While the kind of footwear you wear can have an impact on your feet, one of the major reasons you experience foot pain is caused by something else i.e. the shape of your feet. Sometimes, the shape of your feet can cause several issues for you to deal with. People who have high foot arches know the struggle that comes with finding the right shoes to make sure that their feet do not hurt.
Having high arches is not a common predicament. In fact, not many people even know that there is such a thing as arches that are too high. We all know about flat feet, but that is a different issue altogether. A very high arch can make life very uncomfortable for an individual.
When the foot arch is too high, it can result in an uneven distribution of weight throughout the foot (with the ball of the foot and the heel). It can create a lot of undue stress on these parts of the foot, which can lead to long-term issues.
Providing good support to high arches and an adequate amount of cushioning for the underfoot can go a very long way in ensuring that you do not experience pain or discomfort. One of the best ways to go about achieving that is to get insoles for your shoes that are made for supporting feet with high arches.
Of course, the fact that the problem is not that common means you need a specialized solution for it. If you search the market for insoles that are suitable for arch support, you will find plenty of models made by several manufacturers that claim to be the best. Choosing the best insoles for high arches, however, is not a one-size-fits-all solution.
Buying insoles for high arches is not something you should take lightly and simply buy the first thing that pops up when you search for them. Once you understand the product and why you need it, it will become easier for you to make the best buying decision when it comes to insoles for high arches.
To this end, we have created a buying guide that will help you get exactly what you need. We are going to discuss how you can recognize whether or not you have arches that are too high since a lot of people who suffer from it do not even realize it until they start experiencing the pain and discomfort.
We will then discuss the qualities you should expect from the best insoles for high arches and address some frequently asked questions that will answer anything you might want to know about insoles for high arches.
Additionally, we have included a list of reviews of the top insoles for high arches in this buying guide. Once you read and understand the guide, you will have all the information you need to compare the qualities and features of different products to determine what will work best for you. The reviews will narrow down the number of options for you and give you a detailed overview of the products so making a comparison between them becomes easier for you.
Contents
Our Top Picks
- Best Overall Insoles: Tread Labs Stride Insoles for High Arches
- Best Premium Insoles: New Balance 3810 Ultra Support Insoles
- Best Value Insoles: Powerstep Unisex Pinnacle Maxx Insoles
Buying Guide for Insoles for High Arches
Buying the best insoles for high arches is all about having all the correct information. We are not just going to discuss what the best insoles have to offer. We will take a better look at the issue at hand so it becomes easier for you to understand why you need insoles and how they can help.
Do You Have High Arches or Flat Feet?
To this end, let us first take a look at your feet. When you are seeking out insoles for high arches, you need to know your arch height. One of the best ways to determine the kind of arch height you have is to take a look at a wet footprint of yours while you are barefooted.
If you have completely flat feet, your feet will have a flat shape while your feet are unweighted and while you are standing on it. If your feet appear to have a slight arching shape while you are sitting and they have a flat print while you stand, it means you have a slightly arched foot. A medium arch height insole will work out ideally for support. If the arch on your foot is close to the ground, but it does not touch the ground while you are standing up, a medium arch support insole will work out well to that end as well.
If you have a high or very high arch, you will notice a distinctive curve in the footprint where your feet do not make contact with the ground. In that case, a high arch height insole is the best possible way to go.
What Causes High Arches?
A lot of people who face problems because of high arches often wonder why they even have them and what they can do to get rid of the problem. The arches on our feet are actually a natural mechanism of the human body for shock absorption. It is not something you develop. Rather, high arches are an inherited quality and you can have high arches right from birth.
The medium arch height is ideal for shock absorption in your foot. When you take a step or your feet meet the ground while you run, the arch of the foot collapses slightly to reduce the force of impact and dampen the effect on your body. If your arches are too high, it is not the arches themselves that cause the problem. The fact that they cannot collapse well enough to dampen the force of impact that leads to problems.
Problems Caused by High Arches
Several problems can be linked to having high arches depending on high your arches are. A lot of the issues caused by high arches impact the way you are able to walk, stand, and run. Here are some of the problems you can develop if you have high arches and you do not take the proper measures to address them.
