Thebest insoles for high arches provide strong support and a flawless fit.
Don’t settle for anything less than your high arch feet deserve with our full guide below.
We help you find the ideal set of insoles for high arches by first discussing the qualities that make for a good insole and then reviewing the top options on the market.
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WhatAre Insoles?
Insoles are thin inserts that slide inside your shoes to improve comfort, support or deal with conditions such as high arches or plantar fasciitis.
The great thing about them is that you don’t even need to have foot issues to benefit from them.
If you’re unsure if you need a pair, check out our guide below.
Buyers’Guidefor Insolesfor HighArches
Picking the best shoe inserts for high arches is a relatively easy task when you know what you’re looking for.
We advise going through the below factors before buying a product to ensure you have the best product for your feet.
Typeof Gait
Understanding which type of gait you have allows you to pick the right insoles for your feet.
We can all be broadly categorized into three major gait types:
Supination
Supination is most commonly associated with high arches.
Here, the outer part of the foot strikes the surface first. Instead of rolling inward, the weight rolls outward, causing long-term pain and discomfort.
Some of the other common features of supination involve heel strikes occurring first in the gait, tight calves, and Achilles tendons.
Common problems associated with this type of gait include IT band syndrome, ankle sprains and stress fractures.
If you have supination, pick insoles that are compatible for people with high arches. A great example of this is the Mural Wall Art Plantar Fasciitis Insoles for Men.
Overpronation
Overpronation is the mostcommontype.
During overpronation, the foot excessively rolls inward. This prevents weight distribution from centering on the ball.
Instead, the weight moving inwards can cause pain and discomfort to the runner. It also leads to an excessive reliance on the big and second toe to execute the push-off. This results in the foot twisting even further with each step.
Continued activity with an overpronated gait leads to foot instability and excessive rotation of the tibia, leading to shin splints and knee pain.
Those with overpronation often have flat feet, which is why you need to seek out insoles that are compatible with this condition. Insoles that work well here are the GAOAG Arch Support Inserts.
Neutral
Those with a neutral gait have feet that are neither overpronatedor supinated.
In this situation, the foot lands on the other edge when you stride. The weight rolls inward while distributing in an even and controlled manner. This helps absorb the shock of a stride.
Even if you have a neutral gait, you can sometimes benefit from using insoles if you spend a lot of time on your feet. These insoles will offer excellent support and prevent your feet from absorbing excessive strains after a long day.
A great example of insoles that work well for people with a neutral gait and who spend a lot of time on their feet is the Superfeet Orthotic Shoe Inserts.
ComfortLevels
One of the primary functions of an insole when you have high arches is to reduce the discomfort as you walk or run.
Thus, it’s vital to pick a model that maximizes comfort based on your feet’ shape and structure.
Look for comfort over style,as this is one of the most important factors when it comes to determining your recovery.It also reduces your chances of injury or worsening an older condition.
Comfort, in the case of individuals with high arches, comes in the form of support.Insoles with the best support are the most comfortable for users in the long run. If your insoles are breathableapart from being comfortable, then it’s a big win.
Gel or memory foaminsoles are ideal for high arches. These won’t only offer plenty of support, but they’ll also reduce the side-effects of high arches.
Although insoles can prevent chafing in the shoes, this isn’t always the case. You can protect yourself from chafing and improve your comfort levels by:
- Wearing socks.
- Using toe protectors or toe gaps.
- Apply paper tape on the chafing sections.
Breathability
An insole’s breathability is vital to keep your foot fresh throughout the day. This doubles up to prevent your feet from smelling after a long day’s work.
Most insoles with an EVA foam, such as the Powerstep Pinnacle Maxx, offer immense breathability.
Materials
The insole’s material plays a major role in determining comfort. It also helps in assisting the rehabilitation of foot conditions.
These are the common materials best suited for various foot conditions:
- Foams and gels:The best insoles for high arches have these materials.
- EVA or neoprene:People with flat feet should look for insoles made from these. They aren’t always as suitable for those with high arches, but some of the best products still use EVA.
- Gel in the forefoot:If you have metatarsalgia, look for a full insole that offers plenty of gel cushioning in the forefoot.
Support
Developing foot, back or hip painis common when you have a high arch. This makes it vital to pick an insole for shoes that offers plenty of foot support and negates further injuries.
Insoles with a good support structure are rigidand absorb the body weight impact through your heels and balls of the feet. This absorption reduces the discomfort you would have otherwise experienced, playing a major role in restoring your feet condition.
