Can you run with high arches?
Rachel Ellis
Published Jan 20, 2026
In general, high-arched runners tend to get bone-related injuries like shin splints and stress fractures in the shin and foot. Low-arched runners, in contrast, tend to get soft-tissue and joint injuries like Achilles tendinopathy and runner's knee.
Do arches help running?
The study authors found that while running, most of the arches' boosting power is stored in the final 20 percent of compression. That means if you restrict the compression of the arch by just a small amount, it could cause you to lose up to six percent of your total energy efficiency each time the arch uncoils.
Are high arches good for athletes?
High arches aren't all bad news for players, though. They do have one advantage. More and more experts are noticing that the raised midfoot is excellent for sudden direction changes and acceleration. The stiffer form and force distribution allows the foot to adapt and move more quickly under these kinds of stresses.
Are flat feet or arched feet better for running?
Why? Low-arched feet are more flexible; rigid, high arches are more likely to produce muscle strains and pulls. Low-arched feet also absorb the shock of running better than high-arched feet, simply because more of the foot spreads across the ground.
Is a high foot arch good?
Ankle instability: High arch feet can cause ankle instability and increase your risk for ankle sprains. Metatarsal fractures: Because high arches can cause repeated stress, people with the condition may develop hairline fractures in the bones of the foot.
20 related questions foundIs it OK to run with flat feet?
There are thousands of runners across the world with Flat feet and are fine runners and deal with their issues well. In fact, some of the world's best runners have flat feet. All you need to do is understand your feet well, take necessary precautions and learn how to do it.
How do high arches run?
Those with high arches should get shoes with good arch support and built-in padding. Runners with flat feet should opt for shoes with orthotics, or to get custom-made ones for even better comfort and support. You should also consider the breathability and comfort of the shoe's padding.
What problems do high arches cause?
When you have high arches, one or both heels are usually tilted toward the middle of your body. This causes foot and ankle instability, which can cause pain and increase your risk of ankle sprains, according to the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons.
What are the benefits of a high arch?
High arch: Having high arches means that less of your foot actually touches the ground when walking or running, providing less shock absorption when the foot strikes the ground.
Should I run with arch supports?
The benefits to running with orthotic inserts–even if you're not currently experiencing heel pain or foot pain–are substantial: Improve excessive pronation and gait abnormalities: If you pronate while you run, meaning your feet collapse inward, the consequences on your knees can be dire.
Can a high arch cause shin splints?
High foot arches (Pes cavus) and shin splints
This can reduce the shock absorbing properties in the foot and lead to increased load being transferred to other parts of the body. Runners with high-arches are prone to bone-related issues like shin splints and stress fractures in the shin and foot.
Are high arched feet good for ballet?
The instep is the bony structure on top of your foot. The ideal ballet foot has a high arch and a high instep. Having a high arch is beneficial for a dancer because it makes it possible to get to a high demi-pointe in soft ballet shoes, and over the box if she is dancing en pointe.
Do high arches make you faster?
Strong arches have an elastic recoil that will increase the force you create when you push your foot off the ground. They enable you to go farther forward and upwards and propel you faster with the same muscle action.
Can you fix high arches?
The treatment of high arches can vary by the cause and severity of the condition. Efforts would be made to treat the disorder conservatively whenever possible. Non-surgical options include: Custom orthotic devices are inserted into a shoe to correct the foot position and provide arch support.
Are high arches good for high heels?
Best for High Arches: Heel With Rubberized Cushioning
Due to the shape of this foot type, Knowles explained that people with high arches tend to do better in higher heels. However, there is a catch. Since their feet tilt inward, these types of patients are more prone to rolling over ankles and suffering from sprains.
Are neutral running shoes good for high arches?
Because their arches tend to flatten and rise to absorb the shock of landing and taking off, high-arched runners tend to benefit more from neutral shoes which provide built-in stability, says Halloran. Medium-arched runners also tend to do well with a neutral shoe.
Do you need arch support for high arches?
High arches and foot pain
If you inherited high arches, chances are that additional arch supports in your shoes are all you'll need to deal with any pain that might occur. Supports relieve excessive pressure and foot strain by distributing body weight across the feet and by cushioning the impact of walking.
Are high arches genetic?
High Arch Feet Problems
WebMD reports that high arch feet are inherited by 68% of women, and 20% of men. 99% of women under 60 with the disorder inherit it from their parents, as do 63% of men. Outside of genetics, cavus foot can be caused by a myriad of neurological disorders and other medical conditions.
How can I lower my high arches?
How to Manage High Arches
- Orthotic devices. You can get devices that are made just for your foot. ...
- Corrective shoes. Certain shoes, like high-tops, can lend support, help correct the way you walk, and relieve pain.
- Brace. Your doctor could recommend you wear a brace around your foot and ankle for extra support.
- Surgery.
Why flat feet is not allowed in military?
Why was flat feet a disqualifying condition? In 1948, the Army adopted an articulated policy that disqualified men with flat feet from military service. The reason: the Army believed that flat feet would make soldiers footsore, would not be able to perform physical labor and would be prone to fatigue.
How can I run long distance with flat feet?
TIPS FOR RUNNING WITH FLAT FEET
- Choose the correct running shoes. This is key for runners with flat feet. ...
- Avoid running on uneven surfaces. When you have flat feet, your feet turn outward when you run, putting additional pressure on your ankles and knee joints. ...
- Support your ankles and feet when running.
Can you run with collapsed arches?
Having fallen arches may be problematic if you're a runner. The lack of natural arch support can strain your ligaments and muscles, causing pain when walking or running. The risk of damaging your ankle joint or Achilles tendon is also greater.
Do high arches affect balance?
High Arches and Cavus Foot
This foot type causes loss of stability, poor posture and gait disturbances. As a result, injuries and pain may occur.
Do ballerinas want high arches?
For ballet, it is more important to have a high arch; this enables a dancer to get to a high demi-pointe, and if she is dancing en pointe, to get over the box of the shoe.
Why do dancers want high arches?
The Gift: High Arches
Beyond being aesthetically pleasing, flexible feet and high arches allow dancers to better articulate their feet and find an easier balance on pointe. But that comes with less stability in pointe shoes, which can lead to injury.