Plantar fasciitis
One of the most common issues in the foot you are likely to develop due to high arches is plantar fasciitis. This is a foot condition where the ligament connecting your toes to your heel and the one that supports the shape of the arch becomes inflamed. You can experience a sharp pain in the heel, but some people also experience the pain throughout the underfoot.
A lot of the time, the pain is the worst when you take the first few steps after you get up, and it gets slightly better as you move around. The pain can be described as a slight burning sensation or a stabbing pain. If you do not address plantar fasciitis, the pain can get considerably worse later on.
Claw toes
Another condition you can develop due to high arches is claw toes. This is when your toes assume a claw-like position and are directed towards the sole of the shoes. The most profound effect of claw toes is on the tinier toes. Over time, claw toes can result in the joints on your four small toes curling downwards in an uncomfortable position.
As it gets worse, you can even see calluses develop on the ball of the foot and the deformities can cause a lot of discomfort.
Metatarsalgia
Metatarsalgia sees the ball of your foot become inflamed to a painful extent. The problem becomes greater when you are standing, walking, or running, and it gets better when you sit or lie down. The uneven distribution of your body weight on your feet can cause metatarsalgia to occur.
You can notice the problem by keeping an eye out for the symptoms. You can feel like there is a pebble in your shoe when there isn’t, it can be a stabbing or burning sensation in the ball of the foot, you might feel numbness or tingling in the toes. Sometimes, it is just a sharp pain in the ball of your foot out of nowhere, which gets worse over time.
What Are Insoles for High Arches?
The number of problems you can develop due to having arches that are too high should be a major source of concern. Supportive insoles are considered to be one of the best solutions to help people with high arches so they can mitigate, or completely prevent these issues. The question is: What are insoles for high arches?
Insoles are essentially additional inserts you can put into your existing footwear to adapt them for better support. Shoes are typically designed to provide an adequate amount of support for feet with normal arches. The insoles for high arches are made with specific materials and in a way that they support the arch of your foot and prevent underpronation.
What Makes an Arch Support Insert Good?
When you have high arch support insoles in your shoes, they enhance the foot comfort and performance of your shoes. They basically prevent over or underpronation of the feet, reducing foot fatigue, and prevent foot problems like metatarsalgia and plantar fasciitis from developing.
Strong support
The typical soft foam inserts that come with most shoes will not be able to provide comfort in the long run. The arch support must have the ability to not just provide your feet good support, but also be able to do so for a long time. It should allow your feet to flex just the right amount to follow through with the natural movement the arch is supposed to have, but not allow it to over flex.
Ideal fitting
An insole is supposed to have a perfect fit for your feet so that it can provide the ideal support. Insoles do come with options of different sizes. You need an insole that fits the profile of your foot.
Durability
Durability is a key factor with arch support insoles. If you get cheap insoles for high arches from a pharmacy, you can expect them to effectively provide support for your feet but not for more than a few months. High quality insoles for high arches will offer your feet support for a long time. If you take good care of the insoles, they can offer your feet ideal support forever.
Compatibility with different kinds of footwear
A lot of shoes come with removable insoles to accommodate specialized insoles. A good quality insole for high arch support will be capable of adapting to multiple types of shoes. It can get annoying if you have to buy a different product for your dress shoes and something else for arch support when you wear your sneakers, right?
Benefits of Wearing Arch Support Insoles for High Arches
People suffering from chronic foot conditions or have persistent pain due to the high arches, the first and foremost benefit of high arch support insoles is that they will relieve the pain and help you recover. Here are some more benefits that come with arch support insoles for people with high arches.
Arch support insoles help distribute the pressure
When you have arch support insoles in your shoes, they are able to provide the pressure in just the right areas so that the weight distribution on your foot is healthier for you. They evenly disperse the weight to make sure that there is no undue stress on particular areas of your foot.
They provide balance and stability
Since arch support improves the weight distribution in your foot, they also help you become more stable and well-balanced on your feet. The better your posture and your balance is, the lesser the pain you might experience in your foot.
They lessen or prevent pain
With better stability and reduced strain on your feet, you can experience lesser and lesser pain in your foot, thanks to arch support insoles. Foot problems caused by high arches do not just lead to discomfort and slight pain. They can also lead to debilitating levels of pain that you need to address using painkillers. Arch support reduces or completely eliminates the pain you can feel.
