Best Insoles for High Arches: Podiatrist Ranked (2026)

By Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM | Double Board-Certified Podiatrist | Updated March 2026

High arches (pes cavus) are the opposite of flat feet — and they create their own set of problems. Because a high, rigid arch doesn’t flex and absorb shock normally, force concentrates at the heel and ball of foot with every step. If you have high arches, you’re at elevated risk for plantar fasciitis (from a different mechanism than flat-footed patients), stress fractures, lateral ankle instability, metatarsalgia, and IT band syndrome. The right insole makes a dramatic difference.

What High Arches Actually Need in an Insole

Standard flat-footed orthotics (rigid arch shells) are the WRONG choice for high arches. A rigid shelf under a high arch often contacts only the peak of the arch, creating a pressure point rather than distributing load. What high-arch feet need: a curved, flexible insole that fills the contour of the arch without forcing contact where the foot naturally sits off the ground. Cushioning is also more important for high arches than for flat feet, since the rigid foot can’t absorb shock on its own.

Best Insoles for High Arches — Podiatrist Ranked

🥇 #1: Curex RunPro (Low or Medium Arch Height) — Best for High Arches

Curex’s adaptive arch technology is uniquely well-suited to high arches. Unlike fixed-profile orthotics that sit under the arch without full contact, Curex’s responsive material conforms to your specific arch height. Patients with high arches consistently report that Curex feels more comfortable than traditional stiff orthotics — because it doesn’t force the arch into a fixed profile. Choose Low arch height for very high rigid arches, Medium for moderate high arches. [AFFILIATE LINK — Curex RunPro]

🥈 #2: PowerStep Pinnacle High — Best Structured Option for High Arches

PowerStep Pinnacle makes a Pinnacle variant specifically designed for high arch profiles. It provides structural support without the aggressive flat-foot profile of the standard Pinnacle. The additional cushioning layer is key for shock absorption in a rigid, high-arched foot. [AFFILIATE LINK — PowerStep Pinnacle High]

🥉 #3: PowerStep Pinnacle — Best Medium-Profile Alternative

PowerStep Pinnacle has a medium arch profile (versus the Green’s aggressive profile). For mild to moderate high arches, the Blue provides comfortable contact without the pressure-point issue of taller, more rigid options. [AFFILIATE LINK — PowerStep Pinnacle]

High Arch Insoles Comparison Table

FAQ

Do I need orthotics for high arches? If you’re experiencing pain or recurrent injury, yes. High arches with no symptoms don’t necessarily require intervention.

Can orthotics fix high arches? No — orthotics support high arches and redistribute pressure but don’t alter the arch structure. They are symptom management, not a structural cure.

Should I avoid stability shoes with high arches? Yes — stability and motion control shoes are designed for overpronators. High-arch patients need neutral, cushioned shoes. See our shoe selection guide.

See also: Curex Full Review | PowerStep Pinnacle Full Review | Schedule a Foot Evaluation

Getting Clinical Foot Care in Michigan: Beyond Products and Self-Management

Michigan patients who rely on products — orthotics, insoles, braces, topical treatments, supplements, or specialized footwear — as their primary approach to foot health are making a reasonable first effort. Many foot conditions respond well to the right product used correctly. The limitation of product-based management is that products address symptoms without necessarily diagnosing or correcting the underlying structural or pathological cause of those symptoms. At Balance Foot & Ankle, Michigan patients receive a clinical evaluation that identifies the specific cause of their symptoms — not just a product recommendation — and a treatment plan designed to resolve the underlying problem rather than indefinitely manage its manifestations.

Our podiatrists in Howell and Bloomfield Hills serve patients from throughout Livingston and Oakland counties, including those who have tried multiple product solutions without finding lasting relief. We provide the full spectrum of podiatric care: custom orthotic fabrication for patients whose structural issues require individual prescription; MLS laser therapy and EPAT shockwave therapy for chronic tendon and soft tissue conditions; targeted injection therapy; physical therapy referrals with coordinated protocol guidance; and surgical evaluation when conservative treatment has been appropriately trialed without success. Michigan patients who are ready for a clinical approach to their foot health — rather than continued product trial and error — can call Balance Foot & Ankle at (810) 206-1402 to schedule at our Howell office at 4330 E Grand River or our Bloomfield Hills office at 43494 Woodward Ave #208.

Michigan patients can access expert custom orthotics in Michigan at Balance Foot & Ankle. Our board-certified podiatrists serve Howell (4330 E Grand River) and Bloomfield Hills (43494 Woodward Ave #208). Schedule an appointment online or call (810) 206-1402 for same-week availability.

Medical References & Sources

• American Podiatric Medical Association — Patient Education
• American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society — Foot Conditions

Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM

Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM is a double board-certified podiatrist and foot & ankle surgeon at Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists in Southeast Michigan. With over a decade of clinical experience, he specializes in heel pain, bunions, diabetic foot care, sports injuries, and minimally invasive surgery. Dr. Biernacki is a member of the APMA and ACFAS, and his patient education content on MichiganFootDoctors.com and YouTube has reached over one million views.