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Do your feet, arches, or calves hurt after your runs?  Well, if you are experiencing any of these pains then this could be a result of having high arches.   Studies show that over 20% of the population have high arches. Running with high arches can cause many complications, but they are things that you can do to prevent these pains. One solution is to invest in some quality running insoles that are specifically made for people with high arches.  In this article, we will be going over how to tell if you have high arches and sharing our 5 best running insoles for runners with high arches.

How To Tell If You Have High Arches?

So, before you invest in some quality running insoles for high arches, you first have to determine if you actually have high arches.  Having high arches means that the inside of your foot is much higher off the ground than the outer side of your foot. The best way to tell if you have high arches place a piece of paper on the ground, wet your feet in the sink or shower and then step onto the paper.  If a majority of your arch does not show up on the paper and it is mainly your forefoot and heel, then you most likely have high arches.  

If you want more information about how to do the wet test and determine whether you have high arches check out the video above.

Why Do You Need Insoles For High Arches?

Now that you have determined whether you have high arches, what are the benefits of wearing insoles and how can they help you? Let’s break down the top 3 benefits of using insoles if you have high arches.

1. Reduces Impact

Running requires your body to withstand a lot of impact and having high arches does not allow your body to effectively absorb the impact.  This will cause excessive strain on your muscles and joints. However, by using insoles especially made for high arches, they will cushion this constant impact and relieve a majority of the stress.

2. Structural Support

Structural support for your feet is important when running. If you do not have any insoles, each step while running will put strain on your arches. This can lead to many different strain related injuries. However, if you use the correct insoles with sufficient support, it will help you prevent strain in your feet and legs.  If you do not use insoles when running, your feet will become flatter and will strain your calf and other leg muscles. Insoles are an important part of injury prevention.

3. Improves Performance

 Not only will the proper insoles help reduce injury, but it will also help improve performance.   This is because when your feet are strained and do not have proper support or cushion, they will become fatigued much more quickly.  Therefore, by using the correct insoles for your foot, you will help prevent yourself from becoming unnecessarily fatigued and tired.

How To Choose The Best Running Insoles For High Arches?

We will discuss all the important factors when choosing the best running insoles for your high arches.  It is important to consider all factors because they all contribute to properly supporting your feet while running.

1. Insole Flexibility

It is important to make sure that your insole is flexible because your foot bends and flexes when running. You do not want your insole to restrict your stride by not allowing your foot to effectively push off the ground.

2. Insole Cushion

Make sure that your insole has enough cushion but not too much.  You do not want to have too much cushion on your insole because it can actually cause you to have to push harder off the ground. Make sure to be cautious of too much insole thickness. 

3. Insole Size and Thickness

There are two main types of insole sizes, 3/4 length insoles and full-length insoles.  The 3/4 insole is typically used with the manufactured insole in the shoe as well. Whereas, with the full-length insole you typically remove the manufactured insole and replace it with the full-length one. It is a personal preference but I typically like to go with the full-length option because you do not have to worry about making the shoe too tight with two different insoles inside.  If you do plan to go with a 3/4 insole then make sure to bring your insoles when buying shoes or buy shoes that will accommodate the extra thickness.

4. Foot Arch Height

If you are buying an insole for high arches then make sure that you really do have high arches. Wearing high arch insoles without having high arches can cause a lot of pain in your foot and can cause potential injuries.

5. Insole Material and Durability

 There are a few different types of insole materials such as gel, cork, leather, foam, carbon fiber, or a combination of a few of these.  Typically, the higher-priced insoles use a carbon fiber base, while the less expensive insoles use a gel or foam base.

Top 5 Best Running Insoles For Runners With High Arches

1. Dash Performance Insoles For Men And Women

Specifications:

Length: Full Size

Material: Carbon Fiber Arch Support

Gender: Men and Women

Reasons To Avoid:

– Pricer than most foam and gel insoles

Reasons To Buy:

+ Lightweight For Running

+ Multiple Arch Options

+ More Than 1,000 Pairs Sold


2. GAOAG Plantar Fasciitis High Arch Insole Orthotics 

Specifications:

Length: Full Size

Material: PR-Thermo Plastic Rubber

Gender: Men and Women

Reasons To Avoid:

– Not as many sizing options

Reasons To Buy:

+ Great Price

+ Comfortable

+ More Than 10,000 Pairs Sold


3. Physix Gear Sport Full Length Orthotic Inserts with Arch Support

Specifications:

Length: Full Size

Material: EVA Material

Gender: Men and Women

Reasons To Avoid:

– Arch height could be too high for some

Reasons To Buy:

+ Great Price

+ 7 mm Arch Support

+ 88% Fit As Expected


4. Superfeet ORANGE Insoles, High Arch Support and Forefoot Cushion Orthotic Insole

Specifications:

Length: Full Size

Material: Man-Made Plastic

Gender: Men

Reasons To Avoid:

– Less cushion

Reasons To Buy:

+ Organic Odor Control

+ Good Reputation

+ 90% Fit As Expected


5. Superfeet BERRY Women’s Comfort High Arch Support and Forefoot Cushion Orthotic Insoles

Specifications:

Length: Full Size

Material: Man-Made Plastic

Gender: Women

Reasons To Avoid:

– Less Cushion

Reasons To Buy:

+ Great Odor Control

+ Good Reputation

+ 90% Fit As Expected


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