If you suffer from high arch feet, it can be painful. High arch feet can even manifest themselves in painful knees, hips and backs. The reason for High Arches being painful and contibuting to other joints pain, is when you have high arched feet, you lose the ability in your foot to absorb shock or force. This inability to absorb shock or force leads to increased stress and force being placed on other joints in the Lower Extremity.
There are many treatments for High Arch feet, in the severe cases even surgery. One of the most common treatments for high arch feet is orthotics. But, a certain orthotic is required. The worst possible orthotic for a high arched foot is an orthotic with a hard outer shell, that will just exacerbate your pain issues. Thus, custom orthotics are really of little benefit to a person with a high arched foot. What you need is an orthotic or insole with PADDING. That is the key, your insole or shoe must have a lot of padding. By having the padding, it will absorb some of the shock and stresses associated with walking. Below I have posted some of the better orthotics and insoles for people with high arched feet that I recommend.
Best Orthotics, or Insoles for High Arched Feet:
Sof Fit Series High Soles– These orthotics are specifically designed for the person with the high arch in mind. They have increased the padding in the area in the high arched foot that takes the most pressure: The metarsal heads, heels and lateral side of the foot. This orthotic also has the benefit of being contoured for a high arch. The orthotic is most likely not available at Walmart but can be purchased on Amazon.
Aetrex Custom Select Series High Arch Orthotics or Shoe Inserts– These insoles are again designed for the person who suffers from high arches. They have a CS3 gel system that is placed in the areas under highest stress with high arches. These orthotics also have a deep heel cup so if you suffer from instability with your high arches this will help stabilze your heel and thus stabilize your whole foot.
RunPro Insoles Cusioning Running and Walking High Arch– This shoe was designed for the runner with high arches. It has the Met Pad cushioning as well as sensor gel impact absorbtion. Now this does not provide as much cushioning as the orthotics listed above. So, this really should be purchased just for runners and running. I would personally not recommend it as an every day insole but for someone who exercises a lot with a high arch this would be ideal.
RxSorbo Sorbothate Ultra Orthotic High Arch Insole– This orthotic features extra padding in the metatarsal head area as well as the heel. The carbon fiber arch is for high arches. For medium arches try Ultra Orthotic Medium Arch insoles. RxSorbo insoles are so effective that they have been approved and recommended by the American Podiatric Medical Association.