Factors to Consider When Selecting Insoles for High Arches
If your feet have very high arches, but you are not entirely sure about it, we highly recommend consulting a podiatrist to determine whether or not you do have the condition. They can also offer you a recommendation for high arch support insoles, but more importantly, they can help you determine the extent of the problem you are facing so you can choose the right insoles if your case is very bad.
When you are considering the high arch support insoles for yourself, there are a number of qualities you need to be on the look for. Let’s take a look at them so you can keep them in mind while you look at different options for high arch support insoles.
Level of Support
The primary reason you buy insoles is to add support for your foot. The best insoles are the ones that will just feel right under your feet and improve your overall comfort. They will support the foot and improve your pronation. They will support the arch, improve stability and balance, and reduce the fatigue you feel.
We have included a variety of insoles in the guide later on. We took into account multiple factors to determine whether or not they have a place on the list, and the first quality we looked for was the level of support they offer. We wanted to make sure that they offer a great level of protection for your feet and enhance your performance.
Different types of arch heights require different levels of support. The insoles included in our guide offer ideal support for high arches.
Thick Cushioning
The higher the arches, the thicker the insoles need to be. As your arch gets higher, there is a lower surface area of your underfoot making contact with the ground. Most of the weight of your entire body then rests on the ball of the foot and the heel as you walk and run.
If the insole is thicker, it will be able to ease the pressure on the heel and the ball of your foot. Additionally, it will offer more comfort to your feet.
Materials
The kind of material used in anything you wear makes a huge difference in how well it can perform for you. While you might expect typical foam for shoe inserts, high arch support insoles can vary drastically in what is used to make them. Each material brings its own qualities to the product. Many materials can be used for insoles for high arches to determine what they are able to do for you.
Some materials will focus on providing comfort factor in insoles, while there are others that take on the responsibility of providing support. There are insoles made to reduce the force of impact when running, and there are those made to reduce pain and stress.
The materials can range from cork, gel, foam, and leather. Each material will give you advantages based on the kind of requirements you have from the insoles. Foam is, of course, a good option for a lot of people. It offers a decent enough level of cushioning, it offers support, and it is very good at relieving the pressure on your feet.
Cork is a material that focuses more on the aspect of support than on cushioning. Gel material is very good when it comes to providing shock absorption, but it cannot offer the kind of support that cork can. Leather provides comfort and cushioning, but it can also be pretty expensive.
At the end of the day, you need to get a product that has an ideal combination of materials to suit your needs. Understand the different qualities of various materials and how they can improve the conditions in your foot in the form of a single product.
Deep Heel Cup
The deeper the heel cup, the better the arch contour that the insole can provide for your high arches. It can also help with motion control and pronation, allowing you to walk with relatively higher ease and reduce any pain.
Shock Absorption
The higher the arches, the lower the amount of natural shock absorption you have in your feet. Shock pads on the underfoot can prevent the abrupt motions and impacts from affecting your feet. The best shock absorption systems in insoles will not just offer you a dampened force of impact, they will also offer you energy return or rebound so that you get a boost.
Insoles made for use in performance or sports shoes can be very good if they offer a high energy return. It will give you the boost in the right places in the underfoot to help you launch into the next stride easily.
Flexibility
We have seen a common misconception in plenty of people who have high arches that the support they need for their feet is supposed to be solid. Feet with high arches can already be more likely to become quite rigid. Having solid support insoles can be generally quite beneficial for support, but they do not work the best in all situations.
If you are someone inclined more towards sports or a more active lifestyle, insoles with solid support can become counterproductive for you. There are insoles made with a combination of materials that offer a great amount of support, but they can adapt to give you an ideal level of flexibility where you need it. This can help your foot flex in different terrains in a way that your performance is not affected, but you do not lose the support you need in your high arches.
Comfort
Perhaps one of the most critical factors to consider when you are looking for insoles for high arch support is the comfort. No matter how much premium quality material is used in the arch support insoles or how highly recommended they are, if they do not feel comfortable on your feet while you use them, they are pointless. The comfort you experience while using insoles for high arch support usually is a result of the rest of the factors and how they work together in the product.
Comfort was one of the primary factors we took into consideration when we were looking for products to include in this guide. Comfort is critical since it can help prevent further pain while you walk if you already suffer from a foot condition. There are some insoles we have included in the list that offer greater levels of cushioning than others. This is because some of them are made with the focus on support, but which one you choose ultimately depends on what you need to get the insoles for.
Taking Care of Your Arch Support Insoles
As with anything you wear to help you overcome a problem, if you take care of your arch support insoles, they will keep on taking care of you. When you get insoles for high arches, you end up paying a decent amount of money for something people with regular arches get for free with any pair of shoes they buy. In this sense, you are making an investment in yourself and for your comfort.
Generally speaking, a good pair of high arch support insoles will last you a very long time, even with daily use. Just like anything else, they are also prone to damage, which comes with regular wear and tear. If you use them all day on a daily basis, you can expect them to last a year. They can last much longer if you take care of them.
There are a few things you can do to maintain them and help them last longer:
- Keep checking the insoles from time to time to see if they are getting damaged or worn out
- Wash them but do so gently and by hand when they get dirty
- Remove them from your shoes and give them the time to dry out if they get wet
These are all very small things but they can make a huge difference in how long they last you. If you do not clean them when they become dirty, or let them dry up when they become wet, the dark, hot and humid conditions within the shoe while you have them on can result in major damage due to the bacteria and fungus that can develop.
Best Insoles for High Arches
Now that you have a good grip on what high arch support insoles are and the qualities you should expect to have when you buy a set for yourself, you can choose a pair that will match your needs. To ease up the effort you will have to make while considering your options, we have compiled reviews of the top ten insoles for high arches in the market right now.
This part of the guide will narrow down the number of products you will need to look at. Reading the reviews of these products and comparing them to the guide will help you pick out the perfect insoles without the need to go to other sources for additional research.
1. Tread Labs Stride Insoles for High Arches
Starting off the list of the best insoles for high arches is the Stride made by Tread Labs. Widely regarded as the best insole for high arch support, we were naturally drawn to take a better look at this product and we were clearly able to see why they have such a good reputation among podiatrists and people who have high arches. These insoles are pretty good at boosting the support to your foot in the shoes that offer you the option of inserting full length insoles.
There are four different arch heights offered with these insoles. You can even find a pair of these that suits your needs if you have moderate to low level arches. We particularly love the fact that people with exceptionally high arches also have an option with these. Plenty of factors come in to make these an excellent pair of arch support insoles.
They have a two-part design with the top being more susceptible to wear and tear. You can remove that and replace it with a fresh piece so that you do not need to buy an entirely new pair when they start to lose their effectiveness. The bottom part is protected from regular wear and tear due to the top layer taking the brunt of the damage, but it does a lot of the work for you.
The molded arch and heel cup support in the bottom practically provide you support forever. The molded arch support and deep heel cups support the bones of your feet and align your ankles, knees and hips properly for a more comfortable and efficient experience while walking.
Pros:
- Unlimited time warranty on if the arch support ever breaks or even loses shape
- High quality PU foam top cover that can be replaced after it wears down
- Options of four different arch heights
- Arch height for ultra high arch also available
- Deep heel cups
- Antimicrobial material
- Low friction polyester fabric keeps the feet dry and cool
Cons:
- Can be a little narrow for wider feet
- Can be a little noisy due to hard plastic heel support cup if it does not fit in your shoes properly
2. New Balance 3810 Ultra Support Insoles
New Balance is a name well known among people who tend to have more active pursuits in life. Other than making some of the leading footwear, the company has also managed to venture into the creation of top-of-the line accessories for footwear. The New Balance 3810 Ultra Support Insoles are supportive insoles made to enhance the support that your feet get inside the shoes and also enhance the performance you can get out of them.
New Balance did not design the 3820 Ultra Support Insoles specifically for people who need high arch support. The brand does not even market them as high arch support insoles. That being said, this is one of the best high arch support insoles that we came across in our search to give you a list of the best.
