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Anurag
Anurag
Published Date29 Sept'26
Last Updated29 Sept'26
Read Time16 Minutes
About
High arches and flat feet are two different foot-arch patterns. High arches, also called pes cavus, have an unusually elevated arch, while flat feet, also called pes planus, have a low or flattened arch that may come closer to the ground when standing.
The two foot types can affect pressure distribution, movement and footwear differently. However, neither high arches nor flat feet automatically means that a person has a foot problem or needs treatment. Some people have either foot type without pain or functional limitations.
The key difference is structural:
High arches: The middle portion of the foot remains more elevated and carries less contact with the ground.
Flat feet: The medial arch is lower and may flatten further when standing or walking.
High arches may concentrate pressure toward the heel and forefoot.
Flat feet may be associated with greater inward rolling or pronation in some people.
The appropriate footwear or insole depends on the individual's foot structure, symptoms and activity—not simply whether the arch is high or low.
Understanding these differences can help you identify your foot type and understand why high-arch and flat-foot support are not necessarily the same.
| Feature | High Arches | Flat Feet |
|---|---|---|
| Medical term | Pes cavus | Pes planus |
| Arch height | Higher than typical | Lower or flattened |
| Midfoot contact | Usually less contact with the ground | Greater contact, particularly in flexible flat feet |
| Pressure pattern | May concentrate more pressure around the heel and forefoot | May shift pressure toward the medial side of the foot in some people |
| Pronation | May be associated with reduced pronation or a more supinated position | May be associated with increased pronation |
| Common concern | Pressure, foot pain, instability, difficulty fitting shoes | Fatigue, pain, altered foot mechanics or footwear concerns |
| Cushioning | May be important when pressure is concentrated | May be useful depending on symptoms |
| Arch support | May help some symptomatic feet | May help some symptomatic feet |
| Treatment required? | Not always | Not always |
| Main consideration | Comfort, pressure distribution and stability | Comfort, function and control of excessive motion where relevant |
High arches are described by MedlinePlus as the opposite structural pattern to flat feet, while Cleveland Clinic notes that high arches can alter walking mechanics and may contribute to problems such as ankle instability in some people.
A high arch is a foot structure in which the longitudinal arch is higher than usual. The medical term commonly used for a high-arched foot is pes cavus.
When standing, a high arch typically leaves less of the middle of the foot in contact with the ground. Cleveland Clinic describes high arches as an arch that remains elevated even when the foot is bearing weight.
Some people naturally have high arches and have no symptoms. In other cases, high arches may be associated with foot pain, pressure, difficulty fitting footwear or ankle instability.
If you want to understand the condition in greater detail, see:
High Arches: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment Options
Flat feet describe a foot with a low or flattened arch. When a person with flexible flat feet stands, the arch may become less visible or move closer to the ground.
Flat feet can be present from childhood or develop later in life. Importantly, having flat feet does not automatically mean something is wrong.
Some people with flat feet experience no pain or limitation and do not require treatment. Others may experience discomfort, fatigue or changes in foot mechanics that warrant attention.
For a more detailed explanation of arch structure and flat feet, explore the relevant guides in this series:
Do Flat Feet Need Arch Support?
How Does Arch Support Help Flat Feet?
The simplest difference is arch height.
With high arches, the middle of the foot remains relatively elevated. With flat feet, the arch is lower and may flatten further under body weight.
This structural difference can change how forces are transferred through the foot.
High arches
A high arch can reduce the amount of the midfoot that contacts the ground. This may concentrate loading in other areas, particularly the heel and forefoot.
Flat feet
A low arch provides more midfoot contact with the ground. In some people, the foot may also roll inward more during standing or walking.
However, foot mechanics are individual. Arch height alone cannot tell you exactly how a person's foot moves.
Structurally, yes.
High arches and flat feet represent opposite ends of the arch-height spectrum.
A high-arched foot has an elevated arch, while a flat foot has a low or flattened arch. MedlinePlus specifically describes a high arch as the opposite of flat feet.
However, this does not mean that everything about the two foot types is simply the reverse of one another.
For example, a person with flat feet does not necessarily have pain, and a person with high arches does not necessarily have excessive pressure or instability.
One of the most useful ways to understand the difference is to consider where pressure may be concentrated.
High arches and pressure
Because less of the middle of the foot may contact the ground, pressure can become more concentrated in areas such as the heel and forefoot.
Research involving people with painful cavus feet has found that custom foot orthoses can significantly alter plantar pressure and improve pain and function.
Flat feet and pressure
With flat feet, more of the midfoot may contact the ground. Depending on the person's mechanics, pressure and motion can shift toward the inside of the foot.
This does not mean every person with flat feet has abnormal pressure.
The important point is that high arches and flat feet can create different loading patterns, but the individual foot needs to be assessed rather than assuming a problem from arch height alone.
Pronation describes a combination of movements that occur as the foot adapts to the ground during walking.
Flat feet are often discussed in connection with overpronation, while high arches are often associated with a more supinated or underpronated foot position.
However, these relationships are not absolute.
Flat feet and pronation
Some people with flat feet show increased inward movement of the foot during weight-bearing.
