High Arches

High Arches Buying Guide

High arches, also known as pes cavus or cavus feet, describe a foot shape where the arch remains noticeably raised when standing and bearing weight. Some people naturally have high arches without experiencing any problems, while others develop pain, pressure points or difficulty with stability.

Because less of the middle of the foot may contact the ground, pressure can become concentrated around the heel, outside of the foot and ball of the foot. High arches can also be associated with hard skin, clawed toes and ankle instability in some people.

Support products are most useful when high arches are accompanied by pain, fatigue, pressure or a need for additional cushioning. The aim is generally to improve comfort and distribute pressure more effectively rather than permanently change the natural shape of the foot.

What Products Can Help With High Arches?

Our High Arches collection contains several types of support. The best option depends on where you experience discomfort, how much cushioning you need and whether the product will fit comfortably inside your usual footwear. The current range includes full- and half-length insoles, arch supports, rollers and exercise products.

High Arch Insoles

Supportive insoles can help fill some of the space beneath a raised arch while adding cushioning beneath areas that may experience greater pressure.

Our collection includes full-length, half-length, trimmable, orthotic and sports-focused insoles, with features such as contoured arch support, heel cups and shock-absorbing materials.

May suit:

• Aching or tired high arches
• Pressure beneath the heel or forefoot
• Long periods of walking or standing
• Shoes with limited built-in cushioning
• People who want support across a larger area of the foot
• High arches accompanied by outward rolling of the foot

A suitable insole should follow the shape of the foot without creating an uncomfortable hard pressure point beneath the arch.

If insoles are your main priority, our dedicated High Arch Insoles collection provides a more focused range.

Arch Support Sleeves, Inserts & Braces

For footwear where a full-length insole feels too bulky, a smaller arch support can provide more targeted contact beneath the middle of the foot.

The current range includes gel arch supports, supportive sleeves and wearable braces that can be used without replacing the entire shoe liner.

May suit:

• Targeted support beneath the arch
• Shoes with limited internal space
• People who prefer a smaller insert
• Occasional support rather than a full replacement insole

High arches vary considerably in shape, so more support is not always better. If an insert presses sharply against the arch or makes symptoms worse, discontinue use and try a different shape or level of support.

Foot Rollers & Massage Products

Foot rollers and massage balls provide a simple way to massage the sole of the foot after walking, standing or exercise.

They do not provide support while you are on your feet, but they may be useful for general foot fatigue, tightness and self-massage. The High Arches collection currently includes several wooden foot rollers and massage-ball designs.

May suit:

• Tired or aching feet
• Gentle self-massage at home
• Foot stiffness after activity
• Use alongside an appropriate stretching or strengthening routine

Use pressure that feels comfortable and avoid repeatedly rolling over an area that is particularly painful.

Exercise & Strengthening Aids

High-arched feet can sometimes be associated with reduced stability or differences in how pressure travels through the foot. Exercise products can be used as part of a routine aimed at maintaining foot strength, mobility and balance.

Our range includes resistance bands, foot-strengthening devices and toe exercise products.

Exercises may focus on:

• Foot and ankle strength
• Balance and control
• Calf flexibility
• Toe mobility
• Ankle stability

If high arches are associated with significant weakness, repeated ankle instability or an underlying neurological condition, exercises should be chosen with professional guidance. Pes cavus can sometimes be associated with muscle imbalance or neurological conditions rather than simply being a natural foot shape.

High Arches & Supination: What’s the Difference?

High arches and supination are related, but they do not mean exactly the same thing.

High arches describe the shape of the foot, whereas supination describes how weight is distributed and how the foot moves during walking or running.

Some people with high arches place more pressure along the outside of the foot and may be more likely to supinate, but having a raised arch does not automatically mean that you excessively roll outwards.

If excessive outward loading is your main concern, a product designed specifically for supination may be more appropriate than a general high-arch support.

Common Problems Associated With High Arches

High arches do not always cause symptoms. When problems develop, they often relate to the way pressure is distributed across the foot.

Ball-of-Foot Pain

A high arch can place greater pressure through the forefoot, which may contribute to discomfort around the ball of the foot. High-arched feet are recognised as one factor that can increase pressure in this area.

Cushioned footwear or an insole that distributes pressure over a larger area may improve comfort.

Heel & Arch Pain

High arches can reduce the foot's ability to absorb some of the stresses created during walking. They are also recognised as a factor associated with plantar heel pain and plantar fasciitis.

