Arch Support for Flat Feet: Best of 2025

Flat feet occur when the arches on the inner side of the feet are flattened. In some people, flat feet exist from birth, while others develop them because of strain, injury, or age.

People with this foot condition observe different symptoms, such as tired legs, unevenly worn out shoes and sore heels. But with time, the symptoms strengthen.  Some people feel shaky and unstable when they walk, particularly when the ground is uneven.

An arch support aids in evenly spreading pressure and improving balance. Good support can alleviate pain and helps in avoiding other issues from the beginning. It doesn’t matter if a person uses insoles or special shoes, the right support makes a huge difference.

It doesn’t change the foot shape but helps a person in moving from one place to another more comfortably. The article below explains how you can tell if you have flat feet, what symptoms you must recognize and how arch support can be helpful. 

Do I Have High Arches or Flat Feet?

Knowing your arch type is not easy. But you can find out by following simple steps.

Stand firm on a hard floor, barefoot. See the inner side of your foot. If the middle part of the foot fully touches the ground, there is a possibility that you have flat feet. If there’s enough space between the ground and your foot, your foot may have high arches. Flat feet can contribute to serious issues as they cannot absorb any shock. High arches can also cause pain as they put high pressure on the heel and the ball. Flat feet usually come with signs like: 

• Legs that get tired fast

• Foot pain after standing or walking

• Worn-out shoes on the inner edges

• Arch or heel pain

• Feeling unstable when walking or running

• High arches might lead to:

• Pain in the heel or ball of the foot 

• Tension/hardness in the arch

• Difficulty in finding shoes that are well-fitted

• Chronic ankle sprains

If you’re uncertain about your foot condition, try the “wet footprint test.” You can wet your feet and stand on a concrete surface or on a piece of paper. A wide, flat shape means low arches. If you see a thin footprint with little middle, it shows that you have high arches.

After knowing your arch type, you can choose the right support to reduce pain and make walking easier. 

What Causes Flat Feet?

Flat Feet occur when the arch of the foot never forms or falls. This makes the complete sole touch the ground when walking or standing. Some people are born with flat feet. In such cases, the arch may never develop. It’s normally common in kids and usually lasts into adulthood. Other people may have flat feet later in their lives. That is called acquired flat foot. It can occur from:

• Torn or weak tendons
• Ankle or foot injury
• Getting older
• Gaining weight
• Diabetes or arthritis

The most common cause in adults is injury or impairment in the posterior tibial tendon. This tendon aids in supporting the arch. If it becomes torn or weak, the arch begins collapsing.

• Flat feet usually lead to symptoms like:
• Heel or arch pain
• Swelling along the inner parts of the ankle 
• Sore or tired legs after walking
• Pain that rolls out to the back, knees, and hips
• Feeling difficulty in standing for long periods

These symptoms can get worse with more physical activity. Flat feet cause people to notice excessive wear on the inside of their shoes. People who experience flat feet pain or instability during walking or standing should consider getting arch support for flat feet. Early symptom recognition and management will prevent you from developing chronic health issues in the future.

How to Treat Flat Feet

Treatment for flat feet is not always needed. If a person feels no discomfort or pain, nothing should be done. But when symptoms are strong, treating flat feet can be helpful in improving the movement and easing the pain.

Arch support is one of the most used and accommodating treatments. Orthotics or supportive shoes minimize the strain on the ankles, feet, and legs by helping lift the arch and evenly spreading the pressure over the foot. This. These are the most commonly used methods for flat feet treatment:

1. Orthotic insoles: These can be bought from stores or ordered for custom-made shoe inserts

2. Supportive shoes: A person suffering from flat feet should consider buying shoes with cushioned heels or firm soles for appropriate arch support

3. Strengthening/stretching: Light exercises for the foot and calf can reduce muscle tightness and improve flexibility

4. Rest and apply ice: for painful and swollen feet, applying ice and relaxing can be really helpful

5. Manage Weight: Carry less weight to avoid putting pressure on the arches

6. Physical therapy: A therapist can teach you about relieving strain by walking with better posture

Rarely is surgery needed. Only when pain is unbearable and nothing else is helping. With the correct support, most people feel better. If you don’t manage flat feet initially, you have a high chance of developing poor posture or joint pain. 