An insole’s cushioning is also crucial for overall support. While the support helps reduce the impact, the cushioning keeps your feet relaxed and offers relief to those areas that have been previously affected.
What Causes High Arches?
Individuals with high arches are usually born with the condition as it’s genetically inherited.
A high arch coulddevelop only on one foot while the other foot remains perfectly normal, but this is rare. This is often a neurological issue, and it’s best that you consult with a doctor in such a scenario.
You can also develop high arches due to other medical conditions, such as:
- Cerebral palsy.
- Spina bifida.
- Strokes.
- Muscular dystrophy.
- Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease.
The high arches alone may or may not cause pain in individuals born with the issue. For some, there’s a gentle pain in the foot while walking or standing. Others may not feel any pain whatsoever.
However, supination can occur in the feet in some cases, which is the real cause of pain.
With supination, the arches don’t collapse enough to absorb shocks while running or walking. This leads to stress on certain areas of the feet, leadingto conditions such as sore hips, sore knees or even plantar fasciitis.
Reviews of the Top Insoles for High Arches
Our Overview
These Mural Wall Art arch support insoles make for the best insoles in shoes thanks to their all-round efficiency in design and comfort.
They can also relieve pain caused by various foot conditions, such as flat feet, high arches and arthritis. On top of this, the U-shaped design supports those with plantar fasciitis.
A gel pad under this product’s heel absorbs excessive shocks. This reduces the stress on the heel, reducing long-term muscle fatigue, and substantially increases comfort levels.
For the rest of the insoles, a superior PU foam maximizes utility through it being highly breathable, keeping your feet cool and heightens comfort.
Additionally, the PU foam provides excellent arch support, reduces shocks on your muscles and offers triple-zone protection. Specifically, the triple-zone protection focuses on the heel, sesamoid and toe areas.
No sizing guidelines on the back of the insoles can be frustrating, which also makes trimming the insoles to customize your fit slightly trickier.
Pros:
- Highly functional insoles for multiple activities.
- High-quality materials.
- Trimmable sides for an ideal fit.
Cons:
- No guidelines at the back of the soles.
Our Overview
The Powerstep Pinnacle Maxx offers total user support and features a design to alleviate foot pain. It does this through a firm shell and an angled exterior heel platform. Additionally, a deep heel cup increases control and stability.
It’s made using a 100% polyester top fabric that can keep your feet dry and comfortable, regardless of the shoe.
Also, the manufacturers have opted for a double layer shock-absorbing EVA foam base to heighten comfort. This gives a controlled cushioning and provides a soft and supportive experience. It also makes it one of the best shoes insoles on the market.
However, users have issues with the cushioning around the ball. Some prefer this region to receive greater bolstering, but this can be lacking in the Powerstep Pinnacle Maxx.
Pros:
- Excellent arch support.
- High-quality 100% polyester top fabric.
- Excellent cushioning, thanks to the EVA foam base.
Cons:
- Cushioning around the ball can be better.
Our Overview
Overall, this is one of the best-designed insoles for high arches. A great example of the excellent design is the metatarsus pad to maintain a proper posture and provide additional arch support.
These GAOAG insoles’ arch support design balances your feet structure while increasing comfort levels. You can use them to prevent common sports injuries and alleviate stress caused by flat feet.
Also, the deep U-shaped design supports and stabilizes your heel, protecting your heels from any sudden impact. This combines well with the cushioned heel and shock absorption system to reduce pain and prevent further injuries.
The manufacturers have opted for a lightweight design to reduce the load on your feet and allow you to wear these insoles all day long.
However, the lightweight design comes with a drawback. It isn’t ideal for exercising or high-intensity activities. This is because the support level is only for those with medical conditions or who want to protect their feet.
Pros:
- Arch support design balances the foot structure.
- Deep U-shaped design offers additional stability.
- Metatarsus pad heightens arch support.
Cons:
- Not ideal for exercising.
Our Overview
This Sof Sole pair is ideal for women with high arches leading an active lifestyle, which is mainly due to the heel’s gel drop.
The design is further enhanced with the deep heel cup. This prevents heel slips when you’re rushing through your day, increasing stability around the heel.
You’ll also find that these insoles have an enhanced arch height to support women with high arches. Thus, you can use this model for a variety of uses.
- Playing sports.
- Walking.
- Cross-training.
- Running.
- Casual use.
