How to Determine if Your Child Has High Arches – Follow My 2-Step Method to Figure it Out!

High arches can result in your child placing excessive pressure on the ball and heel of the foot, often leading to discomfort and heel pain. Early detection is key because high arches can affect overall posture and balance, leading to potential issues in other areas of the body, like the knees and lower back. As a passionate shoe fitter, my goal is to help families find the right pair of shoes tailored to their child’s unique foot structure.

Let’s Figure Out If Your Child Has High Arches in Two Simple Steps

Determining your child’s arch height is important when it comes to choosing the right footwear.

Step One: Capture Two Images of Your Child’s Feet

The first step in identifying high arches is to take two clear images of your child’s feet. Make sure that your child is standing straight when taking the images and also make sure that your child’s legs are not tilting forward or backward.

Image of a child's foot with a healthy arch standing barefoot.
Image of a child's foot with a healthy arch standing barefoot.

Step Two: Video of Your Child’s Feet for Better Visualization Purposes

A video can provide dynamic visualization of how your child’s foot functions during movement, which can be more revealing than static images.

If you’d prefer not to record a video, you can send me the two photos of your child’s feet instead. However, please note that the video will provide a more accurate assessment of your child’s exact arch type and foot shape.

Once you have the information ready please email it to: customerservice@fittingchildrenshoes.com

Before and After Images of a Child with High Arches

Visual examples can be incredibly helpful in understanding the impact of proper footwear. Before images often show the foot in a misaligned position, with visible strain in areas like the heel and ball. After images demonstrate the positive effects of supportive footwear, such as improved balance and reduced discomfort. 

An image of a child with high arches who is placing excessive weight on the outer part of the feet.
An image of the same child wearing a pair of supportive shoes I recommend by Asics.

Bonus Resource: A List of Supportive Shoes for Kids with High Arches

Supportive shoes play a vital role in managing high arches. They provide the necessary cushioning and stability, helping to distribute weight evenly across the foot. This balance can prevent discomfort, reduce the risk of injury, and support healthy foot development. Here’s a curated list of supportive sneakers to consider.

Please try to be proactive and don’t take the “wait and see approach” when it comes to treating your child’s foot conditions. Waiting for your child’s walking gait or foot posture to resolve on its own can only lead to the condition getting worse.

You don’t need to buy the most expensive shoes to keep your children’s feet healthy. However, it is important to note that usually the cheaper the shoe is, the less quality, thought, and care shoe companies put into that shoe.