High Instep VS High Arch – The Best Kids’ Shoes for Either of These Conditions!

Most parents get confused about what is the difference between having a high arch versus having a high instep. While most children with high arches tend to have a high instep, children with high insteps don’t necessarily need to have a high arch. In fact, I have seen flat-footed children with high insteps. It’s important to understand the difference between high instep VS high arch to figure out what shoes will work best for your child’s feet.

The instep is the top part of the foot, and when it’s high, it makes it really complicated to find shoes that fit. Children with high arches or high insteps tend to have the hardest time finding shoes, and they are usually very limited in the type of footwear they can wear.

There are no foot measuring devices out there that can help you figure out if your child has a high instep or a high arch. However, if you take your child to a specialized children’s shoe store, the shoe fitter will be able to tell whether a child has a high instep, high arch, or both just by looking at your child’s feet.

How to Figure Out If Your Child Has a High Instep or a High Arch?

High Arch Example

Let me show you the difference between a high arch and a regular arch. The image on the left shows a child’s foot with a high arch.

child-with-healthy-arches-vs-child-with-high-arches

High Instep Example

Let me show you the difference between a high instep and a regular instep. The image on the left shows a child’s foot with a high instep:

child-with-high-instep-vs-child-with-regular-instep

I have seen several children with normal arches that have high insteps, and I have also even seen flat-footed children with high insteps. This is why you need to be able to tell the difference between having a high arch and having a high instep.

How Can You Tell If Your Child Has a High Instep?

➡️ If you notice that your children always have imprints on the top part of their feet when you remove their shoes, that’s the first sign that your child might have a high instep.

➡️ If you always have a hard time getting your children’s shoes on, that is the second sign that your child might have a high instep.

Remember that the instep is the top part of the foot. Take a look at the image below for clarification purposes:

How Can You Tell If Your Child Has a High Arch?

➡️ If you notice that your child’s feet body weight falls on the outside of the feet (when standing), this might be a sign that your child has high arches.

➡️ If you always have a hard time getting your children’s shoes on, that is the second sign that your child might have a high arch.

The arch is located below the foot and when it’s considerably high, it can cause several issues, since extra pressure is placed on the ball and heel of the foot.

There are three main arch types:

1️⃣ Flat

2️⃣ Medium

3️⃣ High

Let’s take a look at a couple of images that will help us visualize what I mean. Below you can find a picture of a child with a flat arch:

child-with-flat-feet

Below you can find a picture of a child with a medium arch:

Below you can find a picture of a child with a high arch:

Do you notice the difference among the 3 main arch types?

High Instep or High Arch? – Find Out Now!

While there is no specific test for how to tell if your child has high arches or high insteps, you can often figure it out by looking at the foot shape. However, there are some specific patterns of a foot with a high arch and a high instep.

I created a specific article that helps parents determine whether their child has a high instep or a high arch. By following the instructions in that article I will also be able to tell you your child’s foot length and exact foot shape (narrow, medium, wide, extra wide).

In that article I help parents determine their child’s exact foot size and whether the child has narrow, medium, wide, or extra wide feet. I also will be able to tell you whether your child has a high instep or not.

Why it’s Important to Tell the Difference Between High Arches and High Insteps?

Children with high arches are more likely to develop foot and leg pain since their feet are not able to absorb shock, especially if they are involved in sports or high-impact activities. I usually recommend shoes that provide a substantial outsole (extra cushion), to compensate for their lack of natural shock absorption. Having high arches can make your child more susceptible to developing certain foot conditions such as heel pain, ball of the foot pain, or plantar fasciitis.

What Shoes Should Kids with High Insteps or High Arches Wear?

There is one common feature that your kids’ shoes must provide to accommodate the shape of a high arch or a high instep. Most parents make the common mistake of providing their children with longer and wider shoes to accommodate their child’s high instep or high arch, when in reality they should be looking for shoes with extra depth.

Shoes that provide extra depth are extremely effective in accommodating the shape of a child with a high instep or a high arch. They allow the feet to fit deeply inside the shoes, preventing the top part of the feet (instep), from rubbing against the top part of the shoes.

Let me show you what I mean by shoes that provide extra depth. Let’s compare a pair of shoes that provides extra depth versus one that doesn’t:

There is only a small selection of children’s shoes capable of accommodating the shape of a child with a high instep or a high arch. The good news is that I know exactly which shoe styles there are from having fitted them before.

If your child has a high arch, the right type of shoes can help fill your child’s arch cavity to disperse the shock, and provide the cushioning and alignment needed to prevent injuries and allow your child to maintain an active and healthy lifestyle.

You should know that I only recommend shoe styles that I have fitted before, since that is the only way for me to tell how supportive, well-made, and durable the shoes are. More importantly, by having fitted the shoes before I can also tell you how the shoes fit.

Most parents of children with high insteps have the hardest time getting their kids’ shoes on. Even with shoes that open nice and wide, they find themselves shoving the shoes on their kids’ feet. It’s time to stop the struggle!

Without further ado, let’s take a look at the best shoes for children with high arches and/or high insteps. Disclosure: Some links in this post may be affiliate links and we may receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you) when you click our links and make purchases. This allows us to create free content and resources for many families around the world.

The Best Shoes for High Arches and High Insteps

The shoes below can fit children with medium, wide, or extra wide feet. Choose your child’s foot width accordingly: M=Medium, W=Wide, XW=Extra Wide.


The Best Shoes for High Arches and High Insteps

The shoes below can fit children with narrow feet and high arches or high insteps.

Are Any Other Shoe Choices Available?

Do not hesitate to contact me directly at my e-mail if you have any further questions or if you need a different pair of shoes for your child. My e-mail address is:

fittingchildrensshoes@gmail.com

Have you found a particular shoe brand or shoe style that has worked well for your child with high insteps or high arches? Please share your findings below so other parents can benefit from your experiences.