal tumors, Spinal cord injuries, Stroke, Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT)

The Solution for High Arches

High arch feet are either genetic or caused by an underlying condition, there isn’t a way to prevent the problem from occurring.

The best thing you can do for high arches is properly support them. That means using orthotic insoles made for high arches which will relieve excessive pressure on the ball and heel of your foot by evenly distributing your body weight

Orthotic arch supports are insoles that feature a rigid or semi-rigid support plate or support platform as part of their design. These insoles are designed to ensure that your foot maintains a healthy, natural form all day long, no matter what activities you engage in. They do this by focusing on two main areas of the foot: the arch, and the heel.

Orthotic arch supports are designed with a built-in arch support that will help prevent the over-collapse of the arch as well as a heel cup to cradle the heel of the foot and limit excessive ankle movement. Wearing orthotic arch supports will help eliminate strain on the plantar fascia, the muscle running from heel to forefoot along the bottom of your foot, which in turn will help prevent arch pain and plantar fasciitis. Additionally, orthotic arch supports will help guide your foot in making a natural motion with each step, preventing over-pronation or supination.

Semi-Rigid orthotic arch support features a support platform that is somewhat flexible. This is ideal for providing good support for the foot without the arch support feeling "too stiff
Rigid orthotic arch support features a support platform that is almost completely stiff. This is ideal for those seeking firm arch support

It is a common misconception that "softer is better." In some cases, such as when someone spends all day standing but otherwise has no foot conditions, this is true. However, where arch pain is concerned, it is almost always advised that you seek relief with an orthotic arch support. This is because a cushioned arch support or flat cushioned insole will not give your feet enough arch support, and you will continue to experience arch pain.

How to Wear Orthotic Insoles

Orthotic insoles typically require a small break-in period before you wear them all the time. If you have never worn an orthotic arch support before, we recommend only wearing your orthotic arch supports for 1 to 2 hours a day for the first week, then 3-4 hours a day for the next week.

It is natural for orthotic arch supports to be uncomfortable at first but breaking in the insoles over time will help minimise discomfort.

After several weeks, if the arch supports are still causing discomfort, you may consider trying a pair of different insoles.

If your shoes have any arch supports or additions to the shoe, remove them before inserting orthotic insoles.

You can wash orthotics insoles with mild soap and water. Let them completely dry before wearing them again. If they do get wet, lay them on a flat surface to dry. Don’t put them in a dryer or under a heating device, like a hair dryer.

Best Orthotic Insoles for High Arches

Custom orthotics are expensive, costing anywhere from $200 to $800, which doesn't take into account the associated office visits. For those who don't require custom orthotics, an off-the-shelf orthotic is made with arch support is a great option.

For off-the-shelf orthotic, you should only browse insoles that are designed to work with that foot arch type. For high arches, the arch support of the insole should a flawless fit across the length of your arch of your foot that distributes body weight evenly across your foot.

The Insoles which claim designing for both flat feet and high arches will not work for you as they're made for medial arches.

We evaluate four of the off-the-shelf orthotic for high arches on amazon for your consideration.

1. Powerstep High Arch Orthotic Insoles

Powerstep Insoles, Pinnacle High Arch

Price Range: $34-$47

Size Range: Men 4-15/ Women 6-12

Arch Support: Semi-Rigid Support

Positive:

For first-time user with high arches, you can start with a semi-rigid orthotic arch support for a good combination of support, flexibility, and comfort.

Negative:

Arch Support will be collapsing after wearing and not suitable for those who require firm arch support

2. LittleMum High Arch Orthotic Insoles

LittleMum High Arch Orthotic Insoles

Price Range: $24.99

Size Range: Men6-11.5/Women7-12.5

Arch Support: Rigid Support

Positive:

Coolmax® top cover cools foot, reduces friction, with permanent moisture-wicking
Price is very competitive
Don't need return the insoles to receive full refund if you are not happy with your first purchase

Negative: