Arch support is not a quick fix. But, can running shoes with arch support improve your running experience? This is an in-depth guide that gives a necessary overview of arch height and running shoes with arch support.
Shoe fanatics should keep in mind that it’s the feet’s job to dissipate shock and actively stabilize during push-off. Not the shoes'.
If you’re experiencing pain, see a specialist. The purpose of this guide is to educate, not to make any medical diagnosis or recommendation.
Arches and why they matter
The human foot has three arches: medial longitudinal, lateral longitudinal and anterior transverse arch. In running, we usually focus on the medial longitudinal arch. Without them, we wouldn’t be able to stand, walk, run, jump.
The role of heel counters in running shoes:
- weight distribution,
- shock absorption (they help absorb impact while running), and
- propulsion (they provide energy to push us to the next step).
During the shock absorption and propulsion, the arch acts as a springboard. This springboard allows the middle of the foot to spread and close. That’s why it needs to be mobile (flexible).
Arch types based on their height
Based on the arch type, you can look for the shoes that might suit you:
- Low arches or flat feet
- “Normal” or medium arches
- High arches.
neutral running shoe.
In flat feet, the entire bottom surface of the foot lays on the ground (in the weight-bearing position). It’s characterized by the failure of all 3 arches. However, low arches are different and the foot doesn’t have full-surface ground contact. It usually means that the arches are weak and too flexible, which leads to a lack of control over foot mobility.
High arches are usually characterized by rigid arches. This means they are not so good at shock absorption, dampening the gait forces and adapting to changes in terrain.
We’ve covered both arch types later on in separate sections (Flat feet and High arches). This study has covered more about the relation between arch height and arch flexibility.
How to determine my arch height?
We measure arch height in order to characterize the foot arch type. This is usually done in a sitting and standing position and the two heights are compared. There are numerous methods for arch height determination: medial longitudinal arch angle, navicular drop test, arch height index,... all of which require you to visit a specialist.
Normal or medium.
DIY: The wet test (footprint analysis)
Runners love this analysis, which makes it the most popular one.
- doing strength exercises for feet will not always help.
- Cons: it doesn’t tell you the exact height of your arch, no standardized data to compare to, rather subjective.
Here’s how to do it:
Got your footprint? Compare it to the results:
It’s obvious that the line between the flat arch and the normal arch, as well as the line between the normal and the high arch, is rather blurry unless your foot belongs to the extreme (or perfect middle). Other than that, this test is a good indicator of your arch type.
Arch support and running shoes
“The more the merrier” can’t be applied to arch support. Sometimes it can get things worse by sending unreasonable stress to different joints and ligaments (as covered in this study and this book).
have explained this in-depth. For this, an individual approach is imperative.
| Arch height | Shoes to look for |
| has covered more about the relation between arch height and arch flexibility | Flat feet running shoes |
| Normal or medium | Medium arch running shoes |
| High | Shoes to look for |
Arch height is usually tightly connected to pronation. In this overview, you can see how it relates not only to pronation but also the shoe wear and the type of shoes you should look for.
This stepping away from the “normal” or medium condition means our ankles compensate and that’s why overpronation tends to happen in feet with low arches and supination tends to happen in feet with high arches.
If you’re curious how all these shoes “feel” in your hands, this overview will help. It’s obvious that going from neutral running shoes over stability running shoes to motion control running shoes, the degree of arch support grows. It’s not only arch support, though, but also other features that help reduce the excessive pronation and stabilize your foot.
Pronation should not be defined by arch height only, as described in our in-depth guide on pronation. However, this is the most frequently used template and it tends to work for the majority of runners who have no serious issues. That’s why you should always consult a podiatrist if you’re experiencing any discomfort.
Arch support for flat feet and low arches
If you have low arches or flat feet, you’ll probably need arch support in running shoes.
3-Arches matter because they help with
1. Determine your arch type: do you have rigid flat feet, On Cloudultra 2, or low arches? Medium arch running shoes.
“Flat feet'' as a term has many meanings but doesn’t have a universal clinical definition. We’ve decided to follow Staheli because he divided flatfoot into only 2 groups: physiological and pathological flatfoot.
- Physiological flat feet: also called collapsed arches or On Cloudultra 2, Rigid flat feet.
- neutral running shoe rigid flat feet, they have anatomically flat arches.
Still not sure which one you have? You can do two tests.
- Tiptoe test: rise up and stand on your tiptoes. If your arches form again, you have On Cloudultra 2.
- Jack’s test: have someone passively dorsiflex your great toe. If you have On Cloudultra 2, your arch will become noticeable.