The center part of the insole is made from soft foam to give medium to high arches the support they need. The heel cup is deep enough to allow for a good contour to form so that the arch has something to hug to on the underside. The heel cup also improves stability in the heel to help people with high arches suffering from Achilles tendonitis. The rigid base in the insoles is made using latex to make sure your feet do not slide within the shoes.
Perhaps the winning quality when it comes to the New Balance 3810 arch support insoles is the AZORB and Poron urethane technology developed by the manufacturer. The materials do not harden or disintegrate over extended periods of use, so you can count on these insoles to not just keep your feet comfortable, but also to do so for a very long time. The shock pads on the outer base of the insoles provide the shock absorption and energy return you need for your athletic pursuits.
Pros:
- Deep heel cup to add more stability
- Anti blister top part
- AZORB cushioning protects the feet for a very long time
- Extra comfortable with great support for your midfoot and arch
Cons:
- Quite bulky
- Expensive
- Available only in orange color
3. Powerstep Unisex Pinnacle Maxx Insoles
If you have high arches and you also suffer from overpronation, the Unisex Pinnacle Maxx insoles are pretty much the perfect product for you. People usually face problems because of underpronation when they have high arches, but a lot of people with the predicament do also see their arches collapse more than they should. Powerstep created the Pinnacle in order to resolve the issues of people who have this problem.
The angled exterior heel in the insoles is a vital part of the solution. It is angles in a way that it balances the gait and the stance of people who suffer from severe pronation issues. The squared design in the heel means that your feet will no longer roll over to both the sides within the shoe and remain stable.
The material used by Powerstep was specially developed to enhance resistance to collapsing arches without compromising on arch support. The bottom layer is made from low density EVA foam and the top part is made using HyPur-cel foam to make the perfect balance between comfort, shock absorption and support.
Pros:
- Designed uniquely for overpronators
- Square heel design to hold feet in place
- Exterior heel design helps relieve pain from plantar fasciitis
- Molded base is solid for unmatchable support
Cons:
- The base can feel too rigid for some people
- Top layer can come off a little easily
4. Sof Sole Men’s High Arch Support Insoles
The Sof Sole is a 3.3 inch thick insole with contours designed to cater the feet of people with exceptionally high arches. The name does suggest that the insoles are made for men only, but they are able to offer an adequate amount of support to female feet as well. Using the nylon plate in a deep heel cup design allows these insoles to offer great support for your arches.
The nylon also encourages better alignment in your foot based on how they should be according to ideal anatomy. These insoles can be used in a variety of shoes to offer you great support for a number of exercises like walking, hiking, running, or a number of exercises.
Pros:
- Designed for people with especially high arches
- Antimicrobial properties
- Highly durable insoles
- Nylon plate protects your feet from the force of impact
- Especially calibrated foam for high arch support
Cons:
- Just one color available
5. Superfeet Green Insoles for High Arches
Another well-known insole that makes it to our list of reviews for the best high arch support insoles is the Superfeet Green Insole for High Arches. The manufacturer has a good reputation for creating some of the best orthotic insoles to cater to a variety of needs. The manufacturer proclaims itself as the unchallenged champion when it comes to making products to address a variety of foot issues.
Even though this is a very big claim, we’ve seen plenty of reason to believe them. For 40 years, the company has produced some of the best orthotic insole solutions and the Green insoles stand out as their best product for high arch support. It features a stabilizer cap, a deep heel cup. The material used is latex-free yet durable to last you a very long time.
Pros:
- High profile fit with contours for high arches
- Stabilizer cap
- Durable
- Heavy duty shock absorption
Cons:
- Hard plastic base can damage some shoes
6. Superfeet Orange Premium Insole
The Superfeet Orange is another product made by one of the top manufacturers in this niche market. There are several color-coded products made by Superfeet to signify products that address different concerns for people. The orange model is one that comes with a two inch high arch and five inch wide base. The larger dimensions of these insoles allow you to get an ample amount of support in roomier shoes.
Where you might struggle to find the right fit with the Superfeet Green, the Superfeet Orange will get you the right fit in a wider size. Expect to enjoy the same supportive qualities from the Superfeet Green but with the added advantage of accommodation for wider feet.
