Expert Foot & Ankle Treatment from Michigan’s #1 Podiatrist - Balance Foot & Ankle Specialist
Understanding High Arches Starts with the Right Support
What Are High Arch Feet and Why You Shouldn’t Ignore Them
High arch feet—also known as pes cavus—can cause more than just foot discomfort. This structural condition can lead to ankle instability, calluses, heel pain, and even shin splints if not properly managed. Whether you were born with high arches or developed them over time, understanding the signs and getting the right treatment can make a world of difference in your daily comfort and mobility.
What Causes High Arch Feet and How It Affects You
High arch feet occur when the arch of the foot is raised more than normal, putting extra pressure on the ball and heel. This condition may be inherited or result from neurological disorders such as Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease or spina bifida. Symptoms often include frequent ankle sprains, foot fatigue, arch pain, hammertoes, and difficulty finding supportive shoes.
Proper diagnosis is key. A podiatrist will assess your foot structure through gait analysis, imaging, and strength testing to determine the cause and create a custom treatment plan that may include orthotics, physical therapy, or in some cases, surgical correction.
FIX High Arches & High Arch Feet - Pes Cavus Foot Deformity Treatment
Do you have painful high arches or high arch feet? We go over the BEST Shoes for high arches & the BEST insoles for high arches!
Struggling with High Arch Pain? Get Personalized Relief Today!
Don’t let high arches control your step. At Balance Foot & Ankle, Dr. Tom Biernacki offers expert podiatric care designed to relieve pain and improve function. From advanced orthotic fittings to long-term treatment strategies, we help patients walk confidently—every day.
Call now or book an appointment online—your peace of mind starts here.
High Arches & High Arch Feet Treatment Video
Pes Cavus Foot Deformity Video Summary:
Do you have painful high arches or high arch feet? We go over the BEST Pes Cavus Foot Deformity Treatments!
- A pes cavus deformity or pes cavus foot type can be related to over supination of the foot.
- This can be related to high arches & a high arched foot type.
- We go over the best running shoes for high arches & best orthotics for high arches.
0:00 High Arch Feet & Best Shoes for High Arches
1:03 How to tell if you have high arches?
1:26 Supination vs. Pronation & High Arch Feet vs. Flat Feet
2:25 Pes Cavus Foot vs. Flat Foot Pain
3:33 pronation & supination of the foot
3:40 Pes cavus deformity podiatrist treatment
3:55 Nerve conditions & Pes cavus foot deformity
4:05 Charcot Marie Tooth Disease
4:35 Pes cavus foot deformity
5:01 Pes Cavus foot deformity
6:22 Pes cavus deformity causes
7:13 Pes cavus surgery & high arch foot deformity
8:00 High arch foot deformity
8:35 High arch foot pain relief
9:11 High arch foot massage & stretches
10:11 Best High arch foot slippers
10:30 Best high arch sandals
11:00 Best walking shoes for high arches
11:30 Best running shoes for high arches
13:16 Best orthotics for high arches
13:25 Best insoles for high arches
14:42 Best custom high arch insoles
14:58 High arch foot type and nerve disease
15:54 Cross-training
16:53 Best high arch foot exercises & Pes cavus exercises.
Top-Rated Foot Care Products Recommended by Podiatrists
Trusted Solutions To Soothe, Protect, and Support Your Feet
Finding the best products for managing peripheral neuropathy and diabetic foot pain can make a world of difference in your daily comfort and mobility.
When it comes to managing foot pain from conditions like plantar fasciitis, flat feet, or diabetic neuropathy, the best orthotics can offer crucial support and relief.
Choosing the best shoes for foot conditions like neuropathy, plantar fasciitis, or flat feet is essential for pain relief and long-term foot health.
How to tell if you have high arches or a supinated foot:
If you ever ask yourself, “do I have high arches?” then take a look at the picture below.
- The easiest way to tell is to walk on sand or a piece of paper with a wet foot.
- You can then take a look at the shape of your foot and compare it to the pictures below.
- This will also help you tell if you have flat feet vs. high arch.
- If you are worried about whether you have a high instep vs. a high arch, the video above will help answer that question!
High Arch Foot Pain
You spend a huge portion of your life on your feet, so working with any problems there can be challenging.
- Foot problems are much more common than you’d think.
- A study performed in November of 2010 found that foot disorders affected 20-60% of all adults. This means almost 60 million people in America were affected by foot disorders in the USA.
- One of the most common foot issues that people are faced with is high arch feet.
While they may not seem like a huge problem, especially because people with high arch feet live their entire lives, they can cause many problems over time.
