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Flat Feet vs. High Arches: What Foot Type Do You Have?

At Select Foot & Ankle Specialists, we know that understanding your foot type is the first step toward optimal comfort and injury prevention. In this post, learn how to tell if you have flat feet, high arches, or a neutral arch—and what each means for your foot health.


Why the kind of Foot Type Matters


  • Biomechanics & Gait: Your arch structure influences how you walk, run, and stand. During the walking cycle the foot is responsible for both shock absorption and providing a rigid lever to push off from. A higher or lower arch influences how well your foot can perform either of these tasks.

  • Injury Risk: Flat feet can lead to overpronation; high arches often cause under-pronation (supination). excessive pronation means more wear and tear on the ligaments and joints. Under-pronation leads to increased shock absorption in the bones of the mid foot and ankle.

  • Shoe Selection: Proper footwear and orthotics depend on knowing your arch type. Shoes for high arch individuals usually provide more cushion while those designed for low arch individuals provide more support.


Arch Types Explained

Arch Type

Description

Common Issues

Flat Feet

Low or no visible arch; entire sole touches the ground

Neutral Arch

Moderate arch; weight distributed evenly

Fewer alignment issues, generally healthy

High Arches

Very pronounced arch; only heel and ball of foot make contact

Try the Wet Foot Test

  1. Step 1: Fill a shallow pan or sink with water.

  2. Step 2: Wet the sole of one foot.

  3. Step 3: Step onto a piece of heavy paper or cardboard and stand normally. Make sure to let your foot fall naturally and do not try to "create" and arch.

  4. Step 4: Step off and inspect the imprint.


Interpretation:

  • Full footprint (no curve on inside): you have flat feet.

  • Distinct curve with narrow band: you likely have a neutral arch.

  • Thin, crescent-shaped imprint: indicates high arches.


What to Do Next

  • Flat Feet: Consider supportive footwear, motion-control shoes, or custom orthotics. This foot structure is lax putting more stain on the ligaments. external support is useful to promote proper foot function. Our specialists can perform a gait analysis to prescribe the right solution.

  • Neutral Arches: You’re in luck! Maintain with regular stretching, strength exercises, and good-quality athletic shoes.

  • High Arches: Look for cushioned shoes with flexibility. High arched feet tend to be poor shock absorbers and can increase the risk for neuromas and mid foot arthritis. We offer custom padding and orthotic inserts to help distribute pressure evenly.


Ready for a Professional Assessment?

Don’t leave your foot health to chance. Schedule a comprehensive evaluation at Select Foot & Ankle Specialists and get personalized recommendations based on your unique arch type.

Book your exam today by calling 832 743 0508 or schedule online and step into comfort!
Foot scanner to determine arch height
Foot scanner to determine foot type

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