What Is the Best Type of Arch Support for Flat Feet?

There are 2 different kinds of flat feet (also called fallen arches and related to overpronation):

• Flexible flat feet (FFF) appear to have arches when an individual is sitting or on their tiptoes, while their arches depress when they put weight on them in a standing position.
• Rigid flat feet (RFF) have the same depressed arches regardless of foot position.

In many cases, flexible flat feet don't require treatment as they don't cause pain or discomfort. Many children have FFF and only develop arches at about 7 years of age. However, if you have RFF or symptomatic FFF, then artificial arch supports are recommended.

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Different Arch Types for Flat Feet

High Arch Insoles

Overpronation is a condition in which the ankle rolls too far inward and depresses the arch, putting excess pressure on the big toe, ball of the foot, inside of the heel, and sometimes the plantar fascia and other tendons. It is typically rather painful, and so high arch supports are required to change the positioning of the foot to redistribute the pressure.

Medium Arch Insoles

If you don't have severe overpronation and your flat feet aren't causing severe pain and discomfort, then you might find some relief in some less prominent medium arch supports. They will still support your arch and redistribute pressure but are not as dramatic as high arch supports.

Which Arch Supports Should You Get?

This question depends largely on the severity of your condition and its symptoms. You may not need high arch insoles, as medium arch insoles can give you some extra support for mild pain and discomfort. Still, only a podiatrist will be able to give you an accurate recommendation on the correct arch supports for your specific criteria.