Shock-absorbing footwear and a suitably shaped insole may therefore be useful when heel or arch discomfort accompanies a high-arched foot.

Ankle Instability

The shape of a cavus foot can sometimes contribute to instability around the ankle, particularly when more weight is carried along the outside of the foot.

Repeated ankle sprains or a frequent sensation of the ankle giving way should be professionally assessed.

How to Choose the Right Support for High Arches

• Best for Everyday Walking & Standing – A cushioned full-length insole can provide support beneath the arch while adding shock absorption beneath the heel and forefoot. Look for a design that fits securely inside your shoes without making them excessively tight.
• Best for Firmer Arch Support – A structured orthotic insole may suit people who want more noticeable support beneath the arch and greater stability around the heel. The contour should feel supportive rather than forcing the foot into an uncomfortable position.
• Best for Shoes With Limited Space – A half-length insole or targeted arch insert takes up less room beneath the forefoot while still supporting the heel and middle of the foot. This can be useful in footwear with a fixed footbed or limited toe space.
• Best for Running & Sport – Choose a design that combines arch support with effective cushioning and shock absorption. High-impact activities place repeated forces through the heel and forefoot, making cushioning particularly relevant for high-arched feet. Introduce new insoles gradually before using them for longer runs or intensive exercise.

Managing Painful High Arches

High arches that do not cause symptoms may require no treatment. When discomfort develops, management usually focuses on reducing pressure, improving cushioning and supporting comfortable movement.

Useful measures may include:

• Wearing well-fitting, cushioned footwear
• Using a suitable supportive insole or orthotic
• Avoiding shoes that create excessive pressure around the foot
• Using cushioning around painful pressure areas
• Maintaining foot and ankle strength
• Performing appropriate stretching and mobility exercises
• Adjusting activities that repeatedly aggravate symptoms

Orthoses, footwear changes and activity modification are among the conservative measures used to manage symptomatic cavus feet.

If you introduce new insoles, increase wear gradually and allow your feet time to adjust. Stop using them if they create persistent pain, numbness or a new pressure point.

Frequently Asked Questions About High Arches

What are high arches?

High arches describe a foot shape where the inner arch remains noticeably raised while standing. The medical term commonly used is pes cavus or a cavus foot.

Some people have naturally high arches without any symptoms, while others experience pain, pressure or instability.

Do high arches need treatment?

Not always.

If your feet are comfortable and high arches do not affect walking, exercise or balance, treatment may not be necessary.
Support becomes more relevant when the foot shape is associated with discomfort, pressure areas, repeated ankle problems or difficulty with everyday activity.

Can insoles help high arches?

They may help improve comfort by supporting the arch, cushioning the foot and distributing pressure more evenly.
For example, orthotic insoles may be used to reduce stress associated with a high-arched foot, particularly when heel pain is present.

The shape and firmness should feel comfortable rather than creating excessive pressure beneath the arch.

What type of insole is best for high arches?

The best design depends on your symptoms and footwear.

A full-length cushioned insole provides broader support beneath the heel, arch and forefoot. A half-length insole takes up less shoe space, while firmer orthotic designs provide more noticeable structure.

For running or sport, shock absorption may be particularly important.

Are high arches the same as supination?

No. High arches refer to the height and shape of the arch, while supination relates to movement and pressure distribution through the outer side of the foot.

The two can occur together, but not everyone with high arches excessively supinates.

Can high arches cause plantar fasciitis?

High arches are one of several factors associated with plantar fasciitis. A high-arched foot may absorb walking stresses differently, increasing strain through the heel and plantar fascia in some people.

However, having high arches does not mean that you will necessarily develop plantar fasciitis.

Can high arches cause ball-of-foot pain?

They can contribute. High arches may concentrate more pressure beneath the forefoot, and they are recognised as one factor associated with metatarsalgia, or pain around the ball of the foot.
Suitable cushioning and footwear may help reduce pressure in this area.

When should i seek professional advice?

Consider seeing a podiatrist, physiotherapist or GP if high arches are causing persistent pain, difficulty walking, repeated ankle instability or significant pressure areas.

Professional assessment is also sensible if the shape of your feet is progressively changing, differs considerably between the two sides, or occurs alongside weakness or other neurological symptoms, as some forms of pes cavus can have an underlying medical cause.

Learn More About High Arches

For more information about high arches and related foot problems, explore:

• What Is Supination?
• The Best Supination Treatments
• 7 Most Likely Causes of Pain in the Foot Arch