This is one reason your flat-foot content cluster includes a dedicated article:
Flat Feet and Overpronation: What's the Connection?
High arches and supination
High-arched feet may be associated with a more rigid or supinated position.
This can affect how the foot accommodates uneven surfaces and absorbs load.
The important distinction is:
Flat feet do not automatically mean overpronation, and high arches do not automatically mean excessive supination.
Individual movement patterns vary.
Both foot types can affect walking mechanics, but they can do so in different ways.
Walking with high arches
A high-arched foot may be less adaptable and can place greater stress on specific parts of the foot.
Cleveland Clinic notes that very high arches can affect walking and may contribute to secondary problems such as ankle instability.
Walking with flat feet
A flexible flat foot may change shape more substantially during weight-bearing.
Some people may experience increased inward movement of the foot or changes higher up the lower limb.
However, many people with flat feet walk normally and have no symptoms.
The important takeaway
There is no single “high-arch gait” or “flat-foot gait.”
Foot mechanics depend on more than arch height, including:
Foot flexibility
Muscle strength
Joint mobility
Footwear
Walking speed
Activity
Body position
Previous injury
Individual anatomy
There is no universal answer.
Both foot types can be completely comfortable, while both can also be associated with pain in certain individuals.
High arches and pain
High arches may be associated with pain because loading can become concentrated in particular parts of the foot. MedlinePlus notes that high arches can place more stress on the metatarsal region and may cause pain during walking, standing or running.
Flat feet and pain
Flat feet can also be associated with foot discomfort, particularly when there are accompanying mechanical or structural issues.
The presence of a low arch alone does not establish that pain will occur.
It depends on the person.
Arch height should not be used as a measure of how much pain someone will experience.
High Arches vs Flat Feet: Common Symptoms
Possible symptom | High arches | Flat feet |
|---|---|---|
Foot pain | Possible | Possible |
Heel discomfort | Possible | Possible |
Forefoot pressure | More commonly associated | Possible |
Foot fatigue | Possible | Possible |
Ankle instability | Can occur | Can occur |
Difficulty fitting shoes | Can occur | Can occur |
Calluses | Can occur | Can occur |
Altered gait | Possible | Possible |
No symptoms | Common | Common |
| Possible symptom | High arches | Flat feet |
|---|---|---|
| Foot pain | Possible | Possible |
| Heel discomfort | Possible | Possible |
| Forefoot pressure | More commonly associated | Possible |
| Foot fatigue | Possible | Possible |
| Ankle instability | Can occur | Can occur |
| Difficulty fitting shoes | Can occur | Can occur |
The key word throughout this comparison is possible.
Neither foot type guarantees a particular symptom pattern.
Flat feet are generally more common than high arches.
MedlinePlus describes high arches as much less common than flat feet.
However, prevalence depends on factors such as:
Age
Population
Definition used
Measurement method
Whether flexible or rigid flat feet are included
Therefore, a simple prevalence figure should not be generalized to every population.
Not in the same foot at the same time in the usual structural sense.
A foot generally has either a relatively low arch or a relatively high arch at a particular point in time.
However, several situations can make the distinction less straightforward:
One foot may have a different arch height from the other.
A person's arch may change with weight-bearing.
A flexible arch may look different when sitting versus standing.
Different parts of the foot can have different structural characteristics.
Foot shape can change over time.
This is why looking at the foot while standing can provide different information from looking at it while sitting or lying down.
Yes, the two feet do not have to be identical.
A person can have noticeably different arch heights between the left and right foot.
If one foot changes significantly over time, or if the difference is accompanied by pain, weakness or instability, professional assessment is appropriate.
A sudden or progressive change should not simply be attributed to normal variation.
They may.
The purpose of an insole should be based on the foot's structure and the problem being addressed.
For high arches
An insole may focus on:
Comfortable arch contour
Cushioning
Pressure redistribution
Heel comfort
Overall stability
Evidence from a randomized controlled trial found that custom orthoses improved pain and function in people with painful cavus feet compared with sham insoles.
For flat feet
An insole may focus on:
Supporting the medial arch
Accommodating the foot shape
Managing excessive motion where relevant
Improving comfort
Redistributing pressure
Research in people with pes planus has investigated different arch-support designs for pain and function, although results depend on the intervention and population studied.
Therefore:
An insole designed for high arches should not automatically be treated as interchangeable with one designed for flat feet.
Potentially, yes—but comfort and fit matter more than simply choosing a shoe labeled for a particular arch type.
For high arches
Look for footwear that provides:
Adequate cushioning
Comfortable midfoot fit
Sufficient forefoot space
Good heel security
Appropriate shock absorption
For flat feet
Depending on your mechanics and symptoms, you may value:
A stable base
Comfortable arch accommodation
Appropriate cushioning
Secure heel fit
Adequate midfoot support
But shoe selection should not be based solely on whether you have a high or low arch.
No-not automatically.
This is one of the most important distinctions in this entire topic.
High arches
Some people with high arches may benefit from support, particularly when pain, pressure or instability is present.
However, a painless high arch does not automatically require additional support.
