What exactly are high arches?  Well, if you take a look at the image below, numbers 0 – 1 are indicative of the condition.  Compare them to the others – 2 being neutral and 3 being flat feet.

Per images 0 – 1, the arches are too high to participate properly in shock absorption and the provision of support.  To compensate for this the runner with high arches has a tendency to roll outward from heel strike to lift off.  This is called underpronation or supination.

You can test yourself for high arches by putting your feet on a hard surface and having a probe with your fingers.  If you notice a lot of space between the heel and the ball of your foot, or you can practically stick a finger or two right through to the other side, then you probably have the condition.  Another check you can perform is to examine the heels of your shoes for wear on the outside.  If there is some, this may be another indication of high arches.  For a more scientific test, however, it’s best to go to a quality running shoe store for a detailed foot type analysis, or visit a podiatrist.

To reduce the risk of injury from running with high arches, it is necessary to buy running shoes specifically designed for the condition.  These will come with excellent cushioning and shock absorption for the heel and arch, and will have layers of padding designed to help spread the load more evenly across the foot as you move through your stride.  They should also be very light in weight and have great flexibility.

Good running shoes for high arches can significantly reduce your chances of injury and make your running experience much more enjoyable.  Don’t let the condition stop you from having a great run.  Just get the right shoes.