A Standard Arch will look about halfway filled in along the midsection, with a noticeable curve along the inside of the foot. If you see this, odds are good that your arches are at the ideal height for properly absorbing impacts and supporting your foot.
The footprint of someone with a High Arch may see only a thin section filled in along the midsection. In some cases, only the heel and ball of the foot will be present with no connecting section at all!
A Flat Arch, on the other hand, will typically show a very wide midsection with little to no curvature. When a young child draws a footprint, it typically looks like this.
What Do These Foot Arch Types Mean?
If you notice that your footprint is indicative of a high or flat arch, it’s a good idea to see us about it and get a more in-depth examination.
But, in general, these arch types can mean a few things:
If you have a Standard Arch, then things should be in generally good shape. Your body weight is likely being supported in a natural manner. When you walk, your foot will roll inward (pronate) a little, which is an important part of absorbing stress to the feet. No special shoe type tends to be needed with this type.
If you have a High Arch, your foot likely does not pronate very much and may have more difficulty absorbing the shocks of running and other activities. Your foot just doesn’t have much in the way of leverage! A lace-up shoe with healthy cushioning is often recommended for this type.
If you have a Flat Arch, you tend to be sound when it comes to absorbing shock. However, your foot may roll in too far when moving (overpronate). This adds stress to the feet and knees, increasing the risk of pain and sports injuries. A shoe that focuses on stability will be helpful in these cases. A thick, cushioned sole is a good sign of stability.
Your shoe choices are a crucial element of providing the additional support and stability you need—especially when those shoes are for more active pursuits! Having a general idea of what you need is great, but a professional can help you further. This includes flagging down a trained associate at your local shoe or sporting goods store.
In some cases, shoe choices might not be enough to provide the full support a foot might need. This is when custom-made orthotics and inserts may be considered. For more severe instances of persistent pain that doesn’t respond to other forms of treatment, an advanced treatment such as HyProCure might be an option.
Whatever point you are at with your arch type, taking action sooner than later can prevent plenty of discomfort in the future. If you have questions about your arches, we’d be happy to help you find the best choices to keep you moving comfortably.