If your footprint looks like a complete foot (i.e., is totally filled in without much of an inward curve in the center), you likely have flat feet. Inserts recommended for you: Full Length High Arch Heel Seats Flat Feet: This means your feet have an extra hard time absorbing impact and need extra cushioning and proper arch support. If all you see in your footprint is your heel, the ball of your foot, and your toes (without much in between), you have high arches. Inserts Recommended for you: Original Heel Seats High Arches: If the middle portion or arch of your footprint is just about halfway filled in with a noticeable curve along the arch, congratulations! Your arches are at the proper height to absorb and distribute the impact from walking and other physical activity. You should see one of three basic imprint types: Normal Arches:

Repeat the process with your other footĬarefully examine your footprints, or the photos you took of them.

Remove your foot from the bag/cardboard and take a photo for reference.

Step into the water with one foot, then carefully remove your foot from the pan of water and step onto a flattened brown paper bag or piece of cardboard that will show your footprint (don’t just lightly place your foot onto the paper bag/cardboard.

Pour water into a shallow pan (the pan should be big enough to fit your foot, and the water should be just deep enough for all parts of the bottom of your foot to get wet).

The foot arch test is a simple way to determine whether you have flat feet or high arches! Just follow these easy instructions: Most importantly, knowledge is power! Finding out whether you have normal arches, flat feet, or high arches provides you with the information you need to make good choices when buying new shoes and preventing injuries like plantar fasciitis.įiguring out your arch type is easy, and can be done in just a few seconds! Take the Foot Arch Test It’s important to know your arch type for several reasons.

Your plantar fascia plays a critical role in absorbing the impact from physical activity, distributing your weight evenly, and allowing you to move without pain. A person with a high arched foot is also at risk for developing plantar fasciitis and other conditions due to the increased tension on the plantar fascia.

The majority of the pressure will be placed on the heel, first and fifth metatarsals. A person with a high longitudinal arch essentially has a tripod type foot. This rolling inward of the foot can place additional stress and strain on the plantar fascia. A person with a collapsed longitudinal arch will likely over-pronate. Collapse of the longitudinal arches results in flat feet. The height of a person’s arch is determined by the height of the navicular bone. Ideally, the arch of your foot curves slightly upward, which balances weight and impact optimally and keeps your foot muscles and ligaments healthy. Most people can be categorized into three arch types: normal arches, high arches, and flat feet. Full Length Heel Seats with Arch Support (Renewal) 3.Full Length Heel Seats with Arch Support (Renewal).

High arch pics