High Arch Feet Symptoms
- High arches & high arch feet can cause the following problems:
- Plantar fasciitis.
- Heel Pain.
- Bottom of the heel spurs.
- Back of the heel spurs.
- Metatarsalgia.
- Ball of the foot pain.
- Morton’s neuroma pain.
High Arch Feet Problems
High arched feet, also known as a pes cavus deformity, a pes cavus foot, or cavus feet, are a disorder characterized by an abnormally high arch in the foot.
- High arches cause excess amounts of weight to be placed on the ball of the foot and heel of the foot.
- A pes cavus foot deformity can develop at any age, though it’s most commonly inherited at birth.
- This article reports that almost 70% of women and 20% of high arch feet are inherited.
- The article further reports that 99% of women under 60 inherit cavus feet from their parents, as do 63% of men.
Cavus Foot Causes:
Outside of genetics, cavus foot can be caused by various neurological disorders and other medical conditions.
- Cerebral palsy (acquired at birth),
- Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (a genetic nerve disease),
- Spina bifida (a condition acquired at birth),
- Polio (acquired during life),
- Muscular dystrophy (a genetic condition),
- Vascular or hemorrhagic strokes (acquired during life),
- And many more conditions.
- It is said that up to 85% of cavus feet can be related to neurological issues.
Cases of cavus foot caused by a neurological disorder are likely to worsen over time.
For this reason, it is essential to see a podiatrist and have your foot type diagnosed and taken care of.
Signs of Pes Cavus High Arches:
Cavus foot will cause pain when walking, especially over long periods.
Severe pes cavus foot deformity cases will cause discomfort and pain while standing, often centered in the heel.
- Cavus foot can lead to calluses & corns on the ball, heel, and toes, as while as deformity of the toes.
- Hammertoes (toes that appear bent) and claw toes (toes clenched like a fist) are common symptoms of cavus foot.
- Chronic ankle sprains and recurrent ankle sprains are also sometimes caused by the cavus foot.
- This pes cavus foot deformity can also lead to imbalance and instability because of forwarding tilt.
In some cases, a neurologic condition associated with pes cavus foot deformity can be associated with foot drop or weakness in the muscles.
This means that your neurologically associated pes cavus foot deformity can drag the foot while walking.
Foot drop is almost always a sign of a neurological condition, specifically the common or deep peroneal nerve.
When this is present, there is a high suspicion for Charcot Marie Tooth, a genetic condition.
How to Tell if You Have High Arches:
The clearest sign of the cavus foot is a remarkably high arch. If the arch in your foot is visible while it’s planted on the ground, you may have a cavus foot.
- A podiatrist can discuss your family history if there is a concern of a genetic or neurologic condition.
- Afterward, your podiatrist can perform a gait analysis or biomechanical exam. This will test your foot for strength, signs of weakness, toe deformity, and other symptoms.
- Your podiatrist can take a look at your bunions, hammertoes, metatarsalgia, heel pain, plantar fasciitis, ankle pain, supination vs. pronation, and more.
High Arch Feet Treatment:
A pes cavus foot deformity is most often treated with shoes for high arches & insoles for high arches.
- We are also big fans of high arch sandals, high arch sneakers & high arch slippers for foot pain.
Best Insoles For High Arches:
Orthotic insoles for high arches may be placed in your shoes, which will help to spread the weight over the whole foot.
- This 2014 review of cavus feet shows that custom cavus foot orthotics and insoles can be very beneficial. See below for further studies on high arch support insoles.
- These are our favorite high arch insoles. Click this link to follow.
Best Custom Arch Supports For High Arches:
This 2007 randomized control trial concluded that custom arch supports for high arches were shown to be very effective.
- We are big fans of high arch support inserts & shoe inserts for high arches.A
Best Shoes For High Arches:
Shoes for high arches & pes cavus feet may also be modified, or it can be a good idea to buy a good pair designed for high arch feet. We also go over high arch support shoes below.
- Specific pes cavus shoes will provide ankle support and increase the surface area around the heel to help absorb the weight.
- Especially when combined with a good high arch foot insole.
Click this link for the best shoes for high arches!
These are links sorted by gender:
Best Running Shoes for High Arches:
In the video above, we detail reviewing the best high arch running shoes & their features. Specifically we like lightweight, cushioned & supportive shoes such as Hoka maximalist shoes.
The following link is our favorite podiatrist recommended running shoes for high arches & high arch running shoes:
Best walking shoes for high arches:
The following link is our favorite podiatrist recommended walking shoes for high arches:
Are Skechers Shoes Good for High Arches?
