How to Tell If Your Child Has a High Instep: Find Out with Three Photos

September 29, 2026 High Instep Juan Valenzuela 0 - Comments

Last updated: September 28, 2026 · By Juan Valenzuela, Certified Children’s Shoe Fitter

Struggling to get your child’s shoes on and off? Does your child complain that their shoes feel tight, or do you notice red marks on the top of their feet after taking their shoes off? These are common signs of a high instep, a foot shape that’s often overlooked. Knowing whether your child has one makes it much easier to choose shoes that fit comfortably and protect their feet. As a certified children’s shoe fitter, I’ll show you how to find out with three simple photos.

Find Out If Your Child Has a High Instep: A Simple 2-Step Method

Many families no longer have a children’s shoe store nearby, so I help parents find out whether their child has a high instep by looking at two photos of their child’s feet.

Before you start, take off your child’s socks and have them stand up straight on a flat, hard floor with their weight on both feet.

Step 1: Take Two Photos from the Side

Take a photo of the inside of each foot from the side, at floor level, so the arch and the top of the foot are both visible.

^{A side view shows the height of the instep and the shape of the arch.}

^{The same view of the left foot, since the two feet can be slightly different.}

Step 2: Take a Photo from the Front

With your child still standing, take a third photo from the front, at foot level.

These three photos give me a clear view to determine if your child has a high instep. They also help me assess whether your child’s arch is flat, high, or normal.

Once you’ve captured these three images, just email them to me—and I’ll respond with personalized insights within 24 hours.

Watch My Video

In this short video, I walk you through how to spot a high instep so you can find shoes that fit and feel comfortable.

2 Common Signs Your Child Has a High Instep

1. Red marks or indentations on the top of the feet. If the top of the shoe presses down on the foot, it leaves marks after the shoes come off.

^{Red marks on the top of the feet, a common sign of a high instep.}

2. Shoes are hard to get on and off. If you have to push, wiggle, or fully undo the shoes every time, the opening may not be deep enough for your child’s instep.

^{Having trouble sliding your child’s shoes on and off? This common struggle could signal a high instep.}

You may also notice that laces or Velcro straps barely close, or that your child complains of pain on the top of the foot. See my guide to top-of-foot pain in kids for more on that.

High Instep vs. High Arch

A common misconception is that a high arch always means a high instep. In my experience, many children have a high instep without a high arch, and others have high arches with normal insteps. The arch is on the bottom of the foot; the instep is on top. Knowing which one your child has is key to finding shoes that fit. If your child has high arches, see my shoes for kids with high arches.

What to Do If Your Child Has a High Instep

A high instep narrows your child’s shoe options to specific brands and styles. Many kids have foot pain simply because they’re wearing shoes that are too shallow.

Don’t buy bigger shoes. It’s the most common mistake I see. A bigger size may be easier to get on, but it’s too long, which reduces stability and increases the risk of tripping and falls. Instead, look for: