The Best 5 Insoles for High Arches: The Ultimate Buying Guide 2023

Perhaps the most annoying thing about foot pain is that it’s mainly caused by a physical feature you can do very little to change. Those people with high or very high foot arches will know the hassle it can be finding the right shoes or orthotic inserts to put in shoes.

In the guide below we will take a look at some of the best insoles for high arches currently available to manage and hopefully remedy that pain.

 

Top 5 Picks of the Best Insoles for very high arches

1. Tread Labs Stride Insole – 2 Part Orthotic System

Trend Lab’s range of insoles offers a range of four arch heights in their insoles, including an X-High style for those with very high arches. Featuring a medical grade support similar to many custom orthotics, you can even replace the top cover with a unique 2-part system.

 

2. Sof Sole Men’s High Arch

The 3.3-inch arch support contour of these inserts cater for both men and women with seriously high arches despite the title of “Men’s High Arch” insoles. Part of the Sof Sole “FIT” range, they use a high rebound foam, ideal for more athletic use, offering a balance between comfort and support.

 

3. Superfeet Green Heritage Insoles

Supergreen is one of the biggest names in the orthotic inserts industry. The Green Heritage Insoles use a high-density foam layer to achieve a high arch contour with a stabilizer cap in the base of the sole to control pronation as you walk.

 

4. New Balance 3810 Ultra Support Insoles

The New Balance Ultra Support insoles feature a soft foam high arch contour in the center of your arch for a comfortable yet supportive insole. Patented ABZORB technology absorbs all the impact as you walk for a more cushioned ride.

 

5. Powerstep Unisex Pinnacle Maxx Insole

Sometimes overpronators can have high arches too. If you need high arch support and an insole that stops your feet rolling inwards too much, these orthotic insoles from Powerstep have an angled heel design and a high arch contour to address both.

 

Reviews of The Best shoe inserts for high arches

If your feet have excessively high arches, don’t worry you are not alone! Recent estimates state that approximately 20 percent of the US population suffer from high arches. Perhaps that explains why there are just so many arch support shoes to choose from?

Here are our more in-depth reviews of five of the leading shoe inserts for high arches available to buy in 2019.

 

1. Tread Labs Stride Insole—2 Part Orthotic System

The Stride Insoles from Tread Labs are ideal for enhancing the support to your foot in shoes which feature full-length removable inserts. Offered in four distinct arch heights, the X-High is ideal for people who suffer from an ultra-high foot arch.

 

What we particularly liked about the Tread Labs shoe inserts for high arches was the two-part design with a replaceable top cover. The top of an insole tends to be where it gets the most wear and tear and you can keep these insoles looking brand new just by replacing it. The molded foot arch and heel cup support are guaranteed forever.

The 4mm cushioned top covers are a perfect fit for running shoes, work shoes, hiking boots, or just about any shoe with a full length replaceable inner sole. Unlike soft foam insoles, the molded arch support and deep heel cups support the bones of your feet while aligning your ankles, knees, and hips for a more efficient stride.

Pros

• Unconditional warranty (million-mile guarantee) on molded arch support should they crack, break, or lose shape.
• High-quality polyurethane foam top cover can be replaced when it eventually wears out.
• Four arch heights, including X-High for people with very high arches.
• Flexible
• Deep heel cup boosts your foot’s natural cushioning ability.
• PURE antimicrobial treatment kills 99.9 percent of bacteria.
• Low friction polyester fabric keeps the foot cool and prevents blisters.

Cons

• Can be too narrow for wider feet.
• Can make a loud squeaking noise if the hard plastic heel support doesn’t fit tightly in your shoe.

The Tread Labs Stride Insoles are an investment and in the long term, you will save money with the replaceable top cover—the arch support portion even features a lifetime “million miles guarantee,” With an X-High contour available, these are ideal insoles for people with very high arches.

 

2. Sof Sole Men’s High Arch (Also available in women’s sizes)

Sof Sole is known for its excellent range of insoles for athletic use, and these orthotic insoles feature a large 3.3-inch contour for men or women with very high arches. Soft EVA foam adapts to your feet and provides cushioning for your arches to help alleviate any extra pressure.

 

A feature which really makes these Sof Sole insoles stand out is the nylon plate which protects the high arch of your foot and also the heel of the insole. The contour of the arch support is very steep but is fully adaptable for the more accurate support your arch needs.

The reinforced nylon plate also promotes anatomical alignment with a deep heel cup stabilizing the foot. Ideal for support when walking, hiking, running, or cross-training, a high rebound foam density promotes a more natural stride and is calibrated for higher arches.

Pros

• Specially designed for people with very high arches.
• Ensures stability and motion control.
• A nylon plate supports the arch and heel while absorbing shock and protecting your feet from impact.
• A specially calibrated density of foam according to arch type.
• Anti-microbial properties.
• Durable

Cons

• Only available in one color.
• Quite bulky and better suited to athletic shoes—won’t fit too well in dress shoes.
• Arch support can be closer to the heel in some feet rather than the dead center of the arch.

More athletic people with seriously high arches will find the Sof Sole High Arch FIT insoles offer both support and comfort. A high rebound foam is specially calibrated for high arches to absorb more shock and protect your feet from impact as you walk, run, or even cross train.

 

3. Superfeet GREEN Insoles, Professional-Grade High Arch Orthotic Insert

Superfeet is hailed by many as the best orthotic insoles on the market, with the manufacturer even referring to their insoles as “undisputed heavyweight champions”. It’s a bold claim, but this product takes pride in a design which hasn’t changed much in over 40 years—they just work!

 

Where the Superfeet unisex Heritage Green orthotic insoles stand out is a high arch contour achieved by a high-density foam layer. This offers a firm support structure and reduces the stress on your arch, heel, and ankle. A stabilizer cap at the base of the sole and deep heel cup ensures stability and ample foot control too.

Another advantage of the Supergreen brand is that they are vegan-friendly with the top layer made of a breathable organic compound which is odor resistant. Latex-free yet durable, they offer long-lasting comfort in an excellent design.

Pros

• High profile fit with a contour for high arches.
• Vegan-friendly and latex free design for the more sensitive of feet.
• Stabilizer cap supports your rear foot and provides structure to the foam layer.
• Anti-bacterial organic coating destroys odor-causing bacteria.
• A proven heavy duty shock absorption design since 1977.
• High profile shape helps to stabilize your foot and promote a more stable stride.
• Durable with high-quality construction.

Cons

• Some users complain the arch support appears to be in the wrong place, under the ball of the foot.
• Hard plastic base and stabilizer cap can damage some shoes.
• The thicker profile of the Supergreens will struggle to fit in many shoes, especially formal shoes or ballet flats.

Supergreens are a great eco-friendly and vegan choice if you suffer from high arches. Although they can often cost as much as your shoes themselves, the deep heel cup and stabilizer pad they feature can also help control your pronation and encourage you to walk with perfect alignment.

 

4. New Balance 3810 Ultra Support Insoles

Although the New Balance 3810 Ultra Support Insoles aren’t specifically marketed as shoe inserts for high arches, they offer a high instep ideal for high arch support. A soft foam arch support in the center is raised to help feet with medium to high arches.

 

A moderately deep heel cup could be useful for people with high arches who may be suffering from Achilles tendonitis too. The rigid base of these insoles is made from latex to prevent you slipping or sliding in the shoes.

Perhaps the best feature of these New Balance insoles is the Orange ABZORB and Poron urethane technology they use for more comfort. Both materials are known not to harden or disintegrate so the soles will be more durable and suitable for heavy use. Shock pads on the outer base protect the ball and heel of your foot from impact.

Pros

• Extra comfortable with great metatarsal support and high arch support.
• Durable and will stand up to heavy use.
• Deep heel cup adds stability.
• Antimicrobial treatment.
• Arch shape features an airflow design which expels warm air and brings cold air in.
• Anti-blister top cover.
• Specially placed ABZORB cushioning protects the heel and forefoot from shock.

Cons

• Quite bulky and thick.
• Only available in a garish orange color.
• Soft foam arch contour may not be rigid enough for those with very high arches.

Suitable for a variety of foot issues, the high yet soft foam arch of the New Balance Ultra Support Insoles makes them ideal for medium to high arch support. Using patented ABZORB technology, they are durable but just don’t expect as much support for seriously high arches as you get with more rigid inner soles.

 

5. Powerstep Unisex Pinnacle Maxx Insoles

Finally, we look at an insole which has been designed for people who have high arches and also suffer from overpronation. Although supination, or underpronation, is more common with high arches, that doesn’t mean you can’t overpronate too—some feet just have a plain weird shape!

 

The Powerstep Unisex Pinnacle Maxx Insole aims to solve the issues of overpronation and high arch support. An angled exterior heel of this insole helps to balance the gait and stance of people who suffer from severe pronation. The square heeled design means your feet won’t roll to either side in your shoe.

A specialized formula used in this sole ensures more resistance to a collapsing arch while giving more support to a high arch. The HyPur-cel foam of the top layer is bouncy and soft, while the bottom layer is made of a low-density EVA foam for internal strength and low compression. Firm rather than bouncy, the base absorbs the impact of each step.

Pros

• A unique design for overpronators who need high arch support.
• The anti-microbial top fabric is soft for cushioning.
• Square designed heel to hold the foot in place and prevent rolling—in or out.
• Exterior heel design could also help relieve the pain of other conditions like Plantar Fasciitis or heel spurs.
• Great for standing all day and gives relief to the ankles and hips.
• A solid molded base for heel and arch support.
• Not bulky and fits in most shoes, apart from really low shoes like tennis sneakers.

Cons

• The base can be too rigid for some users. Great for standing on concrete all day, not so great for walking in the fields.
• Quality issues with construction—the softer top layer often comes away too quickly and too easily.

If you are unfortunate enough to suffer from both overpronation and high arches, you will be glad you found these orthotic insoles. Standing or walking all day can be painful with both these conditions, however, don’t expect too much flexibility from the rigid base.

 

Factors to Consider in the Best Orthotics for High Arches

If your feet have severe high arches, it may be best to consult a podiatrist about the best custom orthotics for high arches, but the right insoles can also offer high arch support. Insoles can provide extra support and cushioning for this condition while adding a shock absorbing layer between your feet and the ground.

Here are the key factors you should look for in shoe inserts for high arches.

 

Thick Cushioning

High arches need thick cushioned insoles which can help to ease the pressure on the heel and ball of the foot as you walk. A thick cushioned insole can also provide more comfort and stability to your stride.

 

Deep Heel Cup

The deeper a heel cup of an insole will provide a better arch contour for your high arches. This will also help with pronation or motion control and allows you to walk with more ease, increases your balance, and reduces any pain.

 

Adaptable Arch Tech

An arch which can adapt to your exact arch shape can be beneficial to all feet type. Many insoles will feature very different arch shapes and contours which may be off center or just too large. An arch that can warp or move with your foot type can provide you with more of the support your arch may need.

 

Shock Absorption

With high arches, the less pressure on your arch the less pain you will feel. Shock pads on the underside of an insole can prevent any jarring motion that can impact your sensitive feet. The best shock absorption systems, especially for the more active users, will offer rebound or energy return for a boost as you run or walk.

 

Multiple Layers

An insole which uses multiple layers will normally provide the best comfort for your high arches and the whole foot. Dual or even tri-layer insoles will feature a firm stable base layer with a high-density EVA foam or latex. A top layer should be softer and moldable to the foot’s unique shape. Microbial layers can help keep the feet free from odor too.

 

Flexibility

Feet which have high arches can also be prone to rigidity. Many high arch support insoles can be too rigid if they feature a solid base and arch support, so if you intend to use the insole for more active pursuits, ensure the insole offers some flexibility elsewhere.

Many of the leading sports shoe and insole manufacturers will offer a “performance” or “fit” range, which is intended for use in running shoes. They still offer the high arch support but the base will be less rigid in other areas to allow your foot to flex to different terrains.