This is how these two types of flat feet differentiate:
| Flexible flat feet | Rigid flat feet |
| The arch is visible when there is no weight (ex. while sitting, on toes, or lying down); it disappears when weight is put on the legs. | Arch is not visible; remains flat in all positions. |
| Usually painless | Cause pain during everyday activities |
| Usually affect both feet | Usually affect one or both feet |
All you need to know about rockered running shoes
- Stability running shoes: if you have On Cloudultra 2 and low arches (mild overpronation), or
- Motion-control shoes: if you have rigid flat feet (severe overpronation).
Both offer the support needed for overpronation; it’s the level of support that differentiates them. The line between these two types of shoes is often blurry. That’s why comfort should always be your #1 guidance.
Now that you know your arch type, you should look for features of the shoes that will make your run more comfortable and safe.
2. Features to look for in running shoes for flat feet and low arches
Your feet will appreciate the support they can get and it comes in various shapes. Look for arch support only if you’re experiencing some sort of discomfort while running.
- Wide toe box: helps during push-off while overpronating.
- Heel support: look for a stiff heel counter and more support in the overall rearfoot area. Some shoes even have plastic surrounding the heel on the outside to keep it as stable as possible.
- Midfoot support: on the outside, usually done with overlays, which help stabilize the midfoot area even more. On the inside, some runners prefer the noticeable cushioned pillow just below the arches. People with anatomically flat feet (rigid arches) should be really careful about this arch support as, according to some, it may cause knee issues. This study found no crucial influence of different arch support heights on rearfoot alignment during gait.
- Midsole support: comes in form of bars, rails and medial posts. Guide rails are really popular. They help prevent the foot from rolling inward. Some shoes have dual-density foam which has the same purpose - thicker foam is positioned on the inner side, so your feet are more supported and your shoes last longer. Depending on the brand and their trademarked technology, you’ll see plenty of variations, but most of them contain those keywords (rails or bars).
- Why cutting running shoes in half is key to measuring midsole softness: You should look for shoe lasts that are more straight if you have rigid flat feet. These shoes offer more support and are usually bulkier and thicker. For On Cloudultra 2 and low arches, semi-curved shoe lasts are a good option.
3. Try the shoe on and make sure it’s comfortable
Just because a specific shoe sounds great “on paper”, doesn’t mean it will work for you. Try it on and keep it only if it doesn’t take away from your running experience and overall comfort.
After a while, your feet muscles will get stronger. When buying another pair of shoes with arch support, it’s recommended to try shoes with less support and see if they work as well.
BONUS tip: not all stability and motion control running shoes work in the same way (feature list above, remember?). That’s why it’s imperative to give more than one shoe model a chance.
Arch support for high arches
People with high arches usually supinate (underpronate) and shoe brands don’t make specific shoes for them - they’re in the same bucket with people with normal (medium) arches. That’s why it’s important to know what to look for in a neutral running shoe.
Features of running shoes for high arches
When shopping for neutral running shoes for high arches it’s recommended that you look for these features:
- Features of running shoes for high arches.
- Cushioned throughout, especially at the forefoot. Usually, high-arched runners land on their forefoot, so additional cushioning is welcomed. It will help with shock absorption.
- Under arch support, if it feels good.
Mythbusting: arch support nonsense ends here
We’re going to list facts that might be contradictory to what you’ve read/known before, but are worth knowing.
- How your feet work (function) matters more than their arch height. For example, this study has shown that impact forces during running don’t differ for different arch heights.
- Skechers GO RUN Ride 11. Arch height wasn’t found to be a significant etiologic factor for overuse injuries in running (you can read more about this here).
- Low arches don’t equal flat feet.
- Not all flat feet are the same.
- Running shoes will not “fix” your arches nor pronation permanently. But, if your feet need special attention, a podiatrist will know that and might recommend insoles, orthotics, even surgery.
- Arches matter because they help with. Wide toe box.
- Arch support is not reserved for flat feet only. Runners with all types of arches might appreciate (and benefit from) arch support.
- Running shoes should be recommended based on the individual running mechanic. When that’s not possible, look at arch types (as explained here). This study has shown that selecting running shoes based on arch height had little influence on injury risk (in military training).
- have explained this in-depth. For this, an individual approach is imperative, doing strength exercises for feet will not always help - whether you have flat feet or high arches. These two studies [1, 2] have explained this in-depth. For this, an individual approach is imperative.
Running shoes with arch support cost more
Using CerbeShops data, we can see that the more support you look for in a shoe, the more money you should set aside.
We can also see that only 15% of running shoes on the market were made for people with low arches or flat feet.