Flat feet
Similarly, not everyone with flat feet needs arch support.
If a person has flat feet but no pain or functional limitation, intervention may not be necessary.
For flat-foot-specific questions, see:
Do Flat Feet Need Arch Support?
Neither is automatically “better.”
Both are natural variations in foot structure, and either can be asymptomatic or associated with problems.
A better question is:
“Are my feet comfortable and functioning well?”
If you can walk, stand, exercise and wear appropriate footwear comfortably, your arch type may not require intervention.
If you have persistent symptoms, the goal should be to identify the cause rather than trying to change your arch height simply because it differs from someone else's.
You can start by observing your feet when both seated and standing.
Signs that may suggest high arches
A visibly elevated arch
Little of the middle of the foot contacting the ground
A pronounced hollow underneath the foot
Pressure concentrated around the heel or forefoot
Difficulty finding comfortable footwear
Signs that may suggest flat feet
A low or barely visible arch when standing
Greater contact between the middle of the foot and the ground
An arch that becomes lower when standing
Possible inward rolling of the foot during movement
However, visual inspection alone cannot fully determine foot mechanics.
If you have persistent symptoms, a healthcare professional can assess the foot more comprehensively.
A footprint can provide a rough indication of arch shape, but it should not be treated as a definitive diagnosis.
A footprint with very little midfoot contact may be consistent with a higher arch, while a footprint with greater midfoot contact may be consistent with a lower arch.
However, the appearance of a footprint can be influenced by:
How much weight is placed on the foot
Foot position
Surface
Moisture
Foot flexibility
Individual anatomy
Therefore, the footprint test is better viewed as an observation tool than a medical diagnosis.
A typical flat foot does not simply transform into a high arch under normal circumstances.
However, arch appearance can change with:
Age
Weight-bearing
Muscle and tendon function
Injury
Neurological or neuromuscular conditions
Surgical changes
Other structural changes
A significant or unexplained change in arch shape should be assessed rather than assumed to be a normal transition from one arch type to another.
A high arch can change over time in some circumstances, but this is not the usual expected progression for every person.
Changes may occur because of changes in muscles, tendons, joints or underlying conditions.
A newly developed or progressively changing arch should be evaluated, particularly when accompanied by pain, weakness, numbness or balance problems.
Children's feet change considerably as they grow.
A child's arch appearance can therefore be different from an adult's, and a low-looking arch does not necessarily mean that the child has a problem.
Similarly, a high arch in a child may require evaluation when it is accompanied by pain, stiffness, weakness, difficulty walking or other concerning symptoms.
Parents should avoid choosing corrective footwear solely because a child's arch looks different from another child's.
Consider professional evaluation if you experience:
Persistent foot pain
Repeated ankle sprains
Significant instability
Difficulty walking
Progressive changes in foot shape
Numbness or tingling
Muscle weakness
Significant differences between the two feet
Pain that interferes with exercise or daily activities
Difficulty finding footwear that is consistently comfortable
This is especially important if a previously asymptomatic foot begins changing.
High arches can sometimes be associated with underlying neurological or neuromuscular conditions, while changes in a flat foot can also have different causes.
The answer depends on your foot type and the problem you are trying to solve.
If you have high arches
Your priorities may include:
Pressure redistribution
Cushioning
Comfortable arch accommodation
Heel stability
Appropriate footwear
If you want to understand high-arch support specifically, read:
Best Arch Support for High Arches: What Should You Look For?
And if you're unsure whether you actually need support:
Do High Arches Need Arch Support?
If you have flat feet
Your priorities may include:
Comfortable arch accommodation
Appropriate support
Pressure redistribution
Footwear stability
Managing symptoms associated with excessive movement, where relevant
You can explore:
Best Arch Support for Flat Feet: What Should You Look For?
The easiest way to remember the difference is:
High arches = higher-than-usual arch + potentially greater pressure concentration.
Flat feet = lower arch + potentially greater midfoot contact and, in some people, increased pronation.
But neither statement means that a person automatically has a problem.
The more useful questions are:
Is the foot painful?
Does it affect walking or exercise?
Is there instability?
Are there recurring pressure points?
Has the foot changed over time?
Does footwear cause or relieve symptoms?
Is additional support actually improving comfort?
Final Takeaway
High arches and flat feet are different foot structures, but neither one automatically needs treatment.
High arches involve a more elevated arch and may be associated with concentrated pressure around the heel and forefoot. Flat feet involve a lower arch and may be associated with greater midfoot contact and increased pronation in some people.
The most important distinction is not “high vs low”, but “comfortable and functional vs symptomatic.”
If your feet are comfortable, function normally and allow you to walk and exercise without problems, your arch type may simply be part of your natural anatomy.
If you have pain, pressure, fatigue, instability or progressive changes, the next step is to identify the underlying issue and determine whether footwear, cushioning, arch support, orthotics or another treatment is appropriate.
Your arch type describes your foot. Your symptoms and function determine whether it needs attention.
FAQs
| Calluses | Can occur | Can occur |
| Altered gait | Possible | Possible |
| No symptoms | Common | Common |
