High Arches: Causes and Treatment

High arches (or pes cavus/cavus foot, as technical folks like to call them) are a common foot type that usually results in a rigid, structured, and inflexible foot. 

As you walk, your foot naturally flexes with each step to absorb shock and balance your weight. A high arch means your foot will be more rigid and lack some of these natural shock-absorbing properties needed for a pain-free gait. 

If you have a high-arched foot, you will want to look for neutral shoes that have good support and a little bit of cushion to add shock absorption. There are also medical conditions in which a severe pes cavus foot may develop.

Browse our full collection of insoles for high arches.

When someone says they have a high arch, they are referring to their longitudinal arch, which is the arch on the inside (medial side) of the foot that runs between the ball of the foot and the heel. People with this foot type tend to stand and walk on the “outside” (the lateral side) of the foot.

High arches are common, as much as 20% of the population has high arches. 

Children develop high arches as they grow, but they can occur at any stage of life due to the following conditions:

• Bone injury
• Nerve injury
• Cerebral palsy
• Charco-Marie-Tooth disease
• Spina bifida, polio
• Muscular dystrophy

If the high arch is due to a neurologic disorder or other medical condition, it is likely to progressively worsen.

High arches pose an increased risk of injury due to the lack of flexion in your foot. However, you have a few options to provide much-needed support and shock absorption to your shoes:

• Choose the right footwear
• Add insoles/arch supports
• Seek medical guidance

Choose the Right Footwear

For those who naturally have a high arch as their foot type, one of the most important things to do is to be careful and deliberate when choosing footwear and orthotics. 

If you have a high arch, you will want to avoid shoes and insoles that have the words “motion control” or “stability” in their name because these products are designed for someone with a flatter, more flexible arch. 

Instead, you want to look for firm but slightly flexible arch supports and shoes. Since the foot is rigid you will find that shoes that add a little shock absorption will be the most comfortable. They can also help prevent injury. Athletic shoes that are described as “neutral” or with “neutral cushioning” shoes will be the right shoe type for you.

Add Arch Supports to Your Shoes

People with high arches often find relief in adding an insole that provides total contact with the arch into their shoe. Those with high arches will most likely over-supinate and walk with extra pressure on the outside of their foot. Insoles for high arches can help to redistribute the weight and pressure of the foot properly.

Other Solutions

For those who have high arches as the result of a medical condition, an accurate diagnosis is important. The underlying cause of cavus foot will largely determine the course of treatment to take. It is very important to work with a doctor.

Corrective shoes may help to relieve pain and improve walking. A brace or a high-topped shoe may be needed to help keep the foot and ankle stable. In the most severe cases, surgery may be needed to flatten the foot. The goal of surgery would be to decrease pain and increase stability.

Insoles provide critical support to your foot, which can be helpful if you have high arches. Here’s what to focus on:

• Maximum cushioning: High arches don't absorb shock as well as normal arches, so look for insoles with substantial cushioning throughout, especially in the heel and ball of the foot. Materials like memory foam or gel can help provide this shock absorption.
• The right height: The insole's arch should fully contact your foot's natural arch. Look for insoles specifically designed for high arches rather than universal ones, as insufficient support can lead to arch strain.
• Flexible materials: Unlike flat feet or overpronation, high arches typically need more flexible insoles that allow natural movement while still providing support. Overly rigid insoles can create pressure points.
• Extended forefoot cushioning: High arches often place extra pressure on the ball of the foot, so look for insoles with good cushioning in this area to help distribute weight more evenly.
• Heel stabilization: A structured heel cup helps maintain proper foot alignment while still allowing for the natural flexibility your high arch requires.