High Arches Explained

In brief: High arches describe a foot with a raised, often rigid arch that touches little of the ground in the middle. This foot type tends to absorb less shock and is associated with supination, so cushioned, flexible neutral shoes usually suit it best.

What are high arches?

High arches are a foot type where the arch is raised noticeably, so only the heel and ball of the foot make firm contact with the ground while the middle stays lifted. A wet footprint from a high-arched foot shows a thin connecting band or none at all.

Why it matters

A high arch is usually stiffer and flexes less, so it absorbs less shock on landing. This foot type is often linked with supination, where the foot stays on its outer edge, meaning more impact can travel up the leg.

How it affects running

Because the foot provides less natural cushioning, high-arched runners often feel more comfortable in shoes that add shock absorption and flex. Stability features are usually unnecessary and can feel firm or awkward.

What to look for

Look for cushioned, flexible neutral shoes rather than stability models. Plenty of soft cushioning helps make up for the shock absorption the arch is not providing on its own.

High arches and your running kit at OD's

Cushioned neutral shoes tend to suit high arches. The team in St Helens can point you to soft, flexible models, and we offer next-day delivery and free click and collect.