Skechers shoes can be perfect for high arches.
- They are a cost-effective shoe that is generally considered to be more affordable.
- High arch Skechers shoes do have the benefit of offering support as well as a soft foam cushion.
- They do also have a soft padded tongue for the top of the foot.
- Make sure to combine your Skechers shoes with high arch support inserts.
Best Sneakers for High Arches:
Best tennis shoes for high arches:
Best Work Shoes for High Arches:
Do you want the best high arch work boots or the best work shoes for high arches?
Best High Arch Feet Shoes: Support, Comfort & Relief You Can Feel
If you have high arches (pes cavus), finding the right shoes isn’t just about comfort — it’s essential for foot health. People with high arches often experience pain, instability, or pressure on the ball and heel of the foot due to inadequate arch support in most shoes. Fortunately, the right footwear can make all the difference in relieving discomfort and improving daily movement.
Why Shoe Choice Matters for High Arches
High arch feet don’t distribute weight evenly, which puts more stress on the heel and forefoot. Wearing unsupportive shoes may lead to common issues like:
- Plantar fasciitis
- Metatarsalgia
- Ankle instability
- Calluses or pressure points
Choosing the best shoes for high arch feet means looking for these essential features:
- Cushioned insoles to absorb shock
- High arch support to reduce pressure
- Firm heel counters to promote stability
- Wide toe boxes to prevent crowding and irritation
Top-Rated Shoe Brands for High Arch Support
Here are some of the best shoes for high arches, recommended by podiatrists:
- Brooks Ghost or Glycerin Series – Great for running or walking
- ASICS Gel Nimbus or Cumulus – Supportive and cushioned
- New Balance Fresh Foam – Wide sizes and great arch fit
- HOKA One One Bondi or Clifton – Thick sole with amazing support
- Orthofeet – Specifically designed for foot conditions
Need Help Choosing the Right Shoe?
If you’re unsure which shoe is best for your foot type, a consultation with a podiatrist can help. At Balance Foot & Ankle in Howell and Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, Dr. Tom Biernacki specializes in diagnosing foot conditions and recommending solutions — including orthotics and shoe types tailored to your needs.
Stop Living with Foot Pain — Step Into Comfort Today!
Visit us at Balance Foot & Ankle or call now to schedule your personalized shoe fitting consultation. Your feet will thank you.
Best High Arch Sandals:
Best sandals for high arches:
Best High Arch Flip Flops:
These are our favorite arch support flip flops for high arches:
Best High Arch Slippers:
These are our favorite podiatrist recommended high arch slippers:
Best High Arch Support Brace
Your podiatrist may recommend an arch support brace.
- This is most often used in foot drop and for recurrent or chronic ankle sprains.
- These arch support braces may also be recommended for an unstable ankle.
- Arch support ankle braces can help add support and stability to the ankle, making walking easier and much safer.
High Arch Feet Surgery:
If these orthopedic devices fail to relieve pain and increase stability, surgery may be an option to treat severe high arches and arch pain.
- A podiatrist can discuss a variety of surgeries for your pes cavus foot deformity.
- At our office, we are big fans of minimally invasive foot surgery.
- This means minimal to no true incisions combined with a faster healing time.
- For some people, straightforward soft tissue surgery may be all that is needed.
- For other people, they may need invasive bone surgery.
- Bone surgery may be especially needed to avoid repeat surgery for neurological conditions.
Book Your Appointment Today—Relief Starts with One Call
Fast, Friendly, and Professional Treatment You Can Trust
Big Toe Joint, Hammer Toe & Bunionette Problems:
High Arch Feet: Common Questions Answered
We go over the best treatment for high arches. Click to follow this guide for the best nursing shoes for high arches.
High arches are a condition where the arch of the foot is abnormally raised, affecting foot balance and pressure distribution.
Causes can be genetic or linked to neurological conditions like Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease or cerebral palsy.
Common symptoms include pain in the arch or heel, frequent ankle sprains, hammertoes, and balance issues.
Yes. Improper foot alignment can lead to strain on the knees, hips, and lower back.
A podiatrist will evaluate your foot structure using physical examination, X-rays, and gait analysis.
Custom orthotics, supportive footwear, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery.
They can be, especially in running and impact sports, increasing the risk of injury without proper support.
Yes, high arches can increase strain on the plantar fascia, leading to inflammation and pain.
Surgery is considered only if conservative treatments like orthotics and therapy fail to provide relief.
Look for cushioned shoes with good arch support and a stable heel counter.