 

Other Treatments

If your high arch foot issues have arisen from a medical complaint, chances are they will get worse with time. There is no definitive cure for high foot arches and choosing the best insoles can help relieve the pain. There are also other measures you can take:

• Weight loss.
• Custom made orthotics.
• Physical therapy.
• Corrective surgery.

If you are overweight or obese with high foot arches, obviously your body weight will be applying more pressure to your feet and the arches. Losing weight can help to relieve that pressure on the arch and hence the pain too.

A podiatrist can advise on custom made orthotics, and although they can be very expensive, they will provide customized support to your high arch needs. A specialist can also refer you to a physical therapist who will aid in helping with your motor coordination and balance or foot alignment as you walk.

Depending on the cause of your high arches, a foot specialist may, in more severe cases, recommend corrective foot surgery. When you are constantly battling to walk on your high-arched feet, this may be the only option to compensate for any weakness in the foot. Unfortunately, in many cases, surgery is not always possible.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to just three of the questions people commonly ask when looking for shoe inserts for high arches.

Do I Need Arch Support for High Arches?

While many people who have high arches don’t suffer from any particular issues, others may have severe foot pain known as metatarsalgia. Custom orthotic or supportive insoles for high arches can often help.

The foot arch is a natural shock absorber built into your foot which flattens when your feet contact the ground to absorb the impact of walking or running. When you have a rigid high arch, it doesn’t flatten enough leading to more stress on the ball and the heel of your foot.

People who suffer from high arches can be more prone to injuries from overuse including shin splints or plantar fasciitis. A high arch which is not supported can also cause hammer toes or calluses—ouch!

 

How Do You Tell If You Have High Arches or Low Arches?

Some people would argue you will just know, the pain can be excruciating as you walk. But is that a pain from high arches and lack of support or low arches? A telltale sign could be a foot that is more rigid and less flexible, but there are other tests you or a podiatrist can perform.

Perhaps the most simple test is the “wet test”, where you soak your feet in water before standing on a surface like a brown paper bag or concrete floor tile. The resulting imprint can indicate your arch type.

If your foot arch is barely visible, it’s likely that you have high arches. A more visible arch or complete footprint indicates you probably have flexible but low arches.

The following video shows an example of how to perform a wet test for your foot arch. It’s always advisable to seek the advice of your medical practitioner or podiatrist if you have constant foot pain, it may need more than just high arch support.

 

Is Having High Arches a Good Thing?

Surely less of your foot striking the ground is a good thing you may think. But rigid high arches can cause just as many issues as having a flat foot where your foot completely flattens into the ground. If not treated or supported, high arches can lead to a painful fallen arch and many other heel or fascia problems.

Although physical activity may be more strenuous with high arched feet, many dance instructors prefer students with high arches, especially in ballet. Many ballet dancers will be able to stand on the whole platform of their foot pointe at the first attempt and find their balance easier. However, getting the foot down can be a problem and quite painful.

Other studies have suggested that individuals with high or increased arches may be more successful in active sports like soccer, involving plenty of stop-and-go movements. A higher arch is less likely to overpronate and supinates more easily for increased acceleration and cutting.

 

Do Orthotics Work for High Arches?

Orthotics for high arches will help alleviate the pain you may be experiencing by bringing the foot into a more natural alignment. A high arch support can reduce the pain and pressure on areas of the foot which are bearing more weight due to the abnormal structure of your foot.

What an orthotic can’t do is magically cure your high arches, only complicated surgical procedures could do that—most doctors are reluctant to recommend surgery in all but the most severe cases. Instead, using orthotics for high arches can prevent many more visits to your medical practitioner with other high arch related foot complaints.

 

Supporting Your Arches

Although high arches are less common than low arch feet, that doesn’t mean you can’t still find a therapeutic insert for your shoes which can relieve those foot pains.

If you suffer from very high arches, the Tread Labs Stride Insole—2 Part Orthotic System includes an X-High arch contour option for the ultimate high arch support. They may be pricey, but being able to replace the top layer as it wears out can save you money in the long run. They are certainly one of the best insoles for high arches.

We particularly like the million-mile guarantee offered by Tread Labs which promises to replace the molded arch contour part if it should break, crack or disintegrate at any time.