High arched Feet
A high arched foot (also called pes cavus or a supinated foot type) is a foot with an unusually high, rigid arch that doesn't lower or roll inwards enough during walking and running. Because the arch stays high, the foot can't flatten to absorb shock effectively — so that impact travels up through the leg and can contribute to discomfort in the knees, hips and lower back.
What is a high arched foot?
With a high arched foot type, the arch sits raised and the foot tends to roll outwards (supinate) rather than cushion impact. This often comes with a recognisable pattern:
- Claw or retracted toes, as the tendons on top of the foot tighten and overwork
- Pressure and callus under the ball of the foot and sometimes the heel
- Lateral instability during gait, with muscles working hard to keep the foot steady
- Tightness through the arch and calf
Because the foot doesn't absorb shock well and tends to be less flexible, this foot type can be associated with conditions such as plantar fasciitis, heel pain, ball-of-foot pain (metatarsalgia), and ankle instability. Interestingly, a high arched foot is actually more complex to control than a flat foot — so a careful, individual approach matters.
What causes high arched feet?
A high arch can be inherited and simply part of your natural foot structure. In some cases it's linked to underlying neurological or muscular factors, which is one of the reasons a proper assessment is worthwhile — especially if your arches have changed over time or you notice it in one foot more than the other.
How does Blueprint Podiatry assess and treat high arched feet?
Our podiatry team brings a thorough, movement-focused approach to high arched feet. Every one of our podiatrists holds a Bachelor of Podiatry, is trained in Foot Mobilisation Therapy, and is a certified Level 1 Running Coach — so your gait and running mechanics are genuinely analysed, not guessed at.
Assessment may include a detailed history, a hands-on examination of foot flexibility and pressure areas, and a gait and running assessment to see how your high arch behaves when you move.
Care is tailored to you and may include:
- Custom orthotics — at Blueprint, we use weightbearing 3D scanning and print patient-matched left/right devices in-house, so we can fine-tune shock absorption and offloading for a high, rigid arch
- Footwear advice with extra cushioning and stability
- Foot mobilisation therapy and stretching to ease tightness through the arch and calf
- Where appropriate, additional in-clinic options such as shockwave therapy or dry needling for related soft-tissue pain
Our aim is to help manage symptoms, improve comfort and reduce strain travelling up the leg.
When should you seek help?
If you're noticing recurring heel pain, callus and pressure under the ball of your foot, ankle rolling, or aches in your knees, hips or lower back, it's worth having your feet assessed — particularly if it's affecting your walking, running or daily comfort.
Medically reviewed by Matt Shanahan, registered podiatrist (AHPRA POD0001603396), Blueprint Podiatry.
Last reviewed: 21 June 2026.
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Frequently asked questions
Do high arched feet always need orthotics?
Not always — but because this foot type doesn't absorb shock well and can be tricky to control, custom orthotics are often helpful. After assessing your feet and the way you move, our podiatrists will recommend what's genuinely suited to you, which may include orthotics, footwear changes, mobilisation or a combination.
Can you make orthotics for high arched feet at your Tuggerah clinic?
Yes. We use weightbearing 3D scanning and design patient-matched left and right devices that are 3D printed in-house, so we can dial in the cushioning and support a high, rigid arch needs — without waiting on an external lab.
I run regularly and have high arches — can you help with that?
Absolutely. Every podiatrist at Blueprint is a certified running coach, so we can carry out a proper gait and running assessment and help manage issues linked to high arches, such as heel pain or ball-of-foot pain, with a plan built around your training.
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