How Does Arch Support Help With Flat Feet?

Without support, every step can put extra pressure on the muscles, joints, and tendons. Arch support aids in lifting the middle part of the foot which distributes the body weight in a more even manner. It keeps the foot from rolling inward, which is common in flat-footed people. You can reduce the intensity of symptoms with a good arch support. With good support, you can reduce arch or heel pain, ankle strain, knee ache, and lower back ache, and also you can maintain better balance when standing or walking.

 It also aids in improving posture. Proper foot alignment helps in natural leg and hip movement. This minimizes the possibility of overuse injuries. Some people with flat feet avoid standing for too long or long walks because of the fear of pain and discomfort. But with the appropriate arch support, many people can stay active and move easily without feeling any discomfort. 

With time, proper arch support can stop the symptoms from increasing or getting worse. With this treatment, the arch won’t be rebuilt, but it provides the foot what it demands for a better walk.  Supportive shoes and simple orthotic inserts also reduce pain and fatigue while serving as a proper arch support. 

What Makes An Arch Support Insert Good?

Every insert serves a different purpose. Some are good for pain, and some help with fatigue and arch support. If you know what to see in a show insert, you can save time, money, and pain. A good insert should consist of three things:

• Arch support
• Heel cushioning
• Maintain foot balance

The best inserts are made to match the natural curve of foot. They lift the arch in a gentle way without feeling too sharp or hard. The heel cup should be firm and deep. This way the heel can be kept steady and firm for each step.

Buy inserts that are firm but not too hard. Soft inserts may feel new, but they don’t offer enough support. The arch may collapse again because of too much softness which brings the discomfort back.

Other qualities of good inserts are:

• Don’t slide inside the shoe
• After hours of use, they feel supportive
• Pain lessens within a few days

Custom orthotics from a doctor are ideal for severe symptoms. But many inserts on stores work well for mild to moderate flat feet symptoms. 

What are the Best Insoles For Low Arches?

Low arches or flat feet can contribute to pain in the lower back, legs and feet. There is a huge variety of insoles in the market but not all of them serve the purpose. Some are extremely soft while others don’t have appropriate shape. One brand that offers top-notch shoe inserts is Stride Soles.

Features of Stride Soles:

Stride Soles are manufactured specifically for low arch support. They hold the following characteristics:

• Strong arch support
• Keep the heel aligned
• Shock-absorbing material helps in maintaining low pressure on joints
• Thin shape fits in most shoes
• Non-slip base for better placement inside the shoe

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Provide strong arch support
• Helps with common flat foot symptoms such as tired legs and heel pain
• Improves balance and reduces strain on knees and ankles
• Budget-friendly as compared to custom orthotics 

Cons:

• The wearer can get familiar with those inserts in a few days
• They are not custom-molded, so the fit may be different for different people
• Not the best choice for jumping or sprinting
• They don’t last as long as the other medical-grade orthotic inserts

Despite some limitations, there are hundreds of users who feel pain reduction and comfort with Stride Soles.

What Makes Stride Soles Good for Flat Feet

People who have flat feet need strong support under their arch. Stride Soles offer this support in a natural way. Our shoe insoles not only provide padding to the foot but also improve its position. The shoe inserts aid in preventing the foot from rolling inward and causing trouble while walking. 

The heel cup in Stride Soles keeps the foot from sliding, which minimizes the heel and arch pain. This is extremely important for those who feel acute pain after standing or walking. Stride Soles are best for people who work for hours, walk to burn calories, or spend a lot of time on their feet. With regular use, they can make walking pain-free and comfortable.

For people who wish to have a reliable and everyday insole to live a comfortable life, Stride Soles is an ideal choice.