Despite being one of the best inserts in shoes, customers comment on how they expected them to last longer.
Pros:
- Enhanced arch height for women with high arches.
- Deep heel cups for stability around the heels.
- Ideal for a wide range of activities.
Cons:
- Lifespan could be better.
Our Overview
These high-quality insoles focus on long-term comfort through the arch support system. This system improves your leg and foot alignment while increasing your comfort. It can also ease the stress caused by high arches and other conditions, like plantar fasciitis.
Maintaining your foot position is important to prevent long-term injuries. These insoles help you achieve this through the deep heel cup that not only protects your heel but ensures that you retain the ideal position while in stride.
Also, the premium EVA material easily negates any stray shocks caused by sudden jerks or movements. This makes them ideal for high-intensity activities, such as sports or hiking.
Be aware that the arch support position is too far back for some customers, indicating that this pair doesn’t offer a universal fit. This makes them more ideal for those with shorter high arches.
Pros:
- Highly effective arch support system.
- Deep heel cup maintains the perfect heel position.
- Ideal for a vast number of activities.
Cons:
- Some users aren’t happy with the arch support position.
Our Overview
Superfeet always uses high-quality materials when making orthotics for high arches. In this instance, it uses high-density foam, a synthetic sole and the EVOLYTE carbon fiber stabilizer cap. These materials not only increase comfort levels but also ensure longevity, so you know you’re getting value.
The carbon fiber stabilizer also doubles in function to ensure the uppermost layer springs back into its original shape even after several uses.
Also, Aerospring dual comfort foam cushions your stride and absorbs shocks, so your feet don’t have to bear the brunt of the impact. On top of this, the heel cup cradle further absorbs impact and reduces fatigue.
You can easily wear these insoles all day long thanks to the advanced moisture wick odor control system. This keeps your shoes from picking up odors and maintains its freshness, even after heavy use.
Note that some users have issues with the inserts squeaking in the shoes. This may seem like a trivial issue, but can be off-putting when exercising or in work shoes.
Pros:
- Made using high-density foam.
- Features the EVOLYTE carbon fiber stabilizer to maintain shape.
- Aerospring dual comfort foam offers excellent shock absorption.
Cons:
- Can be squeaky for some users.
Our Overview
These premium insoles are suitable for men and women and are excellent for minimizing arch pain and providing additional comfort.
They have an anti-pronation biomechanical reinforcement technology to maximize arch support and improve shock absorption. Also, the gel in the forefoot and air capsules across the insoles provide comfortable cushioning.
A deep heel cradle is a part of the excellent design to provide heel support and ensure greater balance and stability in every stride.
Furthermore, these premium insoles use hard TPU—thermoplastic polyurethane—along with a cushioning layer to provide excellent comfort and support. The TPU also has a memory foam base to easily restore itself to the initial position.
Also, a velvety and breathable cover means you can wear these insoles for the entire day without bearing the brunt of stinky feet.
Based on customer feedback, there are issues with the insoles’ heel length. It can be a bit too much for some, so consider the measurements before making a decision.
Pros:
- Trimmable for ideal sizing.
- Uses high-quality materials, such as TPU foam.
- Anti-pronation biomechanical reinforcement technology offers excellent additional support.
Cons:
- Some users have had trouble with the heel length.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are the Best Insoles for Shoes That Are Too Big?
The best insoles for shoes that are too big are the Powerstep Pinnacle Maxx. You can use many different inserts for shoes that are too big, but the idea is to use insoles to cover up the free space within your shoes. This allows you to create a snug fit for your feet and makes full use of shoes that would have otherwise been unusable.
Whereto Buy Insoles?
You can buy insoles either in retail stores or pick them up online. If buying in a shoe store, speak with the staff whether the product suits high arches. When buying online, don’t forget to check out user reviews and ensure the site has a returns policy.
Whereto Buy Protalus?
You can purchase Protalus either online or in most popular shoe retail stores. These are state-of-the-art insoles that use a patented TPS system and maximize efficiency and feel of the insoles.
Beating Your High Arch Nemesis
A handful of small but significant changes can help you fend off the pain from high arches. The most important step is picking the right insoles for your feet. This helps prevent injuries and offers plenty of support and comfort to help you rehabilitate from the pain.
Our best pick here goes to the Mural Wall Art Plantar Fasciitis Insoles for Men. They’re a popular set of high arch insoles, are highly breathable and offer plenty of shock absorption for your feet.
