Learning how to tell if you have high arches can be a great step toward improving any foot pain you may be experiencing. Once you determine your arch height, you can find the right solutions to help relieve pain, correct foot issues and improve your comfort. Determining your arch is easy once you know what to look for.
Arch Height
There are two important factors when it comes to your arch height:
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Weighted Arch Height - Using the wet test (below), the shape of your footprint will give a good indication of your weighted arch height.
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Foot Flexibility - This is important for people with Low Arches. If your wet test shows low arches and your feet are rigid, our low arch height will be most comfortable. If your wet test shows low arches and you have highly flexible feet, you will probably find a medium (or in rare instances) a high arch height best.
The Wet Test
An easy way to see the height of your arch in a weight bearing situation is to do a "Wet Test".
- Place a piece of corrugated cardboard on the floor next to your shower mat.
- From the shower step your left foot onto the mat, then take a step onto the cardboard with your right foot.
- Repeat, stepping out with the right foot first.
- Observe the shape of the footprint and use it in the table below. Always default to the foot with the lower arch.
Arch heights - A simple guide
|
Footprint |
Description |
| Low Arches |
 |
Low arches are more challenging to fit. Using the test below, determine the flexibility of your feet. More flexibility = higher arched insoles. |
| Medium Arches |
 |
The most common arch height, about 40% of our customers are most happy with medium height insoles. |
| High Arches |
 |
A close 2nd to medium in sales, high arch heights indicate a healthy arch. |
| Extra High Arches |
 |
Few have arches this high. Many people with extra-high arches have less flexible feet and benefit from arch support that spreads weight over a larger area. |
Flat feet? Discover your foot flexibility.
If your wet test shows low arches, determine the flexibility of your feet with the tests below:
- Sit with one leg over the opposite knee. Look at the area of your foot where your arch should be. If you are surprised to see that your foot looks more arched than your wet test, you have flexible feet. This means that your low arch condition is brought on by weight bearing. A medium arch insole from Tread Labs should be your first choice. If your non-weight bearing arch is quite high may want to order a medium and a high and try both.
- Stand on tip toes. Have a friend look at the area of your foot where your arch should be. Like the example above, if your arches show themselves, your feet are flexible.
- If your arches do not present in the sitting or standing test, you have rigid, low arches and will be best served with Tread Labs low arch insoles.
All feet are not created equal.
The sizes and shapes of our feet are uniquely our own. For this reason, Tread labs offers medical grade, semi-custom insoles. Medical grade components provide firm support while our semi-custom fit offers 4 different arch heights to precisely match your individual needs.
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Low Arch Height – Ideal for people with flat feet, our lowest arch height is excellent for feet that have full contact with the ground.
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Medium Arch Height - Our most popular arch height. If you have not worn insoles previously, this is the place to start.
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High Arch Height – Our second most popular insole, this height is best for people who leave a "C" shape footprint on a wet sidewalk.
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Extra High Arch Height – Few companies offer this level of support. If you haven't found insoles high enough, these are for you.
Tread Labs is the only company to offer this level of support and fit. We offer much of the functionality of custom orthotics without the cost or risk associated with them. While there are a small percentage of people who truly benefit from custom devices, semi-custom is often a better value.
How should my new insoles feel?
If you have worn insoles before, you have some idea of what to expect. You may find that Tread Labs offers a higher level of support.
If you have never worn supportive insoles, break them in slowly over a few days. This is how your new insoles should feel:
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Comfortable - Your foot should feel consistent contact through all parts of your arch. There should be no uncomfortable pressure points or hot spots.
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Supportive - Initially, a supportive orthotic may feel aggressive. After a few days, it should feel like it has always been there, supporting your every step.
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Functional - Unlike soft, foam insoles, Tread Labs insoles support the bones of your feet, aligning your ankles, knees and hips for a more efficient stride and improved biomechanics.
FIND YOUR FIT
Dan- Tread Labs
March 19, 2019
Hi Fernando,
Using an orthotic that can stabilize the foot can be an effective measure to treat sinus tarsai syndrome. An arch supporting insole can do just that.
We do offer an insole that can work with a variety of footwear, including soccer cleats.
You may also want to give yourself a longer break from the sport to give your body time to heal.
Please feel free to reach out to us if we can point you in the right direction as far as which insole may be right for you.
Thanks,
Tread Labs