Pros:
- High level of shock absorption
- Durable
- Fits wider shoes
- High quality construction
Cons:
- Plastic base can damage shoes
7. Sof Sole Arch Full Length Comfort Insole
These insoles are made specifically for people who have high arches and they have a more active lifestyle. These insoles are great to use with both athletic and casual shoes. They provide a decent level of support for walking, standing, running, and a range of exercises. These insoles have an enhanced arch height and they have gel cushioning strategically placed in the supportive heel cup.
The insoles are also permeated using antimicrobial agents in order to deter the formation of bacteria and fungus after extended wear. These soles come with a warranty of a year long against any defects. Keep in mind that these are not the softest insoles you can find so you might not like to wear them if you will be standing for long hours.
Pros:
- Antimicrobial treatment
- Performance-centric insole design
- Strategic gel cushioning
Cons:
- Not the softest insoles on the market
8. Sof Sole Airr Orthotic Performance Insoles
Another product by Sof to make the list of the best high arch support insoles is the Sof Sole Airr Orthotic Performance Insoles. The manufacturer has a particular interest in creating insoles designed to help the wearer in athletic pursuits, and the Airr Orthotic Performance insoles highlight that.
These insoles combine cushioned comfort with ideal support to offer you with an all-in-one solution if you want support, but not without compromising your comfort while you exercise. These insoles also come with a heel air chamber that offers shock absorption and energy return on the back of the foot.
The polymer gel in the forefoot area provides an ideal amount of shock absorption in the front of the foot. Add to that is a reinforced stability plate in the heel that extends to the arch of the foot to support your high arch.
Pros:
- Full length footbed
- Comfortable
- Enhances motion control
Cons:
- Not very durable
9. Powerstep Full Length Orthotic Shoe Insoles
The Powerstep Full Length Orthotic Shoe Insole is the original product made by Powerstep as it ventured into the market. These insoles are comfortable, supportive, and they check out all the boxes you need for high arch support when it comes to moderate use.
These insoles are particularly helpful for people who suffer from plantar fasciitis as well as other types of foot conditions caused by high arches. There is a semi-rigid arch support that gives you the right amount of stability and support. The heel cup cradles your foot and offers you additional comfort with each step.
You can use these ideally for a lot of different types of footwear, particularly dress shoes and for casual wear shoes.
Pros:
- Compatible with a wide range of footwear
- Flexible and supportive
- Comfortable
Cons:
- Not the best for high intensity use every day
10. Dr. Scholl’s Athletic Series Insoles
Dr. Scholl’s Athletic Series Insoles are not the most high quality insoles that we have on the list, but they are definitely better than most of what we have seen in the market. These are the ideal starter insole to try out to understand how beneficial high arch support insoles can be. They feature a deep heel cup that helps with shock absorption and they have padding to cushion the force of impact while you walk.
The reinforced arch support plate helps you transition from one step to another much better. These insoles also have antimicrobial treatment in order to ensure that there is no foul smell in your shoes after extended periods of wear.
Pros:
- Available for both men and women
- Comfortable
- Reasonably priced
Cons:
- Not the highest quality construction
- Do not last as long as most of the others in the guide
The Best of the Best
With that, we are almost at the end of the guide. Between the reviews of the individual products and the guide, we are confident you have all the information you need to make the best purchasing decision when it comes to insoles for high arches.
If you feel that the number of choices is still a little overwhelming, you can take a look at our top picks below and why we chose them so that you can have an even easier time deciding the ones to buy.
Best Overall Insoles for High Arches
Our best overall pick for high arch support insoles is the Tread Labs Stride Insoles for High Arches. These insoles are compatible with a wide range of shoes. They are also very accommodating for different types of arch heights, and you get a pretty good price for them as well.
Best Premium Insoles for High Arches
If you are willing to spend a little more money to get the best features, the New Balance 3810 Ultra Support Insoles might be the ones for you. While they are not marketed as high arch support insoles, we have not seen any perform as well as they can.
Best Value Insoles for High Arches
If you are looking to get a bang for your buck and you want to get something great at a more affordable price, the Powerstep Unisex Pinnacle Maxx Insoles is a very good option. These insoles will allow you to get the most out of insoles. The best part is you do not even need to spend a lot of money on them.